Whether you’re heading out or staying in, this week’s Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond events guide has you covered with kid-friendly activities, performances, farmers’ markets, and much more happening in the neighborhood. Check out this list of all the virtual and in-person events happening in Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond this weekend (September 29th – October 3rd).
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change and some may be weather dependent. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Local Montclair (+ Beyond) Events
South Orange Downtown Farmer’s Market
Wednesday, October 6th | 2PM-7PM
Check out the South Orange Farmers Market every Wednesday in the Sloan St. Lot from 2PM-7PM. Please remember to bring your reusable shopping bags with you. Learn more here.
Outdoor Yoga at Van Vleck House
Wednesday, October 6th | 6PM-7PM | Every Wednesday in September
Join an outdoor yoga session at Van Vleck House every Wednesday at 6PM. This class welcomes all levels from beginner to experienced yogis. Please note mats will be spaced at least 6 feet apart, and participants required to practice social distancing and wear a mask at all times except while practicing on your mat. In case of inclement weather, the class will be cancelled and participants will be notified. Registration is required by the Tuesday before class. Learn more here.
What’s Really Going on in Cuba Presented by The Montclair Public Library
Wednesday, October 6th | 6:30PM-8:30PM
Thousands of ordinary Cubans in cities across the island have taken part in historic protests against the revolutionary government that has ruled the nation for 62 years. What do they want? Anthony DePalma guides the discussion through this important moment in Cuba’s history. DePalma’s recent book, The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times, provides insight into the conditions that gave rise to the current unrest. Learn more here.
Grand-Opening of The Highlawn
Wednesday, October 6th | 7PM
Stop by the grand opening of The Highlawn on Wednesday, October 6th at 7PM. The Highlawn (previously known as Highlawn Pavilion) and the team is excited to celebrate its revitalization and continued legacy as New Jersey’s premier fine dining destination and world-class site for weddings and special events, located atop Eagle Rock Reservation with picturesque views of the NYC skyline. The launch party will include a tasting event showcasing passed hors d’oeuvres and samplings from Executive Chef Sam Hazen’s Grill Room menu, wine selections, new signature Highlawn drinks, and live music featuring a surprise Broadway performance. The Highlawnis located at 1 Crest Dr, West Orange. Learn more here.
Fall Cornhole League at Montclair Brewery
Wednesday, October 6th | 7PM-8PM | Every Wednesday
Join the second season of Montclair’s own cornhole league hosted at Montclair Brewery, Wednesday nights 7-8PM. Learn more here.
Drag Queen Karaoke Gender Fluid Party
Wednesday, October 6th | 7PM-10PM
Join OUT Montclair and @montclairdesignweek for a fun night of drag karaoke. Design your own diva name and persona and bring it to the stage in a safe, judgment-free, gender bending, soul stirring song and dance zone. The Hub (Leach Building), 635 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair. Learn more here.
Laughs in the Loft at SOPAC
Wednesday, October 6th | 7:30PM
Join SOPAC for Laughs in the Loft, a new series featuring stand-up comics from our own backyard, Brooklyn and beyond. Laughs in the Loft is held every first Wednesday of the month and each event will feature several comedians in a NYC-style showcase. The talent will be announced approximately two weeks prior to each show. Learn more here.
Montclair Film’s Line-Up for Design Week
Now-October 10th
In celebration of the inaugural Montclair Design Week and its theme of #TheYearOfMessyDesign, Montclair Film presents a week of film focused on the art of cinematic design and the messy human emotions that follow. From the immaculately glam production design of THE VELVET GOLDMINE, to the melodramatic experiences of an up and coming fashion designer in Mahogany, the architectural horrors of The Shining, the intricate design of the narrative in Deathtrap. These films all speak to the ways in which human interactions form complex, messy stories. Join them for Montclair Design Week and celebrate the power of design in film. Learn more here.
Montclair Design Week
Now-October 10th
Montclair Design Week connects and engages the community in a week of thought-provoking, playful, and inclusive events that celebrate how design enriches our lives in ways both large and small, visible and unseen. From lively talks, studio crawls and workshops, to film series, festivities, and design challenges, there’s something for everyone. Learn more here.
Watchung Booksellers Presents Evening with Authors
Thursday, October 7th | 7:30PM
Join author Joshua Prager in conversation with journalist Mary Alice Williams to discuss Prager’s The Family Roe: An American Story at Watchung Booksellers. Learn more here.
Meditation Workshop
Thursday, October 7th | 11:30AM | Every Thursday
Join Bindu Bhatt for a virtual meditation session. No experience necessary. Bindu has practiced meditation for over 30 years and would like to share her insights with you. Learn more here.
Beginners Flow Yoga
Thursday, October 7th | 6PM | Every Thursday
This class, hosted by the Union Public Library, will lead you through the foundations of yoga postures, body awareness and alignment, relaxation of the mind and a connection with the breath. You will learn how to improve muscle strength, promote flexibility, and build your own yoga program specific for your mind and body. Learn more here.
Open Mic at Montclair Brewery
Thursday, October 7th | 7:30PM
Stop by Montclair Brewery for an open mic night for music, comedy, poetry, and drama. Share your work or just watch. Family-friendly event and all ages are welcome. Learn more here.
Classes in Mixed-Media Abstract Art
Friday, October 8th | 1PM
Every Friday, Award-winning Roseland artist Evan Stuart Marshall will teach a class on mixed-media abstract art. The topics covered include design and composition, classic abstract layouts, working with shapes, intuitive painting, and more. Learn more here.
Newark Emergency Services for Families Inc. 2nd Annual World Homeless Day
Friday, October 8th | 10AM
Community organizations through the city of Newark are coming together to provide services and resources for those in the area experiencing homelessness. Food, clothing, housing services, employment opportunities, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, legal and medical services are among the resources being provided, all free of charge. COVID-19 testing and vaccinations will also be available. Learn more here.
All Points West Distillery Tour + Tasting
Friday, October 8th + Saturday, October 9th | 5PM-9PM
Join All Points West every Friday and Saturday for a 20-minute tour with spirit samples and a house cocktail. A 10% discount on bottles and additional cocktails are included with the ticket. Learn more here.
Dinner Under the Stars in Bloomfield Center
Friday, October 8th | 6PM-10PM
The Bloomfield Center Alliance invites you to come out for al fresco dining and live entertainment on Washington Street in Bloomfield Center every Friday. Learn more here.
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at The Wellmont Theater
Friday, October 8th | 7PM
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead will be at The Wellmont Theater on Oct. 8th. Learn more here.
Live Music at Montclair Brewery
Friday, October 8th + Saturday, October 9th, + Sunday, October 10th | 7PM-9:30PM
Head over to Montclair Brewery for live music every weekend provided by local artists. Learn more here.
Montclair Art Museum Presents Native Artists, Northeast Futures
Saturday, October 9th-11th | 10AM
Montclair Art Museum hosts “Native Artists, Northeast Futures” — a weekend event series honoring #IndigenousPeoplesDay from October 9th–October 11th. In two free virtual events developed with Iakowi:he’ne’ Oakes, artists from Northeastern Indigenous nations share their varied artistic practices, which include photography, landscape art, digital media, painting, beadwork, fashion, and performance. Learn more here.
38th Annual Montclair Run
Saturday, October 9th | 8AM
Join in on this run for a cause. This year’s event is a festive Costume Caper with prizes awarded at the end of the run for the best costumes. All proceeds from the race will benefit the chronic disease program at the Montclair YMCA. Recover at Montlcair Brewery. The tap room and beer garden will open at 11AM on the day of the run for those who want to come by and replenish after the race. Learn more here.
October Weekend Donation Day
Saturday, October 9th | 10AM
The Human Needs Food Pantry has set October 9th as its October weekend dropoff. The pantry is accepting Fall/Winter clothing, household items, non-perishable food for both humans and pets, diapers, wipes, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Please be sure all items are in excellent condition and not expired. Learn more here.
St. Luke’s AME Church Women’s Missionary Society Meals to Go
Saturday, October 9th | 11AM-1PM
This event is continuing with the Church’s commitment to distribute meals in the community regularly. From 11AM – 1PM the group will gather in the church parking lot to distribute meals. Feel free to share this opportunity with others. Learn more here.
Fostering Your Child’s Speech + Language Skills
Saturday, October 9th | 11AM
Learn strategies to encourage language growth at home, presented by Pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist, Jennifer Federico. Learn more here.
Saturday Skate Sesh with Boardroom Skate
Saturday, October 9th | 10AM-12PM | Every Saturday
Join Boardroom Skate for a skate session every Saturday at Rand Courts. Beginners are welcome. Learn more here.
Chinese Cooking Classes with Chef Gilley
Saturday, October 9th | 5PM | Recurring
Enjoy an authentic Chinese culinary experience led by Chef Gilley. In these live online cooking classes, you’ll experience training from Chef Gilley as you prepare a variety of classic Chinese recipes completely from scratch. Learn more here.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, October 9th | Multiple Times Available | Every Saturday
Head over to Branch Brook Park for family roller skating every week. It’s open to all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sign up here.
Girls in Gear Assistant Coach
Sunday, October 10th-Nov. 14th
The Dream Project is a non-profit funding organization committed to helping young girls through service and cycling. The cycling trips span thousands of miles across the country and help those in need along the way. The group is e looking for an assistant coach to help on Sundays for six weeks. The coach must be at least 16 years of age, have a bike and helmet, be able to commit to six Sundays in a row starting on Oct 10th, and be ready to help empower young girls looking to grow as community leaders. Learn more here.
Montclair’s Newest Public Art: Reverberations of Reawakenings
Sunday, October 10th | 3PM
Local Artists Lauren Vroegindewey, Marguerite Kaufer, and Nicole Nuzzolo are pleased to present Reverberations of Reawakenings, a 35-by-8-ft. painted mural in partnership with Montclair Diner currently on view at 613 Valley Road. The opening ceremony is being held on Sunday, October 10th at 3PM.
Motown Sunday Brunch at Sweet Southern Eatery
Sunday, October 10th
Head over to Sweet Southern Eatery every Sunday for live music during brunch. Learn more here.
Hispanic Heritage Month 5K
Now-October 17th
Sign up for the Hispanic Heritage Month 5K. Log solo miles at a time and date you choose between September 15th-October 17th. Latinos Run is teaming up with Fleet Feet and On Footwear to bring you a hybrid 5K with virtual and in-person fun run options. The group will host an in-person meet-up and celebration on September 26th at 8:30AM. Learn more here.
Transitional Energy Exhibit at SOPAC
On View Now-Nov. 21st
Transitional Energy: Form, Shape, Color by Curtis Grayson, III is SOPAC’s newest exhibit for the fall season. Learn more here.
Tech/Know/Future/ From Slang to Structure Exhibition Now Open at Montclair State University Galleries
On View Now-December 11th
The Montclair State University Galleries will present the exhibition Tech/Know/Future/ From Slang to Structure from September 14 through December 11, 2021. The new exhibition is the Galleries’ first in-person offering in nearly two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tech/Know/Future/ From Slang to Structure is a critical response to technological systems within art addressing the issues of identity, history and abstraction, placing the viewer at the intersection of the past, present and future. Learn more here.
MAM Premieres New Exhibits
Ongoing
Head over to Montclair Art Museum for the opening event of four exhibits including Color Riot! How Color Changed Navajo Textiles. With Diné perspectives and the technical mastery of weavers at the heart of Color Riot!, this exhibition, featuring 70 bold artworks from 1860–1930 and the present, celebrates the courage and vision to experiment. Learn more here.
Essex County to Administer Covid-19 Booster Shots
Ongoing
Essex County announced that it will administer booster shots to those who are immunocompromised, by appointment only, at its vaccination centers at Kmart in West Orange and Essex County College in Newark. According to the CDC and the FDA, people are considered to have a compromised immune system if they are fighting a disease, undergoing medical treatments or have received an organ transplant. Appointments can be made at EssexCOVID.org or 973-877-8456. Learn more here.
Montclair Film’s Virtual Cinema
Ongoing
Montclair Film’s Virtual Cinema is the best way to watch the latest movies from home while supporting the non-profit organization. Films in the Virtual Cinema are new, independent releases, available for rent at home before becoming available on other platforms, featuring new indies, documentaries, foreign films, and restored classics, with new selections available every Friday. Learn more here.
Point of Action: New Art Installation at Crane Park
Ongoing
Montclair residents and artists Nina Cooke John and Charlie Spademan bring this installation to Montclair at no cost to the township for about four to six weeks. Crane Park is located at 1-9 Greenwood Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Tour Van Vleck House and Gardens
Open daily | 9AM-6PM
Take a free tour of Van Vleck House and Gardens, a center for horticulture, education, music, and art. The gardens are open to the public and the house is available to non-profits for meetings and events. Learn more here.
Kid/Teen Focused Events
Listen on the Lawn
Tuesday, October 12th | 11AM | Every Tuesday
Join The Montclair Public Library for an in-person storytime on the lawn at the Bellevue Avenue Branch. Rain dates are scheduled for Thursdays at the same time. Social distancing required. Registration is not required but is recommended for scheduling updates. Learn more here.
Cuentitos: Bilingual Spanish Storytime (ages 2-5)
Tuesday, October 12th | 4PM
Join The Montclair Public Library for a fun, bilingual Spanish story time session with live music. Children’s books will be read in Spanish and English along with an acoustic guitar and songs in Spanish. Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers are invited to join. Learn more here.
Upcoming Weekday Events
Aging In Montclair (AIM) Presents: Estate Planning – Are You Prepared?
Tuesday, October 12th | 2PM
AIM will present a program on estate planning featuring Eldercare and Estate Planning attorney Michael
Willis, Esq. Mr. Willis will discuss how to plan for your future and protect your assets. This presentation
is part of an ongoing series of programs offered by AIM to inform and educate our community on topics
of importance. Estate planning is important for adults of all ages who want to protect their assets from the extraordinary expenses that may be incurred in the last years of life. Mr. Willis will discuss critical estate planning information you and your loved ones need and provide information on how to protect assets. Following his presentation, he will answer questions from members of the zoom audience. To attend this program, the community is invited to email AIM at aginginmontclairAIM@gmail.com by October 10th to receive a zoom link.
Bloomfield Farmer’s Market
Tuesday, October 12th | 3:30PM-6:30PM | Every Tuesday
Stop by the Bloomfiled Farmers Market every Tuesday in front of the Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street, from 3:30PM-6:30PM. Learn more here.
South Orange Downtown Farmer’s Market
Wednesday, October 13th | 2PM-7PM | Every Wednesday
Check out the South Orange Farmers Market every Wednesday in the Sloan St. Lot from 2PM-7PM. Please remember to bring your reusable shopping bags with you. Learn more here.
Outdoor Yoga at Van Vleck House
Wednesday, October 13th | 6PM-7PM | Every Wednesday in September
Join an outdoor yoga session at Van Vleck House every Wednesday at 6PM. This class welcomes all levels from beginner to experienced yogis. Please note mats will be spaced at least 6 feet apart, and participants required to practice social distancing and wear a mask at all times except while practicing on your mat. In case of inclement weather, the class will be cancelled and participants will be notified. Registration is required by the Tuesday before class. Learn more here.
Free Community Knitting Virtual Class
Wednesday, October 13th | 7PM-9PM | Every Wednesday
Join a free community knitting virtual class every Wednesday. All fiber crafts are welcome. Register here.
Ways to Give Back Locally
Catholic Charities of Newark | 976 Broad Street, Newark
A variety of options are available to support the community. Please contact Sharon Reilly-Tobin via email at stobin@ccannj.org to learn about the greatest needs. Learn more about this opportunity here.
Communities Promoting Animal Welfare in NJ | 41 Watchung Plaza, Montclair
An opportunity for even the busiest volunteer. With options to help from home, at school, in-person, and virtually, the entire community can help save animals in the area. Volunteers are needed to help educate the community on animal welfare, help organize events, transport animals to and from doctor’s visits, and more. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
Cultural Academic Student Exchange | 211 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Become a host family for the Cultural Academic Student Exchange (CASE) and house a student studying abroad. The CASE program is always in need of families of all backgrounds to help immerse international students into the culture of the area and to help navigate everyday life during their stay. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
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