In Montclair, April showers bring… books. For the seventh year in a row, Montclair-based nonprofit Succeed2gether will host its annual Montclair Literary Festival from Wednesday, May 3rd to Thursday, May 11th, with the special Festival Day on Saturday, May 6th. Read on to learn more about the festival, which Montclair spots it will be held, and some of the authors participating.
The Details
The Montclair Literary Festival was first launched in 2017 to promote literacy and reading for all in Montclair’s vibrant and diverse literary scene. The festival raises funds and awareness to further the work of Succeed2gether.
Read More: A Guide to Spring Festivals in New Jersey
The 7th Annual Festival will feature over 90 local, national, and international authors from May 3rd to May 11th. Nearly all of the 40 events at the festival are free, except for the headlining ones – which include conversations with Chita Rivera, Warren Zanes, Deb Perelman, and Anne Berest. This year’s festival will also feature a first-time collaboration in which “the Montclair Story Salon will feature storytellers, actors, singer-songwriters and artists sharing ‘Books That Changed My Life’ on Wednesday, May 3,” per Baristanet. The cost for the headlining sessions ranges from $30-$35 and includes a signed copy of the author’s book. A full schedule of the events can be found here.
All of the book talks and events will be held in person, either in tents outside or in various indoor Montclair locales, including Montclair Public Library Auditorium, the First Congregational Church, Montclair State University and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair.
About Succed2gether
Succeed2gether is a Montclair-based nonprofit that addresses unequal access to educational resources for low-income families. Located at 11 Pine Street in Montclair, the organization provides free, high-quality enrichment and academic programs as well as a post-high-school pathway to Montclair and Essex County children in need. Learn more about S2G and its mission on the website.
See More: Hoboken Arts + Music Festival Announces Spring 2023 Date
Learn more about the Montclair Literary Festival here, and send any questions/sign up for the mailing list at [email protected].
49 Events in the Montclair + Northern NJ Area This Weekend | December 19-22, 2024
It's almost the end of the year and Christmas is here with so many festive celebrations taking place throughout Northern New Jersey this weekend. From singing carols at the Montclair Public Library to a Winter Wonderland Open House at the Montclair History Center, it's time to spread some holiday cheer in Montclair and beyond. Below is the list of (over 45+!) Montclair, Essex County, and Northern New Jersey events that are happening this weekend, December 19th through December 22nd, 2024. Don't forget — you can submit your community events HERE.
Disclaimer: This is a community resource. Submit events HERE and view the full calendar HERE. The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated.
Best of Montclair 2024 Winners Announced
We asked, you voted + nominated. The winners for our Best of Montclair 2024 Guide are here! With over 75+ categories, see the restaurants, shops, hair salons, and other local businesses Montclair + Essex County locals favored this year.
1 Week Left for The Montclair Girl’s Holiday Shopping Deals Guide 2024
Ongoing until Wednesday, December 25th
ICYMI — We’ve put together a holiday shopping guide so our readers can get acquainted with local businesses in the Northern New Jersey area — from ranging from food + drink to wellness, beauty, health, fitness, + so much more. Plus, most of the businesses included in our downloadable guide have an exclusive code, just for MG readers.
Property of the Week: 88 Herman Street #B-1, East Rutherford
This 1-bed, 1-bath apartment in East Rutherford, NJ is available to rent for $1,850 per month. The property features one assigned parking spot, on-site laundry, and ample closet space, among other things.
View The Local Girl's Real Estate Directory here — which has 100+ listings just this week.
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Babytime Storytime for Birth – 23 Months
Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch
185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Bring your baby to sing nursey rhymes + songs at the library.
Free
Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit Holiday Showcase
GlassRoots
10 Bleeker Street, Newark
High school students will be selling unique art created through the Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit (YES) program at GlassRoots. Shop glassblowing, busing, + flameworking and find the perfect holiday gift.
Punk Rock Pop Up
Dutch’s Sandwich Shop
16 Church Street, Montclair, NJ
The Beastro presents a pop-up series bringing the craziness of a punk rock concert with all the VIP feels. The first stop is Dutchs Sandwich shop.
$20
PJ’s & Hot Cocoa Holiday Yoga Flow
Sol Spirit Yoga & Wellness
356 Bloomfield Avenue Suite 6, Montclair
Celebrate the holiday season with a cozy and playful yoga class designed to bring warmth + joy to your winter evening. Slip into your cutest + comfiest pajamas and flow…
$25
History at Home: Scientific American Architects and Builders Edition
Architect Debra David will continue discussing Montclair residences that were featured in the Magazine that were a part of Scientific America from 1885 - 1905.
Free
Sip & Whip: Holiday Body Scrub Workshop
The Eclectic Chic Boutique
547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Indulge your senses with our cozy holiday-themed Sip & Whip Body Scrub workshop. Learn to create a luxurious whipped body butter using rich, seasonal scents. You’ll whip up a large…
$85
Jazz Jams
Clement's Place
15 Washington Street, Newark
Join NJPAC at their monthly Jazz Jam Sessions, featuring top-flight NJ musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr. This series is co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and…
Free
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ
American rock band the Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing an all-new version of The Lost Christmas Eve - the final chapter of their Christmas trilogy.
$59
Christmas Putlock
Sierra Coffee Group
302 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst
Bring your favorite dish, snack, or pastry to share at the cafe. Make this Christmas gathering extra special with delicious food, great company, + plenty of festive cheer.
Free
Rhythm and Ribz Smokehouse
Montclair Brewery
101 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ
The mouth-watering, award-winning, authentic Southern-smoked BBQ dishes by Rhythm & Ribz are back. Try their pulled pork ribs, smoked briskets, smoked chicken, and smoked turkey breasts, all with a healthy…
Free
Let’s Sing Taylor- A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift
Wellmont Theater
5 Seymour Street, Montclair
Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience – is the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. We can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and…
$28
Christmas with Cece Winans Live in Concert
Prudential Hall
Robert Treat Center, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
The 12-time GRAMMY® winner is the shining star atop the glittering tree of gospel. It’s impossible to count all the songs she’s gifted to us over the years: “Count on…
$50
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“On Woman Hating”
Project for Empty Space
800 Broad Street, Newark, NJ
Guided by eco-feminist politics, On Woman Hating looks at the intersections of race, gender, climate change, reproductive rights, and capitalism to negotiate a path toward centering the divine feminine in…
Seeing From The Heart
Montclair Art Museum
3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Visit displays at the Montclair Art Museum created by 14 local volunteer artists that reflect "mutual compassion, empathy, respect, and friendship across boundaries or differences."
Never Forget Tribute Classic
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ
Rutgers Scarlet Knights will take on Princeton in the seventh edition of the Never Forget Tribute Classic basketball game in Newark.
$30
Embroidery Ornament Making
Craft Club Studio
122 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ
Create unique embroidered ornaments to add to your Christmas collection.
$65
Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ
The New Jersey Devils will take on division rival Pittsburg Penguins. Puck drops at 7:00 PM. Ticket prices vary.
$90
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New York Sirens vs. Minnesota Frost
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ
The New York Sirens will take on the Minnesota Frost in the Siren's second home game at the Prudential Center in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).
$21
“Winter Wonderland” Open House
Montclair History Center’s Crane House & Historic YWCA Museum
110 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ
Experience the holidays at the Historic YWCA house in Montclair for free.
Free
Los Angeles Rams at New York Jets
MetLife Stadium
1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford
The New York Jets will take on West Coast NFC rival Los Angeles Rams. Kick-off is at 1:00 PM. Ticket prices vary.
$104
Forces of Nature Dance Theatre
NJPAC
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
Traditional West African dance unites with hip hop, modern dance and martial arts in this annual Kwanzaa Celebration with Forces of Nature Dance Theatre. Under the direction of award-winning choreographer…
$49
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Listen in the Library Storytime
Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch
185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Children ages birth - 5 are invited to enjoy a storytime outside the Bellevue Avenue Branch of the Montclair Public Library.
Babytime Storytime for Birth – 23 Months
Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch
185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Bring your baby to sing nursey rhymes + songs at the library.
Free
Afternoon Storytime
Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch
185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Children ages 0-5 are invited to enjoy a story at the Montclair Public Library.
Teen Craft Hours
Montclair Public Library
50 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Destress + create simple crafts at the Montclair Public Library.
Making Words
Montclair Public Library
50 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Practice word patterns, deconstruct sounds, + create phonemic awareness for children in grades 1-3 at the Montclair Public Library.
Montclair Early Music: Melodies and Carols
Montclair Public Library
50 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Enjoy a free concert performed by Montclair Early Music. They'll be revisiting some of their selections from the Carol of the Bells concert, with carols from across the world, plus some…
Free
Rhythm and Ribz Smokehouse
Montclair Brewery
101 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ
The mouth-watering, award-winning, authentic Southern-smoked BBQ dishes by Rhythm & Ribz are back. Try their pulled pork ribs, smoked briskets, smoked chicken, and smoked turkey breasts, all with a healthy…
Free
Never Forget Tribute Classic
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ
Rutgers Scarlet Knights will take on Princeton in the seventh edition of the Never Forget Tribute Classic basketball game in Newark.
$30
Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ
The New Jersey Devils will take on division rival Pittsburg Penguins. Puck drops at 7:00 PM. Ticket prices vary.
$90
New York Sirens vs. Minnesota Frost
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ
The New York Sirens will take on the Minnesota Frost in the Siren's second home game at the Prudential Center in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).
$21
“Winter Wonderland” Open House
Montclair History Center’s Crane House & Historic YWCA Museum
110 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ
Experience the holidays at the Historic YWCA house in Montclair for free.
Free
Los Angeles Rams at New York Jets
MetLife Stadium
1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford
The New York Jets will take on West Coast NFC rival Los Angeles Rams. Kick-off is at 1:00 PM. Ticket prices vary.
$104
New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ
The New Jersey Devils will face off against their local rival, the New York Rangers. Puck drops at 1:00 PM. Ticket prices vary.
$170
This dog-friendly events section is brought to you by Doggie Road Trippin’. Follow on Instagram here.
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Rhythm and Ribz Smokehouse
Montclair Brewery
101 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ
The mouth-watering, award-winning, authentic Southern-smoked BBQ dishes by Rhythm & Ribz are back. Try their pulled pork ribs, smoked briskets, smoked chicken, and smoked turkey breasts, all with a healthy…
Free
Loading view.
Listen in the Library Storytime
Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch
185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Children ages birth - 5 are invited to enjoy a storytime outside the Bellevue Avenue Branch of the Montclair Public Library.
Afternoon Storytime
Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch
185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Children ages 0-5 are invited to enjoy a story at the Montclair Public Library.
Teen Craft Hours
Montclair Public Library
50 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Destress + create simple crafts at the Montclair Public Library.
Making Words
Montclair Public Library
50 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Practice word patterns, deconstruct sounds, + create phonemic awareness for children in grades 1-3 at the Montclair Public Library.
Anything Queer Lit Club
Montclair Public Library
50 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
The book club will be discussing The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden.
Free
Montclair Early Music: Melodies and Carols
Montclair Public Library
50 S. Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Enjoy a free concert performed by Montclair Early Music. They'll be revisiting some of their selections from the Carol of the Bells concert, with carols from across the world, plus some…
Free
Loading view.
New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ
The New Jersey Devils will face off against their local rival, the New York Rangers. Puck drops at 1:00 PM. Ticket prices vary.
$170
Loading view.
Babytime Storytime for Birth – 23 Months
Montclair Public Library - Bellevue Avenue Branch
185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Bring your baby to sing nursey rhymes + songs at the library.
Free
Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit Holiday Showcase
GlassRoots
10 Bleeker Street, Newark
High school students will be selling unique art created through the Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit (YES) program at GlassRoots. Shop glassblowing, busing, + flameworking and find the perfect holiday gift.
History at Home: Scientific American Architects and Builders Edition
Architect Debra David will continue discussing Montclair residences that were featured in the Magazine that were a part of Scientific America from 1885 - 1905.
Free
Jazz Jams
Clement's Place
15 Washington Street, Newark
Join NJPAC at their monthly Jazz Jam Sessions, featuring top-flight NJ musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr. This series is co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and…
Free
Christmas Putlock
Sierra Coffee Group
302 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst
Bring your favorite dish, snack, or pastry to share at the cafe. Make this Christmas gathering extra special with delicious food, great company, + plenty of festive cheer.
Free
Seeing From The Heart
Montclair Art Museum
3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Visit displays at the Montclair Art Museum created by 14 local volunteer artists that reflect "mutual compassion, empathy, respect, and friendship across boundaries or differences."
Countdown to Christmas
Saint Jude Roman Catholic Church
40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, NJ
On December 21st, the St. Jude Church of Hopatcong will host the Countdown to Christmas, a holiday shopping extravaganza. This free event will feature over 50 different local restaurants and…
Free
“Winter Wonderland” Open House
Montclair History Center’s Crane House & Historic YWCA Museum
110 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ
Experience the holidays at the Historic YWCA house in Montclair for free.
Free
Human Needs Food Pantry | 9 Label Street, Montclair
In New Jersey alone, over 1.1 million people are food insecure. The Human Needs Pantry has been able to add over 1,000 additional homes to service during this time of need. Through the help of generous donors and volunteers’ residents in need in Montclair and neighboring Essex County towns are able to pick up food or have a home-delivery grocery service. Close to 3,000 groceries are donated weekly throughout the area. Learn more here.
Junior League of Montclair-Newark | 40 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
The true lifeline behind any organization, non-profit, or association is the volunteers. The Junior League of Montclair-Newark works to help develop and cultivate volunteerism amongst women in the community. The group of volunteers that are formed through this organization promotes education, health, wellness, literacy, and arts for children. Learn more here.
Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation | 228 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Recreation, community, + education are essential to childhood development. Through various programs, the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation is able to provide a positive environment for children in the community. The year-long program, Project Oasis, is broken up into two seasons + focuses on closing the achievement gap among African-American youth. These services are only made possible by the support of volunteers, mentors, + donors. Learn more here.
Hanukkah Events + Treats in New Jersey for 2024
Colias Cafe: A Cozy Coffee Shop in Bloomfield
Have an event you’d like to include? Submit it to our events calendar here. You can also email advertising@themontclairgirl.
To stay in the know with all the Montclair and Northern New Jersey happenings, follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok, and sign up for our weekly newsletter that shares the top stories to your inbox here.
Have a great weekend, xo
