Christina Mastroeni 
Night owls who like to go out on Friday nights can find themselves doing the same things on repeat on Friday nights. If looking for something outside of the partying scene, the Montclair area has it covered. Keep reading for more information about places to spend alcohol-free Friday evenings in the Montclair area.
Enjoy a coffee in the evening for late-night chats
While most coffee shops realize morning people need their daily brew, there are a few coffee shops in Montclair that understand some people want coffee house vibes well into the evening. Nuts + Delights is a place to make a stop. There’s a welcoming entrance with some small tables and chairs for guests to sit + enjoy. The shop specializes in Turkish coffee and delights (Turkish candies + desserts).
If looking for a more historical coffee house vibe, set the date to Trend Cafe. The building, built in 1860, has all of the classic coffee + tea options as well as some eats like sweet + savory crepes, quiche, + desserts. Open later than most, Qahwah House located on Bloomfield Avenue has all kinds of coffee + tea options, and is open until 1AM on Fridays.
Read More: Where to Get Mocktails in Essex County, New Jersey
Plan to see a show
Whether it’s behind the big screen or live on stage, Montclair has options to see something special. For those who prefer shows in the form of live music or comedy, get tickets to the Wellmont Theater for this live entertainment. Theater buffs can thoroughly enjoy + plan an evening at Vanguard Theater. Some shows the theater has put on include Pippin, Spring Awakening, + RENT. Finally, The Claridge is an independently-owned movie theater in Montclair Center showing new releases as well as older movies every once in a while.
Get crafty on a Friday night
The idea of arts + crafts has expanded since the days of grammar school art classes. If looking to scratch that creative itch, Doin’ Dishes is an excellent pottery place to start. All items are already made; they are just waiting for their painter. Some items available are tiles, ornaments, banks, + dishes. If being a part of the beginning stages of the pottery process is more of the vibe, check out MUD Clay Studio for available pottery making classes (available at all levels), + studio rental space.
If creating scents is more the scene, Alchemy Scent Bar is a space where guests can spend the evening creating their own candles or diffusers. Reservations are recommended for Friday nights. Not all scents are meant to be experienced through the nose alone. Make a scent + eat it too by signing up for a cooking class with Montclair Culinary Academy. Some classes include Sushi Lovers’ Class + Tuscany in the Fall. The classes are listed as Sip + Cook, but sipping is totally optional + it’s also BYOB.
Take crafting to new + exciting levels with Crystals + Candles. Take your crafting home with tumbled stones to decorate any space, or take one of its workshops, like one of the Candle Making Classes. Eclectic Chic Boutique is another space that provides fun classes for DIY fans like Creating Hair Jewelry + Expressing Your Inner Goth. Eclectic Chic Boutique also has game nights for D&D enthusiasts.
Sometimes crafts are what is worn. Those who think of fashion as a a craft need to check out Noellery on Church Street in Montclair Center. With jewelry + accessories galore, patron can find pretty pieces + wear their art proudly.
Hone a new skill
There are skills in life that are probably better done alcohol free. For example, Bury the Hatchet is a hatchet-throwing venue located in Bloomfield. While the establishment is BYOB, it is optional, and those celebrating an alcohol-free evening out can also bring food. Instead of a hatchet, give archery a go at Bloomfield Archers. Open until 7PM, Bloomfield Archers may be a great after-work activity to let out some stress of the week.
Golf enthusiasts should visit Montclair Indoor Golf Club or Monster Mini Golf in Fairfield for some Friday evening fun. The indoor golf club has tee times until 8PM. Mini golf is available until 10PM on Friday evenings. Monster Mini Golf also has bowling + an arcade available, so if going out with friends, there’s something for all to enjoy.
Dancing is a skill that, arguably, can be done with or without alcohol. If looking to perfect those steps, it’s a great idea for an alcohol-free outing. Arthur Murray Dance Center has dance options for singles, couples, salsa, and social dancing, to name a few. Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Upper Montclair has 20 different types of dance lessons to choose from, including mambo, east + west coast swing, + country western two step.
Learn the land
History buffs can take a tour around the area, as Montclair has much history to offer. Montclair History Center is a space that provides experiences to passersby, such as private walking tours + spooky stories by candlelight. Another way to know your history is to eat it. ChowTown Food Tours takes foodies through three options: Walnut Street, Upper Montclair, + Bloomfield Avenue + Church Street.
Never quit playing around
A kid at heart is a kid, no matter the age. If Friday night festivities are about some good old-fashioned fun, The Player Agency is a space with rental board games, used games, and a game rental library. East Side Mags is a comic book shop available to stop by on Friday evenings to pick out the next new edition, find an old favorite, or shop for collectibles.
Playing around doesn’t stop at games either. Montclair State University has Division III sports available in any season. Fans can support the local teams by seeing their next Friday evening game. Those who like to get active in their playing around can join the fun at Montclair State University Ice Arena. The ice rink, home to the University’s men’s + women’s club ice hockey teams, is part of Montclair State’s campus and has open skate on Friday evening for all levels on its daily schedule.
Hit up a mocktail spot
Sometimes a mocktail just hits the spot. There are a few places right in Montclair Center for those craving something sweet or savory to drink. Sweet T’s Eatery has mocktails like Strawberry Fizz + Hibiscus Harmony as well as sweet teas available. Bar Franco has three delectable mocktails to choose from for citrus lovers. Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen + Faubourg can be added to the list, too, for great ambiance and even better mocktails. The idea of a brewery for an alcohol-free list may seem confusing, but let’s be honest, brewery life is an atmosphere like no other. Montclair Brewery is an establishment for those to enjoy the feeling of a brewery with seven different non-alcoholic options for alcohol-free guests.
See More: Meet the Hoboken Local Behind the Sober Curious Community
Enjoy some live music
If looking to enjoy some casual live music on a Friday evening, try stopping by Leone’s Pizzeria for live music on Friday evenings + weekends. Outpost in the Burbs in a nonprofit music venue featuring artists like Ron Sexsmith + Rosanne Cash.
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