Summer calls for an outdoor movie under the night sky. This summer, Montclair Film’s Annual Movie Night Under the Stars is back. So, get your popcorn, blankets, and lawn chairs ready, and sit back and enjoy some free movie nights around town. Read on for all the details about Montclair Film’s 2025 summer movie nights.
The Movie Lineup
Wicked: Sing-Along | 6/21 at Lackawanna Plaza
Kicking off the series of movie nights on Saturday, June 21st, is a fan favorite: Wicked. Get your singing voices ready, and be sure to show up in pink and green. The venue will open to the public at 6PM, and the movie showing will begin at 7PM.
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Dazed and Confused | 7/20 at Anderson Park
The next movie showing is a classic. On Sunday, July 20th, Dazed and Confused (1993) will be shown at Anderson Park with a special introduction from the director and producer of Making Dazed, Kahane Cooperman. The venue will open at 7PM and the movie will begin at sundown.
The Sandlot | 7/31 at Nishuane Park
Another 1993 classic, The Sandlot, will be shown at Nishuane Park on Thursday, July 31st. The venue will open at 7PM with the showing beginning at sundown.
The Wild Robot | 8/23 at Brookdale Park (Archery Field)
Lastly, on Saturday, August 23rd, Montclair Film will present The Wild Robot at Archery Field in Brookdale Park. The venue will open at 7PM and the movie will begin at sundown.
Montclair Film recommends registering for each film to receive updates on the events here.
About Montclair Film
Montclair Film is a nonprofit based in Montclair that hopes to transform the community through the power of film. The organization envisions a world that celebrates storytelling’s power to deepen the community’s shared connection and humanity. Montclair Film hosts a variety of film events throughout the year, like The Montclair Film Festival, improv comedy events, and more. Head to the website for more information.
See More: What’s Filming in Hoboken + Jersey City? An Ongoing List for 2025
To stay up to date on the latest Montclair + Northern New Jersey news, follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok, sign up for our newsletter that shares the top stories in your inbox here, and check out our events calendar.
Montclair Italian Restaurant da Pepo Closing on 5/10
Montclair is losing one of its most beloved Italian restaurants. da Pepo, located at 54 Fairfield Street in Montclair, has announced that its last day of business will be Saturday, May 10th, 2025. The Italian restaurant is located inside Watchung Booksellers — which will remain open. da Pepo is known and loved amongst Montclair locals for its traditional Italian eats and cozy atmosphere. Read on for more about the closure and what we will miss about da Pepo in Montclair, New Jersey.
The Closure
da Pepo announced the closure of its Fairfield Street restaurant on the evening of Thursday, May 1st via Instagram:
"To our amazing customers — thank you for your loyalty, support, and love over the years. It means the world to us. Sadly, we’ll be closing our doors on Saturday, May 10th. We hope to see you before then so we can serve you one last time and say goodbye in person. ❤️"
View this post on Instagram
The post was immediately flooded with comments from Essex County locals, expressing their sadness around the closure and gratitude for da Pepo's service over the years.
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About da Pepo
Upon walking into da Pepo, several tables are arranged in the small Italian restaurant as Billie Holiday is playing through the speakers. It is a small, modern-styled restaurant where specials are written out on a chalkboard and a pastry case separates patrons from the waitstaff. The restaurant easily blends into Watchung Booksellers immediately to the right.
Chef Carlo Orrico opened da Pepo at its current address in 2018 and named it after his father, Pasquale Orrico, who grew up in southern Italy. He takes pride in his family roots and promises to use the cooking methods he learned in the household in every dish he prepares at da Pepo.
Photo Credit: David Pelle
Classic Italian delicacies like spaghetti carbonara and mozzarella in carozza sit side-by-side on the menu with other dishes like paninis, gnocchi telefono, and arugula salad. The restaurant is known for its bruschetta specials that change daily, but the unique dining experience of sitting in a bookstore or accompanied by the train whistle by the Watchung Avenue train station will leave diners wanting to come back for seconds… or a sequel, if we’re talking in book terms.
Locals have until Saturday, May 10th to dine at da Pepo before its official closure.
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Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok to stay in the know with the latest Essex County news, sign up for our newsletter that shares the top stories in your inbox here, and check out our events calendar.
