Whether you’re heading out or staying in — this week’s Montclair + beyond events guide has got you covered with kid-friendly activities, performances, and much more happening. Check out this list of all the virtual and in-person events happening in Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond this weekend {April 14th – April 20th}.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Virtual Events
Free Community Knitting Virtual Class
Wednesday, April 14th | 7:00PM-9:00PM
Join a free community knitting virtual class every Wednesday from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. All fiber crafts are welcome. Register here.
Happy Sleep Workshop Hosted By Montclair Baby
Wednesday, April 14th | 8:30PM-9:15PM
Help your infant sleep without sleep training. The workshop is led by Sandra Ochoa, founder of Happy Nest, Certified Holistic Sleep Consultant + Postpartum Doula. This workshop will leave you with many ideas on how to cope with the most common sleep challenges. Register here.
Learn More About NJ SNAP
Thursday, April 15th | 11:00AM-12:00PM
NJ SNAP {Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program} is New Jersey’s food assistance program that can help you buy groceries. Learn more about NJ SNAP and how to apply. This is a free event, but you must register to attend. All are welcome to attend. Register here.
History at Home: A Virtual Walk
Thursday, April 15th | 12:00PM
Take a virtual tour of South Mountain Avenue – a great place for a walk. Town historian Mike Farrelly takes you on a virtual walk of South Mountain Avenue in this week’s history at home. He’ll talk about business titans, inventors, and other interesting people who called this street home. Register here.
BbC x Alexa Martin Virtual Watercolor Workshop
Thursday, April 15th | 6:00PM-7:30PM
Join artist Alexa Martin of @alexamartindesigns in a fun watercolor workshop that will be taking place via Zoom. Tickets are donation-based to benefit the Visual Arts Center of NJ in Summit. All experience levels are welcome to join. Register here.
Jersey Fresh Open Mic
Thursday, April 15th | 7:00PM
You’re invited to NJPAC’s virtual open mic! Every week, they are spotlighting up-and-coming talent from all over New Jersey via Facebook Live. Register here.
SOPAC Sessions: Kelly Hall-Tompkins
Thursday, April 15th | 7:30PM
Seton Hall University’s Classical Concert Series is pleased to present violin soloist entrepreneur Kelly Hall-Tompkins who has been acclaimed by the New York Times as “the versatile violinist who makes the music come alive. The performance will be presented on Thursday, April 15 at 7:30PM. Pre-registration is required. Tickets are free with registration. Register here.
City Verses: Jazz and Poetry Virtual Performance Hosted By NJPAC
Friday, April 16th | 7:00PM
Poetry meets jazz in this free online performance! Join NJPAC for a soul-stirring exploration of blues, lineage and the work of Black female poets, featuring poems layered with jazz music to reveal unexpected dimension and meaning. If you love poetry, or if you love jazz, you’ll love what magic unfolds when these two expressive art forms play together. Register here.
St. Cassian 5K Cougar Challenge
Friday, April 16th-Sunday, April 18th
Complete your race anytime between April 16th-April 18th. Register here.
Community Day: Cherry Blossom Festival
Saturday, April 17th | 10:00AM-5:00PM
Join the Newark Museum for a virtual celebration to explore the wonders of cherry blossoms and enjoy a wide variety of other activities related to spring and Japanese culture. Register here.
Awards Season Review: In Conversation with Daniel Battsek Hosted Montclair Film
Saturday, April 17th | 3:00PM
Want to get a step ahead of your Oscar picks or wonder what goes on behind-the-scenes of awards season? On Saturday, April 17th at 3:00 PM, Montclair Film members are invited to an exclusive conversation about awards season with Montclair Film founding board member and former head of the Artistic Committee, Daniel Battsek. Register here.
American Sign Language Course Hosted By Montclair Baby
Now-Sunday, April 18th | 11:30AM-12:30PM
Jumpstart communication with basic American Sign Language through a fun combination of music, books, and engaging activities for baby. Register here.
City Verses Teen Poetry Workshop Hosted By NJPAC
Wednesday, April 21st | 3:00PM
Teens 13–17 are invited to this free City Verses workshop exploring blues, lineage and the work of Black female poets. Register here.
Housing Series Workshop: Financial Literacy
Thursday, April 22nd | 5:00PM-6:00PM
This virtual workshop is offered as part of a six-class series covering topics that address obtaining and sustaining housing goals. It’s free for Montclair residents and municipal employees. Register here.
Run Toward a Better Future Virtual 5k or 1 Mile Run/Walk
Now-Sunday, April 25th
Complete a virtual 5k or 1-mile walk/run to support Waves of Education. With your help, they hope to raise at least $30,000 which will be put toward building a primary school in central Uganda. Sign up here.
Holistic LamazeCourse Hosted By Montclair Baby
Now-Thursday, April 29th | 7:30PM-9:30PM
This virtual course, Holistic Childbirth Education, is inspired by the book, Birthing from Within and based on The Six Care Practices that Support Normal Birth. It is a compassionate, evidence-based approach to birth preparation and a great alternative to hospital-based classes. Register here.
Dylan’s Dinosaur Stomp Virtual 5k To Benefit the Dylan Flinchum “Rock On” Foundation
Now-Saturday, May 8th
Celebrating 10 years of “Stomping” out MLD {Metachromatic leukodystrophy}, The Rock On Foundation is hosting a virtual 5K event. All runners, walkers, skippers, joggers are welcome to attend. Register here.
Virtual Caterpillar Walk/Run For Fibromyalgia
Now-Monday, May 31st
Register for the Virtual Caterpillar Walk/Run for Fibromyalgia to raise awareness + funds for people living with the condition. Register here.
In-Person Events
Spring In Living Color at Westfield Garden State Plaza
Thursday, April 15th-Sunday, June 6th
Spring is in full bloom at the Garden State Plaza Mall! The Floral Escape presents “Spring In Living Color”. A series of 5 floral activations designed for you to capture memorable moments. Learn more here.
Documentary Photo Exhibit Presented By SOPAC
Virtual Reception: Thursday, April 15th | 7:00PM | On View Now-May 7th
Enjoy a unique experience outside of the walls of the Herb & Milly Iris Gallery, any time of day. Curated for SOPAC by Jeremy Moss, this exhibition is presented in the windows of SOPAC. Kristen Emack, from the US, showcases Cousins, a story about the photographer’s daughter and niece and their intimate and spiritual knowledge that is both ordinary and extraordinary. Jason Houston, from the US, for Last Wildest Place exploring the Purús/Manu region in southeastern Peru, one of the most remote, inaccessible, and important areas of the Amazon and home to perhaps the highest concentration of isolated “uncontacted” tribes on Earth. Herb & Milly Iris Gallery is located at SOPAC. Register here.
Exclusive Viewing Dinner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 19
Thursday, April 15th | 7:30PM
Attend an exclusive viewing dinner of the new season of Hell’s Kitchen at MC Hotel’s Allegory in Montclair, located at 690 Bloomfield Avenue. Show participants and chefs will be in attendance. The viewing dinners will be offered until both chefs are eliminated, or crowned victorious. To book, call Allegory at 973-329-5600. Learn more here.
Earth Month Celebration 2021 – Nature Journaling + Citizen Science Event
Now-Friday, April 16th | 4:00PM-5:00PM
Celebrate Earth Month with a nature journaling and citizen science class. All programs are held completely outside. The event is located at the Essex County Environmental Center at 621 Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Learn more here.
Celebrate The General Store’s 3rd Birthday
Now-Friday, April 16th | Open to Close
Celebrate The General Store’s 3rd B-day from open-close and receive 10% off your entire purchase now-Friday, April 16th. The General Store is located at 198 Bellevue Avenue in Upper Montclair. Learn more here.
Bloombox Pop-Up at Local Coffee
Saturday, April 17th | 8:00AM-12:00PM
Head over to Bloombox Flowers’s Pop-up on Saturday, April 17th at Local Coffee located at 107 Watchung Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
The Montclair Farmers’ Market
Saturday, April 17th | 8:00AM-1:00PM
The market takes place every Saturday at the Walnut Street Train Station located at 86 Walnut Street in Montclair. The Montclair Farmers’ Market brings you an array of local farmers and food artisans offering fresh fruits + vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, cheeses, gluten-free baked goods, prepared foods, condiments, and so much more. Learn more here.
Illuminate Food Pop-Up at The General Store Cooperative
Saturday, April 17th | 9:00AM-1:00PM
Join Illuminate Food at the General Store Cooperative pop-up. The event is located at the General Store Cooperative at 1875 Springfield Avenue in Maplewood. Learn more here.
Clean-Up Day at Verona Park
Saturday, April 17th | 9:00AM-11:00AM
The Verona Park Conservancy is hosting a clean-up day this Saturday. Face masks are required. Meet at the Boathouse with a pair of gloves. Learn more here.
The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence’s Covid Vaccine Initiative Events
Saturday, April 17th + Sunday, April 18th | 1:00PM-2:30PM + 12:00PM-2:00PM
The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence’s Covid Vaccine Initiative will host 2 events. On Saturday, April 17th, at 49 Orange Road. Children can enjoy supervised play and free gelato, courtesy of Guerriero Gelato, while parents and caregivers engage in an interactive conversation about COVID-19 vaccines.
On Sunday, April 18th, Montclair Mutual Aid will be hosting an afternoon of free food and music at Glenfield Park. Families can pick up bags of free food and other supplies at the Wally Choice Center while listening to music from Parents Who Rock. Register here.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, April 17th | 7:00PM-10:00PM
Head over to Branch Brook Park for some family roller skating – every week. Open to all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Rink is located at 7th Avenue in Newark. Sign up here.
Tours at the Montclair History Center
Now-Sunday, April 18th | 10:00AM-2:00PM
Guests are invited to schedule private tours of the Crane House & Historic YWCA, a historic house museum that explores the history of the U.S. from its early years as an independent country to a country embroiled in the civil rights struggle. Each tour will be limited to one family, cohort group, or pod with a maximum of 5 guests. The event is located at Crane House & Historic YWCA, 110 Orange Road, in Montclair. Register here.
Free Food + Music Hosted By Montclair Mutual Aid
Sunday, April 18th | 12:00PM-2:00PM
Montclair neighbors and the public are invited to the second Free Food Distro and Live Music at Glenfield Park. Free food bags for families and individuals in need. This event is co-sponsored by Montclair Mutual Aid, Ton’s Kitchen, and Parents Who Rock. Learn more here.
5 Mile Race to bRUNch
Sunday, April 25th
Sign up now for The 2nd Annual 5 mile race to bRUNch hosted by Montclair Running Co. + lululemon Montclair featuring Montclair Bread Co. doughnuts, bread, breakfast treats, and more. Register here.
Cherry Blossom Photo Session at Branch Brook Park
Now-Sunday, May 12th | 8:00AM-6:00PM
Book a Cherry Blossom Photo Session at Branch Brook Park with Nabi Photography. Sessions run from 8AM-6PM on weekdays + weekends. Branch Brook Park is located at Park Avenue and Lake Street in Newark. Sign up here.
Point of Action: New Art Installation at Crane Park
Ongoing
Head over to Crane Park for a new art installation! Montclair residents and artists Nina Cooke John and Charlie Spademan are bringing the 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.
Fragile Freedoms Exhibit at the Montclair Art Museum
The Montclair Art Museum is hosting the exhibit Fragile Freedoms. Dream Act by Maggie Meiners is on display now until June 13th. Tickets to the museum must be reserved prior to entering and Fridays from 11AM to 12PM are reserved for immunocompromised persons as well as seniors. MAM’s artwork can be enjoyed virtually on the website as well. Learn more here.
Tour Van Vleck House and Gardens
Open daily | 9:00AM-6:00PM
Take a free tour of Van Vleck House and Gardens which is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Montclair. A center for horticulture, education, music, art, and quiet contemplation, the gardens are open to the public for their enjoyment and the house is available to non-profits for meetings and events. Van Vleck House and Gardens is located at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Kid-Focused Events
Illustration for Teens Hosted by Montclair Art Museum
Wednesday, April 14th-June 2nd | 4:30PM- 6:00PM
Students explore visual strategies for communicating concepts and individual expression with a professional illustrator. In addition to technique-based instruction, there will be a variety of assignments reflective of the range of approaches and possibilities in the field of illustration. Students must provide their own materials. Register here.
Chesstronauts Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Friday, April 16th | 4:00PM- 5:00PM
Kids of all skill levels will receive accessible chess instruction for improved strategic thinking and sportsmanship. Topics range from basic piece movements to advanced positional strategy. Along the way, participants will develop a lifelong love for this ancient game. Chesstronauts meets virtually and uses Chesscall software designed by five students from Montclair Kimberley Academy who share a passion for chess. Please note that children 7 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register here.
Barnes + Noble Saturday Storytime
Saturday, April 17th | 11:00AM
Barnes + Noble welcomes you and your family to Saturday morning fun to celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Little Engine That Could. Register here.
Virtual School Performance of Charlotte’s Web Presented By SOPAC
Monday, April 19th-23rd | Virtual
SOPAC will host a virtual performance of Charlotte’s Web. Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Register here.
Take and Make Saturdays
Now-June 12th | 11:00AM-4:00PM
Register for a craft project each week, pick it up on Saturday during the library’s Public Browsing Hours, and do it at home! While supplies last. One kit per child. For all ages. Sign up here.
Dungeons and Dragons Club at West Orange Library
Now-June 18th | 3:15PM-5:15PM
DnD features role-playing, storytelling, strategic thinking, math skills, problem-solving, and teamwork all rolled into one. The event is open to teens living in West Orange. Sign up here.
Ways to Give Back Locally
Toni’s Kitchen {73 S Fullerton Avenue}
2020 provided a challenge for many, especially when it came to hunger and food insecurity. Toni’s Kitchen, an organization that has provided the community in need with food resources, shifted its response to accommodate those rising numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Toni’s Kitchen now provides 20,000 meals every week which is an increase of 4,300 pounds per week since 2019. Learn more here.
Human Needs Food Pantry {9 Label Street}
The COVID-19 pandemic brought on the highest rates of hunger in the United States ever. 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. Learn more here.
Jazz House Kids {347 Bloomfield Avenue}
Founder Melissa Walker was prepped to be a lawyer before opportunities in music kept showing up all around her. She attributes her ability to follow her heart and be a jazz artist to great mentors in her life. Now, through Jazz House Kids, Melissa is providing students the opportunities she had by mentoring them. Learn more here.
Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris {33 South Fullerton Avenue}
Mental health is often highly stigmatized in society and the media. Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris is working to reverse this stigma and provide support to those living with mental illness as well as the caregivers. Through advocacy, education, prevention, early intervention, treatment, and services, the organization is working to achieve its mission. Learn more here.
Montclair Fund for Women {41 Watchung Plaza}
Originally known as the Young Colored Women’s Christian Association, this organization was founded by African American women who came to Montclair in search of education, employment, and opportunity. As time passed, the organization not only changed its name, it joined forces with women of all backgrounds and became a prominent force in the community. Learn more here.
Pound Animal Welfare Society {PAWS}
Hundreds of animals need adoption across the state of New Jersey. For over 41 years, the Pound Animal Welfare Society has been helping place homeless animals. PAWS does not have a facility to house animals in need, but the support of generous volunteers makes the work possible. In addition to fostering animals, supplies are needed. Learn more here.
Covenant House New Jersey
Covenant House began more than 40 years ago when six young runaways were given shelter from a snowstorm, in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. In 1989, Covenant House began its work in New Jersey by providing basic services to homeless youth on the streets of Newark and Atlantic City. Learn more here.
Junior League of Montclair-Newark
The Junior League of Montclair-Newark {JLMN} is a volunteer organization of women committed to Promoting Volunteerism, Developing the potential of women, and Improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Learn more here.
