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 28th – May 4th}.
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 28th | 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.
Film Club Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Wednesday, April 28th | 7:00PM-9:00PM
See assigned movies {which are mostly on Netflix, but may include Amazon Prime, Hulu, and On Demand} then join classmates to talk about themes, plot, characters, acting, directing, cinematography, costumes, score, trailers, and/or viewer’s expectations. Register here.
Revisiting the Harlem Renaissance: Poetry and the New Negro Literacy
Thursday, April 29th | 5:30PM
Alain Locke believed that a New Negro, his metaphor for the new persona he saw art creating in the 1920s, required a new language, a new literacy, by which to make its new vision of itself legible for all. How did poetry express the inexpressible in the New Negro more compellingly than sociological analysis or political speech? Jeffrey C. Stewart will explore these questions in an opening talk, followed by a reading and conversation with poet Mahogany L. Browne. Register here.
Salsa Zoom Class with Elvis Ruiz
Thursday, April 29th | 7:00PM
Join this invigorating online salsa course, led by Elvis Ruiz from Alma Montuno Latin Dance. This class is a wonderful opportunity to get on your feet and try something new. During the 45-minute intro to salsa session, you’ll get comfortable moving on the dance floor and learn to combine different dance steps and patterns. No prior experience needed. Register here.
Open Mic Series: Jersey Fresh at Home Hosted By NJPAC
Thursday, April 29th | 7:00PM
Every week, they are showcasing up-and-coming talent from all over New Jersey via Facebook Live. On April 29th, NJPAC is shining the spotlight on homegrown stars. Register here.
Getting the Facts on the Vax: A Virtual Town Hall
Thursday, April 29th | 7:30PM
The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence’s Covid Vaccine Initiative is beginning to share COVID-19 vaccine information to Montclair residents at this free, community event. Register here.
Holistic Lamaze Course 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.
Succeed2gether’s Tutoring Program Information Session
Friday, April 30th | 11:00AM
Join Succeed2gether via Zoom to find out more about their one-on-one tutoring programs and summer activity classes. Learn more here.
Beginning Ukulele Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Friday, April 30th | 1:30PM-2:30PM
In this beginner’s ukulele class, you will learn basic chords and strums, and some fun, easy songs. No music background or experience necessary. Register here.
Montclair Journaling
Friday, April 30th | 4:00PM-5:00PM
Montclair Journaling offers free, online journaling classes to Middle School Students. Learn more here.
Spring Cleaning Special: De-Clutter Deluxe Package Offer by Space Composer
Now-Friday, April 30th | Use by May 21st
Receive a 30-minute virtual consultation to create a project strategy, a product recommendation list created and tailored just for you, an 8-hour on-site session with two organizers to do the hands-on work, and more through Space Composer’s De-Clutter Deluxe Package Offer. Register here.
Virtual Scavenger Hunt: A Fundraiser Hosted by SOPAC
Saturday, May 1st + Sunday, May 2nd | 12:00PM
Join the SOPAC Scavenger Hunt on a quest to beat the clock. Complete missions, earn points, and take the lead to victory. Missions range from text, photo, or location-based instructions for you to complete at your own pace. Sign up here.
When Art Speaks Virtual Showcase
Saturday, May 1st + Sunday, May 2nd | Multiple Times Available
Join a virtual showcase focusing on art, creatives, musicians and poets Sign up here.
2021 Poetry Out Loud National Finals
Sunday, May 2nd | 12:00PM
The Poetry Out Loud national semifinals will be available through a one-time-only webcast. 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.
NJ Tri-County CycleNation
Now-May 26th
The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is hosting CycleNation to raise awareness + funds to change the statistics. The digital experience will take place during May, American Stroke Month, where participants can ride solo or create a team to “rack up their miles”. Learn more 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
Exclusive Viewing Dinner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 19
Thursday, April 29th | 7:30PM
Attend an exclusive viewing dinner of the new season of Hell’s Kitchen at MC Hotel’s Allegory in Montclair. Show participants and chefs will be in attendance. The viewing dinners will be offered until both chefs are eliminated, or crowned victorious. Learn more here.
Annual Spring Plant Sale at Van Vleck Gardens
Friday, April 30th-Sunday, May 2nd | 9:00AM-4:00PM
Don’t miss the Annual Van Vleck Plant Sale, the perfect place to stock up on unique perennials and shrubs to help spruce up your garden just in time for warmer weather. There will be edibles, beautiful flowers, and deer-resistant options – whatever your garden needs. New this year, they will offer a special native plants section with a guest expert on hand to answer your questions. Van Vleck’s knowledgeable garden staff and volunteers will be onsite to offer tips and recommendations. Be sure to come early for the biggest selection, as the plants sell out quickly.
April Earth Month Activities – Wild Edible Plant Walks
Now-Friday, April 30th | 4:00PM-5:00PM
Celebrate Earth Month with a plant walk to learn about wild, edible plants. All programs are held outside. The event is located at the Essex County Environmental Center at 621 Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Learn more here.
Poetry is My Release Open Mic Showcase
Friday, April 30th | 7:00PM-10:00PM
Attend a poetry open mic at The Heart Ballroom Register here.
Dancing for Birth Hosted By Montclair Baby
Friday, April 30th | 7:30PM-8:30PM
Dancing For Birth is the leading global class for pregnant and new moms. Learn about birth preparation: feel-good prenatal fitness, essential birth wisdom, and celebration of pregnancy, birth, and mothering, all rolled into a free class that supports you from preconception to postpartum. Register here.
Free Coffee Day at Java Love Coffee Roasting Co.
Saturday, May 1st | 7:00AM-6:00PM
Java Love Coffee Roasting Co. founders and co-owners Jodie Dawson and Kristine-Ellis Petrik are celebrating 10 years of serving “Coffee with Integrity” this spring with a customer appreciation day + free coffee. Throughout the month, a “Women Producers” promotion will spotlight coffee by women growers and farmers from such origin countries as El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Peru. Learn more here.
The Montclair Farmers’ Market
Saturday, May 1st | 8:00AM-1:00PM
The market takes place every Saturday at the Walnut Street Train Station located at 86 Walnut Street in Montclair. It offers an array of local farmers and food artisans offering fresh fruits + vegetables, meats, cheeses, gluten-free baked goods, and more. Learn more here.
Montclair Environmental Commission’s Arbor Tree Sapling Give-Away
Saturday, May 1st | 9:30AM-12:00PM
The Montclair Environmental Commission invites you to pick up a seedling at Nishuane Park to beautify your yard and help the community. A 10% discount will be offered to Montclair residents at Orange Garden Center on May 1st + 2nd. Learn more here.
Maplewood Village Spring Market
Saturday, May 1st | 11:00AM-5:00PM
Stop by the Maplewood Village Spring Market on Saturday for a fun day of shopping + music. Learn more here.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, May 1st | Multiple Times Available
Head over to Branch Brook Park for some family roller skating every week. It’s open to all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sign up here.
Documentary Photo Exhibit Presented By SOPAC
On View Now-May 7th
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. 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.
HypnoBirthing Class Hosted By Montclair Baby
Now-May 18th | 6:00PM-8:00PM
In a series of four confidence-building classes, attendees will learn the logic behind why labor doesn’t have to hurt and what you can do about it. Armed with knowledge, the pattern of calming breathing techniques, and deep relaxation, you will start to develop everything you need to know to reconnect with your birthing instincts and create an amazing birthing experience. Register here.
Spring In Living Color at Westfield Garden State Plaza
Now-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 five floral activations designed for you to capture memorable moments. Learn more here.
Point of Action: New Art Installation at Crane Park
Ongoing
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
Now-June 13t
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
Girls in Gears Bike Program
Now-Sunday, June 27th | 9:30AM-11:00AM
Join Bike & Walk Montclair for an eight-week program for any rider who identifies as a girl ages 10-13 and wants to build confidence on and off their bikes. This is a weekly meeting that will focus on a mix of emotional development, conversations, and riding skills. Sign up here.
Illustration for Teens Hosted by Montclair Art Museum
Now-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.
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. 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.
Upcoming Weekday Events
Spring Luncheon at Home Hosted By NJPAC
Tuesday, May 4th | 12:00PM
Join NJPAC to virtually celebrate the power of the arts and its power to transform lives. Plus, the great Norma Kamali — the iconic fashion designer and author of I am Invincible — will join to share her secrets for gliding boldly through each of life’s decades with purpose and power. Register here.
Jimi Hendrix’s Legacy: His Impact on Black Music and Culture
Tuesday, May 4th | 6:30PM-8:00PM
Corey Washington will take you on a journey from Jimi Hendrix’s humble beginnings, to his meteoric rise to become the highest paid rock star of the late 60s. The objective of this lecture is to give a more well-rounded look at a Black musical genius; how he has influenced a wide array of genres including jazz, soul, R&B, Funk and even hip-hop; and popular artists like Prince, Drake, Future, Wiz Khalifa, D’Angelo, and Lenny Kravitz. Register here.
Beginner Mah Jongg
Tuesday, May 4th | 6:30PM-8:00PM
Learn how to play the ancient Chinese game of Mah Jongg! This game is not hard to play but complex to learn. Register here.
Open Mic Series: Jersey Fresh at Home Poetry + Music Virtual Performance Hosted By NJPAC
Thursday, May 6th | 7:00PM
Join NJPAC for a soul-stirring exploration of poetry + music featuring Earth the poet, Circle Round The Sun, Tim Hoh, Talena Skye, Flynn Brewer, Verrion Wright, Omarr Kaba. Register here.
Ways to Give Back Locally
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.
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.
