Whether you’re heading out or staying in — this week’s Montclair + beyond events guide has got you covered with kid-friendly activities, book releases, 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 7th – April 13th}.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Virtual Events
Environmental Commission Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, April 7th | 7:00PM-9:30PM
Join the Montclair Environmental Commission for their monthly meeting on environmental affairs. Register here.
Barnes & Noble Presents John Cena Book Release Virtual Event
Wednesday, April 7th | 7:00PM
Barnes & Noble welcomes #1 New York Times bestselling author and entertainer John Cena for a virtual event to discuss his much-anticipated new books, Be A Work In Progress {Ballantine Books; Age Range: 13+} and Do Your Best Every Day To Do Your Best Every Day {Random House Children’s Books; Age Range 8-12}. Register here.
Holistic Lamaze Course Hosted By Montclair Baby
Registration Now Open | Thursday, April 8th-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
Thursday, April 8th-Saturday, May 8th
As we celebrate 10 years of “Stomping” out MLD {Metachromatic leukodystrophy}, please join us this year for a virtual 5K event. All runners, walkers, skippers, joggers are welcome to attend and be part of this year’s event. The 5K can take place anywhere you choose, and anytime from April 8th – May 8th. Please be sure to post pictures! Event T-Shirts can be picked up or mailed, details to follow. Register here.
#RIFT Play Hosted By Luna Stage Company
Tickets Now Available | Friday, April 9th | 12:00PM
Two real-life brothers: one a convicted murderer, the other a playwright; a member of the Aryan Brotherhood versus an A.O.C. type progressive. #RIFT is a durational play over text messages exploring the ideological divide in America and asking, “Is love enough?” This experience consists of a play-over text message sent to the audience member’s phone. Participants can enroll and or/disenroll at any time during the three-month experience of the Stages Festival. This performance is free. Register here.
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, in F Minor Hosted by NJPAC
Friday, April 9th | 7:00PM
Join NJPAC for an event that dives deep into the wild emotional journey of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, in F Minor – a monumental work that explores various sides of the human personality. This online hour is conducted by George Marriner Maull, host of NJPAC’s Classical Overtures, artistic director of The Discovery Orchestra, and host of Inside Music on WWFM 89.1, The Classical Network. You’ll also receive a downloadable listening guide and suggested YouTube performances to make sure you don’t miss a beat. Register here.
Mariza Sings Amalia Hosted by NJPAC
Friday, April 9th | Stream until April 12th | 8:00PM
Portuguese singer Mariza celebrates the 20th anniversary of her career and the centenary of the late Queen of Fado, Amália Rodrigues. With her new album, Mariza Sings Amália, Mariza continues to carry Amália’s legacy from the 20th century into the 21st. In this streamed concert, Mariza reinvents fado standards for the next generation—their soul intact, their identity unmistakable, their stylings delightfully unexpected. Stream will be available to rewatch for 72 hours, until April 12 at 8:00PM. Register here.
Virtual Secret Brown Bag Wine Tasting
Friday, April 9th | 8:00PM
Join in on this super fun blind tasting challenge! $75 gets you three bottles of wine: a bottle of Viaggio Euforico Prosecco to crack open immediately, then one secret bottle of red and one secret bottle of white. You’ll taste through these wines with Lourdes {the host} as she gives you clues and you use your tasting knowledge to try and deduce what exactly is in the two bottles. Click the button below to purchase your kit! Sign up here.
Virtual Run Around the World 2021 Race Event
Saturday, April 10th | 8:00AM–9:00PM
Register for the Virtual Run Around the World 2021 race event. Be a part of this virtual run around the world where you can participate from anywhere! You’ll receive a video of the virtual tour around the world as well as other virtual highlights of beautiful places you may one day choose to visit. Learn more + register here.
Creating Your America: A Master Workshop with Maggie Meiners
Registration Now Open | Saturday, April 10th + Saturday, May 1st | 2:00PM-4:30PM
Sign up for MAM’s Creating Your America: A Master Workshop with Maggie Meiners. Join artist Maggie Meiners for a month-long journey as you seek to understand American society, and create an artifact to reflect your message in a medium of your choice. On the first day, students will hear from the artist about her process, personal journey, and artistic influences, and examine other artworks in MAM’s collection that reflect contemporary issues, and have a group discussion about the collective experience and individual stories of America. Students will then begin the process of creating their own work, and determining the best media to express themselves. Students of all levels and abilities welcome; no prior experience required. The workshop takes place on Zoom. Register here.
American Heart Association + CPR Certification Course Hosted By Montclair Baby
Registration Now Open | Saturday, April 10th | 2:00PM-5:00PM
Each workshop participant will receive a two-year CPR certification card from the American Heart Association and special focus will be provided on Pediatric and Infant CPR. First Aid Basics will be discussed, our instructor will focus on First Aid Emergencies specific to Pediatric Patients and Infants. The instructor will encourage participants to provide situational emergencies and provide discussion on an appropriate response. Please note this class is limited to 5 couples. Covid safety protocols will be strictly followed including all attendees must wear face coverings. Register here.
American Sign Language Course Hosted By Montclair Baby
Now-Sunday, April 14th | 11:30AM-12:30PM
Jumpstart communication with basic American Sign Language through a fun combination of music, books, and engaging activities for baby. Caregivers will learn to help babies express their needs before they are able to convey them verbally. This program will teach signs for both daily routine and fun things that motivate the baby to communicate. Sign language accelerates verbal development, strengthens cognitive skills, reduces frustration and tantrums, increases self-esteem, and enhances child-caregiver bonding. Get ready to learn, have fun, and make new friends. Register here.
BbC x Alexa Martin Virtual Watercolor Workshop
Sign up now | Event: Thursday, April 15th | 6:00PM-7:30PM
Join Hoboken watercolor artist Alexa Martin of @alexamartindesigns in a fun watercolor workshop next Thursday, April 15th from 6-7:30pm! This workshop will be taking place via Zoom and tickets are donation-based to benefit the Visual Arts Center of NJ in Summit. This workshop is a fun opportunity for adults and kids alike to learn how to paint a coastal watercolor illustration from the comfort of their own home! Limited supplies are needed and ALL experience levels are welcome to join! Register here.
Cherry Blossom Virtual 10K Run
Now-Sunday, April 18th
Register for the annual Cherry Blossom 10K Run with a virtual twist. Follow the 10K route through Essex County Branch Brook Park or a route of your own choosing. All run finishers will receive a Cherry Blossom Run medal and t-shirt. You have two weeks to complete the 10K course. Registration ends April 7th at 11:59PM! 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.
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.
Women’s Business League Chapter Meeting
Meets bi-weekly: every 2nd + 4th Thursday of the month | 1:00PM-2:30PM
If you’ve been looking to network, meet new people, stay connected and promote yourself and your business in a high-level and meaningful environment, then you will not want to miss attending a meeting of the Women’s Business League! Women’s Business League {WBL} is a membership-based networking group founded by women for women. WBL is the perfect place to promote your personal brand, expand your referral network and widen your community connections. When women come together to support each other’s businesses, everybody wins! Register here.
Volunteer + Donate to The Act Now Foundation
Ongoing
The Act Now Foundation is always looking for volunteers + donations. By partnering with Act Now Foundation on its mission, you as an individual or your company can have a profound impact on the movement to end Alzheimer’s and improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients and their families. You can stand up as a leader in the battle against this disease and demonstrate to your community that you are making an active effort to ease their burden. Donate + learn more here.
Free Community Knitting Virtual Class
Every Wednesday | 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.
Register for a Free Dance Class
Available online
Classes are available online every day and include Salsa, West African, Hip-Hop, and more. Classes are hosted by Alvin Ailey Studio. Register here.
In-Person Events
Adult Night Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center
Thursday, April 8th | 7:00PM-10:00PM
Adult Night Roller Skating is Back at Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Rink. This event is for adults 18 + up. The Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Rink is located at 7th Avenue in Newark. Sign up here.
Earth Month Celebration 2021 – Eco Art & Recycled Paper Making
Now-Saturday, April 9th | 4:00PM-5:00PM
Celebrate Earth Month with a recycled paper-making class! All programs are held completely outside. Social distancing and mask wearing required. This series hosts a maximum of 12 participants per class. The event is located at the Essex County Environmental Center at 621 Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Learn more here.
Womyn’s Werq Exhibit at Studio Montclair Gallery
On display now-Friday, April 9th
This exhibition—an exhibit in honor of Women’s History Month—is a hybrid of both virtual and onsite components of art pieces serving as visual narratives based on the mantra that the personal is political. “Womyn’s Werq”, described by curator Donna Kessinger as an “old school,” LGBTQIA-friendly, radical feminist art exhibition, features over 60 pieces of artwork including videos, sculpture, and two-dimensional creations in a great variety of mediums, there will also be special installations in the gallery windows. A virtual exhibit that will include audio from the artists will be on the Studio Montclair website. Viewings will be by appointment only until further notice. Studio Montclair Gallery is located at 127 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
CRRC Virtual or In-Person / Group Cherry Blossom and Bun Run
Saturday, April 10th-Sunday, April 11th | 8:45AM
The event can be done as a 10K run as a group at Brookdale Park, or Virtual 1 mile, 5K, 5 mile, 10K, 15K, half-marathon, or marathon. Register here.
Learn to Skate at Cody Arena
Saturday, April 10th + Sunday, April 11th | 1:00PM + 11:30AM
Learn how to skate! Cody Arena is located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Register here.
Sunday Brunch at Fascino
Sunday, April 11th | 11:00AM-2:00PM
Head over to Fascino for a delicious Sunday Brunch featuring the musical sounds of Acoustic Fuego. Fascino is located at 331 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Look at the brunch menu here.
Cherry Blossom Photo Session at Branch Brook Park
Monday, April 12th-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.
Earth Month Celebration 2021 – Nature Journaling & Citizen Science Event
Saturday, April 12th-Friday, April 16th | 4:00PM-5:00PM
Celebrate Earth Month with a nature journaling and citizen science class! All programs are held completely outside. Social distancing and mask wearing required. This series hosts a maximum of 12 participants per class. The event is located at the Essex County Environmental Center at 621 Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Learn more here.
5 Mile Race to bRUNch
Sign up now | 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, breads, breakfast treats, and more. Treats from other local foodie favorites to make this a bRUNch spread like you’ve never seen before. Comfy, cozy bRUNch hoodies for all participants, and commemorative mugs to fill with coffee for all finishers. Prizes for top finishers! Learn more + register here.
Register for Adult + Kids Dance Classes at Beyond the Boogie
Available online + In Person
Learn how to dance at Beyond the Boogie Dance Company. Classes are available online + in-person. Register 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. The installation consists of nine aluminum-framed pavilions on six-foot concrete circles — illustrating the social distancing we have been adhering to — with ropes that are intertwined and part to allow people to step into the frame. In the center, a “spotlight” illuminates the person and creates a safe connection to others inside other frames, as well as passersby. Cooke John is the designer, while Spademan will be installing Point of Action. During the holidays, the public art installation was at the Flatiron Public Plaza on 23rd Street in New York. Point of Action addresses connectivity and community building. Crane Park is located at 1-9 Greenwood Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Every Week | 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 advanced. The Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Rink is located at 7th Avenue in Newark. Sign up here.
Morgan’s Farm’s Earth Day Kits + Support Monarch Butterflies
Pick-ups in April
Stop by Morgan’s Farm to purchase some Earth Day Seed Kits, and support local efforts to help monarch butterflies, important pollinators whose population is endangered. Choose from a variety of kits including Sunflower, herbs and Milkweed which come with pots, potting soil and more. The kits range from $10 to $20. Morgan’s Farm is located at 903 Pompton Avenue in Cedar Grove. Learn more here.
Family Meal Program
Every Wednesday | 2:30PM-3:30PM
If you or someone you know is in need of food, The Family Meal program is available every Wednesday from 2:30PM-3:30PM. The event is located at the Geyer Family Y Parking Lot at 159 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
The Montclair Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday | 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, honey, flowers, wine, pickles, and so much more. Learn more here.
Stony Hill Farms Market Curbside Pickup
Multiple times + locations
Stony Hill Farms is offering curbside pickup for their online winter market. There are multiple times and locations available. Learn more here.
Volunteer + Donate to The Act Now Foundation
Ongoing
The Act Now Foundation is always looking for volunteers + donations. By partnering with Act Now Foundation on it’s mission, you as an individual or your company, can have a profound impact on the movement to end Alzheimer’s and improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients and their families. You can stand up as a leader in the battle against this disease and demonstrate to your community that you are making an active effort to ease their burden. Donate + learn more here.
Visit the Montclair Art Museum
Virtually + in-person
The Montclair Art Museum has officially reopened its doors with over 3 new exhibitions including Fragile Freedoms. MAM was founded in 1914 and was the first museum in New Jersey to grant access to the public + focus only on art. It has preserved American and Native American Art since its inception and contains over 12,000 pieces of artwork including sculptures, ceramics, artifacts, and more. 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. The grounds are open every day from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. Virtual tours are also available online. Van Vleck House and Gardens is located at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Attend an Exclusive Viewing Dinner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 19
Every Thursday | 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. Space is limited. To book, call Allegory at 973-329-5600. Learn more here.
Take a Hike at Eagle Rock Reservation
Open daily | 9:00AM-9:00PM
Take a hike at Eagle Rock Reservation which has more than 400 acres along the Watchung Mountains ridgeline located between West Orange, Montclair, and Verona. The 40 mile Lenape Trail {yellow blazes} skirts the eastern edge of the park. The hiking trails and footpaths that crisscross the woodland {and sometimes boggy} areas of the park are friendly for hikers of all ages and abilities. The Eagle Rock Reservation is located at Eagle Rock Avenue and Prospect Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Kid-Focused Events
Barnes & Noble Saturday Storytime
Every Saturday | 11:00AM
Barnes & Noble welcomes you and your family to Saturday morning fun to celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Little Engine That Could. Each week, B&N features a different picture book for Staurday Storytime! Register here.
Books on the Move Hosted by NJPAC
Virtual + Ongoing
Join NJPAC Teaching Artist Wincey Terry for a free reading of Celia Cruz: Queen of Salsa written by Veronica Chambers and illustrated by Julie Maren, Nighttime Symphony written by Christopher Myers and illustrated by Kaa Illustration, Chato’s Kitchen written by Gary Soto and illustrated by Susan Guevara, and many more stories. Register here.
Illustration for Teens Hosted by Montclair Art Museum
Registration is now open | Classes Every Wednesday: April 14th-June 2nd | 4:30PM- 6:00PM
Join MAM for their Illustration for Teens classes every Wednesday starting April 14th-June 2nd. 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
Every Saturday | 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
Every Friday | Now-June 18th | 3:15PM-5:15PM
Join an epic quest awaiting teens who join the DnD club. 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.
Visit the Turtleback Zoo
Open daily | 10:00AM-3:00PM
Take a trip to the Turtleback Zoo to catch their incredible Sea Turtle Recovery exhibit, Sea Lion Sound, and much more. Virtual tours are also available through the website. The Turtleback Zoo is located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more 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. Because of the support of generous donors and volunteers, 800+ families are no longer worrying about the next meal. Learn how to get involved 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. Close to 3,000 groceries are donated weekly through the area. Learn more here on how to get involved.
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. Jazz House Kids combines music, mentoring, education, and leadership to help serve students in the community who may face a financial gap to being involved with music. Her program opens opportunities to learn and grow with music. Support from donors is needed to keep her “little wishes” going. Learn more here on how to get involved.
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. Case management services, suicide prevention work, and housing opportunities are just a small sample of the community work of this organization. Learn more here on how to get involved.
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. Since its inception, the Montclair Fund for Women has given over $800,000 in grants to provide opportunities to women. Learn more here on how to get involved.
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 on how to get involved.
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. Outreach staff travel in vans to these areas offering food, clothing, counseling, and referrals for shelter. All of the services are free. There is no cost and people do not need insurance. Covenant House New Jersey is there for young people for as long as they need help, which includes even when they are living completely on their own. 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. Their purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The JLMN is a nonprofit organization of trained volunteers. Through hands-on projects and partnerships, members build a better community by promoting education, health and wellness, literacy, and the arts for children at risk each year. Learn more here.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a member of Feeding America®, is the leading anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization in the state. What started as a modest enterprise in the back of our founder Kathleen DiChiara’s station wagon in downtown Newark in 1975, became an incorporated non-profit in 1982 and has grown to two warehouse facilities in Hillside and Egg Harbor Township, the combined size of five football fields. These locations serve area programs and community partners- over 1,000 in 15 of 21 New Jersey counties- within which 760,000 food-insecure neighbors in need reside. Learn more here.
