Happy Pride Month! Whether you’re heading out or staying in, this week’s Montclair + beyond events guide has 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 (June 16th – June 22nd).
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Pride Events
‘Rainbow Eyes’ Artwork Fundraiser to Support GLSEN During PRIDE
Month of June
Montclair artist Rebecca Russo is selling her artwork titled ‘Rainbow Eyes’ during the month of June in support of GLSEN + PRIDE. Each piece normally sells for $600 but is currently priced at $350. 50% of the sales will be donated to GLSEN which works to ensure that LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Contact Rebecca here.
Out at Night
Wednesday, June 16th | 7PM
Out Montclair’s is hosting an “Out at Night” gathering to celebrate Pride at Egan & Sons. RSVP required, here.
Register for the Fleet Feet Montclair Pride Stride Run & Walk
Thursday, June 17th | 6:30PM
Registration is now open and filling up fast for the 3rd annual Fleet Feet Montclair Pride Stride Run & Walk on June 17th at 6:30PM in partnership with Montclair Brewery and Diadora. Funds raised and registration fees will be donated to OUT Montclair, a new organization dedicated to fostering community and providing support and solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ population of Montclair. Sign up here.
NYC Pride Family Movie Night
Thursday, June 17th
In partnership with Tribeca, the Pride Presents digital film festival experience that will feature trailblazing shorts, documentaries, a feature film, and a live talk back to end the evening. Also making its return this year is Family Movie Night, back with family-filled fun for all ages. For more information about NYC Pride’s 2021 roster of events including Pride Presents and Family Movie Night, see here.
Playbill Hosts Glimmer of Light Live Concert
Thursday, June 17th
This June, Playbill teams with Cadillac and The Neon Coven to produce its first-ever live concert event in celebration of Pride 2021. Presented by Cadillac and Playbill Pride, Glimmer of Light will be an inclusive virtual and in-person concert event. One hundred percent of in-person ticket sales will go to benefit Born This Way Foundation and its mission of working with young people to build a kinder and braver world. In-person tickets for Radial Park are now available here.
Luna Stage – Gay History for Straight People
Friday, June 18th | 8PM
The in-person, outdoor performance by Will Nolan and his comedic alter ego Leola guides audiences through the complexities of the “LGBTQYMCA community – everything from GAY to Z.” In addition to being named the 2020 Outstanding Cabaret Performer by BroadwayWorld, Leola has appeared across the country in fringe festivals, regional theaters, and at middle-aged birthday parties, winning the Long Island City Flying Solo Festival two years in a row. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish and available here.
NYC Pride 2021 Human Rights Conference + Rally
June 21-23
NYC Pride hosts its fourth conference from June 21 through June 23, and the Rally on Friday, June 25. The Human Rights Conference, NYC Pride’s annual symposium of transformative changemakers in the queer community, focuses on developing new ideas and approaches to activism and community.
Montclair Film Summer – To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar
June 26th
Presented in partnership with Out Montclair, Montclair Film Summer hosts a movie night at the Lackawanna Plaza parking lot behind TD Bank at 233 Bloomfield Avenue.
NYC Pride Youth Pride
June 26th
NYC Pride is excited to bring back Youth Pride, a celebration of and for LGBTQIA+ and ally teens, as a virtual gathering in 2021. For this year’s experience, NYC Pride has partnered with youth-focused LGBT centers, organizations, and programs nationwide to present the iconic annual Youth Pride virtual event. This program follows 2019’s unforgettable event at which 10,000+ LGBTQIA+ teens came together for a day of performances, appearances, activations, and dancing at Central Park’s Summerstage. Learn more here.
In-Person Events
State of the Art 2021
Now-July 16th
Studio Montclair presents “State of the Art 2021”, on exhibit from now to July 16, 2021 at Studio Montclair Gallery, 127 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair. An opening reception will take place on Sunday, June 13 from 2PM to 4PM. This exhibit, featuring the artwork of over 120 artists in Montclair and beyond, celebrates the talent and diversity of Studio Montclair members. This year’s exhibit is both in the gallery and virtual. 55 artists are featured in the gallery, the other 70+ artists will be in the virtual exhibit and as a slideshow in the gallery. Learn more here.
St. George Summer Festival
Thursday, June 17th, Friday, June 18th + Saturday, June 19th | 5PM-10PM + 3PM-10PM
Attend this annual Little Falls Summer tradition! The festival will feature Gyro Booth, Middle Eastern Kitchen, Pastry Booth, and more. Learn more here.
Dog Days of Summer Exhibit & Music on Main
Friday, June 18th | 5PM-9PM | Every Friday
Take in an amazing night of art, music, shopping at unique independent shops, and eclectic dining at the Dog Days of Summer mural located at Church and Main Street. Learn more here.
Special Garden Party Benefit for Luna Stage at Van Vleck
Friday, June 18th | 5PM-7PM
Luna Stage invites you to a garden party benefit for Van Vleck Gardens. Pay what you wish to support Luna Stage’s 2021 reopening. Learn more here.
Online Anti Racism Training for June and July
Friday, June 18th | 7PM
The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey’s Anti-Racism Ministry invites you to enroll in 20 hours of virtual Anti-Racism Training streamed to your computer, tablet or mobile phone. The course is a historical approach to help participants understand systemic racism and empower them to confront and organize against racism, inequality, and injustice. Discussion topics include “What is Race?”, “Systemic Racism and White Privilege,” “Internalized Racism,” “The Role of the Church,” “Settler Colonialism,” “Racism in Immigration and Naturalization Legislation,” and “The Prison Industrial Complex”. Learn more here.
Live Music: Forget the Whale at Montclair Brewery
Friday, June 18th | 7PM-9:30PM
Head over to Montclair Brewery for live music provided by Forget The Whale, an original, genre-bending pop/rock band. Learn more here.
Juneteenth Event at Fleet Feet
Now-Saturday, June 19th
Fleet Feet has joined forces with numerous businesses, organizations, and individuals to bring to life a five day Juneteenth Celebration. Partners include: Teachers Undoing Racism Now!, Montclair NAACP, Montclair Neighborhood Development Corp., NJ Association of Black Educators, Montclair African American Heritage Foundation, Vanguard Theater Company, Montclair Mom’s Of Color, and more. Learn more here.
Saturday Skate Sesh with Boardroom Skate
Saturday, June 19th | 10AM-12PM | Every Saturday
Join Boardroom Skate for a skate session every Saturday at Rand Courts. Beginners are welcome. Learn more here.
AHS Newark Shelter Adoption Day Event
Saturday, June 19th | 12PM-4PM
Head on over to the shelter on June 19th from 12PM-4PM for AHS Newark Shelter’s Adoption Day Event where pups will be available for adoption. Learn more here.
Bloomfield Township X The Giveback Hair Show
Saturday, June 19th | 12PM – 6PM
Bloomfield Township, in collaboration with a local nonprofit organization The Giveback Hair Show, is putting on an outdoor festival in recognition of Juneteenth. Learn more here.
Juneteenth Talent Showcase at Montclair Brewery
Saturday, June 19th | 1PM-8PM
Join Montclair Brewery for a talent showcase by local artists to spread awareness of Juneteenth. The brewery is celebrating the release of their new beer Jubilee and will celebrate the holiday by hosting numerous activities including an open-mic event. Closing performances will then follow at 8PM from musicians RoStafa, as well as Kyle Younger of the Howlin Poets and friends. DJ Ritter’s will be there throughout the event playing a Juneteenth-inspired set. Learn more here.
Community Day: Juneteenth at The Newark Museum of Art
Saturday, June 19th | 1PM – 5PM
Explore the significance of Juneteenth with the Museum through a full day of events. The day will start with an art-making activity with children’s author and artist Kween Moore, include a moment of remembrance and an update on the George Floyd Foundation initiatives, a soul steps masterclass, and performance, a virtual live walking tour of the city, and a panel discussion with thought leaders and advocates about the true meaning of Juneteenth. Learn more here.
Sweet Shop Juneteenth Pop Up Shop
Saturday, June 19th | 1PM – 6PM
This outdoor event will feature several vendors, live music, and more. Learn more here.
DJ Ritters at Montclair Brewery
Saturday, June 19th | 3PM-8PM | Every Saturday
Head over to Montclair Brewery for some live music from 3:00PM-8:00PM provided by DJ Ritters. Learn more here.
Juneteenth Celebration Pop Up Shop
Saturday, June 19th | 4PM – 9PM
This pop-up shop event will take place at 158 Malvern Street. Learn more here.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, June 19th | Multiple Times Available | Every Saturday
Head over to Branch Brook Park for family roller skating every week. It’s open to all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sign up here.
Make Music Montclair at Montclair Brewery
Sunday, June 20th | All Day
Head over to Montclair Brewery for live music all day. More details will be provided on the brewery’s website as the event nears. Learn more here.
Point of Action: New Art Installation at Crane Park
Ongoing
Montclair residents and artists Nina Cooke John and Charlie Spademan bring this 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.
Tour Van Vleck House and Gardens
Open daily | 9AM-6PM
Take a free tour of Van Vleck House and Gardens, a center for horticulture, education, music, and art. The gardens are open to the public and the house is available to non-profits for meetings and events. Learn more here.
Virtual Events
Creating an Anti-Racist Healthcare System Hosted by NJPAC
Thursday, June 17th | 9AM
Join NJPAC for the next Business Partners Roundtable at 9AM on Thursday, June 17, when two leading executives from RWJBarnabas Health, Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, and DeAnna Minus-Vincent, Senior Vice President, Chief Social Integration & Health Equity Strategist, talk about the approaches used to address the poor health, educational and social outcomes created by the generational effects of racism in the communities RWJBarnabas serves. Register here.
Virtual Wine & Cheese Fundraiser to support Newark Nonprofit
Thursday, June 17th | 5:30PM
La Casa de Don Pedro’s highly-anticipated annual cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception La Casa es su Casa is coming back to a living room near you on June 17th at 5:30PM. You can register for free. This year’s event has been re-branded to La Casa en su Casa to highlight that it will be virtual once again due to COVID-19 precautions and restrictions. Complete with guest speakers, handcrafted video segments, a virtual wine and cheese tasting, and exclusive spoken word performance, La Casa en su Casa will honor Newark’s and La Casa’s unsung heroes throughout the last year of this unprecedented pandemic. Register here.
An Evening of Dueling Pianos
Thursday, June 17th | 7PM
Join this virtual Pride Month event on Zoom, with host Victoria Lace, featuring an audience interactive dueling pianos performance (where you request the songs!), giveaways, special guest appearances, and more! Sign up for the event and you will automatically be entered to win a variety of fun prizes, including gift certificates to Fiddlesheads Restaurant in Jamesburg or Robert’s Florals in Highland Park, the Pride 2021 Everyone is Awesome LEGO® set, State Theatre swag, or State Theatre show tickets. This event is presented by State Theatre New Jersey’s LGBTQ Community Engagement Committee. Learn more here.
What is Juneteenth? Freedom, Post-Reconstruction, & The Atlanta Exposition Address Virtual Event
Friday, June 18th | 10:30AM
In this course, we will analyze Washington’s Atlanta Exposition Address with attention to its historical and literary significance in the post-Reconstruction Era. We will also probe the enduring impact and controversies of the text, which raises fundamental questions about the relative value of political, economic, and social progress for African Americans. Register here.
Virtual Senior Happening: The Synergismus Duo Presents: “Songs from Stage and Screen”
Friday, June 18th | 1PM-2PM
The Livingston Public Library invites the public to a virtual Senior Happening on Friday, June 18th at 1PM featuring “Songs from Stage and Screen” by The Synergismus Duo. The program will feature some favorite songs from Broadway and movies, along with fascinating stories behind the music. Register here.
Submissions Open for the 2021 Montclair Film Festival
Regular Deadline: Now-Friday, June 25th
Submit your film for the 2021 Montclair Film Festival. This year, Montclair Film Festival is celebrating ten years. The festival has established itself as New Jersey’s leading film non-profit, with hundreds of screenings, events, education programs, and community partnerships providing opportunities for diverse audiences to connect with filmmakers working in all different genres and forms. The 10th Annual Montclair Film Festival will happen from October 21-October 30, 2021. Register here.
Montclair Film’s Virtual Cinema
Ongoing
Montclair Film’s Virtual Cinema is the best way to watch the latest movies from home while supporting the non-profit organization. Films in the Virtual Cinema are new, independent releases, available for rent at home before they show up on other platforms, featuring new indies, documentaries, foreign films, and restored classics, with new selections available every Friday. Learn more here.
Kid-Focused Events
Training For A Purpose Co-Ed Soccer Clinic
Friday, June 18th | 3PM
This soccer clinic is for kids ages 2-7. Sign up here.
Dungeons and Dragons Club at West Orange Library
Friday, 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.
Girls Try Hockey Free Program
Saturday, June 19th | 9:15AM-7:15PM
The New Jersey Devils Youth Hockey Club invites girls of all ages to participate in the Try Hockey Free program! Players should bring helmets from home, but there will be loaner skates. This program is four sessions and players can attend as few or as many sessions as they want. Sign up here.
Music with Michaela: Outdoor Music Class for Little Ones
Saturday, June 19th | 11:15PM- 12PM | Every Saturday
Little ones will learn seasonal songs, play instruments, move their bodies and have fun with Michaela. The event will take place in the grassy area on the corner of Essex Street + Chestnut Street in Montclair. Register here.
Girls in Gears Bike Program
Now-Sunday, June 27th | 9:30AM-11AM
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 weekly meeting will focus on a mix of emotional development, conversations, and riding skills. Sign up here.
Upcoming Weekday Events
An Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Monday, June 21st | 10:30AM-11:30AM | Every Monday
Mindfulness is a meditation practice that cultivates a positive state of mind like gratitude, kindness, and compassion. The following topics will be covered: mindful breathing/body, mindful emotions, development of the heart, interpersonal mindfulness, everyday stress reduction, and empathy. Register here.
Beginner Mah Jongg
Tuesday, June 22nd | 6:30PM-8PM | Every Tuesday
Learn how to play the ancient Chinese game of Mah Jongg. Register here.
Poetry and Interpretive Movement Virtual Class
Wednesday, June 23rd | 6:45PM-7:45PM | Every Wednesday
Join Simone Coonrod over Zoom for a three-part workshop incorporating poetry and dance. Each session will feature a poem that the participants will collaboratively interpret through creative movement. Register here.
Film Club Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Wednesday, June 23rd | 7PM-8PM | Every Wednesday
See assigned movies, which are on widely available streaming services, then join classmates to talk about themes, plot, characters, acting, directing, cinematography, costumes, score, trailers, and/or viewer’s expectations. Register here.
Free Community Knitting Virtual Class
Wednesday, June 23d | 7PM-9PM | Every Wednesday
Join a free community knitting virtual class every Wednesday. All fiber crafts are welcome. Register here.
Ways to Give Back Locally
Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris | 33 South Fullerton Avenue
Mental health is often stigmatized in society and the media. The 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.
