Whether you’re heading out or staying in, this week’s Montclair and 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 (June 2nd – June 8th).
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
In-Person Events
Laughs in the Loft, a SOPAC Series
Wednesday, June 2nd | 7:30PM
Join Laughs in the Loft, a new SOPAC series featuring stand-up comics from our own backyard and beyond. Laughs in the Loft is every first Wednesday of the month and each event will feature four comedians in an NYC-style showcase. The talent will be announced approximately two weeks prior to each show. Learn more here.
Annual GreekFest To-Go
Friday, June 4th + Saturday, June 5th | 4PM-9PM + 11AM-9PM
If you’re looking for some good homemade Greek food, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield is hosting their Annual GreekFest but it’s to go. Get some delicious take out on June 4th from 4PM-9PM and June 5th from 11AM – 9PM. Some of their specialties like Pasticcio, Souvlaki, Gyros and desserts like Baklava and Galatopuriko will be available to order on-line at https://www.njgreekfest.com/. Learn more here.
Montclair Town Hall Pride Flag Raising
Friday, June 4th | 3PM-5PM
Join Out Montclair President & Montclair Councilor-at-Large Peter Yacobellis, Mayor Sean Spiller, and the Township Council for the raising of the pride flag at Town Hall for Pride Month 2021. The flag-raising will take place at 205 Claremont Avenue in Montclair. Refreshments to follow. Learn more here.
Good Bottle Refill Shop’s Zero Waste + Wellness Event
Friday, June 4th | 3PM-6PM
Head over to Good Bottle Refill Shop in Montlcair for a fun-filled day featuring Heather Thomson from Real Housewives of New York. Learn more here.
The Wildflower Sculpture Park Annual Opening Reception for New Artists
Friday, June 4th | 5PM
The Wildflower Sculpture Park, a program of the South Mountain Conservancy, will host its annual opening reception to celebrate the installation of new artworks. It will take place on Friday, June 4th from 5 – 7PM at 10 Bear Lane in Maplewood. On display will be the work of Maria Lupo, Oki Fukunaga,Christoph Spath and Lee Tribe. Learn more here.
Dog Days of Summer Exhibit & Music on Main
Starting Friday, June 4th | 5PM-9PM | Every Friday
Dog Days of Summer kicks off June 4th, with a leash cutting in front of the Dog Days of Summer mural located at Church and Main Street. The opening coincides with Boonton Main Street’s First Friday event, Music on Main. Take in an amazing night of art, music, shopping at unique independent shops, and eclectic dining. Learn more here.
Pride Shabbat at Temple Ner Tamid “Open Mic” Concert with Out Montclair
Friday, June 4th | 7:30PM-9PM
Head over to 936 Broad Street in Bloomfield and join the Ner Tamid Community in celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride with a joyous evening of music, poetry, and community. The “Open Mic” concert will be featuring LGBTQ+ Artists and Allies, including Out Montclair President Peter Yacobellis. Each participant will need to register separately. Learn more here.
Live Music: Lily Vakili Band at Montclair Brewery
Friday, June 4th | 7PM-9:30PM
Head over to Montclair Brewery for live music provided by Lily Vakili, a spunky, explosive rock performance with a strong female lead. Learn more here.
Theater League of Clifton Present ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Rock Opera
Friday, June 4th + Saturday, June 5th | 7:30PM
The Theater League of Clifton will present the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar”, which opens Friday, June 4, at Clifton’s Weasel Brook Park, 770 Park Drive (adjacent to the historic Vanderhoef/Westervelt House). Additional performances will be staged at the park on June 5, 11, and 12. All shows will begin at 7:30PM. Learn more here.
The Montclair Farmers’ Market
Saturday, June 5th | 8AM-1PM | Every Saturday
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.
“I Got Vaccinated at Turtle Back Zoo” Event
Saturday, June 5th | 10AM-2PM
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccinations will be given at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. Anyone who gets their first dose of a Coronavirus vaccine at the “I Got Vaccinated at Turtle Back Zoo!” event will receive a voucher for one free admission to the zoo. Learn more here.
Open House at 544 Park St, Montclair with The Lane Team
Saturday, June 5th | 1-3:00PM + Sunday, June 6th | 2-4:00PM
Check out the newly-listed property at 544 Park in Montclair. Details on the property here.
Saturday Skate Sesh with Boardroom Skate
Saturday, June 5th | 10AM-12PM | Every Saturday
Join Boardroom Skate for a skate session every Saturday at Rand Courts. Beginners are welcome. Learn more here.
DJ Ritters at Montclair Brewery
Saturday, June 5th | 1:00PM-5:00PM
Head over to Montclair Brewery for some live music from 1:00PM-5:00PM provided by DJ Ritters. Learn more here.
A Tribute + Free Concert for Montclair’s Trend Coffee and Tea
Saturday, June 5th | 2PM
This outdoor concert event will feature 9 live bands over four and a half hours. All involved are donating their time and talents. Please join this free concert, have some fun, and make a donation via the Go Fund Me link, or by check. 100% of the proceeds go to Trend. Learn more here.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, June 5th | 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.
Harper Lovey and The Waitlist – Outdoor Concert at Farmstead Arts Center
Saturday, June 5th | 6PM
Harper Lovey and the Waitlist will be performing everything from Indie Garage Rock to 50’s Torch Songs, a little bit of country and of course many of Harper Lovey’s original songs. Darcy Rhatican (debut performance) will perform many of her own songs in the opening act. Learn more here.
Clifton Food Truck & Music Festival
Sunday, June 6th | 1PM-7PM
Food! Beer! Music! Fun! The festival will be a fun-filled family day and support a great cause. 20 Gourmet Food Trucks, beer, margarita + sangria garden, vendors, kids activities, pony rides, petting zoo, and axe throwing. Proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. Bring your appetites and furry friends. Learn more here.
“On the Way to the Met” – A Romantic Opera Journey From LA to the Met
Sunday, June 6th | 3PM
Opera at Florham Presents “On the Way to the Met,” a romantic opera journey from LA to the Met. This event takes place at St. Margaret of Scotland Church located at 6 Sussex Avenue in Morristown with strict adherence to COVID-safe socially distanced seating. Wearing of masks is mandatory. Learn more here.
Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition
Sunday, June 6th | 7PM
Join NJPAC for the annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition or the Sassy Awards, where the best young jazz singers of today compete to become the legends of tomorrow. Winners of the first eight seasons include recent GRAMMY nominees Cyrille Aimée and Jazzmeia Horn, not to mention such stars as Ashleigh Smith, Arianna Neikrug, Deelee Dubé, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, and 2019’s champion, Samara Joy McLendon. Learn more 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.
15 Afterglow Ave, Verona Open House with The Lane Team
Sunday, June 6th | 1:00-3:00PM
Join the Lane Team at its open house this weekend in Verona. Click here for property details.
Fragile Freedoms Exhibit at the Montclair Art Museum
Now-Sunday, June 13th
The Montclair Art Museum hosts the exhibit “Fragile Freedoms”. “Dream Act” by Maggie Meiners is on display now until Sunday, 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.
Register for the Fleet Feet Montclair Pride Stride Run & Walk
Registration now open | Event: 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.
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
Planned Parenthood Spring Stir
Wednesday, June 2nd | 7PM-7:45PM
Out Montlcair has partnered with Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey on its pride month event. Out Montclair President Peter Yacobellis will give an opening toast at this event. Register here.
Yes, the Middle East Still Matters Discussion Hosted by Montclair Public Library
Thursday, June 3rd | 6:30PM-8PM
Join a discussion on American military interventions in the Middle East. Register here.
Open Mic Series: Jersey Fresh at Home Hosted by NJPAC
Thursday, June 3rd | 7:00PM | Every Thursday
NJPAC is shining the spotlight on homegrown stars. Every week, they are showcasing up-and-coming talent from all over New Jersey via Facebook Live. Register here.
Re-envisioning Community: Exploring Restorative Justice
Thursday, June 3rd | 7:30PM-8:45PM
Join the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair for a series of conversations with New Jersey Advocates for Restorative Justice for six Thursday evenings via Zoom. Register here.
Coffee + Mental Health Event
Friday, June 4th | 11AM
Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris counties collaborates with Paper Planes Coffee Co. to provide a free virtual community event all about coffee. Practice gratitude while you sip + enjoy. 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
Illustration for Teens Hosted by Montclair Art Museum
Now-Wednesday, June 2nd | 4:30PM- 6PM
Students will 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. Register here.
Therapy Dog Visit
Friday, June 4th | 3PM- 4:30PM
Meet and greet with therapy dog, Koko the Shiba Inu on the library plaza. Learn about what therapy dogs do and how they help the community. No registration required. Perfect for kids and families. Register here.
Music with Michaela: Outdoor Music Class for Little Ones
Saturday, June 5th | 11:15PM- 12PM | Every Saturday
Little ones will learn seasonal songs, play instruments, move their bodies + have fun with Michaela. The event will take place on the grassy area on the corner of Essex Street + Chestnut Street in Montclair. Register here.
Take and Make Saturdays at the Nutley Public Library
Now-Saturday, June 12th | 11AM-4PM
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.
Training For A Purpose Co-Ed Soccer Clinic
Now-Friday, June 18th | 3PM | Every Friday
This soccer clinic is for kids ages 2-7. Sign up here.
Dungeons and Dragons Club at West Orange Library
Now-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 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 7th | 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 8th | 6:30PM-8PM | Every Tuesday
Learn how to play the ancient Chinese game of Mah Jongg. Register here.
Poetry + Interpretive Movement Virtual Class
Wednesday, June 9th | 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 9th | 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 9th | 7PM-9PM | Every Wednesday
Join a free community knitting virtual class every Wednesday. All fiber crafts are welcome. Register here.
Theater League of Clifton Present ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Rock Opera
Friday, June 11th + Saturday, June 12th | 7:30PM
The Theater League of Clifton will present the musical Jesus Christ Superstar at Clifton’s Weasel Brook Park, 770 Park Drive (adjacent to the historic Vanderhoef/Westervelt House). Additional performances will be staged at the park on June 5, 11, and 12. All shows will begin at 7:30PM. Learn more 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.
Articles to Help You Plan Your Weekend
Cafe Giotto:An Authentic Italian Experience in Montclair
Il Laboratorio del Gelato Opens in Montclair
Your Guide to Sopranos Landmarks in North Jersey
Delicious Plant-Based Dishes in Montclair, According to a Local Dietitian
Remember to tag us on Instagram in your adventures @themontclairgirl or #MontclairGirl for a potential repost. xo
First-Ever Montclair Porchfest Happening in May 2025
Porchfest is known across the United States, Canada, and beyond as a way for the community to celebrate local talent. Now, Porchfest will officially make its debut in Montclair this year. The Montclair Porchfest organizers shared with The Montclair Girl back in October that the team was aiming for the event to take place in spring 2025 — and now, we know that Porchfest will make its debut in Montclair on May 17th. Read on for what we know so far about the first-ever Montclair Porchfest happening this May — including how local artists and homeowners can get involved.
The Montclair Event
The first-ever Montclair Porchfest will take place on Saturday, May 17th, 2025. The Montclair Porchfest Instagram account announced the official date back in December 2024.
View this post on Instagram
A few of the musicians participating in the event have also been announced via Instagram — including Vintage 135, Camino Sound, BREAKTIME, Jacqueline Ellis, and Jason Didner.
Montclair is the 221st city to host its own Porchfest, with 226 cities across the United States, Canada, and Australia participating as of this writing.
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So, how does Montclair Porchfest work? Every house in every ward in town has the opportunity to volunteer their porch to host a band. There are no exclusions. "This will be the largest festival to come to town," the organizers told MG.
The Montclair Porchfest time slots will be held between 12PM and 7PM, and the organizers will have a map of bands/artists and locations for locals to plan their day. After the bands finish at 7PM, there will be a main stage with a final act on Bloomfield Avenue from 7PM-10PM (the exact location has yet to be announced). The main stage event will also include food + retail vendors as well as local businesses.
Montclair homeowners who are interested in volunteering their porches can register for the event here. Local artists who are interested in participating in the event can send their information to [email protected]. Keep up with future updates on the event on the Montclair Porchfest website and Instagram.
About Porchfest
Porchfest first originated in Ithaca, New York in 2007, and has since spread to host events in towns across the United States and Canada. The event has rapidly expanded in recent years, and is a way for the community to come together and celebrate local artists. Other New Jersey towns including Maplewood, Caldwell, Newark, Princeton, Cranford, Asbury Park, Red Bank, Belmar, Ventor City, Collingswood, Trenton, Bordentown, and Moorestown also host Porchfest events each year. The full list of cities that have Porchfest events can be found here.
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We'll keep you updated as more details come out surrounding the event. For now, 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.
