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 23rd – June 29th).
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.
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.
Out Montclair Teens Pizza Social
June 24th | 5PM-7PM
Out Montclair will host a teen (ages 12-17) pizza social on June 24th at 5PM. Please RSVP. Learn more here.
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.
Pride HIIT Workout
Saturday, June 26th | 10AM-11AM
To celebrate Pride this year, architect studios is offering a special Pride HIIT Workout (high-intensity interval training) on Saturday, June 26th at 10AM in Crane Park. Bring your friends, family, kids, and neighbors for a fun HIIT workout. The workout is programmed for all levels of fitness. In lieu of the regular class fee of $27, architect is generously asking participants to make a donation to Out Montclair. Learn more here.
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
Newark Downtown District Market
Thursday, June 24th | 11AM-3PM | Every Thursday through September 30th
The NDD Downtown Market is coming. It is a newly-imagined version of the NDD Common Greens Farmers Market and will be back at the PSE&G Plaza on Thursdays from June 24th to September 30th from 11:00AM to 3:00PM. With COVID-19 protocols in place, there will be live music, a farm stand hosted by the Urban Agriculture Cooperative, curated arts and crafts vendors, physical fitness activations, a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination station, informational tables highlighting local businesses and community-based organizations, as well as a seating area dedicated to food delivery services and/or take-out from local downtown restaurants. Learn more here.
Goffle Brook Park: A Wellspring of Creativity
Thursday, June 24th | 11AM-4PM | Through September 5th
Head over to Passaic County Arts Center to view Goffle Brook Park: A Wellspring of Creativity, Journeys by Michael Gabriel, and Watercolors by Christine Calandra. These exhibits are currently on view and will run through September 5th at the Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House. Each exhibit will feature local artists, including those whose artistic expressions depict Goffle Brook Park in various stages of development and/or locations along the park’s 103 acres. Learn more here.
Alpha Studio Velo Art Show & Group Ride at Montclair Brewery
Thursday, June 24th | 6:30PM-10PM
Join the Alpha Studio Velo Art Show & Group Ride hosted by Newark Sport Center and Designs by Alpha Studio 6:30PM to 10PM on Thursday, June 24th. The ride starts at 7PM at the brewery and is planned to be a duration of 1hr and 30min. Learn more here.
Highland Park Farmer’s Market at Montclair Brewery
Friday, June 25th | 11AM-5:30PM
Head over to Montclair Brewery for a farmer’s market. Learn more here.
Dog Days of Summer Exhibit & Music on Main
Friday, June 25th | 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.
Dinner Under the Stars in Bloomfield Center
Friday, June 25th | 6PM-10PM | Every Friday through October 8th
The BCA invites you to come out for Al Fresco dining and live entertainment on Washington Street in Bloomfield Center. The Charlie Sigler Trio from the New Brunswick Jazz Project will perform. Learn more here.
All Points West Distillery Tour + Tasting
Friday, June 25th + Saturday, June 26th | 5PM-9PM | Every Friday + Saturday
Join All Points West for a 20 minute tour with spirit samples and a house cocktail. 10% discount on bottles and additional cocktails included with ticket. Learn more here.
Arts in the Garden: All Around the World Family Concert
Saturday, June 26th | 10AM-12PM
Take a musical trip across the globe in this family-friendly concert with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players. Bring your families for this joyous music from across the world. Learn more here.
Saturday Skate Sesh with Boardroom Skate
Saturday, June 26th | 10AM-12PM | Every Saturday
Join Boardroom Skate for a skate session every Saturday at Rand Courts. Beginners are welcome. Learn more here.
Turtle Back Zoo Vaccination Event
Saturday, June 26th | 10AM-2PM
As an incentive to get vaccinated, COVID-19 vaccinations will be given at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and anyone who gets their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine at the “I Got Vaccinated at Turtle Back Zoo!” will receive a voucher for one free admission to the zoo. It will be held on Saturday, June 26th from 10AM to 2PM at the zoo in the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex, located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more here.
Newark’s Youth Expo
Saturday, June 26th | 12PM-3PM
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the Essex County Youth Services Commission will host a Youth Expo on Saturday, June 26th. The event will feature information and presentations from various non-profit and government agencies that provide recreational, afterschool and wrap around services for children ages 8 through 18 years old. This is a free event. It will be held as follows. Learn more here.
Back Together Again: Community Day
Saturday, June 26th | 12PM-5PM
This Saturday, June 26th the Back Together Again series will start with events including a Community Day at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church from 12PM-5PM. Come out and enjoy food, games, music, contests, and more. Learn more here.
Aging In Montclair (AIM) Presents: Easy Steps to Fight Climate Change
Saturday, June 26th | 2PM
On Saturday, June 26th at 2PM, AIM’s Saturday Social will be a presentation by the Environmental
Committee of the Montclair Area League of Women Voters. They will educate the audience about simple changes to our individual routines that can reduce our community’s carbon footprint and will offer twenty easy things we can do to help fight climate change without impinging on our overall lifestyle. For this program, a half-hour recorded presentation by LWV member Elle Moser will be followed by a live discussion and Q&A led by Rikke Beal, a member of the Environmental Committee who is also a member of AIM. To attend this program, the community is invited to email AIM here.
DJ Ritters at Montclair Brewery
Saturday, June 26th | 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.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, June 26th | 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.
Collage Workshop Montclair at 4Flavors Gallery
Sunday, June 27th | 10AM-12:30PM
Join a collage workshop! Cut, glue and bedazzle your very own portrait collage with artist Holly Suzanne Rader and help a great cause. Holly and 4Flavors Gallery are teaming up to help ICAP girl’s empowerment program raise money for scholarship funds for aspiring young artists. Learn more here.
Free Food + Music at Glenfield Park
Sunday, June 27th | 12PM-2PM
Montclair neighbors and the general public are invited for some food and music at Glenfield Park. There will be distribution bags including items like menstrual products, toiletries, diapers and more. The Montclair Museum of Art Creative truck will be there filled with fun arts + craft items. Learn more here.
Live Music: Jazzboat at Montclair Brewery
Sunday, June 27th | 6:30PM-9PM | Every Saturday
Head over to Montclair Brewery for some live music from 6:30PM-9:00PM provided by Jazzboat. Learn more here.
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.
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
Online Anti Racism Training for June and July
Friday, June 25th | 7PM-7PM | Through July
The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey 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. Learn more 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
Crayon Workshop
Now-August 26th | 12PM-5PM
The Jewish Children’s Museum is inviting children and “children at heart” to travel through the colorful journey of crayon making. Participants will be able to collect carnauba wax, beeswax, and cacao butter from the fields, and watch as the wax is melted together turning into the vibrant colorful crayon that children all love. The discovery is educational and playful where each child takes home the crayon they created. Register 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 28th | 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.
Bloomfield Public Library’s Summer Reading Program
Starting Monday, June 28th | 4PM | June 28th-August 14th
Join the Bloomfield Public Library for children’s activities all week long including stories + snacks, Spanish storytimes, and takeaway craft. Register here.
Beginner Mah Jongg
Tuesday, June 29th | 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 30th | 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 30th | 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 30th | 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.
