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 (May 26th – June 1st).
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
In-Person Events
Emergency Food Distribution Event
Thursday, May 27th | 9:00AM
The Board of County Commissioners, Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss, and the Irvington Township Council will present an Emergency Food Distribution Event on Thursday, May 27th at 9:00AM. The event will be held rain or shine. Enter Irvington’s Orange Park via Orange Place. Cars should line up along Orange Avenue before turning right onto Orange Place. Drivers must keep their windows rolled up and open their trunk. A walk-up distribution will be on Drakes Lane. 500 boxes to be distributed on a first-come, first served basis. Learn more here.
Live Music: The Michael Reitman Band at Montclair Brewery
Friday, May 28th | 7:00PM-9:30PM
Head over to Montclair Brewery for some live music provided by The Michael Reitman Band, which will play an array of musical genres including rock, soul, blues, reggae, jazz, disco, and unique covers. Learn more here.
Nat Adderley Jr George Gee Swing Orchestra in Jazz on the Waterfront Center
Friday, May 28th + Saturday, May 29th | 3:00PM-8:00PM
On Memorial Weekend, James Scott of Jam Network TV Promotions is having a 2-day VIP event, ‘A Night on the Waterfront‘. Jam Network TV Promotions is presenting a jazz explosion at the Waterfront Center on 1100 McCarter Highway in Newark NJ. Learn more here.
The Montclair Farmers’ Market
Saturday, May 29th | 8:00AM-1:00PM | 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.
Saturday Skate Sesh with Boardroom Skate
Saturday, May 29th | 10:00AM-12:00PM | Every Saturday
Join Boardroom Skate for a skate session every Saturday. Beginners are welcome. Learn more here.
DJ Ritters at Montclair Brewery
Saturday, May 29th | 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.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, May 29th | 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.
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.
Fragile Freedoms Exhibit at the Montclair Art Museum
Now-Sunday, June 13th
The Montclair Art Museum is hosting 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 | 9:00AM-6:00PM
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
The Cat Rescuers Film Virtual Screening Party
Wednesday, May 26th | 7:00PM-1o:00PM
Enjoy a virtual movie screening of the documentary film The Cat Rescuers to spread awareness about outdoor cats. Sign up here.
NJ Tri-County CycleNation
Now-Wednesday, 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.
Stroke Treatment and Recovery Webinar
Thursday, May 27th | 12:00PM
Ahsan Sattar, M.D., Director of Neuroendovascular Surgery and Stroke at Mountainside Medical Center, discusses stroke treatment and stroke recovery. Learn more here.
History At Home: Montclair’s Art Colony
Thursday, May 27th | 12:00PM + 7:00PM
By the late 1800s, a “colony” of artists had flocked to Montclair, taking advantage of the beautiful and inspiring landscape that was within an easy commute to New York. The most famous artist was George Inness, Sr., but he was soon joined by other painters, sculptors, stained glass artists, and engravers. Join this event as you take a virtual walking tour of the homes and studios of these artists and learn more about their lives from the comfort of your home. Register here.
Ballet Hispánico Livestream of En Familia + Virtual Movement Workshops In Partnership with DOROT
Thursday, May 27th | 12:30PM
Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s renowned Latinx dance organization recognized as one of America’s Cultural Treasures, partners with DOROT, a New York City-based nonprofit organization creating social connections for older adults, to present a virtual performance and artistic talkback with Rodney Hamilton, Michelle Manzanales, and Melissa Verdeci. Learn more here.
Tarot + Astrology Lecture Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Thursday, May 27th | 6:30PM-8:30PM
Join The Montclair Public Library for a Tarot + Astrology lecture. Esoteric pathways are better understood as intersections of signatures that reinforce and clarify one another, rather than isolated bits of information. In this lecture, you will explore some of the meandering wisdom of the stars in the cards + cards in the stars. Register here.
Art Trivia Night with Museum Hack
Thursday, May 27th | 7:00PM
Put your mind to the test in this epic competition. You’ll be taken on a whirlwind ride around the world of art in a fast-paced and hugely entertaining night in hosted by the Montclair Art Museum. You will need a desktop or laptop computer with internet connection and a smart phone to play this game. Capacity is limited. Online ticket sales close one hour before the program begins. Register here.
Conversations on the Sara Vaughan International Jazz Festival Hosted by NJPAC
Thursday, May 27th | 7:00PM
Meet the powerhouse jazz vocalists of “The Sassy Awards”. In this free online event, GRAMMY Award-winner Christian McBride will host a conversation with winners of NJPAC’s Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Register here.
Re-envisioning Community: Exploring Restorative Justice
Thursday, May 27th | 7:30PM-8:45PM | Every Thursday
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.
Beginning Ukulele Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Friday, May 28th | 1:30PM-2:30PM | Every Friday
In this beginner’s ukulele class, participants will learn basic chords and strums, and some fun, easy songs. No music background or experience necessary. Register here.
Submissions Open for the 2021 Montclair Film Festival
Earlybird Deadline: Friday, May 28th
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.
Farmstead Arts Virtual Art Exhibit
Now-Friday, May 28th
Farmstead Arts presents its virtual spring art show. This exhibit features the diverse works of eighteen talented artists whose works are inspired by the energy, beauty, and hope of a new spring. Register here.
Aging in Montclair: Reintegrating into the Community
Saturday, May 29th | 2:00PM
Join Aging in Montclair as presenters offer an interactive discussion around four issues related to recovery and resilience as we all emerge from the pandemic. The discussion of reintegration will be based on the most recent CDC guidelines. Register here.
Encore Performance! The Future of Montclair Film
Now-Wednesday, May 31st
Join Evelyn and Stephen Colbert for this fun, enlightening, and wide-ranging conversation with Montclair Film Executive Director Tom Hall. This special fundraising event celebrating Montclair Film’s 10th Anniversary features special pricing, offering multiple levels of tax-deductible support that will help to ensure a bright future for Montclair Film. 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.
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
Music with Michaela: Outdoor Music Class for Little Ones
Saturday, May 29th | 11:15PM- 12:00PM | 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. If there is a need for a rain date, you will be given a 3 hours notice prior to the start of class. Register here.
Illustration for Teens Hosted by Montclair Art Museum
Now-June 2nd | 4:30PM- 6:00PM
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.
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.
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 weekly meeting will focus on a mix of emotional development, conversations, and riding skills. Sign up here.
Upcoming Weekday Events
Montclair Memorial Day Tribute
Monday, May 31st | 10:00AM
The Township of Montclair will hold its annual Memorial Day tribute on Monday, May 31, at 10:00 a.m. in Edgemont Memorial Park. Preparations are being made for social distancing. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be canceled and a video remembrance will be aired on Montclair TV34. Learn more here.
An Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Monday, May 31st | 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 1st | 6:30PM-8:00PM | Every Tuesday
Learn how to play the ancient Chinese game of Mah Jongg. Register here.
Women Leaders @ Work Hosted by NJPAC
Wednesday, June 2nd | 12:00PM
Join this discussion to hear the trends and forces shaping corporate boardrooms today, including the important topic of board diversity. Hear female directors’ firsthand stories about their road to the boardroom and their advice for other women who are considering corporate board service. Learn more here.
Poetry + Interpretive Movement Virtual Class
Wednesday, June 2nd | 6:45PM-7:45PM | Every Wednesday
Join Simone Coonrod over Zoom for a three-series 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 2nd | 7:00PM-8:00PM | Every Wednesday
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.
Free Community Knitting Virtual Class
Wednesday, June 2nd | 7:00PM-9:00PM | Every Wednesday
Join a free community knitting virtual class every Wednesday from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. All fiber crafts are welcome. 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 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.
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.
