Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mamas! 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 5th – 11th}.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Virtual Events
Film Club Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Wednesday, May 5th | 7:00PM-8:00PM
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, May 5th | 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.
Drop-in Virtual Teen Game Days Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Thursday, May 6th | 6:00PM
Drop in to the MPL Teen Discord server for a monthly virtual game day! Register here.
Retirement Income Planning Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Thursday, May 6th | 6:30PM
Create your own unique vision for your retirement. Proper, proactive planning is the first step toward bringing that vision to life. Join The Montclair Public Library for an informative, action-oriented seminar that will focus on how to begin thinking about the next chapter of your life, what risks might be standing between you and your retirement and how to develop a retirement strategy that helps you achieve your goals. Register here.
Open Mic Series: Jersey Fresh at Home Hosted By NJPAC
Thursday, May 6th | 7:00PM
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, May 6th | 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 from 7:30PM to 8:45PM via Zoom. Register here.
Beginning Ukulele Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Friday, May 7th | 1:30PM-2:30PM
In this beginner’s ukulele class, you will learn basic chords and strums, and some fun, easy songs. No music background or experience necessary. Register here.
The Creator’s Room: Developing the Complete Artist in the Virtual World Hosted by NJPAC
Friday, May 7th | 6:00PM
In this discussion, panelists will discuss the importance of artist development and how creatives can sustain their talent as the world turns virtual. Panelists will explore resources that can be used to get your marketing strategy organized, understand your performance rights, and hear from creatives that have taught themselves the algorithms of social media, engagement, and more. The Creator’s Room series is an intimate conversation about the journey of creators working behind the scenes in the arts, the importance of protecting your artistry, and tangible resources viewers can use to jumpstart or reignite their careers. Register here.
Pre-Mother’s Day Comedy Show + Concert Hosted by Jamaica Organization of New Jersey
Saturday, May 8th | 7:00PM-9:00PM
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Pink + White Pre-Mother’s Day Comedy Show and Concert, hosted by the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey. Tickets to the event are $25 and we are soliciting donations and sponsorships from individual and business members, as well as friends of Jamaica. Learn more here.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Revelations Re-imagined Hosted by NJPAC
Saturday, May 8th + Sunday, May 9th | 7:00PM + 3:00PM
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and a virtual screening of Alvin Ailey’s new dance film, “Revelations Reimagined.” “Revelations Reimagined” explores Revelations in a new context: past and present, on stage and off, a cultural treasure that transformed modern dance forever and continues to reinvent itself. The beloved Ailey masterpiece pays tribute to African-American heritage—“sometimes sorrowful, sometimes jubilant, but always hopeful”—and to the power of the human spirit. Register here.
Dylan’s Dinosaur Stomp Virtual 5k To Benefit the Dylan Flinchum “Rock On” Foundation
Now-Saturday, May 8th
Celebrating 10 years of “Stomping” out MLD {Metachromatic leukodystrophy}, The Rock On Foundation is hosting a virtual 5K event. All runners, walkers, skippers, joggers are welcome to attend. Register here.
Spring Cleaning Special: De-Clutter Deluxe Package Offer by Space Composer
Use by Friday, May 21st
Receive a 30 minute virtual consultation to create a project strategy, a product recommendation list created and tailored just for you, an 8 hour on-site session with two organizers to do the hands-on work, and more through Space Composer’s De-Clutter Deluxe Package Offer. Register here.
NJ Tri-County CycleNation
Now-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.
Farmstead Arts Virtual Art Exhibit
Now-Friday, May 28th
Farmstead Arts presents its spring art show – virtually. This exhibit features the diverse works of eighteen talented artists whose works are inspired by the energy, beauty and hope of a new spring. The show will run online through May 28th. The online Farmstead Arts gallery also includes a video presentation of the exhibit. Register 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.
In-Person Events
Maplewood Garden Club’s 84th Annual Plant Sale
Thursday, May 6th + Friday, May 7th | Multiple Times
Maplewood Garden Club’s 84th Annual Plant Sale is on and will be outdoors at the Maplewood Community Pool parking lot located at 187 Boydon Avenue in Maplewood. Learn more here.
Exclusive Viewing Dinner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 19
Thursday, May 6th | 7:30PM
Attend an exclusive viewing dinner of the new season of Hell’s Kitchen at MC Hotel’s Allegory in Montclair. Show participants and chefs will be in attendance. The viewing dinners will be offered until both chefs are eliminated, or crowned victorious. Learn more here.
Montclair History Center’s Annual Herb + Vegetable Sale
Thursday, May 6th-May 9th | Multiple Times
Stop by the Montclair History center starting on Thursday, May 6th to shop at their annual herb + vegetable sale. The sale runs through May 9th. The event is located at 110 Orange Road. Learn more here.
Documentary Photo Exhibit Presented By SOPAC
On View Now-May 7th
Curated for SOPAC by Jeremy Moss, this exhibition is presented in the windows of SOPAC. Kristen Emack, from the US, showcases Cousins, a story about the photographer’s daughter and niece and their intimate and spiritual knowledge that is both ordinary and extraordinary. Jason Houston, from the US, for Last Wildest Place exploring the Purús/Manu region in southeastern Peru, one of the most remote, inaccessible, and important areas of the Amazon and home to perhaps the highest concentration of isolated “uncontacted” tribes on Earth. Register here.
The Montclair Farmers’ Market
Saturday, May 8th | 8:00AM-1:00PM
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.
Shop the Block: Mother’s Day Edition
Saturday, May 8th | 12:00PM-4:00PM
Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift at The Eclectic Chic Boutique’s Shop the Block event with over 8 local vendors. The event is located at 547 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, May 8th | Multiple Times Available
Head over to Branch Brook Park for some family roller skating every week. It’s open to all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sign up here.
Mother’s Day Beer Tasting at Montclair Brewery
Sunday, May 9th | 1:00PM-4:00PM
Head over to Montclair Brewery for a Mother’s Day beer tasting. Enjoy a 6 beer flight + sampler tasting in the beer garden followed directly by Richard Pierson Jazz Band. Order a Charcuterie board from ‘LoveandThyme’. The flight walkthrough will be from 1:00PM-2:00PM followed by live music which will be until 5:00PM. Ticket includes a reservation from 1:00PM-4:00PM, 6 beer tasters, and music charge. Learn more here.
Cherry Blossom Photo Session at Branch Brook Park
Now-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.
HypnoBirthing Class Hosted By Montclair Baby
Now-May 18th | 6:00PM-8:00PM
In a series of four confidence-building classes, attendees will learn the logic behind why labor doesn’t have to hurt and what you can do about it. Armed with knowledge, the pattern of calming breathing techniques, and deep relaxation, you will start to develop everything you need to know to reconnect with your birthing instincts and create an amazing birthing experience. Register 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.
Point of Action: New Art Installation at Crane Park
Ongoing
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. Crane Park is located at 1-9 Greenwood Avenue in Montclair. Learn more here.
Fragile Freedoms Exhibit at the Montclair Art Museum
Now-June 13t
The Montclair Art Museum is hosting the exhibit Fragile Freedoms. 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. Van Vleck House and Gardens is located at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair. Learn more here.
Kid-Focused Events
Illustration for Teens Hosted by Montclair Art Museum
Now-June 2nd | 4:30PM- 6:00PM
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
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 is a weekly meeting that 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, May 10th | 10:30AM-11:30AM
Mindfulness is meditation practice that cultivates positive state of mind like gratitude, kindness and compassion. Techniques for feeling more connected to your body and emotional state will be covered. Support will be given for developing a daily sitting practice. This meditation technique can be quite helpful with reduction of stress and emotion regulation. 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, May 11th | 6:30PM-8:00PM
Learn how to play the ancient Chinese game of Mah Jongg! This game is not hard to play but complex to learn. Register here.
Poetry + Interpretive Movement Virtual Class
Wednesday, May 12th | 6:45PM-7:45PM
Join Simone Coonrod over Zoom for a 3 series workshop incorporating poetry and dance. Each session will feature a poem that the participants will collaboratively interpret through creative movement. There will also be some related inspired writing. Register here.
Film Club Hosted by The Montclair Public Library
Wednesday, May 12th | 7:00PM-8:00PM
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, May 12th | 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.
Montclair Blood Drive – Urgent Need for Donors
Thursday, May 13th | 1:00PM-7:00PM
Urgent Need! Please make an appointment to give blood at Montclair Women’s Club on Thursday, May 13th between 1:00PM-7:00PM. Register here.
Toni’s Community Closet Yard Sale
Saturday, May 15th | 9:00AM-3:00PM
Toni’s Community Closet is hosting a major yard sale from 9:00AM to 3:00PM on May 15th on the lawn of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church located at 73 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Toni’s Kitchen, a food ministry of St. Luke’s. Toni’s Closet is a thrift shop project of Toni’s Kitchen. Through repurposing gently used clothing and housewares, Toni’s Closet ensures access to these items for low-income neighbors in ways that respect their dignity and strengthens their independence. Toni’s Closet is located at 23 Broad Street in Bloomfield and has regular hours on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Learn more 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 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. 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.
