It’s almost Halloween! Whether you’re heading out or staying in, this week’s Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond events guide has you covered with spooky fun for the whole family, including kid-friendly activities, performances, farmers’ markets, and much more happening in the neighborhood. Check out this list of all the virtual and in-person events happening in Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond this weekend, October 27th-31st.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change and some may be weather dependent. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Featured Events
The Wellmont Theater’s November and December Ticket Promotion
November and December 2021 | BUY TICKETS NOW
The Wellmont Theater, 5 Seymour Street, Montclair is a go-to destination for music lovers. Located in the Arts District of Montclair, they are host to live entertainment from music and comedy to film festivals and more. Montclair Girl readers can receive an exclusive discount on tickets to select November/December shows by using code “MONTCLAIRGIRL” while supplies last on Ticketmaster.com. Upcoming shows include Cheap Trick, Daughtry, Psychedelic Furs, Gin Blossoms, The Disco Biscuits, and many more.
Click here to see the upcoming shows + buy tickets and click here to learn more about The Wellmont Theater.
Local Montclair (+ Beyond) Events
South Orange Downtown Farmer’s Market
Wednesday, October 27th | 2PM-7PM
Check out the South Orange Farmers Market every Wednesday in the Sloan St. Lot from 2PM-7PM. Please remember to bring your reusable shopping bags with you. Learn more here.
Tinga Montclair’s Yappy Halloween Event for Pups
October 27th | 3PM-7PM
Bring your costumed pup to Tinga’s for dog treats + goodie bags. Learn more here.
Blue Steel Pizza Co.’s American Psycho Event: Dinner at Dorsia
October 27th | 7PM
Try getting a reservation at Dorsia now…Join Patrick Bateman and the BSP team for this exclusive and theatrical Chef’s Table: Dinner at Dorsia on Wednesday, October 27th at 7PM. Your job? Watch American Psycho before your arrival. Limited seating available. Learn more here.
Fall Cornhole League at Montclair Brewery
Wednesday, October 27th | 7PM-8PM | Every Wednesday
Join the second season of Montclair’s own cornhole league hosted at Montclair Brewery, Wednesday nights 7-8PM. Learn more here.
Practical Magic at Alchemy Scent Bar
Wednesday, October 27th | 7PM-9PM
Sign up for the Alchemy Scent Bar Practical Magic event. Make a custom candle, learn basics of Tarot from @3witchway (and take home your own Tarot deck) & get a henna tatoo by @henna_by_priti7. Seats are limited so call the shop for tickets. Call the store to reserve your spot: 862-930-2333. Learn more here.
Meditation Workshop
Thursday, October 28th | 11:30AM | Every Thursday
Join Bindu Bhatt for a virtual meditation session. No experience necessary. Bindu has practiced meditation for over 30 years and would like to share her insights with you. Learn more here.
Beginners Flow Yoga
Thursday, October 28th | 6PM | Every Thursday
This class, hosted by the Union Public Library, will lead participants through the foundations of yoga postures, body awareness and alignment, relaxation of the mind and a connection with the breath. You will learn how to improve muscle strength, promote flexibility, and build your own yoga program specific for your mind and body. Learn more here.
Halloween At The Garden
Friday, October 29th-31st
Stop by The Garden Oct. 29th-31st for Halloween-themed celebrations. Come dressed in costume on Saturday and compete for cash prizes. $1,000 for first place and $500 for second. Learn more here
Classes in Mixed-Media Abstract Art
Friday, October 29th | 1PM
Every Friday, award-winning Roseland artist Evan Stuart Marshall will teach a class on mixed-media abstract art. The topics covered include design and composition, classic abstract layouts, working with shapes, intuitive painting, and more. Learn more here.
Watchung Booksellers Presents Storytime on the Green
Saturday, October 29th | 4PM
Join author Dan Yaccarino at Watchung Booksellers to discuss his book “The Longest Storm.” Learn more here.
All Points West Distillery Tour + Tasting
Friday, October 29th + Saturday, October 30th | 5PM-9PM
Join All Points West every Friday and Saturday for a 20-minute tour with spirit samples and a house cocktail. A 10% discount on bottles and additional cocktails are included with the ticket. Learn more here.
Berkeley Home & School Association’s 1st Annual Trunk or Treat + Halloween Bash
October 29th | 5PM-8PM
Join Berkeley HSA on Friday, October 29th, for the first-ever Trunk Or Treat, immediately followed by the annual Halloween Bash. $10 donation per family. There will be prizes for best costume and best car chosen by students. Sign up here.
Dinner Under the Stars in Bloomfield Center
Friday, October 29th | 6PM-10PM
The Bloomfield Center Alliance invites neighbors to come out for al fresco dining and live entertainment on Washington Street in Bloomfield Center every Friday. Learn more here.
Halcyon Halloween Outdoor Party
October 29th | 8PM-12AM
Stop by for the Halcyon Halloween Outdoor Party on Friday, October 29th 8PM-12AM. Music will be provided by Waterbury Road and DJ. There will be a costume contest with 1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes. $10 cover charge. Halcyon is located at 114 Walnut St., Montclair. Sign up here.
Rick Wakeman at The Wellmont Theater
Friday, October 29th | 8PM
Stop by The Wellmont Theater on Oct. 29th to watch Rick Wakeman perform. Learn more here.
Live Music at Montclair Brewery
Friday, October 29th + Saturday, October 30th, + Sunday, October 31st | 7PM-9:30PM
Head over to Montclair Brewery for live music every weekend provided by local artists. Learn more here.
Montclair Film Festival + Partnership with OUT Montclair
Now-Oct. 30th
The 10th annual Montclair Film Festival will entertain film lovers and professionals from across the region and country with 10 days of compelling independent films, comedies, documentaries, panels, family events and work by emerging artists. The festival will feature the premiere of many new films including “The French Dispatch” in addition to a conversation with actress Maggie Gyllenhaal. OUT Montclair has partnered with the Montclair Film Festival. This year’s festival will feature a number of LGBTQ+ themed films, including several that are presented in partnership with OUT Montclair. Learn more here.
5K Spirit Run
October 30th | 8AM
The 5K Spirit Run is set to happen in person on October 30th at 8AM. The course begins and ends on The Green on Broad Street across from Sacred Heart Church in Bloomfield. Runners and walkers are welcome to participate in the 5K race that will benefit the historic Mt. Olivet Cemetery on Cottage Place in Bloomfield. The 5K course is USATF-NJ sanctioned and certified. Learn more here.
Healing Circle: Tree-Planting Ceremony in Honor of Lives Lost to COVID-19
October 30th | 10AM-12:30PM
Seeds & Berries will host a special tree-planting ceremony and art showcase on Saturday, October 30th, to honor loved ones lost to COVID-19. The event will take place at Giving One-Tenth Garden, 715 S 20th St., Newark. The event is open to the community-at-large to attend and support the planting, as well as be encouraged to write the names of family, friends, neighbors and/or colleagues on “legacy stones” that will adorn the garden. The ceremony and subsequent art-based healing circle are the culmination of a series of ‘Grief Relief’ workshops facilitated by Seeds & Berries with local children, hospital staff and currently incarcerated people who, to this day, are still coping with the explicit, nuanced and compounded grief over the course of the pandemic.
Saturday Skate Sesh with Boardroom Skate
Saturday, October 30th | 10AM-12PM | Every Saturday
Join Boardroom Skate for a skate session every Saturday at Rand Courts. Beginners are welcome. Learn more here.
West Orange’s Halloween Hauntings
October 30th
The city of West Orange is planning Halloween Hauntings on Oct. 29th for a fun, family-friendly spooky day. Learn more here.
Beyond the Boogie Bash
October 30th | 11:30AM
The annual Beyond the BOOgie Bash is back. Wear your costume for the dance party and trick + treats. Sign up here.
L&B’s Halloween Contest
October 30th | 11AM-4PM
Join L&B Healthy Pet Markets on Saturday, October 30th for the annual Halloween costume contest. Please come with your dog or cat dressed in their Halloween costume for a picture in front of their brand new mural. The event will be sponsored by OC Raw frozen dog food and all contestants will get the chance to bring home a sample of OC Raw frozen sliders for free. 3 winners will be selected and those winners will be able to take home an entire bag of OC Raw. Learn more here.
1st Annual Newark’s Fall Festival
October 30th | 12PM-4PM
Mark your calendars for the first NDD Fall Festival happening on Saturday, October 30th, from 12PM – 4PM. Join the City of Newark for some free fun activities, live music, food, petting zoo, pony rides, and a Halloween costume contest. Fun for the whole family. The event will be at Military Park. Sign up here.
Aging in Montclair Saturday Social
Saturday, October 30th | 2PM
AIM’s next Saturday Social will be on October 30th at 2PM. Tai Chi instructor Pamela Leo will discuss and demonstrate Tai Chi Chuan (Supreme Ultimate Fist). Send response by Oct.28th to AginginmontclairAIM@gmail.com. Practicing Tai Chi can help to strengthen the mind and body,improve circulation and balance, increase flexibility, and promote mental agility.
Chinese Cooking Classes with Chef Gilley
Saturday, October 30th | 5PM | Recurring
Enjoy an authentic Chinese culinary experience led by Chef Gilley. In these live online cooking classes, you’ll experience training from Chef Gilley as you prepare a variety of classic Chinese recipes completely from scratch. Learn more here.
Brasil Paradise Grill’s Halloween Night
October 30th | 9PM
Brasil Paradise Grill in Montclair is hosting a Halloween night on October 30th at 9PM. Entrance is $50 per person and includes all you can eat Rodizio + a free bottle at your table. It is also BYOB. Everyone can bring their own costumes and there will be a DJ all night.
Frizque’s Halloween Boolesque Extravaganza
October 30th | 9PM-1AM
Frizque is hosting its Halloween Boolesque Extravaganza on Saturday, October 30th from 9:00PM-1:00AM at Chill, located at 310 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair. The Halloween party will have live entertainment including a DJ, both burlesque and boylesque acts, drag queen performances, a samba performance, delicious treats + more. Masks will be required for all attendees. There will also be a fun mask contest with one lucky winner at the end of the night. Make sure to let them know Hoboken Girl sent you.
Buy your tickets for Halloween Boolesque Extravaganza and learn more about Frizque.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, October 30th | 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.
Brown Harris Stevens’ Halloween Goodie Bags
October 31st
Make sure to stop by one of Brown Harris Stevens’ locations on Halloween to pick up a Halloween goodie bag. The Montclair location will have goodie bags available from 1PM-4PM and is located at 635 Valley Road. Learn more here.
Halloween Market at Montclair Brewery
October 31st | 11:30AM-3:30PM
Stop by Montclair Brewery for a Halloween Market. Learn more here.
Halloween Festival at Bloomfield Center
October 31st | 12PM-4PM
Bloomfield Center is full of thrills this Halloween on Washington Street. Stop by for a Haunted Maze, People and Pets Parade, and of course, candy. Learn more here.
LGBTQ+ Halloween Youth Party “Oh My Gourd”
Oct. 31st | 12PM-4PM
Join Edge NJ for the LGBTQ+ Halloween Youth Party, “Oh My Gourd”. The event is aimed for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13yrs – 17yrs. Costumes are optional. The event is located at 3 Executive Drive, Morris Plains. Learn more here.
Halloween Doggy Costume Contest at Montclair Brewery
October 31st | 2PM-7PM
Dress your dog up and strut down the stage at Montclair Brewery. Whoever gets the most votes wins, starting from 2PM-6PM with voting every hour. Dog treats, prizes to win, and of course petrifying pups. Come to win or come to watch. Learn more here.
Halloween Costume Party at Montclair Brewery
October 31st | 7PM-10:30PM
Pregame for Halloween at Montclair Brewery with live mixes by DJ Rebexx. Come in your best Halloween look for a chance to win a cool prize or just relax have a spooktacular time. Learn more here.
Motown Sunday Brunch at Sweet Southern Eatery
Sunday, October 31st
Head over to Sweet Southern Eatery every Sunday for live music during brunch. Learn more here.
Montclair’s Newest Public Art: Reverberations of Reawakenings
Ongoing
Local Artists Lauren Vroegindewey, Marguerite Kaufer, and Nicole Nuzzolo are pleased to present “Reverberations of Reawakenings,” a 35-by-8-ft. painted mural in partnership with Montclair Diner currently on view at 613 Valley Road.
Girls in Gear Assistant Coach
Now-Nov. 14th
The Dream Project is a non-profit funding organization committed to helping young girls through service and cycling. The cycling trips span thousands of miles across the country and help those in need along the way. The group is e looking for an assistant coach to help on Sundays for six weeks. The coach must be at least 16 years of age, have a bike and helmet, be able to commit to six Sundays in a row starting on Oct 10th, and be ready to help empower young girls looking to grow as community leaders. Learn more here.
Transitional Energy Exhibit at SOPAC
On View Now-Nov. 21st
Transitional Energy: Form, Shape, Color by Curtis Grayson, III is SOPAC’s newest exhibit for the fall season. Learn more here.
Tech/Know/Future/ From Slang to Structure Exhibition Now Open at Montclair State University Galleries
On View Now-December 11th
The Montclair State University Galleries will present the exhibition Tech/Know/Future/ From Slang to Structure from September 14 through December 11, 2021. The new exhibition is the Galleries’ first in-person offering in nearly two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tech/Know/Future/ From Slang to Structure is a critical response to technological systems within art addressing the issues of identity, history and abstraction, placing the viewer at the intersection of the past, present and future. Learn more here.
MAM Premieres New Exhibits
Ongoing
Head over to Montclair Art Museum for the opening event of four exhibits including Color Riot! How Color Changed Navajo Textiles. With Diné perspectives and the technical mastery of weavers at the heart of Color Riot!, this exhibition, featuring 70 bold artworks from 1860–1930 and the present, celebrates the courage and vision to experiment. Learn more here.
Essex County to Administer Covid-19 Booster Shots
Ongoing
Essex County announced that it will administer booster shots to those who are immunocompromised, by appointment only, at its vaccination centers at Kmart in West Orange and Essex County College in Newark. According to the CDC and the FDA, people are considered to have a compromised immune system if they are fighting a disease, undergoing medical treatments or have received an organ transplant. Appointments can be made at EssexCOVID.org or 973-877-8456. Learn more 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 becoming available on other platforms, featuring new indies, documentaries, foreign films, and restored classics, with new selections available every Friday. 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.
Kid/Teen Focused Events
Listen on the Lawn
Tuesday, Nov. 2nd | 11AM | Every Tuesday
Join The Montclair Public Library for an in-person storytime on the lawn at the Bellevue Avenue Branch. Rain dates are scheduled for Thursdays at the same time. Social distancing required. Registration is not required but is recommended for scheduling updates. Learn more here.
Cuentitos: Bilingual Spanish Storytime (ages 2-5)
Tuesday, Nov. 2nd | 4PM
Join The Montclair Public Library for a fun, bilingual Spanish story time session with live music. Children’s books will be read in Spanish and English along with an acoustic guitar and songs in Spanish. Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers are invited to join. Learn more here.
Upcoming Weekday Events
Bloomfield Farmer’s Market
Tuesday, Nov. 2nd | 3:30PM-6:30PM | Every Tuesday
Stop by the Bloomfield Farmers Market every Tuesday in front of the Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street, from 3:30PM-6:30PM. Learn more here.
South Orange Downtown Farmer’s Market
Wednesday, Nov. 3rd | 2PM-7PM | Every Wednesday
Check out the South Orange Farmers Market every Wednesday in the Sloan St. Lot from 2PM-7PM. Please remember to bring your reusable shopping bags with you. Learn more here.
Free Community Knitting Virtual Class
Wednesday, Nov. 3rd | 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
Catholic Charities of Newark | 976 Broad Street, Newark
A variety of options are available to support the community. Please contact Sharon Reilly-Tobin via email at stobin@ccannj.org to learn about the greatest needs. Learn more about this opportunity here.
Communities Promoting Animal Welfare in NJ | 41 Watchung Plaza, Montclair
An opportunity for even the busiest volunteer. With options to help from home, at school, in-person, and virtually, the entire community can help save animals in the area. Volunteers are needed to help educate the community on animal welfare, help organize events, transport animals to and from doctor’s visits, and more. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
Cultural Academic Student Exchange | 211 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Become a host family for the Cultural Academic Student Exchange (CASE) and house a student studying abroad. The CASE program is always in need of families of all backgrounds to help immerse international students into the culture of the area and to help navigate everyday life during their stay. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity here.
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