We are grateful that live, in-person events are becoming possible once again. Whether your organization is hosting in-person or virtual events, please add all of them to our calendar, regardless of the event date.

Stay safe, everyone!

May in Montclair Calendar of Events

Plan Ahead - These events require advance registration

EventEvent DateRegister by
A Spring Tea Luncheon Fundraiser05/11/202404/27/2024
Annual Mother's Day Concert at Van Vleck05/12/200405/10/2024
Montclair Film + StorySLAM: “IMMIGRATION STORIES”05/16/202405/16/2024
Montclair Film Presents Paul Giamatti In Conversation With Stephen Colbert06/29/202406/29/2024
April
24
Wednesday

BRING YOUR OWN BABY (BYOB) Matinee at The Clairidge!

Sponsored by Montclair Film. 486 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042. 10:00am. Come see a newly released film in an environment that’s friendly to parents and caregivers of new babies. Crying babies and nursing mothers welcomed. Socialize with other new parents and bond over the joys of parenthood.
No judgment. Just movies.

Film titles will be announced one week in advance. Lights will be dimmed but not off and the volume moderated. Guests are free to move around as needed. Children under 5 are free.
We’re all in the same boat. Sometimes you just need to get out of the house. No babysitters required.

Join us next on Wednesday, April 24 at 10:00am for CHALLENGERS.

This Program is Sponsored By New Moon Photography and Just Kidding Around. For more info: https://theclairidge.org/events/bring-your-own-baby-byob-matinee-at-the-clairidge/, kasey@montclairfilm.org, (973) 381-5588. $11 Matinee/ Children <5 FR.

April
26
Friday
May
1
Wednesday

May in Montclair Opening Ceremonies

Sponsored by May in Montclair. Watchung Plaza Park Montclair 07042. 12:30. Enjoy the Maypole Dance by students from Edgemont School. Musical performances by students from Edgemont School, Nishuane School, Northeast School and Watchung School For more info: Www.mayinmontclair.org. Free.

May
3
Friday

STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE: 25TH ANNIVERSARY

STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE: 25TH ANNIVERSARYSponsored by Montclair Film/ The Clairidge. 486 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042. Opens May 3! (Runs May 3rd- May 9th; times vary per show)
25th Anniversary Re-Release!

Experience the heroic action and unforgettable adventures of STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENANCE. See the first fateful steps in the journey of Anakin Skywalker. Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn discover nine-year-old Anakin, who is unusually strong in the Force. Anakin wins a thrilling Podrace and with it his freedom as he leaves his home to be trained as a Jedi. The heroes return to Naboo where Anakin and the Queen face massive invasion forces while the two Jedi contend with a deadly foe named Darth Maul. Only then do they realize the invasion is merely the first step in a sinister scheme by the re-emergent forces of darkness known as the Sith.

After the feature, fans will also get a special first look at STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE series coming to Disney+ June 2024.

Presented in Partnership with EAST SIDE MAGS. For more info: https://theclairidge.org/events/star-wars-episode-i-the-phantom-menace-25th-anniversary/, kasey@montclairfilm.org, 9733301306. Regular $15/ $11 Matinee.

Van Vleck Spring Plant Sale

Sponsored by The Montclair Foundation. 21 Van Vleck Street. 9:00 am. Our popular Spring Plant Sale always has a wide variety of stunning plants to make your garden beautiful. We have annuals, perennials, herbs, planters and more. The sale is free to visit and is held on The Bingham Formal Garden lawn rain or shine. The rest of the stunning gardens are open dawn to dusk daily so take a stroll around the property to get inspired before you take home some gorgeous plans from the sale.

Members enjoy a 10% discount on plant purchases at the sale. All proceeds fund the maintenance of our gardens.

Members preview: Thursday, May 2nd, 5:30 PM – 7:30PM
Public sale: Friday, May 3rd, 9AM – 4PM
Saturday, May 4th, 9AM – 4PM
Sunday, May 5th, 10AM – 4PM For more info: https://montclairfoundation.org/event/van-vleck-spring-plant-sale/2024-05-03/, Info@vanvleck.org, 9737444752. Free.

May
4
Saturday

Watchung Park & Plaza Mapmaking Workshop

Watchung Park & Plaza Mapmaking WorkshopSponsored by Judy Weston Garden. Watchung Park, 271 Midland Avenue, Montclair, NJ. 10:00 am. On May 4th at 10:00 am, the Judy Weston Garden @ Watchung Park is hosting a Walk and Wander workshop. Individuals and families are invited to join illustrator Elly Otharsson, in newly discovering a familiar Watchung Park and Plaza area and charting a favorite path. Participants will learn the basics of illustrated map making, explore the Watchung Park and Plaza area, and create their own unique maps and icons under Elly's guidance. No special artistic training needed — just a curiosity in connecting to your surroundings. For more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/watchung-park-and-plaza-map-workshop-tickets-879548512277?aff=ebdsoporgprofile, judywestongarden@gmail.com. Free. Rain date: 05/05/2024.

May
5
Sunday

2024 Walnut Street Fair

2024 Walnut Street FairSponsored by Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc.. Walnut Street, Montclair NJ. 11:00am. The 2024 Walnut Street Fair will be held on Sunday, May 5th from 11am to 4pm. Spread throughout the heart of Walnut Street in beautiful Montclair, NJ, the Walnut Street Fair features 250+ vendors and displays, food trucks, live music and performances, a family fun zone with Touch-A-Truck, and much more!!! For more info: walnutstreetfair@jlmn.org, 973-746-2499. Free. Rain date: 09/29/2024.

Trinity Place Arts Festival

Trinity Place Arts FestivalSponsored by The Salvation Army. 13 Trinity Place, Montclair, NJ 07042. 3:00. Please join us for a seasonal celebration of the arts by members of The Salvation Army in Montclair. Young and old, professional and amateur, painting photography, knitted works, woodcraft, and much more! There will be much to enjoy! There will be refreshments to purchase, proceeds will support Salvation Army services. For more info: https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/new-jersey/montclair/, michele.kroeze@use.salvationarmy.org, 973-718-2148. Free.

May
6
Monday

Monday Morning Yoga at Van Vleck House (Hybrid Class)

Monday Morning Yoga at Van Vleck House (Hybrid Class)Sponsored by The Montclair Foundation. 21 Van Vleck Street. 9:30 am. May 6th – June 24th (no class 5/27)
The class is in person and has a Zoom option to participate.
Join our welcoming community for a meditative yoga flow practice in the Van Vleck living room overlooking the charming courtyard gardens. All levels of yoga experience are welcome in this dynamic, inclusive class. Our teacher Jennifer Hondru-Celestin takes inspiration from the natural beauty around us to flow with the seasons, blending mindful movement, breath, meditation, and a good dose of humor and fun. This class welcomes all levels from beginner to experienced yogis. Bring your own yoga mat and props.
Register by the prior Friday, no drop-ins. Reservations / registration required. For more info: https://montclairfoundation.org/event/monday-morning-yoga-hybrid-in-person-virtual-early-spring/2024-04-22/, Info@vanvleck.org, 9737444752.

May
11
Saturday

A Spring Tea Luncheon Fundraiser

A Spring Tea Luncheon FundraiserSponsored by Montclair Women's Club and As Time Goes by - NJ Questers. 82 Union St. 11:00 am. Open to all with a sweet tooth! Bring friends and family to this fundraiser and traditional spring tea! Enjoy beautifully set tables at the historic Montclair Women's Club, piled high with scones, tea sandwiches and sumptuous desserts. Come enjoy a lovely afternoon, spent with members and new friends! Reservations / registration required by 04/27/2024. For more info: www.astimegoesbynj.com, mfeinberg1204@gmail.com, 7033954108. $50/person.

May
16
Thursday

Montclair Film + StorySLAM: “IMMIGRATION STORIES”

Sponsored by Montclair Film. 505 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042. 7:30pm. Whether you have something to say, or just want to listen, you won’t want to miss the return of Montclair Film’s StorySLAM! Each participant will have six minutes to relay their unique version of the theme. After presenting to a supportive audience, a team of judges will evaluate and score each story.


THURSDAY, MAY 16: IMMIGRATION STORIES
From heart-wrenching accounts of leaving loved ones behind, to uplifting tales of resilience and cultural integration; embark with us on a journey of Immigration Stories from our community members. Join us for a night of cultural celebration with a diverse storytelling tapestry of immigrant experiences, as varied and rich as the human experience itself.

Have a story to tell?  Apply to be a storyteller by May 3! Reservations / registration required by 05/16/2024. For more info: https://montclairfilm.org/events/storyslam/, info@montclairfilm.org. $15 Regular/ $11 Member.

May
17
Friday

Montclair Community Band - Music for May in Montclair

Montclair Community Band - Music for May in MontclairSponsored by Montclair Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. 100 Chestnut St, Montclair, NJ 07042. 7:30pm. The Montclair Community Band presents
Music for May in Montclair Spring Concert

Friday, May 17th at 7:30pm
Montclair High School Auditorium (directly across from 141 Park St.)
FREE ADMISSION - No tickets needed!

Selections include:
Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp
Philip Sparke's "Manhattan" for solo Trumpet
Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita" concert experience with Vocal soloist
Rimsky-Korsakov Trombone Concerto for solo Euphonium For more info: www.montclaircommunityband.org, 973-202-3233. Free.

May
19
Sunday

Lantern Festival for Justice & Remembrance

Lantern Festival for Justice & RemembranceSponsored by AAPI Montclair. Edgemont Park, Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ 07042. 6:00 PM. Join us on Sunday, May 19th at Edgemont Memorial Park for our fourth annual Lantern Festival for Justice and Remembrance.
(Rain Date: June 9th)

Help us light thousands of lanterns in remembrance of those harmed by violence and injustice, including anti-Asian hate. Let's stand together against all forms of hate and celebrate community and solidarity, and our shared goals of securing justice for all.

This inspiring evening will include a short program featuring local and state leaders, performances, live music, food trucks, community partner tables, activities for children, and the opportunity to dedicate luminaries with your own special message. For more info: https://aapimontclair.org/lantern-festival. Free. Rain date: 06/09/2024.

June
29
Saturday

Montclair Film Presents Paul Giamatti In Conversation With Stephen Colbert

Montclair Film Presents Paul Giamatti In Conversation With Stephen ColbertSponsored by Montclair Film & North To Shore Festival. 1 Center Street Newark, NJ 07102. Montclair Film, New Jersey’s leading film non-profit, is proud to announce that Paul Giamatti will join Stephen Colbert on stage at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in downtown Newark, NJ on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 8:00 PM as part of the second annual North To Shore Festival.  The pair will sit down for an unforgettable evening of conversation celebrating Mr. Giamatti’s award-winning career as one of our most beloved on-screen performers.

Tickets for Paul Giamatti + Stephen Colbert are available now, online at www.njpac.org and ticketmaster.com, by telephone at 1-888-GO-NJPAC (1-888-466-5722), and at the NJPAC Box Office at One Center Street in downtown Newark. More information about this event can also be found at montclairfilm.org.

This special evening is presented as part of the 2024 North To Shore Festival, featuring all the talent, diversity and creativity that New Jersey has to offer, packed into three extraordinary weekends of performances, screenings, parties and conversations in three of the state’s most iconic cities. Hosted by Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Newark, the North to Shore Festival brings together events at more than 100 venues for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey excellence, aligned with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s vision of a celebration worthy of the Garden State’s long legacy of innovation in the arts, film and technology. Reservations / registration required by 06/29/2024. For more info: https://montclairfilm.org/events/north-to-shore-a-conversation-with-stephen-colbert-and-special-guest/, kasey@montclairfilm.org. Pricing Varies*.