Community Corner
The Weekender: Music, Film, Fireworks and a Food Festival
Start planning this weekend's fun events
If you are staying local this holiday weekend, let Patch help you plan it right! Sure there are fireworks, and plenty of them, but if you are looking for something else to do we’ve got you covered as well.
Listed below you’ll find a round-up of live music events plus a food festival, an outdoor screening of Apollo 13 and loads more. Check our whole list and add anything we may have left out!
--Apollo 13 Screening on Church Street
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Where/When: Church Street & S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair NJ. Thursday, June 30 at 8:30pm. (Rain date July 8)
Why Go: The MIFF brings us another outdoor movie night with Apollo 13, the 1995 drama starring Tom Hanks based on the true story of near-disastrous 1970 moon mission. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the surroundings of a traffic-free Church Street!
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Pricing: Free
—Live Music at Terra
Where/When: Terra at the Isabel Rose located at the Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair NJ. Thursday, June 30 from 6pm to 8pm.
Why Go: Terra is continuing its live music events in its new library digs. Tonight, electric guitar quartet Bodies Electric is playing. Enjoy live music on the patio while snacking on fair trade treats.
Pricing: No Cover, tips for musicians appreciated
-- Festivities & Fireworks at Verona High School
Where/When: , 151 Fairview Ave, Verona, NJ (field) Thursday, June 30. Festivities begin at 7:00pm, fireworks at dusk.
Why Go: A live DJ and food start the evening off, followed by a fantastic fireworks display at dusk.
Pricing: free
--Acoustic Showcase Night at Tierney’s
Where/When: , 136-138 Valley Rd., Montclair. Thursday June 30 at 9pm.
Why Go: The amps are off, but the music prevails for an acoustic showcase, hosted by Mia and Ilsa of the folk/rock band Mingle
Pricing: No Cover
--Sunset Classic http://www.sunsetclassic.org
Where/When: Race day registration and festivities at Memorial Park/Foley Field on JFK Drive, Bloomfield NJ. Thursday, June 30 from 5pm to 9pm. (The 5 mile road race starts at 7:30pm near Investors Savings Bank at 347 Broad Street, Bloomfield NJ)
Why Go: The 23rd annual Sunset Classic is back with race options for everyone. There will be kids infield sprints, a 1-mile fun run and a 5-mile road race. The event will include prizes, Sunset Classic tee shirts and great food. Proceeds will benefit the Bloomfield Educational Foundation.
Pricing: 5 Mile Run $27 (includes a collared shirt), 1 Mile $10 (includes tee shirt), Kids Sprints $5 (includes tee shirt). Register the day of the event, download an application here.
-- U.S. Military Academy Band Concert and Fireworks
Where/When: , 473 Watchung Ave, Bloomfield, NJ.
Friday, July 1 at 7:30pm
Why Go: Kick off your 4th of July festivities with a true American concert. The nationally acclaimed 48 member U.S. Military Academy Band plays live with fireworks topping off the evening.
Pricing: Free
—Live Blues at Ruthie’s
Where/When: Ruthie's Bar-B-Q, 64 1/2 Chestnut St., Montclair. Friday, July 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Why Go: The food at Ruthie's (great BBQ and Pizza) stands on its own, but combined with stellar bands and atmosphere, it's an elevated evening for sure. This Friday Rich Reiter plays live.
Pricing: No Cover, BYOB.
Where/When: Palazzo, S. Fullerton Ave, Montclair NJ. Friday July 1 at 7pm.
Why Go: Dine on Palazzo’s delicious Italian and old world cuisine amidst live jazz. On Friday, Betty Liste (Piano) and Ethan O’Reilly (Bass) perform.
Pricing: No cover
-- Body & Soul live at HLS
Where/When: HLS Restaurant 387 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair NJ. Saturday, July 2 from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
Who Go: If you like your jazz youthful and your food fresh, check out HLS this Saturday. The local band Body & Soul will play love, headed up by Jazz House Kids alumni Alex Parchment.
Pricing: No Cover
--Naked Twister at Just Jake’s
Where/When: Just Jakes, 30 Park Street, Montclair. Friday, July 1 at 10 p.m.
Why Go: It’s a band, not a freaky game night, but sure to be just as much fun. Naked Twister plays favorite covers and Just Jake’s serves up bar food and beer specials. There will be $2.50 Bud Lights & $3.50 Blue Moon pints after 8pm.
Pricing: Cover TBD
--2nd Annual Downtown Blues & Food Festival
Where/When: Cherry St & Franklin Ave, West Orange, NJ.
Friday, July 1 from 7pm to 11pm. (Rain date July 2)
Why Go: West Orange restaurants will be showing off their delicious dishes at the Taste of Downtown Food Court. Sample various foods while enjoying live music throughout the event.
Pricing: Free admission, price for food varies
—Sensory Friendly Film Cars 2
Where/When: AMC Theaters, 67 Willowbrook Blvd, Wayne. Saturday, July 2 at 10 a.m.
Why Go: AMC Theatres and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. Movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing—in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Pricing: $4 – $6 depending on location. For more information go here.
-- Cedar Grove Fireworks Celebration
Where/When: , 90 Rugby Rd, Cedar Grove, NJ (Athletic Field) Saturday, July 2 at 7:00pm.
Why Go: Cedar Grove Recreation is hosting the annual 4th of July Fireworks. Gates to the field open at 7pm and fireworks begin after dusk. Rain date is July 3.
Pricing: Free
-- Montclair 4th of July Parade and Picnic
Where/When: S. Park Street and Bloomfield Ave., Montclair NJ. Monday July 4 at 11am. (Picnic from 1pm to 3pm at Edgemont Park on Valley Road.)
Why Go: It was a close call, but the annual 4th of July Parade is a go! The 1.6-mile route begins on Bloomfield Ave and S. Park Street, then travels west on Bloomfield Avenue to Midland Avenue, continuing to Watchung Avenue, west to Valley Road and ending at Edgemont Park with the picnic. The Picnic will have food available from Church Street Caterers, plus music and family activities.
Pricing: Free
-- Montclair Fireworks Celebration
Where/When: Yogi Berra Stadium (Montclair State University campus at the intersection of Valley Road and Normal Avenue) Monday, July 4. Gates open at 6:30pm; fireworks begin at 9:15pm.
Why Go: It doesn’t get any more American than fireworks in a baseball stadium named for one of the sport’s greatest legends and Montclair’s hometown hero.
Pricing: Free admission, the concession stand will be open for refreshment purchases.
(For a more complete listing of fireworks in nearby towns, go .)
-- State Fair Meadowlands and 4th of July Fireworks
Where/When: 50 State Highway 120, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. Friday, June 24 through Sunday July 10. Mon-Thur 6pm to 12am, Friday 6pm to 2am, Saturday 2pm to 2am and Sunday 2pm to 12pm.
Why Go: The State Fair Meadowlands is celebrating its 25th year with loads of entertainment, rides, food and more. There will be a special fireworks show on July 4th. Go here for more details.
Pricing: All Tickets Include Free Live Entertainment. Children less than 34 inches tall are admitted free but must have a ticket to ride.
Monday through Thursday, Persons 13 & Older - $7.00 Children 12 and Under and Senior Citizens - $5.00 Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays Persons 13 & Older - $9.00 Children 12 & Under and Senior Citizens - $6.00. Parking is $4
-- Red White and Blue Zoo Day
Where/When: , 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ. Sunday, July 3 from 11:00am–4:00pm.
Why Go: The Zoo is honoring the 4th of July animal style! Come learn about Native American animals, plus enjoy live music, a treasure hunt and more.
Pricing: Adults $10, Children and Seniors, $7, Children under 2 free.
-- Annual Lefty Boland Fun Meet & Rotary BBQ& Fireworks
Where/When: , 51 Conforti Ave, West Orange, NJ. Monday, July 4, 5:30pm.
Why Go: This annual event is 4th of July fun for the whole family. The day includes races, pony rides, a kid zone, balloon toss, eating contests, and much more. There will also be live music by Mushmouth at 7pm and fireworks of course!
Pricing: Free admission
