Tap and Tango and Tasting This Weekend

The much-anticipated Grapes of Wrath fundraiser is finally upon us! There’s also a classical music concert, tap and tango dancing, chocolate tasting, and a 5K marathon. Whew!

We also rounded up fun for the whole family with two exciting museum events, a kid’s DIY workshop, unique movies and more. With or without kids, we have you covered!

Have something else in mind? Tell us in the comments section and enjoy getting out!

—Chocolate Tango

Where/When: The Chocolate Path, 94 Walnut Street, Montclair. Friday, April 1 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Why Go: Wine and Cheese is too predictable, so try Chocolate and Tango instead. Sip, nibble (and likely gobble) delicious chocolate treats while learning the Tango. Reservations are required.

Pricing: $25. Buy tickets here.       

—NJTAP Presents Tap Connection

Where/When: , 467 Franklin St, Bloomfield (Westminster Arts Center) at 8 p.m.

Why Go: If you are in the mood for a rollicking dance show full of energy and sizzle, then Tap Connection should not disappoint. The New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble (NJTAP) presents their style of Rhythm tap in a live performance. Fancy a preview? Check out this clip from a show.

Pricing: $20 (General) $15 (Seniors/Students (w/ID).

—Grapes of Wrath Wine Tasting

Where/Where: Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Saturday, April 2 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Why Go: Amanti Vino has chosen an impressive line-up of wines to sample and popular newcomer Salute will provide the tasty fare. Help ensure Montclair Library’s strong and vibrant presence in our community by attending this much-anticipated fundraiser. 

Pricing: $85 to $135 per person. For ticket descriptions or to purchase tickets go here.

—Anime Film Screening at Sugee!

Where/When: Sugee! 107 Watchung Ave, Montclair. Friday, April 1 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Why Go: Join fellow anime devotees for an evening of the Black Lagoon Eps 1 – 4.  

Pricing: $5, includes refreshments.

—Shanghai Quartet at MSU

Where/When: 1 Normal Ave, Upper Montclair, at the Alexander Kasser Theater. Saturday, April 2 at 8 p.m.

Why Go: The sublime Shanghai Quartet is back at MSU, this time featuring music by English composer Frank Bridge. Also included will be Mozart’s Quartet K. 465 “Dissonance” and Bartok’s Quartet no. 6. Weigang Li on violin, 
Yi-Wen Jiang on violin, Honggang Li on viola, and Nicholas Tzavaras on cello are the Shanghai Quartet.

Pricing: $15 to purchase tickets go here.

—ARC of Essex 5K Run/2 Mile Walk

Where/When: Brookdale Park, 473 Watchung Ave, Bloomfield.  Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m. (Registration is from 8:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.)

Why Go: Come out to support the ARC of Essex. Highlights of the day include the National Anthem sung by one of the ARC program participants, snacks, DJ and random prizes. Families, children, strollers and pets on leashes are welcome. Registration can be done online by visiting here.

Pricing: Same day registration is $25.

—Celebrate spring at Van Vleck House and Gardens

Where/When: , 21 Van Vleck St., Montclair. Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Why Go: OK, it might not feel like spring entirely, but families can still get in the spirit with a fun day at Van Vleck. Meet a red-tailed hawk and a barred owl, make a bird feeder, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the gardens.

Pricing: $15 early family registration, $20 family registration day of.

—Kids Workshop at Home Depot

Where/When: Home Depot 60 Orange Street, Bloomfield, and 955 Bloomfield Ave., Clifton. Saturday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Why Go: Kids ages 5 to 12 can have their own DIY fun at a Home Depot workshop. Participants will make a planter/basket by learning do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, and an achievement pin.

Pricing: Free.

—Bird Day: Skies Alive Family Festival

Where/When: The Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark. Saturday, April 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Why Go: A day truly for the birds—and you! The Newark Museum has put together a packed day of all things birds. Participants will make bird-related crafts, play bird bingo, learn how to use binoculars and identify birds—and for the brave families, owl pellet dissection! There’s also face painting, and lots of interactive programs. Check out this podcast for a sneak peek
.

Pricing: Free with suggested admission. Suggestion Admission is $10 Adults, $6 Children, Seniors & Students. Free for Members. Go here for more information.

—NAEYC Family Festival & Gallery Show

Where/When: The Community Children’s Museum, 77 East Blackwell Street, Dover. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Why Go: April is month of the young child and the Community Children’s Museum is having a free family festival to celebrate! Visitors will enjoy Guitar Bob, Merry Musician Miss Gen, Jay Jay the Balloon Guy, Arts and Crafts and a young children's art show. Don’t forget to tour and explore some of the great exhibits the museum has to offer like Van Gogh’s “Bedroom” and John Glenn’s Space Capsule.

Pricing: Free admission all day!

—Sensory Friendly Film Hop

Where/When: AMC Theaters, 495 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, and 67 Willowbrook Blvd, Wayne. Saturday, April 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.

—Parent’s Night Out

Where/When: Geyer Family YMCA, 159 Glenridge Ave., Montclair. Saturday, April 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Why Go: Do you really need a reason? OK, you get a great night out alone and your kids get gym, swim, art, and story time in a place they know and love—The Family Y. The nursery is open for infants and toddlers as well.  Kids ages 6 months to kindergarten welcome. 

Pricing: Members $30/ child $15 each additional sibling, nonmembers $40/child $15 each additional sibling. Call 973-783-7640 for more information or to register.