No matter the time of year, Montclair boasts all sorts of community gatherings. From a film festival to an art walk to a pride parade, there’s an event for every current or soon-to-be resident to enjoy. To keep you in the loop, The Montclair Girl has created a seasonal guide to Montclair’s most anticipated events and festivals. Read on for a list of annual Montclair events all residents should know about.
Fall Events
Montclair Art Walk
Residents can explore the town’s art scene at the annual Montclair Art Walk, which typically happens in the fall. All kinds of local galleries and businesses are usually in attendance, and the event features talks, performances, classes, live mural paintings, and more. The 2025 dates and details have yet to be announced.
Read More: 42 Spring Festivals in Montclair + Northern New Jersey for 2025
Montclair Film Festival
The beloved Montclair Film typically hosts the annual Montclair Film Festival, a multi-day event showcasing special screenings, panels, and notable events, in the fall. The upcoming 2025 festival — its 14th edition — has yet to be announced. Screenings typically take place at The Wellmont Theater (5 Seymour Street) and The Clairidge (486 Bloomfield Avenue).
Scarecrows + Pumpkin Friends in the Gardens at Van Vleck
Scarecrows + Pumpkin Friends in the Garden is a community exhibit and contest presented by Van Vleck House and Gardens, typically running from October to November. In 2024, locals entered their scarecrow designs in the following categories: family, scouts, local businesses, nonprofits, and schools/classes. One winner was selected from each group, and each winner chose a nonprofit organization to receive a donation from The Montclair Foundation. Details regarding the sixth annual Scarecrows + Pumpkin Friends in the Garden have yet to be announced.
Upper Montclair Sidewalk Sale
Locals can shop and support small businesses at the Upper Montclair Sidewalk Sale, which has been hosted annually for 47 seasons. Hosted by Upper Montclair Business Association, last year’s event took place in September and featured 35 different businesses selling clothing, food, accessories, art, and more.
Zombie Walk
The Zombie Walk is an annual tradition where Montclair residents dress in their best zombie attire and parade around the town. The 2024 Zombie Walk was hosted by East Side Mags in partnership with Indie Arts Montclair, Fresco Artistry, and Out Montclair. Participants also had the option to get their spooky makeup done by professional makeup artists. Details about this year’s event has yet to be posted.
Holiday Events
Essex County Holiday House Tour
Every year, Essex County opens up its most historical homes, sites, and structures for public tours. The Essex County Holiday House Tour, hosted by the Essex County Division of Cultural + Historic Affairs and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., is a family-friendly event and typically runs during one weekend throughout the county in December. Last year’s tour featured 12 properties in Montclair, Cedar Grove, Nutley, Bloomfield, Verona, Upper Montclair, Livingston, West Orange, Caldwell, Newark, and South Orange. Details for this year’s event have yet to be announced.
Holiday Tree Lightings
The Township of Montclair hosts multiple tree lighting ceremonies throughout different neighborhoods each holiday season. For 2024, locals saw the Montclair light up in festive colors in the Upper Montclair Business District, the town’s beloved Edgemont Park, and the South End. The lightings typically feature goodies like treats, raffle baskets, carolers, performances, kids’ activities, and, occasionally, visits from Ol’ Saint Nick himself. Dates for the 2025 holiday tree lighting ceremonies have not been announced yet.
Montclair’s Winter Wonderland
Photo Credit: Montclair Center
The Winter Wonderland, located at Wellmont Plaza, is an annual event where Montclair locals can enjoy a day of shopping, live music, kids’ crafts, character appearances, and more. It usually occurs sometime in November and happens on a Small Business Saturday. Last year’s event included a Gift Guide Map, featuring over 70 local businesses providing special holiday deals. The details for the 2025 Winter Wonderland have yet to be announced.
Montclair Flea Holiday Market
The Montclair Flea Holiday Market is a festive shopping extravaganza every winter season at Lackawanna Station, located at 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair. Come the end of November or early December, residents can look forward to locally-owned micro-businesses and merchants, featuring a mix of food + drinks, music, art, and shopping. The dates for the 2025 season have yet to be announced.
Spring + Summer Events
AAPI Color Run
With a mission to uplift the experiences of AAPI people and promote awareness and education about AAPI culture and history, AAPI New Jersey hosts all kinds of events throughout the year, including its annual Color Run. This 5K race and a 1-mile Fun Run is a celebration of spring festivals and events in the AAPI community, including Holi and Songkran. The 2025 event will take place on Sunday, April 27th, in a closed course at Brookdale Park in Bloomfield from 8:30AM-11:30AM. The 5K starts at 8:30AM, and the Fun Run kicks off at 10AM.
AAPI Lantern Festival
Also hosted by the nonprofit organization AAPI New Jersey is the AAPI Lantern Festival, a community event where locals can create and dedicate lanterns in honor of important people in their lives. The fifth annual Lantern Festival returns for the 2025 season on May 17th from 6PM to 10PM at Edgemont Memorial Park on Valley Road in Montclair. This year’s event, which encompasses the theme is Justice and Unity, will feature art installations, food trucks, children’s activities, and live music “inspired by Asian American and other song traditions of liberation and resistance,” as per AAPI New Jersey.
African-American Heritage Parade + Festival
The Montclair African-American History + Culture Parade and Festival, first established in 1990, is an annual event that honors the town’s African-American heritage and historical contributions. Each year, the festival begins with a town-wide parade, and two prominent Montclair locals are appointed as Grand Marshals. After the parade, the festival continues in Nishuane Park, located at 48 High Street, featuring live performances, art exhibitions, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. For 2025, the festival will take place on June 7th. More details to come.
Montclair Earth Fest
With a goal of encouraging environmentally conscious practices, Montclair hosted its Earth Fest celebration for the first time last year. The event has returned for 2025 and will take place on Sunday, April 27th, from 12PM to 4PM at South Street Park, between Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street. Attendees can expect to see booths from eco-friendly local businesses + nonprofits and demos showcasing electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances, and more.
Montclair Film Summer Series: Movie Night Under the Stars
Montclair Film hosts Movie Night Under the Stars, as part of its Summer Series, every year throughout July and August in various Essex County parks. The 16th annual event has yet to be announced, but last year’s featured outdoor screenings of hit films like Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Richard Jared Hess’s Napoleon Dynamite.
Montclair Flea Markets
Photo Credit: Montclair Flea
Montclair Flea is a local flea market operating in the spring and summer months at Lackawanna Station, located at 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair. This year, the market will run every Saturday and Sunday from May 11th to July 20th between 11AM and 6PM, except for Memorial Day weekend and the weekend of July 4th. Each market will have a theme, from Mother’s Day to Vintage Vibes, to A Father’s Day ExtravaDADza.
Montclair Jazz Festival
The Montclair Jazz Festival, hosted by Jazz House Kids, features several jazz-themed events and live music performances throughout the summer. In years past, this festival included a Sound Check series, an Uptown Showcase at Montclair State, and an Outdoor Concert Series at The Wellmont Arts Plaza. The festival always ends with its Downtown Jamboree, a grand finale celebration. The 2025 dates have yet to be announced.
Montclair July 4th Parade
Every July 4th, the Montclair Township hosts a July 4th parade featuring marching bands, floats, antique cars, bubble dancers, and more. Following the parade, there’s typically a community picnic where attendees can enjoy food trucks, music, games, and activities at Edgemont Park. Specifics regarding the 2025 parade have not been announced yet.
Montclair Literary Fest
The Montclair Literary Festival was first launched in 2016 by the Montclair-based nonprofit, Succeed2gether. The festival as a whole raises funds and awareness for the organization. Every year, over 90 local, national, and international authors take part in the series of events across Montclair. This year, the event will occur from April 26th to May 3rd. See the festival lineup and details here.
Montclair Porchfest
The first-ever Montclair Porchfest, an event where neighborhood porches turn into live music venues, will take place on Saturday, May 17th, from 12PM to 7PM. A few of the participating musicians include Vintage 135, Camino Sound, BREAKTIME, Jacqueline Ellis, and Jason Didner. From 7PM to 10PM, there will be a main stage with a final act on Bloomfield Avenue, featuring food + retail vendors and local businesses. The exact location has yet to be announced.
Montclair Pride Festival
The annual Montclair Pride festival, hosted by non-profit Out Montclair, will take place on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, from 12PM to 6PM in the Downtown area. This event will include three stages of live entertainment, a beer garden stocked with beer, wine, bubbly, and cocktails, food + drink vendors, food trucks, LGBTQ+ owned businesses, artisans, crafters, and community organizations, and a family zone featuring games, activities, and performances. There will also be a street dance party from 6PM-8PM with DJ Vito Fun, followed by an after-party starting at 9PM (location TBD).
Montclair Run
Photo Credit: YMCA of Montclair
The Montclair YMCA has hosted a family-friendly 10K grand prix run + 2-mile fun run/walk since 1983. The 42nd annual run + walk will take place on Sunday, June 1st, at 8AM and start at the YMCA of Montclair, located at 25 Park Street. For more details on this year’s event, see here.
Walnut Street Fair
Montclair’s Walnut Street Fair is an annual town-wide event doubling as a fundraiser for the Junior League of Montclair-Newark. For 2025, it will take place on Walnut Street, from Grove Street to Forest Street, on May 4th from 11AM to 4PM. The highlights of this free fair consist of over 300 local food + drink and artisan vendors, including a wide variety of Montclair-based businesses, two stages of musical performances, a Family Fun Zone, and a beer garden.
Year-Round Events
Montclair Farmer’s Market
Throughout the year, locals can shop for produce, meats, poultry, fish, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, decor, and more at the Montclair Farmers’ Market. This market can be found at Walnut Street Station, located at 86 Walnut Street, from June to November, between 8AM to 2PM, and from December to May, between 9AM to 1PM.
Bonus
2025 Home + Garden Tour
The Women’s Club of Glen Ridge hosts an annual Home + Garden Tour each year. For 2025, attendees can tour five modern and historical homes and four luxurious gardens on May 4th from 1PM to 5:30PM. After the tour, the group will meet at the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge’s clubhouse for its traditional champagne reception, featuring sweets and boutique vendors. See details and get tickets here.
Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival
When the spring season rolls around, there’s one particular event all locals look forward to. The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, which just came around for its 49th year, takes place typically in mid-April at Branch Brook Park in Newark. The festival features family-friendly events such as the Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race, Cherry Blossom 10K Run, Essex County One-Mile Fun Run, Essex County Family Day, and more. Stay tuned for the 2026 dates, which will be its 50th year running.
Maplewood Dickens Village
Every holiday season, Dickens Village comes to life in downtown Maplewood. Come December, Ricalton Square is transformed into a small village of homes depicting various scenes from the novel A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The month-long event also features seasonal festivities like photos with Santa, a menorah, tree lightings, a petting zoo, and wagon rides. The 2025 details have not been announced yet.
See More: 40 Annual Events That All Hoboken + Jersey City Residents Should Know About
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
The Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange is an annual event happening through November and December. During the holiday season, Essex County locals can experience over 100,000 lights and a variety of holiday-themed activities. The 2025 dates and details have yet to be posted.
25 Spots to Check Out in Chatham, New Jersey
Road trips in New Jersey are a popular activity for families and friends. Exploring different towns is a joyful way to learn the state's history, try different restaurants, hike through county parks, shop, and enjoy the towns’ arts, theatre, and culture. Cape May is a stunning beach town with historical Victorian homes in South Jersey. Hoboken, right across the river from New York City, is thriving with stores, restaurants, and a beautiful promenade along the Hudson River. When The Montclair Girl is looking for the quintessential, charming, small-town experience, surrounded by natural beauty, we look no further than Chatham. Read more about Chatham and what to see and do while there.
About Chatham Township
Chatham Township was founded in 1806. It is surrounded by the Passaic River, rolling hills, and the Protected Swamp and Marshlands. In 1837, the Morris and Essex Railroad lines were built. This connected more people to the area, forcing new townships to emerge. These townships became present-day Chatham, Madison, and Florham Park.
The prominent Noe Family settled in Chatham in 1770, and their influence in Chatham can still be seen today. In the 1870s and 1880s, the family was known for their beautiful greenhouses, and specifically the very rare American Beauty Rose, with a five-foot stem that they grew. They also owned the famous Noe Pond. In 1955, the family turned the pond and surrounding land into a swimming and family activities community club. Noe Pond Club was purchased in 2022 and remains a club that includes pickleball, tennis, and a beautiful pond in which to swim.
Chatham also shares forty acres of Morris County Park, the largest county park in New Jersey, with just over 20,611 acres to explore. In 1959, the Port Authority considered this part of New Jersey as the location to build a new airport. Through the efforts and donations of all Morris County municipalities, the land was secured to protect wildlife and serve the wilderness.
Read More: 15 Cool Spots to Visit in Millburn, New Jersey
Visitors can explore the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham. To locate the center, head to 247 Southern Boulevard, where there will be a marked sign.
Follow the road until the end, where visitors will find the Education Center. The drive through is tree-filled, and the sound of wildlife embraces you. Two miles of trails and a boardwalk allow visitors to observe the swamps and marsh. Make sure to check the website for seasonal programs and activities here.
The center of Chatham’s downtown area is the crossroads of Main Street and N-S Passaic Avenue. Here, you can find shopping, a theater, coffee shops, and restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
Downtown Chatham
A Taste Of Asia | 245 Main Street
A Taste Of Asia began in Montclair in 1995. It was the first Malaysian restaurant in New Jersey. In 2000, the family opened their second restaurant in Chatham. Although the Montclair restaurant is closed, you can be sure Montclairians travel to Chatham regularly to enjoy the delicious food. Every dish on the menu is made to order, and a special menu celebrating each season is updated four times a year. There are gluten and wheat-free menus, and vegetarian options are abundant. We suggest The Tangerine Tofu. The Dim Sum menu is endless, and there is a Real Authentic Spicy menu for those who like it hot.
The Blue Iris Boutique | 100 Main Street
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The Blue Iris Boutique is located in a historic home that is as unique and stylish as the clothing inside. The boutique celebrates modern designers, such as Lanvin, Momoni, and Alberta Ferretti, just to name a few. The owner, Iris, curates the vintage clothing from her private collection, which she collects while visiting her family in Italy and traveling through Paris. Expect pieces from Valentino, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and more. There is an eclectic and art-worthy collection of jewelry, scarves, belts, bags, and shoes, all beautifully displayed. Iris’s eye for mixing modern and vintage pieces is extraordinary, and she knows just how to help her clients find that special piece of clothing that will speak to them for years.
Bucky’s Pizza | 465 Main Street
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Bucky’s Pizza is known for its Detroit-style pizza, Calzones, and creative NY-style round Pies. Stop by for a slice or an order to go, but get there early, as it has a strong following.
Charley’s Aunt Restaurant | 8 South Passaic Avenue
Charley’s Aunt Restaurant is across the street from Quartet, at 8 South Passaic Avenue. It is a great place to have a cocktail or meal before or after a show at The Chatham Playhouse, right down the street. Charley’s is a favorite of locals and newcomers alike. Patrons can slide up to the bar and try the famous steak burger while watching a game on TV, or sit in the welcoming restaurant, surrounded by history, and enjoy a fabulous lunch or dinner. There is also outdoor seating with heaters.
The Chatham Playhouse | 23 North Passaic Avenue
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The Chatham Playhouse brings the theater to Chatham. It is within walking distance of Main Street. The Chatham Players have put on shows such as You Are a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Lost in Yonkers, Sideways, A Christmas Carol, and musical collections from famous composers. Tickets are available for sale here, and make sure to follow it on Instagram for up-to-date announcements.
Chatham Scoops Ice Cream Shop | 228 Main Street
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Ice Cream fans must visit Chatham Scoops Ice Cream Shop at 228 Main Street. Scoops, which opened in 2019, serves Gifford’s World Famous Slow Churned Ice Cream from Maine. We recommend the Sea Salt Caramel ice cream. There is a separate room for parties and events, and in the summer, a walk-up window is accessible from the outside. Make sure to say hello to the owner, Terry McCabe, who is also the President of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce. He is welcoming and has a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of Chatham.
Fleur de Sel Patisserie + Bistro | 265 Main Street
For a French patisserie or quiche and salad for lunch, Fleur de Sel Patisserie + Bistro is the perfect French escape to drink a handcrafted coffee or tea while enjoying a croissant or macarons. They also serve soups and sandwiches, along with a daily brunch menu. The owner, Patricia Etel Khawand, makes everything from scratch daily and prides herself on using only the freshest and top ingredients. There is also a large selection of cakes, cookies, and freshly baked breads. The Montclair Girl loved the lemon madeleines and took a baguette to go.
Gregorio’s Restaurant | 255 Main Street
Gregorio’s Restaurant, specializes in Italian Mediterranean cuisine. It is located at 255 Main Street. Gergorio’s recently was awarded Open Table’s Diner Choice award. Considering the full tables and mouth-watering menu, it comes as no surprise.
Jabberwocky Toys | 261 Main Street
Jabberwocky Toys has been a long-loved staple in Chatham for over thirty years. Jabberwocky has more than just toys. There is a large variety of children’s books, puzzles, educational games, crafts, and so much more. The team also provides gift wrapping and are more than willing to help pick out the perfect present for any child.
Mitsuba Japanese Cuisine | 237 Main Street
This traditional Japanese restaurant serves noodle dishes, hibachi, sushi rolls, sashimi, and great lunch specials. A couple of creative and playful dishes are The Japanese Pizza, featuring a crispy pancake with sliced salmon, and The Yellowtail Carpaccio.
Namkeen | 233 Main Street
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Namkeen also known as The Hot Chicken Joint, is one of four locations. The Chatham location is at 233 Main Street. They are known for its famous Nashville Sandwich, which features fried chicken and chipotle aioli served on a brioche bun. For a creative twist on chicken and waffles, try the Clucking Waffle Sandwich. Namkeen also serves a selection of sides, wings, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese.
Quartet | 9 South Passaic Avenue
Quartet is a charming boutique with something for everyone. The welcoming boutique provides a stunning selection of home furnishings, tableware, gifts, and a variety of apparel and jewelry. Shoppers can stop by for a new summer dress, and be prepared to leave with the perfect hostess gift, a cashmere sweater, and the serving platter you have been looking for for months.
Sorriso Kitchen | 225 Main Street
Sorriso Kitchen is one of Chatham’s favorite breakfast, lunch, and brunch restaurants. Sorriso, which means smile in Italian, is a great place for friends and family to eat and spend time together. The owners, The Bella Family, inspired by their son LJ, who has Down Syndrome, have also dedicated their restaurant as a teaching space for young, developmentally disabled adults to prepare them for employment in their communities. Sorriso’s Chef Ryan Chatfield highlights farm-to-table dishes using the freshest ingredients. Be sure to check out their chef-tasting dinners and Art nights.
T.M. Ward Coffee | 255 Main Street
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When strolling through Chatham, stop at T.M. Ward Coffee. Ward Coffee imports and roasts its own coffee. The Montclair Girl enjoyed the cold brew s'mores-flavored coffee. The store serves a wide variety of coffee flavors, teas, and biscotti. It also provides gift baskets, a variety of condiments, jars of honey, and accessories for making the perfect cup of coffee at home.
Yestertoys | 240 Main Street
Yestertoys is a fantastical store showcasing every collectible one can imagine from childhood. From 80’s movie relics to action figures, boy band dolls, Smurfs, and more, there is something for every generation to share.
Two01 Hair Salon | 7 South Passaic Avenue
Two 01 Hair Salon is a chic salon perfect for a blowout, haircut, or completely new style. It is the owner, Ashley Branda’s, second location. Her success with the first Two 01 Hair Salon, located at 728 Grand Street, Hoboken, inspired her to branch out, and Chatham couldn’t be happier.
Watchung Avenue Section of Chatham
Make sure to visit Watchung Avenue, near River Road, and spend the afternoon. Activities in the area include rock climbing and ping pong, which are conveniently located in the same building.
Gravity Vault | 40 Watchung Avenue
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Gravity Vault has 15,000 feet of climbing, bouldering, and fun. It features rope stations, rappel walls, kid-friendly options, new-to-climbing classes, and youth or adult climbing classes. The facility also includes a training space, lounge, and party room.
Nicholas Rizzo Fine Arts | 32 Watchung Avenue
Stroll through Nicholas Rizzo Fine Arts, located at 32 Watchung Avenue, where local and international artists are displayed in the gallery.
Pascarella Brothers | 34 Watchung Avenue
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After working up a sweat and an appetite from climbing and ping-ponging, go next door to Pascarella Brothers Delicatessen. It is a staple in Chatham and a true representative of New Jersey delis in all the best ways. Anthony and Gino Pascarella are magic behind the counter, serving salads, classic submarine sandwiches, and daily specials inspired by their years of working in delis and the influence of their mother’s cooking. MG suggests the famous Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich for breakfast. For lunch, try the Chicken Napolitano, which is made with grilled chicken, pesto, sundried tomatoes, and asiago cheese. There is also a gluten-free menu, and the deli is ServSafe Certified.
PingPod | 40 Watchung Avenue
Ping Pong enthusiasts and those new to the sport will enjoy PingPod inside The Strand Tennis Center, located at 40 Watchung Avenue. Guests can reserve a table online to enjoy the ease of contactless check-in. Coaching and classes are available, and patrons can connect with other Pingpod players to arrange a game.
See More: We Visited Every Rest Stop on the GSP; Here’s What We Liked at Each
Twin Elephant Brewing Company | 13 Watchung Avenue
Twin Elephant Brewing Company is the brainchild of four friends who grew up together. The artisanal menu of Als and IPAs is as special as the welcoming, unique environment in which they are served. Community, coming together, and friendship are strongly encouraged upon arrival. Be sure to experience the outdoor beer garden as well.
