Arts & Entertainment
The Weekender: Cherry Blossom Fest, Night Moves at the Zoo
Don't miss these family friendly events in the area this weekend
Kick off a great weekend with a screening of Titanic by the MIFF or slink around the zoo in the dark at Night Moves. Saturday brings two egg hunts, a Fancy Nancy Party, the Y’s Annual Healthy Kids Day and so much more.
No kids? Don’t miss one of Montclair’s favorite bands (The Porchistas) at one of the town’s favorite watering holes (Tierney’s) for a jumping live CD release show. Or, take advantage of a free museum tour, and finally get over to see the Warhol exhibit at MAM.
Sunday is no day to slouch either, with the Bloomfest extravaganza at Branch Brook Park, a wild Earth Day Party at the zoo, and the famous $5 Bag Sale at the College Women’s Book Sale.
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Peruse our lengthy list and don’t miss one speck of what the weekend has to offer.
—MIFF Titanic Screening
Find out what's happening in Bloomfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Where/When: MIFF Headquarters, 494 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair. Friday, April 15 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Why Go: In honor of the 99th anniversary of the Titanic tragedy, the MIFF is showing a special screening of the film, Titanic. In addition to the movie, there will be refreshments that were on the Titanic’s original April 14 menu: applesauce, French vanilla ice cream, and éclairs. Stella and Dot’s jewelry will also be available for purchase as a whimsical homage to “The Heart of the Ocean,” the fictitious blue diamond necklace that is important to the film’s plot. Film is rated PG-13.
Pricing: A donation of $10 per person or $20 per family is suggested. Space at MIFF headquarters is limited, to ensure a seat, RSVP montclairnjfilmfestival@gmail.com.
—Food For Fines Amnesty
Where/When: , 90 Broad St., Bloomfield. April 15 to April 17.
Why Go: You still have a chance to erase library fines while also donating food to the United Way. Bring in one item of food for every overdue item and your fines will be purged. Go here for the program’s details and exceptions.
Pricing: Free.
—Night Moves at the Turtle Back Zoo
Where/When: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange. Friday, April 15 at 8 p.m.
Why Go: Bring your flashlights, glow sticks and explore the zoo in the dark! Learn all about what animals do at night on this unique guided tour. Tours begin at 8pm and are sent out in 10-minute intervals thereafter. Admission window open from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Average tour time: One hour. Pre-Registration required—there will be no registrations allowed the night of the event. (This tour is not recommended for children under 5.)
Pricing: $10 Adults, $7 children and seniors, $7 Zoo Members. Call 973-731-5800 x223 to register.
—Revolutionary Times Weekend
Where/When: 30 Washington Place, Morristown. (Washington’s Headquarters’ Museum.) Friday, April 15, Saturday, April 16, and Sunday April 17.
Why Go: For three days, various historical and cultural sites in the Morristown area will hold American Revolution-themed programs. For a detailed description of all the events go here.
Pricing: Varies depending on program attended; some events are free.
—Dis Connect at MSU
Where/When: 1 Normal Ave, Upper Montclair. Friday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 15 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m.
Why Go: The MSU Theater Studies Class of 2011, along with theater artist Katie Pearl, tackle the subject of technology and human connection. Here’s a snippet, “Does linking up with the entire world separate us from reality? Using interwoven stories varying on this main idea, dis connect tries to discover what it means to truly connect.”
Pricing: $15. Go here for more information or to purchase tickets.
—Kid’s learn to Ride Class
Where/When: , 100 Chestnut St., Montclair (Faculty Parking lot on North Fullerton Ave.) Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Why Go: The roads are finally clear of snow, the Tour de Montclair is around the corner—there’s no better time to learn to ride a bike! Bike & Walk Montclair will be teaching kids a safe and easy way to learn to ride. Kids should wear a helmet and have a bicycle that they can rest their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the bicycle seat. Recommended for kids ages 5 and up.
Pricing: $25 per person.
—Healthy Kids Day
Where/When: Park Street YMCA, 25 Park St., Montclair from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; The Geyer Family YMCA, 159 Glenridge Ave., Montclair from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Why Go: This much-loved annual event offers exciting ways to stay healthy and have fun—like only the Y can. At Park Street kids ages 6 to 12 will play games and do fitness challenges; at The Geyer family Y, kids ages 3 to 12 will learn about nutrition and exercise in a variety of activities (yes the climbing wall will be used!) go here for more information.
Pricing: $5 per person; good for both facilities.
—Mr. Bunny’s Springtime Fun
Where/When: Edgemont Park Shelter House, Valley Road, Montclair. Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Why Go: Montclair Recreation is hosting a fun day of all things Easter and spring! There will be an egg hunt (weather permitting), jellybean count contest, snacks, prizes, and a photo with Mr. Bunny (of course). Recommended for ages 0-7. Event will take place rain or shine. For more information please contact MRCA office 973-509-4915.
Pricing: Activities are free; Pictures with Easter Bunny are $3.
—Annual Egg Hunt at the Israel Crane House
Where/When: Israel Crane House, 110 Orange Rd., Montclair. Saturday, April 16 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Why Go: Be part of this annual tradition sponsored by the Upper Kiwanis Club of Montclair. Bring your little ones and their friends to hunt for eggs on the grounds of the Israel Crane House and meet a certain Bunny. All are welcome! No reservations needed. Rain or shine. BYOB (That's Bring Your Own Baskets.)
Pricing: Free.
—Story Time at Watchung Booksellers
Where/When: , 54 Fairfield St., Montclair. Saturday, April 16 at 10 a.m.
Why Go: This week, the folks at Watchung present Froggy Goes to Hawaii and they want you (and your kids) to get in the spirit by dressing for a luau!
Pricing: Free.
—Fancy Nancy Party
Where/When: Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad St., Bloomfield. Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m.
Why Go: It’s your child’s chance to hit their dress-up box and consort with other Fancy Nancy devotees at a party—or rather—a soirée (as Nancy would say) Kids will enjoy stories, crafts, refreshments and a fashion show.
Pricing: Free; to register call 973-566-6200 ext 212.
—Imagination Station at the .
Where/When: Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Ave. in Montclair. Saturday, April 16 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Why Go: MAM events always deliver, and Imagination Station is no exception. This very popular program focuses on a different artwork or theme each week—this week’s theme is Fruit Snack. Families will be engaged in active looking, lively discussion, interactive activities, and scavenger hunts, and have a unique opportunity to sketch in the galleries. Space is limited
Pricing: Member adults free, nonmember adults $12, children $6.
—Free Saturday Museum Tours
Where/When: , 3 S. Mountain Ave., Montclair, Saturday, April 16.
Why Go: Take advantage of a 45 minute free docent-led tour—this Saturday the tour will focus on the Warhol and Cars: American Icons exhibit.
Pricing: Free with museum admission.
—Canciones
Where/When: Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m.
Why Go: Don’t miss this now regular musical feature at the MPL. Kids ages 3 and up can dance, listen and sing along to traditional Hispanic songs from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela. Parents are sure to enjoy this too!
Pricing: Free, registration required.
—Porchistas Live at Tierney’s
Where/When: , 136-138 Valley Rd., Montclair. Saturday, April 16 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Why Go: Montclair favorite, the Porchistas, are releasing their new CD “Save the Earth” and playing live at Tierney’s. They will be joined by bands Cecilia Celeste as well as The Ones and Nines.
Pricing: $7.
Where/When: Branch Brook Park, Newark. Sunday, April 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy a family day in the pink park! A packed schedule of events includes Japanese cultural demonstrations, children's activities, live music, a crafter's marketplace, food, and more. Most activities take place around the Essex County Cherry Blossom Welcome Center.
Pricing: Free.
—Bag Day at The College Women’s Book Sale
Where/When: , 26 Park St., Montclair. Sunday, April 17 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Why Go: It’s your last chance to scoop up books, CDs, LPs, audio and video tapes, software, ephemera and more. Best of all—it’s bag day where you can fill a bag for $5!
Pricing: Admission to sale is free.
—Party for the Planet at Turtle Back Zoo
Where/When: Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange. Sunday April 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: Celebrate Earth Day at the zoo! The Party for the Planet will include all sorts of special Earth Day themed activities throughout the day.
Pricing: $10 Adults, $7 children and seniors, free for children under 2.
