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Arts & Entertainment

The Weekender: Kids' Culinary Workshop at Brookdale ShopRite

Don't miss that and other family friendly activities

If you don’t already have plans this weekend, you will now. Check out our lengthy list of shopping, live music, authors, film, comedy, art and outdoor events. There’s a great mix of both family and adult activities to be had—all within reach. So scroll through then Get Out!

—Kids’ Culinary Workshop

Where/When: Brookdale Shoprite, 1409 Broad St., Bloomfield. Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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Why Go: Kids ages 5 to 12 can dabble in a little pizza making at Shoprite. 

Pricing: $20 per child with adult and $10 each additional child. To register or for more information go here.

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—Montclair Community Bike Ride

Where/When: Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Friday, April 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Why Go: Bike season is thankfully upon us and Bike Walk Montclair is having their “Last Friday of the Month” rides. There are no leaders or predetermined route; ride starts promptly at 7 p.m. Riders should wear helmets and have well lighted bikes. For more information go here.

Pricing: Free.

—SVPA Presents Little Shop of Horrors

Where/When: The Little Theatre in the George Inness Annex, Montclair High School, 100 Chestnut Street, Montclair. Friday, April 29 and Saturday, May 30 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 1 at 3 p.m.

Why Go: Come support the talented students from MHS’s School of the Visual and Performing Arts and get treated to the darkly hilarious, now classic musical Little Shop of Horrors.

Pricing: $15 adults; $10 students 18 and under. Tickets available at the box office one hour before show.

—“A Spring Affair” Benefit Shopping Extravaganza

Where/When: Commonwealth Club, 26 Northview Ave., Montclair.  Friday, April 29 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Why Go: Fine apparel, jewelry, home décor, kids clothing, toys and more will all be on sale at this huge fundraiser. The event kicks off Friday night with “Ladies Night Out Shopping and Cocktails” then continues on Saturday where free kids activities like face painting and cupcakes will be added to the mix. All proceeds will help fund community programs, which benefit children at risk in the Montclair-Newark area.

Pricing: Boutique Tickets $5, Kids activities are free. Admittance to the event is free after 3 p.m. To purchase advance tickets or to learn more go here.

—Drop in Craft at MPL

Where/When: Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m.

Why Go: Songs, stories and imaginative crafts—all for free! Best for ages four and up.

Pricing: Free.

—Drop-in Craft at BPL

Where/When: Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad St., Bloomfield. Saturday, April 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Why Go: Have an easy day at the library—literally drop in anytime for a fun craft.

Pricing: Free.

—Sister-to-Sister Yard Sale

Where/When: Montclair High School, 100 Chestnut St., Montclair,(atrium at North Fullerton and Chestnut Street.) Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Why Go: Support the wonderful Sister-to-Sister middle and high school mentoring program at this huge yard sale. Great bargains are promised on books, art, music, clothes, household goods, jewelry and more. There will also be raffle tickets from local businesses.

Pricing: Free.

—14th Annual Hillside Community Swap

Where/When: Hillside School, 54 Orange Rd., Montclair. Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Why Go: Everything is Free! Household goods, toys, clothes, books music, DVDs, CDs, sports equipment—all free. Bring your bags and get there early; folks line up way in advance for this popular event. Rather donate than take? Donations will be accepted on Friday, April 29 from 3:40 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Hillside Gym. Contact Jane Marcus for more information or to volunteer janeson094@aol.com.

Pricing: Free.

—Essex County Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale

Where/When: Edgemont Memorial Park, 274 Valley Rd., Montclair. Friday, April 29 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Why Go: You know that long winter has you itching to get your hands dirty and here’s your chance to get started. Annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, tomatoes, herbs, and woody ornaments will all be on sale, plus get tips and help from Master Gardeners. For more information call the Master Gardeners Helpline at 973 228 2210. Cash or check only please.

Pricing: Admission is free.

—Montclair Women’s Club Antiques and Decorative Arts Show

Where/When: Montclair Women’s Club, 82 Union St., Montclair. Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Why Go: Shop for beautiful antiques and art while helping to raise funds for scholarships and Gilda’s Club.

Pricing: $5 admission per person.

—Breakfast at Watchung Booksellers

Where/When: Watchung Booksellers, 54 Fairfield St., Montclair. Saturday, April 30 at 11 a.m.

Why Go: This is a unique “story time” with guest Margaret Cardillo, author of the beautiful picture book, Just Being Audrey, an homage to the strong, talented and iconic Audrey Hepburn. Recommended for grades 1 to 3.

Pricing: Free, please RSVP so they can have enough breakfast treats!

—Author Allison Fishman at Watchung Booksellers

Where/When: Watchung Booksellers, 54 Fairfield St., Montclair. Saturday, April 30 at 1 p.m.

Why Go: Fishman is the author of You Can Trust a Skinny Cook and will be on hand to show you how and why with tips, nibbles and, of course, her book.

Pricing: Free.

—Comedienne Julie Goldman at MSU

Where/When: Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave., Upper Montclair. (Student Center Ballroom across from the Red Hawk Diner.) Saturday, April 30 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Why Go: Julie Goldman is currently a cast member of LOGO's Big Gay Sketch Show and winner of the 2008 NEWNOWNEXT—Brink of Fame Comic Award, and the 2007 MAC Award for Best Headlining Comedian in NYC—Basically you are guaranteed laughs from this award winning performer.

Pricing: $25/$10 students—Buy Tickets.

—Screening of The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town

Where/When: Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church St., Montclair. Saturday, April 29 at 8 p.m.

Why Go: The Outpost in the Burbs is presenting this acclaimed documentary starring Bruch Springsteen. Attendees will also be treated to a presentation of images of Springsteen by Montclair-based photographer Mark Wyville.

Pricing: Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Keil’s Pharmacy (cash or check only), 732 Valley Rd., Upper Montclair, 973-744-2113; and Ruthie’s BBQ & Pizza, 64-1/2 Chestnut St., Montclair, 973-509-1134.

—Hoboken Arts and Music Festival

Where/When: 94 Washington St., Hoboken. Sunday, May 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Why Go: Live Music, street food, art—it’s all going down Sunday in Hoboken. Note to families, 3rd Street is where you want to be for all of the kids’ events. Go here for a complete list of performances and features.

Pricing: Free.

—@ The Art Studio 1 Year Anniversary Party

Where/When: @The Art Studio, 211 Glenridge Ave., Montclair. Sunday, May 1 at 12 p.m.

Why Go: Swing by this great little art studio for a free cupcake and help them celebrate their one year anniversary in Montclair!

Pricing: Free.

—Jazz Goes To College

Where/When: The Salvation Army of Montclair, 13 Trinity Place, Montclair. Sunday, May 1 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Why Go: Jazz House Kids in partnership with The Juilliard School will present a free workshop on the college music application process. Topics covered will include the types of programs, audition process, tuition assistance and scholarships, obtaining instructor recommendations, housing options, and long-term preparation for the middle school/early high school set. Bring your instruments! The afternoon will include a jam session with current college jazz students.  

Pricing: Free.

—Dinosaur Day at the Newark Museum

Where/When: Newark Museum, 49 Washington St., Newark. Sunday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Why Go: Dinosaur enthusiasts rejoice—this day is for you! Check out life size dinosaur fossils, sluice for gems and keep one, see a live animal presentation or planetarium show, go on a geo treasure hunt, make dinosaur origami and much more. For more information go here.

Pricing: Free with suggested admission: $10 Adults. $6 Seniors & Students, free for members.

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