Best events in
Upper Montclair

Events and things to do in Upper Montclair, NJ reflect a community with a charming village feel that connects to the more bustling energy of nearby Montclair Center. The local scene is defined by historic venues, walkable business districts, and a creative spirit supporting independent film and live music. Annual traditions like the Montclair Film Festival and Montclair Jazz Festival draw large crowds, complementing a regular calendar of smaller-scale happenings.

The evenings in Montclair Center are often lively, with touring acts at the Wellmont Theater and local bands playing at spots like Tierney's Tavern or Just Jake's.
Independent cinema has a dedicated home at The Clairidge, a multi-screen theater operated by the organizers of the annual Montclair Film Festival.
Community gatherings are a local staple, from the annual Walnut Street Fair in the spring to the year-round Montclair Farmers' Market.

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After 8pm

Sweet Rotation: Halloween Edition w/ Davalz! + Cher La Luna

Fri, Oct 23 • 9:00 PM

Porta Montclair

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The Halloween Party of the Year: Latinos of Montclair at Porta

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

Porta Montclair

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Afro Fever 2026

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 PM

Porta Montclair

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SLUDGE MOTHER MEATLOCKER

Sun, Nov 8 • 9:00 PM

Meatlocker

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Sweet Rotation: Halloween Edition w/ Davalz! + Cher La Luna

Fri, Oct 23 • 9:00 PM

Porta Montclair

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The Halloween Party of the Year: Latinos of Montclair at Porta

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

Porta Montclair

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Afro Fever 2026

Sat, Nov 7 • 8:00 PM

Porta Montclair

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SLUDGE MOTHER MEATLOCKER

Sun, Nov 8 • 9:00 PM

Meatlocker

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Popular in Upper Montclair

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Back to the M.I.L.F.

Friday • 9:00 PM + 1 more

University Hall , Room 1040

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Y2Fine

Friday • 6:30 PM

Student Center

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Perú Fusion Festival | Grand Tasting 2026

Saturday • 1:00 PM

18 Label Studios

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Live Jazz - Bleu Coffee Montclair, NJ

Sunday • 1:00 PM

Bleu Coffee

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Cassandra: An Ongoing Tragedy

Fri, Oct 16 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

First Congregational Church

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Demon Slayers Halloween Bash

Sun, Oct 18 • 3:00 PM

Porta Montclair

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MBC's 2026 Haunted Funhouse

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Montclair Book Center

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MPL's Open Book / Open Mind; Patrick Radden Keefe, "London Falling"

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:00 PM

First Congregational Church

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Back to the M.I.L.F.

Friday • 9:00 PM + 1 more

University Hall , Room 1040

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Y2Fine

Friday • 6:30 PM

Student Center

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Perú Fusion Festival | Grand Tasting 2026

Saturday • 1:00 PM

18 Label Studios

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Live Jazz - Bleu Coffee Montclair, NJ

Sunday • 1:00 PM

Bleu Coffee

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Cassandra: An Ongoing Tragedy

Fri, Oct 16 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

First Congregational Church

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Demon Slayers Halloween Bash

Sun, Oct 18 • 3:00 PM

Porta Montclair

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MBC's 2026 Haunted Funhouse

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Montclair Book Center

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MPL's Open Book / Open Mind; Patrick Radden Keefe, "London Falling"

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:00 PM

First Congregational Church

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Online Events

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Congreso Internacional de Dirección de Proyectos - Tour PMI Buenos Aires

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:00 PM GMT-3

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Congreso Internacional de Dirección de Proyectos - Tour PMI Buenos Aires

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:00 PM GMT-3

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Y2Fine

Friday • 6:30 PM

Student Center

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Coffee with Conservatives: Montclair, NJ | College Edition

Friday • 5:00 PM

Cafe of the Day

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Back to the M.I.L.F.

Friday • 9:00 PM + 1 more

University Hall , Room 1040

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Perú Fusion Festival | Grand Tasting 2026

Saturday • 1:00 PM

18 Label Studios

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Laughs on the Books X

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Montclair Book Center

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Montclair Mashup Scavenger Hunt

Saturday • 11:00 AM + 3 more

Paper Plane Coffee Co.

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Brukout Wukkout: Caribbean Dance Fitness

Saturday • 11:00 AM

FITloft

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Newborn Care class

Saturday • 2:00 PM

209 Cooper Ave suite 5b

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Y2Fine

Friday • 6:30 PM

Student Center

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Coffee with Conservatives: Montclair, NJ | College Edition

Friday • 5:00 PM

Cafe of the Day

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Back to the M.I.L.F.

Friday • 9:00 PM + 1 more

University Hall , Room 1040

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Perú Fusion Festival | Grand Tasting 2026

Saturday • 1:00 PM

18 Label Studios

Check ticket price on event

Laughs on the Books X

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Montclair Book Center

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Montclair Mashup Scavenger Hunt

Saturday • 11:00 AM + 3 more

Paper Plane Coffee Co.

Check ticket price on event

Brukout Wukkout: Caribbean Dance Fitness

Saturday • 11:00 AM

FITloft

Check ticket price on event

Newborn Care class

Saturday • 2:00 PM

209 Cooper Ave suite 5b

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Points of Interest near Upper Montclair

Morris Canal Park And Nature Reserve

Edgemont Park

Frequently asked questions about Upper Montclair

Where can I find live music events in the Montclair area?

Tierney's Tavern and Just Jake's are popular spots for live bands in a classic pub or bar atmosphere. Montclair Brewery also regularly hosts musicians and cultural events. For national touring acts, the historic Wellmont Theater in Montclair Center is the primary venue.

What is the nightlife scene like around Montclair?

Montclair Center serves as the hub for local nightlife, with a concentration of bars and restaurants. Venues like Just Jake's offer live music and dancing, while Tierney's Tavern provides a more traditional pub experience. The scene is generally more active on weekends.

Are there family-friendly events in the Montclair area?

The Montclair area hosts several excellent events for families. The annual Walnut Street Fair feels like a large block party with vendors and food trucks. The Montclair Farmers' Market is another great outing, taking place every Saturday at the Walnut Street station.

How can I discover comedy shows near Upper Montclair?

The Wellmont Theater is the main stage for nationally recognized comedians and major comedy tours. For a more intimate setting, local pubs like Tierney's Tavern frequently feature stand-up comedy events, particularly on weekend evenings.

What are some good spots for a date night in Montclair?

A great date night could involve seeing an independent film at The Clairidge cinema. Another option is catching a show at the Wellmont Theater, followed by drinks in Montclair Center. Some local restaurants also host live jazz nights for a relaxed atmosphere.

Can you recommend free events in the Montclair area?

The area hosts several major free annual events. The Montclair Jazz Festival culminates in a large, free, all-day Downtown Jamboree. The African-American Heritage Parade and Festival in June is another fantastic community celebration that is free to attend.

What's the difference between events in Upper Montclair and Montclair Center?

Upper Montclair has a quieter, village-like atmosphere with boutiques and cafes. Montclair Center is the urban hub with more high-traffic venues like the Wellmont Theater and a higher concentration of bars, making it the focal point for nightlife and larger entertainment events.

Does Montclair host any large outdoor festivals?

Yes, Montclair is known for its large outdoor annual festivals. The Montclair Jazz Festival's Downtown Jamboree takes over Bloomfield Avenue with multiple stages. Additionally, the Walnut Street Fair and the African-American Heritage Festival in Nishuane Park are significant outdoor community events.