There are many family-friendly events happening in our area this weekend, and we’ve rounded them up right here for you!
Newark Symphony Hall will host a WBGO FREE Kids Jazz Concert: “Ellington!” on Saturday at 12:30 PM in the Terrace Ballroom. This interactive, multi-media introduction to the great American composer, pianist and bandleader, Duke Ellington, will include a variety of music including Ellington’s hit songs, blues riffs and scores for the stage and screen. The concert is free and open to the general public. Tickets are handed out in the lobby on the day of the event on a first-come, first-served basis.
Also on Saturday at 10:30 AM, Paulette Bogan, author of Virgil & Owen, will be at Watchung Booksellers (54 Fairfield Street, Montclair) for Saturday morning Storytime. When a penguin, Virgil, meets a polar bear, Owen, and wants them to be best friends, it seems like the beginning of a wonderful friendship. That is until Virgil finds out Owen likes to play with everyone on the iceberg and Virgil gets jealous. Paulette Bogan is the author of many children’s books including the Spike books and Goodnight Lulu.
On Saturday evening, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the Geyer Family Branch of the YMCA of Montclair (159 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair) will host An Evening in Toyland. Children ages 4 to 8 years old can participate in a variety of games including Human Pacman, Pitfall Maze, Giant Jenga Relay Wars and more. Dinner will be provided. Members and nonmembers are welcome. Tickets start at $30 per child ($15 for each sibling). As this event is a part of the annual fundraising campaign, additional donations are greatly appreciated. For additional information, call 973-783-7640 or contact Amy Costa at acosta@montclairymca.org.
On Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, S.O.F.I.A. (Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates) (11 Pine Street, Montclair) will host an “I’m a Superhero” workshop for children and their caregivers. Facilitated by creativity coach Gioya McRae, this self-esteem building exercise will allow children to partner up with their caregivers to create a superhero team, write a story about strengths, and demonstrate helping others. This free event is open for children ages 6-12 and their caregivers. Register by emailing your name to SOFIAworkshops@gmail.com and be sure to mention the date and workshop title.
On Saturday and Sunday, comic fans can visit the Meadowlands Exposition Center (355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus) for the East Coast Comicon. For the full Baristanet write up on this event, check out this post. With a special Kids Pavilion full of fun workshops, kids will have a blast. Local comics writer-editor and historian Paul Castiglia will also be at the event promoting his new anti-bullying project.
South Orange Performing Arts Center (One SOPAC Way, South Orange) will feature Alice in Wonderland on Saturday at 2:00 PM. This classic story will be performed by the Pushcart Players and will be full of zany characters and whimsical music. Immediately following, join cast members for a magical tea party in the SOPAC Loft. Tickets to the performance are $27 for adults and $20 for children under 12. The tea party tickets are an additional $13. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the website here.
On Sunday, the Montclair Historical Society will host the 2nd Sunday Family Funday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This month’s theme is Down at the Farm! Visit the Crane House and Historic YWCA (110 Orange Road, Montclair) for a free day of history and learning in celebration of National Farm Animals Day. The day’s activities will take a look at what life was like when you lived, worked and cooked around livestock.
The Mayo Performing Arts Center (100 South Street, Morristown) will feature Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the smash hit Broadway musical, with four performances this Saturday and Sunday. The classic love story is based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, with spectacular sets and costumes. Hear your favorite songs from the movie live on stage in this enchanting performance. Shows are Saturday at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and Sunday at 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Ticket prices start at $49. Visit the MPAC website for additional information and to purchase tickets.
For more upcoming events, check out the family friendly events, showcased in green, on Baristanet Calendar.