High School Musicals, Plant Sales and Mother's Day Top Weekend Events

Montclair Events 

10th Annual Van Vleck Plant Sale
Friday, 10 a.m.
Van Vleck House and Gardens
21 Van Vleck St., Montclair

The 10th Annual Van Vleck House & Gardens Benefit Plant Sale features the finest local plant selections. Rain or shine.

Hairspray
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
Montclair High School, 141 Park St., Montclair
$15 

Lovable, plus-sized optimist Tracy Turnblad makes her dream of dancing on a TV show in 1962 Baltimore come true. A sparkling and joyous musical with some serious messages about race, class, and superficial appearances.  Based on the 1988 John Waters film. Enjoy a rollicking rendition of this well-loved show featuring the unparalleled talents of Montclair High School's School of Visual and Performing Arts.

Chris White Music Night
Friday, 8 p.m.
Trumpets, 6 Depot Square, Montclair
$16

Bassist Chris White is one of Montclair's truly great jazz musicians and has performed with jazz greats, Nina Simone, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Taylor, Duke Ellington and Sarah Vaughan. This celebration of his music will feature selections from his Ellington suite, from the musical “Stormy”, co-written with A.H. Jenkins and other works from his catalog. Chris White (bass), Lou Caputo (woodwinds & saxes), David Phillips (bass), Chris White III (drums), Matt McDonald (guitar), John Ehlis (guitar & mandolin) and Olivia Foschi(vocals). 

Artificial Intelligence
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
130 Grove St., Montclair
$16 and $20

An evening of original one-act plays written by Eric Alter. Last weekend to catch at the Grove Street Theater.

MSU Cali Brass in Concert
Sunday, 2 p.m.
St. James Church
581 Valley Road, Upper Montclair
$10

The Cali Brass and Trumpet Ensembles of Montclair State University will perform a Concert for Mothers’ Day at St James’ Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 12. All are welcome. The cost is  $10 ($5 for students and seniors) that will be collected at the door. All proceeds go towards the restoration of the St James’ Church pipe organ.

Nearby Events

NJ Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Walk

Saturday, 10 a.m.
Verona Park
FREE

the NJ Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America will be holding a gathering and walk to honor the mothers who have lost children to gun violence. Members will read the Moms Demand Action "Mother's Bill of Rights," and bring eight flowers to carry; these eight flowers symbolize the eight US children lost to gun violence every day.

Sunday, 10 a.m. 
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, 
150 Commerce Road, Cedar Grove

The second Sunday of May is a very special day, as there are three meaningful occasions that fall on that day. On this Buddha day, over several hundred people will get together at the ceremony to pay reverence to the Buddha, to learn from the Buddha's compassion and wisdom, and to show our gratitude to every mother's selfless and boundless love to her children.

URINETOWN: The Musical

Friday, 7:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church 
326 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwells
$10

URINETOWN: The Musical, has everything one could ever hope for in a musical: intrigue, action, lots of dancing, and, of course, a love story. Tickets will be available in advance at a suggested donation of $10. A donation of $15 will be collected at the door.

The Mother's Day Weekend Concert: 'The Whispers and Stephanie Mills'
Friday, 8 p.m.
Newark Symphony Hall
1030 Broad St., Newark
FREE

Marquee Concerts presents The Mother's Day Weekend Concert "The Whispers and Stephanie Mills" the R&B legends The Whispers and Grammy & American Music Award winner Stephanie Mills take the stage at Newark Symphony Hall for a memorable evening of music that mom is sure to love! Tickets on sale now! For further information, showtimes and ticket prices call the box office at 973-643-8014.

2nd Annual McLoone's Boathouse 'Building Bridges 5K'
Saturday, 9 a.m.
Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
115 Clifton Ave., Newark
$25

McLoone’s Boathouse in West Orange, NJ has once again partnered with The Griffin Bridges Program at Seton Hall Preparatory School in hosting their Second Annual “Building Bridges 5K” set to begin with a 1 Mile Kids’ Fun Run at 9:00 am and the official 5K Run/Walk at 9:30 on Saturday on May 11^th. The event will be held at the South Mountain Reservation certified course on Crest Drive (Maplewood, NJ). Pre-registration can be done online; on-site registration will begin at 8:00 am at the venue. The event will also feature an awards ceremony and post-race reception immediately following the race at McLoone’s Boathouse in West Orange. Proceeds from this event will go to support academically talented inner city scholars attending Seton Hall Preparatory School through The Griffin Bridges Program.

Collectibles Fair

Saturday, 9 a.m.
West Caldwell Public Library
30 Clinton Road, West Caldwell
FREE

Collectibles are treasures from the attic, basement, closet or junk drawers that are no longer wanted. They are one step above garage sale items and are not new products or handmade crafts. All of the items will be gently used and in good condition. For more information, call (973) 226-5441.

Newark Bears Mother's Day Celebration
Sunday, All day
Riverfront Stadium
450 Broad St., Newark
FREE

This year, make Mother’s Day an unforgettable one and bring Mom—and the rest of the family—to the ballpark for her special day. The Newark Bears will celebrate the start of their season by showing gratitude for all mothers. This unique event will include activities such as: a picnic with the team, and a mother and child pitch-and-catch. The Newark Bears team and prospects will be on hand to meet and greet fans and sign autographs. Other entertainment and games will take place, as well.