6 Last-Chance Summer Events in Bloomfield, West Orange & Montclair NJ (August 2026)
By Sorelle Crooks, Realtor® | Real Broker LLC | NJ License #2185837
Published August 3, 2026 · Last updated August 3, 2026
We're into the second half of summer now, but don't let that fool you into thinking the calendar is empty. August in Essex County still has a solid lineup of community events across Bloomfield, West Orange, and Montclair. If you've been meaning to spend more evenings out, catch a concert, or just soak up the warm weather before it fades, here are six events worth knowing about before summer wraps up.
What is the Bloomfield Classic Car Cruise Night and Drive-In Movie on August 26?
Bloomfield's Classic Car Cruise Night & Drive-In Movie on Wednesday, August 26 at Universal Technical Institute (1515 Broad St, Bloomfield) is one of those evenings that feels like a throwback. Vintage cars line the parking lot starting in the early evening, and once the sun goes down, a drive-in movie screens outdoors. It's free to attend, and the atmosphere is genuinely friendly.
This is the last Cruise Night of the season, so if you haven't made it to one yet, now's your chance. Bring a lawn chair or stay in your car for the movie. Food vendors are typically on site, and there's plenty of parking. The event starts around 6:00 PM, with the movie starting at dusk.
Free admission. 1515 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ. No registration required.
What is Cool Summer Nights at UTI on August 19?
Before the Drive-In Movie on August 26, Cool Summer Nights returns to Universal Technical Institute on Wednesday, August 19 starting at 6:00 PM. This is Club Shirt Night, so wear your favorite club or team shirt and enjoy live music, food trucks, and community booths in a relaxed outdoor setting. It runs from 6:00 PM to about 9:00 PM.
These Cool Summer Nights events are smaller and more laid-back than the big Friday festivals. They're a good option if you want a low-key midweek evening out without the crowds. Bring the kids, grab a bite from a food truck, and walk around.
Free admission. Universal Technical Institute, 1515 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ.
Where can I do outdoor sunset yoga in Bloomfield this August?
Sunset Yoga with Yoga Mechanics takes place on Thursday, August 20 at an outdoor Bloomfield location. This is a community wellness event open to all levels, whether you practice regularly or have never touched a yoga mat. The class typically runs in the early evening as the sun starts to go down, making for a calming end to the day.
Yoga Mechanics is a local Bloomfield studio, and their outdoor summer sessions have become a regular part of the town's seasonal calendar. Bring your own mat and water. The exact park location is typically confirmed a few days ahead through the studio's social media or the Bloomfield Parks Department calendar. Most sessions are free or by suggested donation.
Free or by donation. Check @YogaMechanics or Bloomfield Township events page for exact location and time.
Is Dinner Under the Stars in Bloomfield still running?
Yes. Dinner Under the Stars continues through August 30 in downtown Bloomfield. On select evenings, Washington Street closes to traffic between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and restaurants set up outdoor tables right in the street. Live music plays from small stages, and the whole stretch becomes a pedestrian-only dining room.
This is one of those events that makes you appreciate how much Bloomfield's downtown has evolved. You can grab dinner at a place like Green Chutney or one of the newer spots along Washington Street, sit outside under the lights, and listen to local musicians play. It's free to attend (you just pay for your meal), and no tickets are needed.
Free to attend. Washington Street, Bloomfield, NJ. Restaurant costs vary. Check the Bloomfield Township events calendar for specific dates through August.
Are there still free evening hours at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange?
Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange continues its extended evening hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays through August. Last admission is at 7:00 PM on those nights, with the grounds open until 8:00 PM. Evening admission is just $12 per person, and the later hours mean smaller crowds and cooler temperatures for walking the exhibits.
If you haven't made it to Turtle Back Zoo yet this summer, August is your last window for extended evening hours before the zoo returns to its regular schedule in September. The zoo also offers Mini Golf Safari next door and the Essex County Skyline Ride with views of the Manhattan skyline. It's a full evening activity that works for couples, families, and anyone who just wants to see the animals in a quieter setting.
$12 evening admission (Wed/Thurs). 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ. Tickets available at the gate or online.
What's still happening at the Montclair Jazz Festival in August?
The Montclair Jazz Festival's Soundcheck Series wraps up with the Rebirth Brass Band on Tuesday, August 4 at Wellmont Arts Plaza (5 Seymour St, Montclair) from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This is the finale show of the free summer series, and Rebirth Brass Band is a legendary New Orleans brass and funk group that will have the whole plaza dancing.
Beyond the Soundcheck Series, the Montclair Jazz Festival Downtown Jamboree happens on Saturday, August 15 at Lackawanna Plaza from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a block party running until 10:00 PM at Wellmont Arts Plaza. This is the festival's flagship event, with multiple stages, local food vendors, and performances from nationally recognized jazz artists. It's free, family-friendly, and walkable from most Montclair neighborhoods.
If you're living in Montclair or considering a move here, the Jazz Festival is a good example of what makes the town's cultural scene special. It's community-driven, free to attend, and draws a genuinely mixed crowd of longtime residents and newcomers.
Free admission. Aug 4: Wellmont Arts Plaza, 5 Seymour St, Montclair. Aug 15: Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair. No tickets required for either event.
Why does the late-summer event calendar matter when choosing a town?
A town's summer programming says a lot about its long-term livability. Places that invest in outdoor concerts, community events, and public spaces tend to have higher resident satisfaction and stronger property values. Bloomfield's Cruise Nights and Dinner Under the Stars, West Orange's Turtle Back Zoo evening hours, and Montclair's Jazz Festival are all signs of communities that put effort into making their towns places people actually enjoy living in.
If you're thinking about buying a home in Essex County, I'd encourage you to come to at least one of these events before you make a decision. Walk around, talk to people, and see how the town feels on a summer evening. You'll learn more in one night than you can from any listing description.
And if you have questions about what it's really like to live here, I'm always happy to talk through the pros and cons. No pressure. I want you to feel informed and comfortable with whatever you decide.
Talk soon,
Sorelle
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