Free Concerts & Events in Essex County, NJ

A friendly, no-drop group run at South Mountain Reservation for anyone new to trail running, starting at the Turtleback Rock Picnic Area and exploring beautiful shaded trails at a pace that suits the group. Great way to see a gorgeous local gem and meet active neighbors.

The zoo's outdoor Family Nature Club continues this Sunday morning. September brings a Birding 101 session, a gentle, hands-on introduction to backyard birds that's great for kids and grown-ups alike before the gates open for the day.

A classic car show on Franklin Avenue in Nutley this Sunday, organized by the local Rotary. A friendly, family-friendly afternoon of gleaming classics and good company, with the Rotary supporting community causes.

A free evening of soul line dancing at Branch Brook Park's Prudential Concert Grove, hosted by Essex County. All ages and skill levels welcome under the open sky, a lively and welcoming way to move at the start of the week.

A small, community-run farmstand at Montclair Community Farms on Orange Road, open Mondays through late September. A lovely way to support a local growing space and pick up something truly fresh.

A community 5K on the Turtle Back Zoo grounds in West Orange that welcomes runners of every pace, from first-timers to seasoned racers. A fun, social way to get moving mid-month and see the area with a big group of neighbors.

The Library courtyard market returns on Tuesday with fresh produce, artisan vendors, and that warm community feel. Runs every Tuesday through late October, with live music on the first and last Tuesdays of the month.

Fresh produce, artisan foods, and local vendors at the Sloan Street Parking Lot every Wednesday afternoon. A lively midweek market perfect for grabbing dinner ingredients.

Van Vleck House & Gardens in Montclair launches its fall Culture Pass series Thursday evening with a program that gives you access to the gardens and an evening event before autumn's calendar of workshops and family programs kicks in. A lovely, low-key way to enjoy one of Montclair's most beautiful private estates.

The Nutley Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual dinner and show Thursday night, an evening of good food, entertainment, and local business celebrating the community. A chance to toast the town's small-business scene in person.

Roseland's Greek Fest runs Friday through Sunday with Greek food, music, and dancing, plus family-friendly fun throughout the weekend. A beloved local tradition and a tasty way to kick off the fall festival season.

A special evening with Issa Rae celebrating a decade of her groundbreaking series at the Wellmont Theater. This sold-out show is a testament to Montclair's pull as a cultural destination. Keep an eye out for any additional releases.

An all-ages, flashlight-guided evening tour of Turtle Back Zoo's nocturnal collection. See the zoo in a whole new light after the gates close, with small group tours at 6:30 and 6:50 PM. Registration is $10 per participant ages 3 and up.

An outdoor movie screening followed by an overnight family campout at Pulaski Park in Bloomfield, hosted by Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs. A unique community experience that combines a classic movie night under the stars with a family camping adventure.

Upper Montclair's shops, boutiques, and restaurants bring their goods outdoors along Bellevue Avenue and Valley Road for a day of sidewalk shopping and live music. A lovely way to spend a Saturday supporting local businesses in the village.

A free celebration of music, art, and community in Montclair's South End Business District, at the corner of Orange Road and Washington Street. Expect live music, an art walk, fashion, games, and a kids' corner through the afternoon.

The 42nd annual Rose Squared fine art and craft show draws more than 130 artists and makers – ceramics, jewelry, glass, fiber, paintings, sculpture, and artisan foods – along Anderson Park's shaded paths in Upper Montclair. Free admission, rain or shine. A wonderful way to spend a fall weekend browsing original art and meeting local makers.

Seven hours of world-class jazz at the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center in West Orange, hosted by WBGO's Monifa Brown, with headliners including Dion Parson & 21st Century Band, The Antoinette Montague Experience, The Jaleel Shaw Trio, Joe Locke, The Freddie Hendrix Experience, and the Montclair State University Jazz Ensemble. Food vendors, artisan booths, and a beer and wine garden make it a full day out. Rain date Saturday, September 26.

The weekly Saturday market at the Walnut Street train station, with 40+ vendors of produce, baked goods, flowers, and prepared foods. Runs every Saturday through late November.

A Saturday-morning market at the 80 Main Street parking lot in West Orange, running through the season with local produce, baked goods, and crafts. A great excuse to browse Main Street's shops and cafés after you stock up.

A high-energy live R&B show at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair featuring classic and contemporary R&B hits. Tickets are available through the Wellmont website and this one tends to move, so grab yours early.

The 13th annual SMR Family Campout at Summit Field, organized by the South Mountain Conservancy with Essex County Parks – a guided overnight camping experience at one of Essex County's most beautiful reservations. Sleep under the stars just minutes from home. Rain dates September 26–27.

The 16th annual event at West Orange High School benefits the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, promoting traffic-safety awareness and youth programs. Registration opens at 7:30 AM with a 5K bike ride, ceremony, 5K run, 3K walk, awards, and a kids' fun run through the morning.

A free family festival at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland featuring a harvest showcase, gardeners contest, and hands-on activities for all ages. A perfect way to welcome the fall season with the whole family.

Montclair's warm, community-minded brewery hosts free live music and events most Friday and Saturday evenings. Grab a locally brewed pint and catch whatever's on. Check the calendar for the week's lineup.

Every Saturday at Miti Miti Latin Street Food in South Orange. Family-friendly afternoon vibes with live DJ sets featuring funk, soul, Latin, disco, and house music. Great food and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

I share weekend picks, event highlights, and local happenings regularly on Instagram. It's the fastest way to know what's going on this weekend – I'm usually at these events myself.

For the most up-to-date listings, check the official township event calendars for Bloomfield, Montclair, and West Orange – plus The Montclair Girl for curated roundups.

If you are new to the area, attending town events is the single best way to get a feel for a neighborhood. Browse my neighborhood guides for Bloomfield, Montclair, West Orange, and more to learn what each town offers.

Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or just curious about life in Essex County, I'm here to help. No pressure, just honest guidance. Send me a message or give me a call.