This weekend offers something for everyone! Several events will appeal to the entire family, including the Earth Day Celebration at the Environmental Center, Bloomfest at Branch Brook Park, and the Verona Rescue Squad Pasta Dinner. For fans of musical theater, First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell is performing Godspell, and Trinity Academy is presenting Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. Animal lovers will appreciate Night Moves at the Turtle Back Zoo. And if you are looking to support a good cause, check out the 5K Run/Walk for Autism at Caldwell College or the Ernie Viviani Dart Benefit. If you have a suggestion to add, share the fun in the comments section!
6th Annual Earth Day Celebration
Where/When: Essex County Environmental Center 621 Eagle Rock Ave. #B, Roseland; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go? Re-connect with nature at this fun-filled event with hands-on educational games and activities, canoe trips, bird walks, live nature-themed music, information booths, and an eco-market. Visit the Essex County Beekeepers Society station as they show the inner workings of a bee hive, or witness how art is created from found pieces of wood and fallen tree branches. There are too many offerings to list!
Pricing: Free
Bloomfest - Family Day in the Pink Park
Where/When: Branch Brook Park, Newark; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go? A packed schedule of events includes Japanese cultural demonstrations, children's activities, live music, a crafter's marketplace, food, and more. Not to mention the cherry trees should be in full bloom!
Pricing: Admission is free.
Where/When: Trinity Academy, 235 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell; Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Why Go? Students at Trinity have been hard at work rehearsing since January. Come enjoy the fruits of their labors!
Pricing: Tickets will be sold at the door.
First Presbyterian Church presents "Godspell"
Where/When: First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell, 326 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell; Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
Why Go? The youth choirs, just back from a tour to Florida, will present the classic musical "Godspell," which is based on the teachings and parables of Jesus. As a special treat, Broadway Producer Ken Davenport will be attending the Sunday performance and will chat with the audience and cast after the show on "What You Always Wanted to Know About Broadway But Were Afraid to Ask." Davenport is currently preparing to launch a revival of Godspell on Broadway.
Pricing: Suggested donation of $10.
Verona Rescue Squad Pasta Night
Where/When: Verona Community Center, 880 Bloomfield Ave., Verona; Friday 5 to 9 p.m.
Why Go? Well, unlimited pasta, for one thing. Another is all proceeds will benefit the Verona Rescue Squad. Spend an enjoyable evening with your neighbors for a good cause!
Pricing: $10, children under 5 are free.
Night Moves at the Turtle Back Zoo
Where/When: Turtle Back Zoo 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange; Friday at 8 p.m.
Why Go? Any trip to the zoo is fun. Add exploring after dark with a flashlight, and you have a memorable night! This guided tour is recommended for those over the age of 5. The tours start every 10 minutes and last about an hour. Bring your own flashlight!
Pricing: Pre-registration required (there will be no registrations allowed the night of the event) Admission $7.
Where/When: The Grasshopper, 292 Grove Ave., Cedar Grove; Friday at 10 p.m.
Why Go? Cedar Grove rock band TrickTenza returns to the Grasshopper for a rocking evening!
Pricing: Free
Caldwell College 5K Run/Walk for Autism
Where/When: Caldwell College, 120 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell; Saturday 8 a.m. to noon
Why Go? Not only is this run/walk open to the entire family, but it helps raise public awareness of autism. In addition, this race will help raise funds for Caldwell College's on-campus Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.
Pricing: Participants: $30 for adults and children 10+, $10 for children under 10, $18 for USATF members
Children's Easter Party & Egg Hunt
Where/When: Calvary Church, 450 Fells Road, Essex Fells; Saturday 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Why Go? This morning of fun, food, crafts, an egg hunt and an Easter story is geared towards children under fifth grade, but children of all ages are welcome to join in.
Pricing: Free
Where/When: Ringside Pub, 379 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell; Saturday
Why Go? Ernie Viviani is a Caldwell resident battling cancer. This benefit will direct all proceeds to Ernie’s fund for medical expenses. There will be multiple dart events: singles and doubles. A 50/50 raffle, food all day, prizes and a bull shoot every hour.