Here are some of the events happening this weekend in Verona, Cedar Grove and neighboring towns. To see all the events click on EVENTS at the top of this page.  
If you love fireworks check out all the towns listed to see the date and time of their displays. 
Applebee’s Celebrates July 4th with Free Kids' Meals at all NJ Locations!  Families who dine at Applebee’s anytime on Wednesday, July 4 will receive up to two free Kids’ Meals with each adult entrée purchased. The free meals are valid for children ages 12 and younger, dine-in only, on any Applebee’s Kids’ Menu entrée.

CEDAR GROVE

WHAT: Summer Reading Kick Off with Magician Steve 
WHERE: Cedar Grove Library, 1 Municipal Plaza, Cedar Grove
WHEN: Friday 11 a.m.
WHY GO: Come help kick-off our summer reading program with Full Effect Productions. Magician Steve will be performing his brand new show based on this year's theme: Dream Big - Read! While you're here, get your reading logs and learn all about the great programs and prizes we'll be offering this summer.

WHAT: Cedar Grove Library Exhibits Artwork of Local Artist, Frances Hall
WHERE: Cedar Grove Library, 1 Municipal Plaza, Cedar Grove 
WHEN: The artwork will be on exhibit from May 24 through July 24
WHY GO: An art major in college, Hall has been practicing her craft for more than 40 years. Working in opaque watercolors, the exhibit will feature 13 pieces painted between 2002 and 2011.

WHAT: Movies Under The Stars  
WHERE: Morgan Farm, 903 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove
WHEN: Friday 8:30 p.m.
WHY GO: This Friday is the movie “The Adventures of Tintin.” Intrepid reporter Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock's ancestor. The movie starts at dusk. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

WHAT: Cedar Grove Community Church Thrift Shop
WHERE: 65 Bowden Road, Cedar Grove
WHEN: Saturday 10 a.m.–12: 30 p.m.
WHY GO: The Thrift Shop of the Community Church of Cedar Grove will be open for business on Thursdays from 10am to 3pm and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Donations are accepted during shop hours. For more information, call (973) 857-2762 during shop hours.

WHAT: Blood Drive – Help Supply the Summer Blood Shortage
WHERE: Cedar Grove Ambulance & Rescue, 651 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove
WHEN: Monday 4 to 8 p.m.
WHY GO: Your blood donation will be used for the patients in our area hospitals who require life saving blood transfusions. It could be someone in your family, a friend, a neighbor, a coworker... a baby, a mother, a police officer, a firefighter... we never know who it will be. Please eat before donating and bring ID.

WHAT: Cedar Grove Fireworks
WHERE: Cedar Grove High School, Cedar Grove
WHEN: Monday at Dusk  (rain date 7/3)
WHY GO: Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the display! 

VERONA

WHAT: Verona LIVE: Card and Games Club
WHERE: Verona Community Center Annex, 880 Bloomfield Ave, Verona
WHEN: Friday 1 p.m.
WHY GO: Drop in on Fridays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to play or to socialize at the Community Center Annex. No registration required.

WHAT: Verona Fit Club Saturday Morning Workout
WHERE: 1^st Presbyterian Church of Verona, 10 Fairview Ave, Verona
WHEN: Saturday 9–10:30 a.m.
WHY GO: Our mission starts and ends with helping you achieve your weight loss or fitness goals in a fun, supportive, community rich with people who will encourage you towards your goals. Our free workouts are on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. 

WHAT: Free Candlelight Restorative Yoga
WHERE: Verona Yoga and Wellness Center, 546 Bloomfield Ave, Verona
WHEN: Sunday 7 to 8 p.m.
WHY GO: The idea is to relax, let go and restore. The room is dark and candlelit, music is soft and relaxing. You have a full hour of relaxation postures with the help of props, blocks, blankets and pillows to make you comfortable while you open your hips, chest, shoulders and your mind. This class is Free but we will accept donations each month for a different worthy cause. 

WHAT:  FIREWORKS  
WHERE: Verona High School, 151 Fairview Ave, Verona
WHEN: Monday 
WHY GO: DJ entertainment starts at 7 p.m. and the Fireworks begin at dusk. Rain date: 7/3

MONTCLAIR

WHAT: Chess at the Library
WHERE: The Café at the Montclair Public Library
WHEN: Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.
WHY GO: All ages and skill levels are welcome to play chess on Saturday afternoons. This is a drop-in group. no registration is required.

WHAT: Montclair Farmers Market
WHERE: 86 Walnut St., Montclair
WHEN: Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHY GO: Variety fruits and vegetables; organic produce; baked goods; eggs; cheese; frozen meats; seafood; pickles; honey; roasted coffees; specialty food purveyors.

WHAT: Saturday Morning Mussar – Ethical Commentaries  
WHERE: Bnai Keshet, 99 S. Fullerton Ave, Montclair
WHEN: Saturday 9 to 10 a.m.
WHY GO: Jewish ethical commentaries. Led by Zach Lipner.

WHAT: Montclair’s 62 Annual Independence Day Parade 
WHERE: Bloomfield Ave to Edgemont Park
WHEN: Wednesday 11 a.m.
WHY GO: Joining the parade again this year will be the Fralinger String Band of Philadelphia Mummers fame whose 2012 theme is "Stars Over Scotland". Local favorites will also be in the 2012 line-up such as the Montclair Community Band, community groups and organizations who will have floats and marchers, fire engines, antique cars, and much, much more in store, including everyone's favorite -- Elvis!

WHAT: 4^th of July Fireworks  
WHERE: Yogi Berra Stadium, Montclair State University 
WHEN: Wednesday 7 p.m. |
WHY GO: The Montclair July 4th Fireworks display will take place at Yogi Berra Stadium on Montclair State University campus. Gates open at 7: 00 p.m. Free parking will be available at the Carparc Diem deck, adjacent to Floyd Hall Arena.

BELLEVILLE

WHAT: Belleville Seniors Citizens Friday Club
WHERE: Senior Citizens Building, Belleville 
WHEN: Friday 12:30 p.m.
WHY GO: Belleville Seniors meet every Friday, with coffee, buns and bingo following. New members are always welcome.

WHAT: Get Your Game On 
WHERE: Belleville Library, 221 Washington Ave, Belleville
WHEN: Friday 2 to 4 p.m.
WHY GO: Wii, board games, cards…  friendly competition is a good thing!  Gaming for teens every Friday!

WHAT: The Thrift Shop at Christ Church
WHERE: New Life Body of Christ, 393 Washington Ave, Belleville
WHEN: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHY GO: The Thrift Shop at Christ Church sells donated items of new and gently used clothing, household items, and some furiniture. All items are sold at very reasonable prices, which makes them affordable to local area residents and The Care Closet participants.

WHAT: Students Bowl 1 Free Game Every Day in the Summer
WHERE: Brunswick Zone, 679 Washington Ave, Belleville
WHEN: Daily
WHY GO: Students 18 and younger get one free game of bowling every day in June, July and August. Join the Bonus Zone and GET FREE GAME coupons right in your inbox.

WHAT: Belleville High School Monthly Flea Market
WHERE: Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Ave, Belleville
WHEN: Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHY GO: The event includes over 50 exhibitors displaying an array of quality merchandise such as jewelry, sports collectibles, handbags, clothing, crafts, watches, gloves and scarves, socks, one-of-a-kind items, antiques and collectibles, garage/tag sale items and much more, all at bargain prices.

WHAT: 4^th OF JULY Family Fun and Fireworks
WHERE: Municipal Stadium, Belleville
WHEN: Wednesday, July 4^th  
WHY GO: Full day of Fun!
 9:30 a.m.  Fun day of activities for ages 2 to 4
 6:30 p.m.  Family fun and entertainment with a DJ and Magic Show
 9:15 p.m.  FIREWORKS

NUTLEY

WHAT: Friday Afternoon at the Movies “The Artist”
WHERE: Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Drive, Nutley
WHEN: Friday 2 p.m.
WHY GO: Silent movie star George Valentin bemoans the coming era of talking pictures and fades into oblivion and self-destruction, but finds sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer lighting up talkies like no one else.

WHAT: Nutley’s Farmers Market
WHERE: Municipal Parking Lot #1, behind Janette Shop, off of William Street
WHEN: Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHY GO: The Township of Nutley and the Greenutley Committee are proud to announce the return of the Famers Market! Patrons will once again be able to purchase fresh produce, cheese, artisan breads, organic coffees and teas, pickles and olives and more.

WHAT: 4^th of July Events for Nutley
WHERE: Nutley Park Oval
WHEN: Starting at 9 a.m. and ending with Fireworks at dusk
WHY GO: Nutley's upcoming July 4th celebration will continue the town's tradition with morning games for youngsters and a festive fire-works display over the Park Oval at night. The morning activities will include the "Firecracker Competition for kids ages 12 and under." Registration is scheduled at 9 a.m. with games starting at 9:30 a.m and continuing until noon.
Evening festivities begin with Franklin Avenue Street closing from Church to Chestnut Street at 6 p.m. On hand will be local bands as well as DJ John Gizzi from Slipped Disc Inc. providing music and games in the Oval. Food vendors will be on site for the evening event.

BLOOMFIELD    

WHAT: Friday Morning Knitting/Crocheting/Needlework Club
WHERE: Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield
WHEN: Friday 11 a.m.
WHY GO: Do you knit, crochet, needlepoint, quilt?  Then come to the Bloomfield Public Library Friday mornings and share your patterns/techniques with other crafters!   Beginners welcome! 

WHAT: Annual Community Day 
WHERE: New Light Baptist Church, 91 Dewey St, Bloomfield
WHEN: Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHY GO: Join us for food, music, vendors, Health screenings, games and FUN!

WHAT: Karaoke at Essex Bar & Grill
WHERE: 41 Broughton Ave, Bloomfield
WHEN: Friday   8: 30 p.m.
WHY GO: Come join the fun with a Great variety of Songs and Talent. Call for reservations 973-748-6590.

WHAT: Bloomfield Animal Shelter Adoption Event
WHERE: Bloomfield (John A. Bukowski) Animal Shelter, 61 Bukowski Pl, Bloomfield
WHEN: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m.
WHY GO: All adult cats and dogs will be available for a reduced adoption fee of $25. Older pets over 3 years will be FREE - "If I'm 3 I'm free." 

WHAT: Essex County’s Free Music Series with Fireworks
WHERE: Brookdale Park, Bloomfield
WHEN: Monday 7: 30 p.m.
WHY GO: A concert by The Duprees and Glenn Miller Orchestra and a fireworks show.

WHAT: 4^th of July Bicentennial Fireworks Spectacular
WHERE: Foley Field Memorial Park
WHEN: Wednesday, Gates open at 5: 30 p.m.
WHY GO: 7: 30 PM – Music by FireThe Kootz.  9: 15 PM - Fireworks start 

CALDWELLS

WHAT: Caldwell Farmers Market
WHERE: Municipal Lot between Smull and Personette (behind the Caldwell Cinema)
WHEN: Friday Noon to 6 p.m.
WHY GO: The market is a seasonal open air market featuring Jersey fresh produce in season as well as specialty vendors offering farm raised meats, locally produced cheeses, pies, breads and other fresh baked goods, gourmet nuts, olive oils, freshly made pastas, and prepared foods.

WHAT: Friday Movie at the Library “Albert Nobbs”
WHERE: West Caldwell Library, 30 Clinton Ave, West Caldwell
WHEN: Friday 1 p.m.
WHY GO: Starring: Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, and Janet McTeer.  Set in 19th century Ireland, an eccentric woman poses as a man so she can work as a butler for an exclusive Dublin hotel. She meets a handsome painter and looks to escape the lie she has been living and carve out a better life for herself. A film discussion will immediately follow the movie

WHAT: Fortnight for Freedom – Guest Speaker: Rev. Timothy Graff 
WHERE: St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, 219 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell
WHEN: Friday  7: 30 p.m.
WHY GO: The guest speaker will be Reverend Timothy Graff, the Archdiocesan Director of Fortnight for Freedom. He will be talking about the HHS mandate, and its affects on the Catholic Church.

WHAT: Fairfield Independence Day Celebration
WHERE: Fairfield Recreation Department, 221 Hollywood, Ave, Fairfield 
WHEN: Sunday 5 to 9 p.m.
WHY GO: 5: 00 pm to 9: 00 pm: DJ Show And Live Entertainment By Jason and Livia from Excel Entertainment. Fireworks begin at Dusk.

WHAT: 4^th of July Ice Cream Social
WHERE: Grover Cleveland Birthplace, Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell
WHEN: July 4^th   1 to 4 p.m.
WHY GO: A day of old fashioned fun with Magicians, balloons, street theater, old-fashioned games, a DJ, a BBQ and ice cream.

WHAT: 4^th Of July Fireworks at JCHS
WHERE: James Caldwell High School
WHEN: Gates open at 7 p.m.  
WHY GO: Entertainment by DJ Danny Duca.  Fireworks begin at dusk
COST: Adults - $3.00, Children 12 & under - $1.00

NEWARK

WHAT: Newark Bears vs New Jersey Jackals
WHERE: Riverfront Stadium, 
WHEN: Friday 6: 35 p.m.; Saturday 6: 35 p.m.; Sunday 1: 05 p.m.
WHY GO: Enjoy a fun game and root for the home team!  FIREWORKS after Friday’s game!
COST: $10

WHAT: Free Concert with FIREWORKS *!*!
WHERE: Branch Brook Park, Newark
WHEN: Friday 7: 30 p.m.
WHY GO: Enjoy the NJSO’s annual summer concert at Essex County Branch Brook Park! Music from E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Rodgers’ “The Carousel Waltz” and the shipboard hijinks of Gilbert and Sullivan’s resoundingly popular H. M. S. Pinafore mingle with patriotic favorites and a salute to our Armed Forces. A trio of vocalists from Opera New Jersey joins the NJSO.

WHAT: Dream Big: Read Summer Reading Programs
Main Library: Friday 10:30 a.m. Moonstruck Arts & Crafts; 3 p.m.- Quiet Reading Hour
Branch Brook Branch: Friday 10:30 a.m.-Surprise Activity; 3 p.m - Bingo
Clinton Branch: Friday 10:30 a.m.-Space Lingo Bingo; 12 p.m.- Reading Time; 2:30 p.m.- Board Games & Puzzles
Vailsburgh Branch: Friday 10:30 a.m.–Games; 10:30 a.m.-Daylight Gardening for Adults; 3 p.m.-Sparkling Stars Craft 
North End Branch: Friday 10:30 a.m.-Go Batty for Puzzles & Table Games; 2:30 p.m.-Movies to Dream About
Weequahic Branch: Friday 10:30 a.m.-Dream to Feel Good Aerobics; 2:30 p.m.-Dreamer Features Movies
Van Buren Branch: Friday 10 a.m.-Imagine That! Creative Arts; 3 p.m.-In The Night Kitchen with Chef Adam

WHAT: Exhibit: Listen, Listen, Look, Look
WHERE: Newark Public Library, 5 Washington St, Newark
WHEN: Showing through July 21, 2012
WHY GO: Prints, Photographs, Artists' Books and More. Visit this exhibition of recent acquisitions of the Special Collections Division.

WHAT: Sunday Jazz Matinee
WHERE: Skippers, 304 University Ave, Newark 
WHEN: Sunday   5:30pm–9 p.m.
WHY GO: Come enjoy our Sunday Jazz Matinee every Sunday featuring a variety of well known and respected regional/local artists including Frank Noviello, Yotam Silberstein, Annette St. John, Marvin Horne, Bill Saxton, and more.
COST: There is a $10.00 minimum purchase during live performances.

WHAT: Summer Planetarium Shows
WHERE:  Newark Museum's Dreyfuss Planetarium   
WHEN: Wednesday through Sunday from June 20 through Aug. 19
WHY GO: The Newark Museum's Dreyfuss Planetarium is a dynamic  interactive digital theater for learning about space and science. Two exciting planetarium shows will be offered to kids and adults. The Planetarium will feature Zula Patrol 2 at 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. In their latest adventure, a routine fossil-hunting mission launches The Zula Patrol on a rollicking ride into Earth’s past!  (Recommended for children ages 5 to 9; 35 minutes)  At 3:30 p.m. Heart of the Sun examines the Sun up close, describes how it creates the light that warms us and makes life possible here on Earth, and is used as a source of renewable energy. (Recommended for adults and children ages 10 and up; 35 minutes)
Planetarium Admission: Adults $5; children under 12, seniors, and college students $3. Members: Adults $3, children & seniors $2