Get ready to kick off the season with South Orange’s Hometown Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 6, from 2–6 PM! Enjoy a joyful afternoon filled with festive fun for all ages, from Santa photos and kids’ activities to live performances and our beloved community tree lighting.

2–5 PM – Holiday Moments & Santa Photos
Head upstairs at Felina Steak (101 S Orange Ave) for a fun-filled afternoon featuring free professional photos with Santa by Keep Rolling Productions. Kids can enjoy themed games, crafts, and a special Holiday Education Station presented by the South Orange Public Library.

5 PM – Tree Lighting Ceremony
The celebration continues at its new location in Spiotta Park (20-32 Village Plaza) with our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! Enjoy performances by the Columbia High School Choir and dancers from Concepts Dance Academy beginning at 5PM, followed by the official lighting at 5:30PM. Afterward, return to Felina Steak for hot chocolate and sweet treats to keep the holiday spirit going.

A heartfelt thank you to our Tree Sponsor, Felina Steak, and to our Holiday Moments sponsor, the Lichtman Rabney Group of Hearth Realty, for helping make this festive tradition possible.

Downtown Dollars – Small Business Saturday Promotion

Celebrate Small Business Saturday by shopping local and saving. Spend $50 at any participating business on Saturday, November 29, 2025, and receive $10 off your purchase. More than 40 businesses throughout South Orange are taking part in this special offer.

Downtown Dollars can be picked up at The Co-Lab (57 S Orange Ave) between 10 AM and 2 PM on November 29 and are valid all day long.

View the full list of participating businesses and redemption rules here.

Join FreeWalkers on Sunday, November 23 at 10:15 a.m. for a Pre-Thanksgiving 5-6 mile hike through the beautiful South Mountain Reservation. 

In collaboration with our friends at The GenWealth Group of Maplewood, we will be collecting coats for donation at the walk for their Annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive. 

This walk is FREE for anyone who wants to participate. 

For more information and to register, please visit our website at http://www.freewalkers.org.

Dive into a sea of magic, music, and merriment with Panto’s The Little Mermaid, the award-winning family production from the internationally acclaimed Panto Company USA. Bursting with dazzling visuals, catchy original songs, and laugh-out-loud audience participation, this enchanting adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale turns SOPAC into an under-the-sea playground where every child (and grown-up) becomes part of the adventure. 

• A Timeless Story, Panto-Style: Follow our spirited young mermaid as she leaves her ocean home in search of a brighter world, meeting a dashing prince, a deliciously devious sea witch, and a boatload of adventures along the way. 

• Spectacular Stagecraft: Eye-popping scenery, vibrant costumes, and original songs transform the stage into a shimmering aquatic wonderland, igniting imaginations and keeping little eyes glued to the action. 

• Laughter & Participation: Humor that lands with kids and adults alike, and loads of audience participation ensure the audience is part of every splash and giggle.

Perfect for families, school groups, and anyone young at heart, Panto’s The Little Mermaid delivers a theatrical treasure trove of fun, fantasy, and heart. So grab your flippers and prepare for a wave of unforgettable memories!

The John Scofield Trio offers an evening of jazz mastery and spontaneous invention. They are revered for transforming the classic trio format into a space for nuanced, boundary-pushing expression. If you love jazz that’s intricate, dynamic, and alive with improvisation, this trio’s high-wire interplay is a must.

• John Scofield: A three-time Grammy-winning guitarist and composer, Scofield is renowned for his distinctive sound that blends post-bop, funk-tinged jazz, and R&B. With nearly 50 albums as a leader and collaborations alongside Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Pat Metheny, Scofield’s intuitive and bold improvisations are at their peak in trio settings.

• Bill Stewart: Acclaimed for his lyrical drumming and sharp interplay, Stewart has performed and recorded with jazz legends Pat Metheny, Joe Lovano, Michael Brecker, and more. His inventive, dynamic approach is central to the Trio’s signature synergy.

• Vicente Archer: One of today’s most profound new bass voices, Archer brings melodic depth and deft groove, shaped by years performing alongside Kenny Garrett, Wynton Marsalis, Robert Glasper, and other heavyweights.

The trio explores an exhilarating mix of Scofield originals, jazz classics, and unexpected gems from Bob Dylan to Miles Davis. What unfolds is a tapestry of tight jazz standards, savvy compositions, and fearless improvisation.

Take Advantage of SOPAC’s Jazz Bundle to get tickets for 2 events for $70

Choose two out of these five events for $70.
Use code JAZZFALL2 at checkout.
Stephane Wrembel Quartet SEP 12
Cindy Blackman Santana Group OCT 18
The Hot Sardines NOV 16
John Scofield Trio NOV 21
John Pizzarelli Dec 21

Get ready for a night of unstoppable laughs and powerhouse talent with Ladies of Laughter, the trailblazing comedy competition and tour that’s launched the careers of today’s top women in stand-up. Featuring:

• Liz Glazer: Award-winning comedian, actor, and writer, Liz won the 2021 Ladies of Laughter Newcomer title and the Boston Comedy Festival, made her network TV debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and has opened for Myq Kaplan and Maria Bamford.

• Marion Grodin: One of the hottest comics in the country, Marion is known for her hilariously personal, improvisational style—headlining NYC’s top clubs, touring with Linda Ronstadt, and sharing the stage with legends like Jerry Seinfeld and Robin Williams.

• Carie Karavas: A tough, wisecracking comic with a hard-hitting delivery, Carie has stormed the national club scene, appeared on Comedy Central and CBS’s Kevin Can Wait, and performed at the Montreal Comedy Festival and Mohegan Sun.

• Luz Michelle: Fierce, fearless, and quick-witted, Luz has wowed crowds at Caroline’s, Gotham Comedy Club, and The Stand, won the Ladies of Laughter Westchester Chapter, and pens the witty “Dear Luz” advice column for Connect To magazine.

Don’t miss this high-energy showcase of the funniest women in comedy. It’s a fresh, unforgettable celebration of humor, empowerment, and the unstoppable force of female talent.

Celebrate the spirit of patriotism and musical excellence with the United States Military Veterans All Stars, a group of talented artists honoring U.S. veterans through music.

• Tribute to Veterans: A heartfelt program featuring beloved standards and patriotic tunes that pay homage to veterans of every generation.

• Exceptional Talent: Service-driven artists whose skill and passion often surprise and delight audiences of all ages.

• Dynamic Performances: Energizing arrangements and blistering solos that bring the music to life.

Join in the joy, gratitude, and pride as they create an unforgettable evening of tribute and celebration.

Step into a roaring, joy-filled celebration with “one of the best jazz bands in NY today” (Forbes). Fueled by the belief that classic jazz feeds the heart and soul, The Hot Sardines are on a mission to make old sounds new again, blending brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano, and transporting vocals into a sound that’s both timeless and irresistibly fresh.

• Jazz for the 21st Century: With sold-out shows at Newport and Montreal Jazz Festivals, chart-topping albums, and critical raves, The Hot Sardines breathe new life into the Great American Songbook, reinventing classics and originals with wit and verve.

• Unforgettable Performers: This dynamic collective channels the energy of New York speakeasies, Parisian cabarets, and New Orleans jazz halls.

• Innovative & Inclusive: They blend high and low culture, glamour and grit, all while drawing multi-generational crowds to the dance floor.

Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a newcomer, The Hot Sardines promise an evening of pure musical joy, where every note is a party and every show is a celebration!

Join Seton Village for a Fall Community Planting Day in and around Carter Park in South Orange on Sunday, November 16 from 10AM-1PM. Help us plant bulbs that will blossom into beautiful blooms for this Spring at Carter Park⁠ (176 College Pl South Orange, NJ). Let’s grow together and beautify our community one bulb at a time. Organized by BLOOM in partnership with Seton Village NPP⁠⁠.

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with a community planting event. It's a great way to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with your neighbors! No prior gardening experience is required, just a positive attitude and a willingness to get your hands dirty (literally). Free light bites will be available for volunteers. Please sign up here: https://www.setonvillage.org/upcoming-events/fall-community-planting-day

Our Wonderful Holiday Jewelry Sale!

Saturday November 15, from 10am to 5pm
Sunday November 16, from 1pm to 4pm
Baird Community Center, 5 Mead Street, South Orange

A don’t-miss-it sale for your holiday shopping!  Gifts for everyone on your list, and for you too. A huge amount of jewelry from fun to fancy – fine and vintage jewelry, sterling silver jewelry, and costume jewelry, priced to sell. Bring your friends for a fun outing. So much jewelry and such deals! Sign up for our email list for this sale and future jewelry sales.

Please donate your unwanted jewelry — we are actively seeking jewelry donations in order to raise more lovely money for the Library. Jewelry donations are accepted all year round: Details here.

Celebrate the timeless music of The Band with The THE BAND Band, the nation’s premier tribute act dedicated to bringing their iconic sound to life.

• Authentic Performances: Soulful, spot-on renditions of hits like “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” along with deep cuts from Music From Big Pink and The Brown Album.

• Seasoned Musicians: Founded in 2007 by Jack Kraft and Gary Solomon, the band features a talented lineup of multi-instrumentalists and vocalists who capture the passion and energy of The Band.

• Celebrating Americana: Honors the pioneering blend of country, blues, rock, and folk that defined The Band’s legacy and influenced generations of artists.

If you love The Band, you’ll love the passion and dedication of The THE BAND Band!

Grab your friends and head to South Orange Downtown on Friday, November 14 from 5–8 PM for Hats Off to Downtown, our district-wide shopping crawl celebrating our amazing local businesses.

Stroll through downtown, shop exclusive deals, enjoy giveaways, tastings, and restaurant specials and music from DJ Phillip Lee to keep the night buzzing.
⁠
Start your night at The Co-Lab (57 S Orange Ave) to pick up your event passport and a bag of tokens. As you visit each business, drop a token into their buckets to earn entries into our downtown raffle - no purchase necessary! The more places you visit, the more chances you have to win!⁠
⁠
Plus, show off your most creative or fancy hat for a chance to win our Best Hat Contest.

⁠Learn more and RSVP recommended: https://www.southorangedowntown.org/hats-off

Team Unscreen Hosts “Alternative Device Fair” at Baird Community Center

Families Invited to Explore Non-Smartphone Options on November 13 in South Orange South Orange, NJ – September 26, 2025 – Team Unscreen, a grassroots initiative committed to redefining childhood by reducing reliance on smartphones, is excited to announce its Alternative Device Fair, taking place on Thursday, November 13 from 4:30–7 PM at the Baird Community Center in South Orange, NJ.

This family-friendly event invites parents and kids to explore and test non-smartphone devices in real life, offering a hands-on look at safer, kid-friendly alternatives. Representatives from leading tech safety brands including Troomi, Bark, Pinwheel, and Light will be on-site to showcase their products and answer questions. Attendees can also enter a raffle to win prizes like a SunbeamWireless device, a Tin Can Phone, and more.

Attendance is free, but registration is encouraged. - Reserve tickets at: https://shorturl.at/LSVFg

Event Details:

What: Alternative Device Fair

When: Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Baird Community Center, 5 Mead Street, South Orange, NJ

Who Should Attend: Parents, guardians, and children interested in safer, non-smartphone tech options. There will be an activity table for young siblings, too!

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:

Dava Zuckerman

Email: Teamunscreensms@gmail.com

Phone: 323.397.1891

About Team Unscreen

Team Unscreen is a community-led effort based in South Orange-Maplewood (SOMSD) focused on reshaping norms around childhood tech use.

JESPY House Trivia Night!

$40 per person (includes trivia & dessert)

Prizes for Top 3 winners!

Join us for a FREE Movie Day during November break!

Friday, Nov 7th at 10:30 AM, we’'ll be showing the movie The Wild Robot. Friday, Nov 7th at 12:00 PM, we’ll be showing the movie A Minecraft Movie!

Popcorn provided! Please note that children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This event is FREE, but registration is required. Don’t miss out on a fun day!

CELEBRATING OUR 22nd ANNUAL TOUR

More than 100 artists open their doors to share their own special brand of creativity and art during this beloved community event. Talk to artists in their own studios, start or add to your art collection, view beautiful works of art, and gain a unique and personal view of the life of an artist.

OUR VISION

The townships of South Orange and Maplewood are home to a vibrant community of artists who live, work and play all within a short distance of New York City, the capital of the art world. Studio Tour SOMA was initiated in 2003 to celebrate the artists among us and to help make local art available to all.

Spooky Spiotta is back, bringing Halloween fun to the heart of downtown on Sunday October 26th.

Come to Spiotta Park, dressed to impress! This celebration includes an annual costume contest with prizes from local businesses, an interactive Halloween obstacle course, themed games, and trick-or-treat stations throughout the park. Children can also enjoy face painting and fairy hair provided by SOMA Pop Party to complete their Halloween look. All activities are free and open to all ages.

Date: Sunday, October 26
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Spiotta Park (20–32 Village Plaza)

This event is proudly sponsored by Natalie Farrell of Weichert Realtors and American Water of NJ.

It’s a scary good time in Meadowland Park!  The Halloween edition of the South Orange Cornhole Classic features 32 teams of 2 vying for the championship (and best costume awards too!).

They’ll be a beer garden featuring Lum’s Cellars brews, hard seltzers and food from the Baird Cafe.

Register by clicking here today:  https://give.meadowlandpark.org/page/CornholeOWeen2025

Follies Show: Thursday, October 23rd, 7:30 - 9pm ($10 tickets, doors open 7pm) at The Woodland (60 Woodland Rd., Maplewood) Tech/Dress Rehearsal (mandatory): Wednesday, October 22nd, 6:30 - 8:30pm.

Follies Mission: To charm and delight our community with low-stakes, old-school, heartwarming variety family fun—and it’s not a contest! 

Get those wheels turning now—the MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES needs YOU to come up with an act for fall auditions, September 24th! So grab a friend, neighbor, or family member and create a comedy bit, dance routine, or an acoustic song. Or you could sing opera, yodel, do impressions or bird calls; step dance, clogging, tap, or ballet; recite original poetry; perform drag; do magic, juggle, or ventriloquism; act out a dramatic skit or a short scene from your favorite tv show. The only 3 rules are: 3 minutes per act, no drum kits, and no solos. Open to Maplewood/South Orange and surrounding communities, ages 9 to 99. Our FOLLIES motto is: “Have fun!”

Last year’s sold-out, standing-room-only show had two father/daughter acts, a mother/sons act, a family circus act, plus a hilarious crew of neighbors, with fabulous groups of local singers, musicians, and dancers throughout. We even had a theremin player and a roller-skating chicken. So dust off that baton or ribbon dance stick and collaborate creative forces—(Hint: the FOLLIES Team loves multi-cultural and/or generational acts.) We encourage up-tempo, up-beat, fun, or funny acts, so choose your music wisely. Are you taking lessons with other students? Is your uncle a ham? Do you have something from an old show you can pull out of your back pocket? The more the merrier on stage, and the more creative the better. It’s your opportunity to showcase a lesser-known talent in a supportive, low-stakes environment. Surprise your friends and impress/embarrass your kids! The FOLLIES isn’t a contest and there’s no winner. Our goal is charming, quirky, old-timey fun—a heartfelt way to build community.

The FOLLIES Team encourages new acts to audition every year, however, if you’ve been in the show, you may audition a new act with varying performers or a different song or vibe. The MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES was created by Lara Tomlin and will be made possible by the invaluable efforts and generous support of Andrea Teutli, Miriam R. Perez, and Stacey Ross-Trevor of the Division of Arts & Culture of the Township of Maplewood. Tori Chickering returns as Co-producer/Director/Emcee, Katy Chapman as Co-producer, and Cat Delett as Talent Wrangler, Craig Stout is this year’s Designer, Ridley McIntyre is Stage Manager, and Elizabeth Sarkesian is heading up Stage Crew once again. If you’d like to volunteer for the FOLLIES Team, please email mapsofollies@gmail.com with the subject line: “Follies 2025 - Volunteer Help” and join us! 

Follies FAQs, tickets, and photos, visit: maplewoodartsandculture.org/follies

Cindy Blackman Santana is a virtuoso drummer whose electrifying artistry bridges jazz, rock, and beyond. Renowned for her soulful power, creative innovation, and masterful command of rhythm, Cindy is as celebrated for her dynamic fills and nuanced colors as she is for her sheer musical force.

• Genre-Defying Innovator: Cindy’s career has taken her from NYC’s streets to global stages, performing with legends like Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, and Santana, as well as leading her own acclaimed bands.

• Trailblazing Collaborator: She’s rocked the world with Lenny Kravitz, joined forces with Vernon Reid and Jack Bruce in Spectrum Road, and now mesmerizes audiences worldwide as the powerhouse drummer for Santana.

• Acclaimed Leader & Creator: Her albums and fearless exploration of jazz, rock, and funk cements her legacy as one of the greatest drummers of any generation.

Whether behind the kit or at the mic, Cindy Blackman Santana’s performances are a thrilling journey through rhythm, innovation, and pure musical joy!

Remember Jones’ Bat Out of Hell tribute to Meat Loaf is a standout performance that showcases his incredible vocal range and theatrical flair.

• Jones embodies the spirit of Meat Loaf’s larger-than-life persona.

• His stage presence is commanding, engaging, and full of energy, drawing the audience into the performance.

• Jones and his 15-piece band meticulously recreate the original arrangements. At the same time, they bring their unique energy and interpretation to the performances.

This is a must-see experience for fans of Meat Loaf and anyone looking for a high-energy, theatrical rock experience.

Seton Village Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival is Friday, October 17th!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with music, mouthwatering food, refreshing craft beer & wine, and so much fun! The Seton Village Food Truck Festival is Friday, October 17th from 5-9:30pm, featuring some of the best food trucks from the area, serving up a wide range of culinary delights. Whether you're a foodie looking to explore new flavors or just in the mood for some classic comfort food, there’s something for everyone.
Calling all beer lovers! Our Beer Garden sponsored by Gaslight Brewery is back by popular demand, offering a variety of craft beers to enjoy while soaking in the festive atmosphere. With great music, delicious food & drinks, this is the perfect event to gather with family, friends, and neighbors.
Don’t miss out—join us on Irvington Ave for a night of food, fun and community in the heart of Seton Village!

As a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt acoustic folk music and intimate live performances, he will be amazing to see at SOPAC.

• Timeless Songwriting: Crafts emotionally resonant songs that stand the test of time.

• Poignant Melodies: Blends tender melodies with deeply moving, heartfelt lyrics.

• Signature Style: Combines soft, fingerpicked acoustic guitar and understated vocals to create a calming, introspective atmosphere that deeply connects with listeners.

Joshua Radin is known for his unforgettable live experiences where, as he says, “Every show is different and… audience dependent.”

About Brendan James

An American Singer-Songwriter signed to Capitol Records at age 25, Universal Records at 28, James has collaborated or toured with the likes of John Mayer, John Legend, Cat Stevens, Carly Simon, Keb Mo, and Andy Grammar, and his songs have been placed in over 20 major television shows and films worldwide. Writing songs on the topics of love, optimism, political enlightenment, simplifying, self-empowerment and wanderlust, James has left no stone unturned in his 7 studio albums to date.

Join us for a very special evening at the Pierro Gallery 

Photographer Steve Vaccariello has been capturing Alan Cumming for over 25 years. On Thursday, October 16 at 6pm, hear Steve share the intimate stories behind their friendship and these remarkable photographs.

All artwork is for sale, with proceeds benefiting Trans Lifeline.

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of art, friendship, and storytelling.