The SOMA backStage Reading Series brings new plays and musicals from South Orange and Maplewood’s theater professionals to the intimate Loft at SOPAC. This series lets you experience the energy and excitement of brand-new theater in the town “where Broadway comes home to sleep.”  True North, by Holly Reed and Kelvin Reed, is a magical new holiday musical. Blending heart, humor, and a touch of holiday wonder, True North is a joy-filled new Christmas musical about the power of belief, the strength of family, and finding your way—no matter how lost you feel.

Craft Club Studio (122 S Orange Ave, South Orange) is hosting an embroidered sweater workshop on January 22nd from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Learn how to jazz up any sweater by adding a hand embroidered name/word(s)! We'll start by choosing the right embroidery floss or yarn for your sweater then get to work stitching.

Zero experience necessary! 

We will provide all materials except for the sweater. Please bring a knit or jersey material sweater (adult or child). Feel free to reach out with questions about the best sweater choice! 

Call for Vendors + New Vendor Info Session
Interested in becoming a Co-Lab vendor or know someone who might be a great fit?
Join us for our New Vendor Info Session:
Thursday, 1/22
6:00 PM
The Co-Lab 57 South Orange Ave
Learn about our mission, membership options, and how to apply

Kitchen a La Mode (59 South Orange Avenue) is hosting a knife skills class on January 21st from 6:30pm-7:30pm.

Get a slice of the action and join Andrew Kit, owner of Kitchen a la Mode, for an unforgettable Knife Skills Class on January 21st at 6:30pm. This hands-on workshop will have you chopping, dicing, and mincing your way to kitchen perfection under expert guidance. Whether you're a kitchen novice or looking to refine your technique, you'll master essential cutting methods that transform your everyday cooking. Learn professional tricks to prep ingredients faster, safer, and with confidence. Spice up your cooking game and discover how proper knife skills unlock a whole new level of culinary creativity. Perfect for home cooks ready to level up!

You’ve heard the positive reviews… now come see for yourself! Join us as we celebrate the official ribbon cutting ceremony of Village Marketplace at 1 South Orange Ave on Tuesday, January 20th at 2PM.

The store is under new ownership and offering a fresh, modern shopping experience, featuring gourmet deli items, fresh produce, artisan cheeses, baked goods, hot foods, and everyday essentials.

Help bring light to Meadowland Park and our community to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy on Monday Jan 19th at 5PM.

Meadowland Park will be filled with the largest display of MLK Day luminaries in SOMA. In partnership with the Community Coalition on Race (CCR), the park will glow with luminaries, special lighting, and video installations using equipment donated by SOPAC, with generous financial support from Invisible Man.

Each luminary will be weighted with canned food, which will be donated to a local food pantry after the event. Community members are invited to bring cans of food to the Skate House starting at 2 pm on January 19, join a ceremonial lighting with local officials at 5 pm, and then wander the park to experience the installation.

To order CCR luminaries, click here.

More about CCR’s programming earlier in the day on January 19:

The South Orange Maplewood Community Coalition on Race invites the community to gather for its 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 2 pm, as the community honors Dr. King’s legacy and renews a shared commitment to equity and inclusion. This year’s theme, “Do Not Erase Our History,” calls on participants to remember that truth, memory, and historical understanding are essential to building the Beloved Community.

The observance will feature keynote speaker Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, the inaugural Professor of African American Studies and Public Affairs at Princeton University, director of the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project, and a nationally recognized voice on the intersections of race, history, and justice. The program will also include readings from Dr. King’s writings, performances by the Columbia High School Chorus and Special Dance, and reflections from local clergy.

Following the observance, attendees are invited to visit the exhibit created by Durand Hedden House and Garden titled “Slavery in New Jersey: A Troubled History.” The exhibit explores the history of enslaved people in New Jersey from the beginnings of Dutch settlement in the 17th century through the end of the Civil War.

The Craft Club Studio (122 S Orange Ave, South Orange Village) is hosting a kawaii cuteness craft workshop for kids on January 19th from 9:30am-1:00pm.

School's out, let's make Kawaii-style crafts together! 

During this workshop we'll pay homage to all things Kawaii (translation: "cute" in Japanese!) and create a variety of adorable creatures. We'll draw, collage, sew, bedazzle- the cutie crafting options are endless! 

We'll eat lunch at 11:30, please pack a nut-free lunch and filled waterbottle.

Kitchen a La Mode (59 South Orange Avenue) is hosting a community soup swap on January 18th from 10am-12pm.

Community Soup Swap — $15 Per Person
Join us for a cozy, feel-good Soup Swap that brings neighbors together for a delicious cause! Bring a large batch of your favorite homemade soup and some to go containers to go home with a variety of new soups to enjoy.

Your $15 admission will be fully donated to The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, helping families in need this season. Plus, any leftover soups from the event will be personally delivered to unhoused community members at the South Orange train station.

Come share food, warmth, and kindness — one bowl at a time.
All are welcome.

The Botanica Boutique (70 Taylor Pl, South Orange Village) is hosting flash tarot card readings on January 17th from 12pm-3pm.

✨ NEW YEAR. NEW MOON. NEW RITUALS. ✨

This Saturday 1/17 | 12–3pm we’re opening a rare ✨Saturday portal✨ for something special…

🔮 Flash tarot readings with Isabel Mares (The OptiMystic) @the.opti.mystic

🍪 Sweet bites by Bakes by Izzy @bakesbyizzy_nj

🍵 Tea tastings from our brand new Ritual Collection Herbal Teas @theritualcollectionherbalteas

If you always miss our readers because of your schedule — this is your sign.

💫 Readings are $30
💫 Sign up when you arrive
💫 Come sip, snack, reflect & set intentions for the year ahead

New moon magic is calling… are you answering? 🌙✨

Shop products and services provided by our Future Makers Youth Entrepreneurship Cohort at Air Aerial Fitness Studio (15 Valley St #SF2) For more information please contact: njosey@metroymcas.org.

Celebrate  the new year early at SOPAC's Kids + Family Noon Year's Eve Party featuring The Rock and Roll Playhouse performing the music of The Beatles. Enjoy a lively, interactive concert and a joyful countdown to 2026.  Select a VIP to continue the celebration at the After VIP After Party to enjoy the family dance party, kid-approved chicken fingers, juice boxes, and a cash bar for adults. Early access tickets are available NOW with code NYEFAMILY! This event is generously sponsored by BGR.

SOPAC Members - please log in to your account to access your member benefits.

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!