Seven For Seven: What To Do Around Town This Week

Every weekend, Patch will give you a guide as to the best events going on around town during the coming week, at least one for every single day. This next week there is everything from corncob dart tosses to free outdoor concerts. Of course, good ideas for what to do can always be found at DestinationMontclair, the Montclair Arts Council's one-stop shop for arts and entertainment information.

-- Sunday, July 25

    1) Historic Games Day from noon to 2 p.m. (weather permitting) on the back lawn of the Israel Crane House. Join the staff at the Montclair Historical Society and learn about historic toys and games from the 18th and 19th centuries. Games include wooden hoops, the game of graces, Jacob's ladders, and several other toys. There will be hoop races and corncob dart tossing contests. Parents are welcome to join as well! While at MHS, take a tour of the Israel Crane and Nathaniel Crane Houses. Tours offered at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. The admission fee for house tours is $5 for adults, and $3 for children.

-- Monday, July 26

    1) People In Our Neighborhood Storytime will be held at Watchung Booksellers at 10 a.m. Each week Miss Margaret will introduce a special guest, read stories about their important job, and have a fun activity - just right for 4-6 year olds. Pre-registration is essential, as space is limited. Reserve a spot for your 4-6 year old at info@watchungbooksellers or by calling 973-744-7177.

-- Tuesday, July 27

    1) Open Mic night at the Montclair Public Library from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The program is designed to be a relaxed forum focused on the music community in and around Montclair where performers can share their craft and get to know one another. One performer will be featured and a portion of the show recorded for broadcast on TV34. So come on in and join us!

     2) There's also a free concert by the Montclair Community Band at 7:30 p.m. on the Montclair High School Front Lawn. Bring a chair or a blanket.

-- Wednesday, July 28

     1) Go to the Van Vleck House and Gardens from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. for Garden Discoveries for ages 3-5. The Garden Discoveries classes are designed to inspire children about the natural world around them. Since each child learns in a different way, every class examines one topic through stories, outdoor exploration, and hands-on activities and specimens. Classes are held twice a month, and each class has individual registration. Each program will include a guided hike, hands-on activities, and a story. Parents or caregivers must accompany each child.

-- Thursday, July 29

     1) Check out A Midsummer Night, a Sultry Summer Group Show at Gallery U. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Gallery U is at 179 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair. With co-curators Amalia Grannis and Alex Christian, the show features music by Atlas records and works by Gio Black Peter, Walt Cessna, Gerry Visco, Joe Iurato, Robert Greco, Scott Kosiorek, Gregory Moon, Erica Resnick, Robet Langdon, Inbred Hybrid Collective, and a host of others.

-- Friday, July 30

     1) Buy your tickets at the Wellmont Theatre to see Lyle Lovett on August 15 and Counting Crows on August 17 or 18.

     2) There's also a free concert in Brookdale Park at 7:30 p.m. featuring Bobby and The Jets/Big Shot. Bring a chair or a blanket.

-- Saturday, July 31

     1) Go to the Terra Tea Salon from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to hear the Swampgrass Jug Band.

     2) Sign up for the adult summer reading contest at Watchung Booksellers. The store is using the honor system. Hardcovers, paperbacks, audiobooks, or ebooks - as long as you've read the whole book. Who will read the most books this summer? Just keep a list of titles and authors on the back of an old envelope or anything that reflects you. The end date is September 7 and you must bring in your list by September 11. Winners announced on September 15. FABULOUS prizes!!!