10 Events To Explore In November
Whether you’re into fall festivals, food or family fun, there’s something for everyone this month in our counties.
October was packed with trunk or treats, parades, costume parties and pumpkin picking excursions, and the excitement isn’t slowing down in November. In the lead-up to Thanksgiving, Morris and Essex counties remain busy with lots of fun, family-friendly events.
And if you’re having a hard time narrowing down the choices (honestly, there’s only so many hours in a day!), let us assist. Here, we categorize a few November highlights based on your interests. Check out our picks for the events you should add to your calendar:
If you’re a theater goer…
The songs, the dancing, the strength. See it all when the Mayo Performing Arts Center hosts Tina: The Tina Turner Musical for live shows on Nov. 8 and 9. The Broadway hit tells the true story of the Turner, who defied racism, sexism and ageism to become a tree rock ‘n’ roll icon.
For more songs you love, check out Disney’s Frozen, which begins a month-and-a-half-long run at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn on Nov. 26. Bring the entire family to enjoy the story of sisters Elsa and Anna, who embark on magical journey of love and self-discovery live on stage.
If you’re a music lover…
Head to the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Nov. 13 and see Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin perform together on stage. Both Grammy Award winners, Cohn and Colvin will entertain the audience with familiar radio hits and deep cuts from their respective repertoires.
For gritty rock ‘n’ roll, check out John Fogerty at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on Nov. 12. The Grammy winner and founder of Creedence Clearwater Revival will perform his biggest jam during the show. Tickets for both concerts are available online.
If you’re a festival lover…
Celebrate everything New Jersey at Jersey Makes: Fall Arts & Craft Fair in Morris Plains’ Central Park. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can shop for everything, from jewelry and art to candles and crafts. Food trucks, live music and activities for kids also will be available.
Try something new and head to Hackettstown’s Vasa Park for the Gormánudur Viking Harvest Festival. On Nov. 15 and 16, attendees can participate in games and activities, learn about Viking lifestyle, create and shop for traditional jewelry and clothing and much more.
If you’re a foodie…
You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy the Montclair Vegan Food Festival, happening Nov. 15 and 16 at Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. Some of the state’s best vegan and plant-based food from local chefs, restaurants, food trucks and product developers. There also will be vegan lifestyle gear, cruelty-free fashion, live music and an outdoor bar stocked with vegan cocktails and mocktails! Tickets are available online.
If you’re a fun-loving parent…
Head to the County College of Morris’s Longo Planetarium for Cosmic Colors, a show geared for kids that takes visitors on a journey across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. During the 45-minute show, you’ll discover the many reasons for color, including why the sky is blue and why Mars is red. Shows are offered on Nov. 7, 8, 21 and 22. Register online.
Visit the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms for a family-friendly tour based on the museum’s recently published children’s book, Adventures at Craftsman Farms with Teddy. Through storytelling and creative props, young visitors are invited to imagine Craftsman Farms in 1911, a busy working farm and family home in the early 20th century. Register for the Nov. 15 event online.
At the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts in Madison, visitors can participate in Holiday Craft: Bountiful Thanksgiving for all ages. Drop in after school from 3 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 25 to create beaded bracelets, apple puppets, thankful turkeys and more. Register the entire family online.
Are you heading to a fun event this month? Tell us all about it on Instagram @morrisandessexmag.
