Lackawanna Station is at the center of two very different events this weekend, Saturday’s Barknic brings dogs and their people together for an indoor festival at the station, and Sunday’s Family Rave turns the same space into a glow-and-foam dance party for kids and parents. Beyond Lackawanna, there are community walks, a back-to-school resource fair and a rock choir concert on the calendar. Here’s what’s worth your time Friday August 7 through Sunday August 9.
Morning Walks with Let’s Walk!
Friday, August 7, 9:15 a.m. | Eagle Rock Trail Parking Lot, Crest Dr., West Orange
Saturday, August 8, 9:30 a.m. | Brookdale Park Bellevue Ave. Entrance, Bloomfield
The Let’s Walk! Meetup group, based in Montclair and sponsored by the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition, runs free guided walks multiple times a week throughout Essex, Morris and Union counties. This weekend there are two: Friday’s hike covers 3.5 miles on unpaved trails through Eagle Rock Reservation, one of Essex County’s best-known woodlands; wear long pants, bring bug spray and plan for an hour in the woods. Saturday’s walk follows the outer path at Brookdale Park, a 3-to-4-mile loop at a comfortable pace with break-off points available. Both are free; RSVP through the Meetup group and arrive five minutes early.
Barknic
Saturday, August 8, noon to 5 p.m. | Lackawanna Station, 1 Lackawanna Plaza | $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door; children 11 and under free
Wise Animal Rescue, the Lake Hiawatha-based rescue organization celebrating its 10th year of operation, brings Barknic to Lackawanna Station on Saturday: an indoor, dog-friendly festival with vendors, activities, treats and adoptable animals from the rescue. Every ticket purchase is a donation to the rescue, which has rehomed more than 2,000 dogs and cats since it was founded. Dogs must be leashed at all times; all are welcome as long as they’re vaccinated and comfortable in a crowd. Pre-sale tickets close August 7 at 11:59 p.m.
FCCP Back-to-School Community Resource Day
Saturday, August 8, 1 to 4 p.m. | American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny | Free, registration encouraged
A short drive from Montclair, FCCP hosts its fourth annual back-to-school event at American Legion Post 99 in Kearny, connecting families with community organizations, health and wellness information, employment resources and free school supplies while they last. Whether you’re a parent, student, community partner or volunteer, it’s a practical way to head into the school year. Registration is free on Eventbrite.
Family Rave
Sunday, August 9, 2 to 6 p.m. | Lackawanna Station, 1 Lackawanna Plaza | Tickets required
Lackawanna’s Toddler Rave series has grown into something bigger: Family Rave, a daytime dance party with a foam party, a 20-foot inflatable obstacle course, ride-on party animals, a glitter and glow stick bar and music. Every ticket includes a beverage ticket. The organizers describe it as a nightclub during the day, with a VIP section that serves goldfish crackers. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
Rock Voices Montclair: Music from the Movies
Sunday, August 9, 4 p.m. | Cedar Grove High School, 90 Rugby Road, Cedar Grove | Tickets required
Rock Voices, the Montclair-area community rock choir with more than 80 singers, performs its summer concert at Cedar Grove High School on Sunday afternoon. This season’s theme is Music from the Movies, with songs from Peter Gabriel, ABBA, the Bee Gees, Adele, Kenny Loggins, Simon & Garfunkel and more, backed by a professional band. The group’s fall session opens for new members in late September.
For the full list of upcoming events in Montclair, visit montclairpod.com/events.
