Variety is the Spice of the Weekend
Take your entertainment fast or slow this weekend.
Some of us like to get out there and play hard. Others consider the weekend a time to kick back and enjoy the air conditioning (I personally fall into this category).
Fortunately for us all, this weekend brings events varied enough to please nearly everyone. For the more energetic crowd, the Open Basketball at the Baird might appeal, or the Nature Walk through South Mountain Reservation. The lawn-chair fans out there may enjoy one of several outdoor summer concerts, or a nice movie at the temperature controlled Library. The Shoppers among us will certainly want to spend Saturday at the Maplewood Village Sidewalk Sale, and the kids might like to try their hand at creating their own masterpieces at Express Yourself Studios.
And for brunch fans, the Above Restaurant is hosting a Sunday Brunch especially for the gay community and their families and friends. All in all, the weekend promises fun for everyone. Read on for all the details!
Above Restaurant and Bar will host a Sunday Brunch on the terrace especially for the gay community. Catch up with old friends, and meet some new ones. Feel free to bring the kids – they are welcome, too! The terrace is spacious, so invite friends and family. Reservations are not required. $45 per person; Sunday, noon to 3:00 p.m.; South Orange
Summer Sidewalk Sale in Maplewood Village
Spectacular summer bargains can be found in Maplewood Village this Saturday! Take advantage of the end of the season specials and browse the shopping district for the best deals, then stop at one of the fabulous restaurants for a snack or a meal. There will be a Robotics Demonstration at Scriveners at 2pm and they will be giving away a free GoGo to the first 50 kids who stop by! Free; all day Saturday; Maplewood
The Characters will present a fun and energetic rock and roll show, complete with song and dance for all ages at Taylor Park. Refreshments will be available for sale, so grab some ice cream, break out your blanket, and enjoy a summertime rocking party in the park. Free; Sunday at 7:00 p.m.; Millburn
Want to play a little B-Ball? The South Mountain YMCA staff will supervise the outdoor basketball courts at the Baird on Saturday and Sunday from noon until dark for pick up basketball games. The Y is also running instructional basketball sessions on game fundamentals and team play on Saturday afternoons – visit the YMCA website for details at www.smountainymca.org. Free; Saturday and Sunday, noon to dark; South Orange
Express Yourself Studios is bringing fine art to the younger set on Saturdays this summer. This weekend the focus will be on Wassily Kandinsky, with the children learning through discussions, examples, and art-making. Projects might include painting, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media collage, or paper mache. All the materials needed will be included, so just bring a snack and some creativity and enjoy the fun. Registration is required by calling 973-763-5256. $45 per child; Saturday; Maplewood
Are you interested in the workings of the plant kingdom? If so, join the South Mountain Conservancy for a walk through the reservation, starting at Dogwood Hill (on the west side of Brookside Drive, 0.6 miles south of the light on S. Orange Ave). Children age 9 and older are welcome on this free walk. No reservations are required – just show up! Intermittant drizzle will not cancel the walk, but steady rain will! Free; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; South Mountain Reservation
Downtown after Sundown Concerts
This free, outdoor concert series continues this weekend with Jeff Guenther Retrofitz performing at Sloan St & S Orange Ave, and The David Easton Band playing at Spiotta Park, on Friday evening. On Saturday, Chris Colaneri Quartet will be at Sloan St & S Orange Ave, and Felt will perform at Spiotta Park. The series is sponsored by Investors Savings Bank & The Village of South Orange. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music! Free; Friday and Saturday, 7:30p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; South Orange
The South Orange Library will show "Beezus and Ramona" (Rated G) in air-conditioned comfort. Based on the "Ramona" series of novels written by Beverly Cleary, and starring Joey King, Selena Gomez, and John Corbett, this family-friendly movie is open to all. Free; Friday, 1:30 p.m., South Orange
