Local Events September 6, 2024

Westfield Sweet Sounds Encore 2024

Sweet Sounds Downtown 2024 played its last concert of the season on August 27th. Or did it? Well, this year’s event was such a roaring success, that organizers decided to bring it back this month for the Westfield Sweet Sounds Encore.

  • What: Westfield Sweet Sounds Encore 2024
  • Where: 125 Quimby Street, downtown
  • When: Every Friday in September from 6 pm to 9 pm
  • Admission: FREE

Westfield Sweet Sounds Encore 2024

For the encore, only one band performs on one stage each week instead of the three different bands on three different stages around the Downtown Westfield area. Joe Taino kicks the encore off tonight (September 6th). Next Friday, C3 Soul Revue performs. Then, the following week, guests get to enjoy the musical stylings of the Kolor Blind Band. Finally, Soul Seduction finishes off this encore with a bang.

As always, make sure you bring a blanket and/or lawn chair to enjoy the concert in comfort. No seating will be made available by organizers. And these concerts come completely free of charge. Come back each Friday and bring the family for some soul-stirring, foot-tapping musical fun on Quimby Street every Friday this month.

Tour de Westfield 2024

Just a reminder. This year’s Tour de Westfield takes place on Sunday. Unfortunately, if you did not sign up before September 4th, you cannot participate. However, that does not mean that you cannot be a spectator. Come out to the North Side Train Station on Sunday, September 8th between 10 am and noon to cheer on the families and organizations riding along our Westfield streets.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

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Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events August 30, 2024

Westfield Family Movie Night

Technically, we have a little over three weeks before summer ends. However, most people use Labor Day as the end of summer. Either way, we still enjoy many more warm evenings before the crisp autumn air hits. One way to enjoy it is with a free Westfield family movie night under the stars.

  • What: Westfield Family Movie Night
  • Where: Elm St Field (204 Elm St)
  • When: Friday, September 13th, 2024 from 7 pm to 9 pm
  • Admission: FREE
  • Contact: Marla Itzkin with the Westfield Area YMCA (908) 301-9622 x264 or via email

Westfield Family Movie Night Under the Stars

The Westfield Area Y presents a special screening of Pixar’s “Inside Out 2”. This screening takes place in Elm Street Field (across from Stop & Shop). It costs nothing to attend. Organizers strongly suggest that guests bring blankets and/or lawn chairs to enjoy the movie in comfort. The movie starts at dusk. Don’t worry about refreshments. You can purchase drinks and popcorn at the venue. All proceeds from these sales benefit the Y’s Strong Kids+ program. If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate, movie night will be moved to Sunday, September 15th.

Tour de Westfield

There’s still time to register for the Tour de Westfield. It comes to town on September 8th. Even though it costs nothing to participate, you still must register ahead of time. Registration ends on September 4th.

Cranford Summer Sounds Downtown

While Westfield’s Sweet Sounds Downtown ended its run earlier this week, Cranford’s Summer Sounds Downtown offers up one more Thursday evening of live music. Come listen to The Michael Craig Band play all your favorite songs to close out this year’s summertime event. Just head over to Eastman Clock Plaza at 6 pm on September 5th with your friends, family, and a few lawn chairs to enjoy the last summer concert of the season in Cranford.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports August 28, 2024

September 2024 Market Update

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Chatham

Clark

Cranford

Fanwood

Garwood

Madison

Millburn

Mountainside

Scotch Plains

Short Hills

Summit

Warren

Watchung

Westfield by Grade School:

Franklin

Jefferson

McKinley

Tamaques

Washington

Wilson

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events August 22, 2024

Union County Celtic Festival 2024

Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Wales, Brittany, and the Isle of Wales make up the Celtic nations of the world. Do any of your ancestors come from one of these places? In September, we celebrate all of the things that people from this area brought to the United States at the Union County Celtic Festival 2024.

  • What: Union County Celtic Festival 2024
  • Where: Oak Ridge Park (136 Oak Ridge Rd, Clark, NJ)
  • When: Saturday, September 7th, from 10 am to 9 pm
  • Admission: $5 to $40

Union County Celtic Festival 2024

Organizers put together an amazing one-day festival showcasing the music, food, and history of the Celtic culture in Union County. Festivities include a rugby tournament, Celtic dancing, cultural activities, and live music. The Canny Brothers Band, The Narrowbacks, and Callán all perform throughout the day. They even plan on hosting bagpipe and drumming contests. Additionally, food vendors and a beer garden (for the adults) help quench the thirsts and satisfy the appetites of festival-goers.

A few quick tips. Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets with you for your comfort. There will be no seating available for the concerts or demonstrations. This is a rain-or-shine event. So, check the weather report before you leave your house and dress appropriately. Only service animals allowed. Leave all other pets at home, please.

Organizers plan on performing security checks of all bags at the entry point to the festival. All bags must be clear and no bigger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in size. Small purses or bags (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ do not need to be clear. If you bring bags outside of these parameters, you will be asked to leave them in your car.

Ticket Info

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 per child ages five to 12. All kids under age five get in for free with a paid adult. But that is only if you purchase your ticket online by the end of the day on September 6th. If you wait until the day of the event, adults must pay $20 per ticket. Organizers offer a discount for families. For $40, you get two adult and two children’s tickets. That saves you as much as $10. To purchase your festival tickets online, please visit the Celtic Festival website here.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

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Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events August 16, 2024

Tour de Westfield 2024

By now, you probably know how involved my wife and I are with the Bike MS NYC every October. (Yes, we plan on riding it again in a few months. Watch out for my blog post about it in the upcoming weeks.) Did you know there is another great bike race right here in town? Tour de Westfield hits the streets on the second Sunday in September.

Tour de Westfield 2024

Unlike the 30 miles involved in the Bike MS event or the 2,235 miles traversed for the Tour de France, Westfield’s Tour lasts for just two miles. So, all ages and fitness levels may participate in this fun family-friendly event. It really boils down to a two-mile bicycle parade. All riders must wear their helmets. (No exceptions.) If you travel by car to the event, simply park your vehicle at the South Side Train Station parking lot and ride your bike up to the North Side lot.

Westfield Police Officers put on a bike safety rodeo for the entire two hours of the event. They plan on teaching you the basics of bicycle safety, including which side of the road you need to travel on as well as how to make a turn safely among other things. Take your bike to Jays’ Cycle Center so the experts can inspect your bike to make sure it is in good working order. And bring your old bikes that you no longer use to the Tour. Make sure they are in good working order. All sizes and styles are welcome. All donated bikes get redistributed to underprivileged communities.

Registration Information

Even though it costs nothing to participate, you still need to register to join the parade. Please visit the Westfield website here to register today. Anyone who registers before August 25th receives a commemorative T-shirt. Registration closes on September 4th.

Westfield National Night Out 2024

Originally scheduled for August 6th, Westfield’s National Night Out was postponed due to inclement weather. It now takes place next Tuesday (August 20th). Just take the family and/or your friends down to the North Ave Train Station parking lot between 6 pm and 9 pm to enjoy the festivities.

Westfield Sweet Sounds Downtown 2024

Finally, a quick reminder. Sweet Sounds Downtown ends on August 27th. That means just two more weeks of amazing outdoor concerts before the season concludes for the year. So, visit downtown Westfield on Tuesday night between 7 pm and 9 pm for three different live musical performances each week. And stop into the downtown shops and boutiques to pick up something nice for yourself or someone special while you’re at it.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events August 9, 2024

Scotch Plains Play in the Park 2024

Who says you only get to play on the weekends? During the summer, get out and enjoy the evenings with your friends and family. Scotch Plains Play in the Park offers a night of family-friendly fun under the summer evening skies.

  • What: Scotch Plains Play in the Park 2024
  • Where: Jerseyland Park (2377 Richmond St)
  • When: Wednesday, August 14th, 6 pm to 8 pm
  • Admission: FREE
  • Contact: Scotch Plains Recreation Dept (908-322-6700 x223)

Scotch Plains Play in the Park 2024

Need some physical activity to help you digest your dinner? Grab the kids and head over to Jerseyland Park on Wednesday, August 14th. All ages and abilities are invited to join in a pick-up game or two of soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc. Or show off your skills with some fun lawn games. Organizers also planned some fun crafts and other activities for those individuals interested in less strenuous action. Admission is free but the memories will be priceless.

Westfield Sweet Sounds Downtown 2024

For more summertime fun, head to Westfield Sweet Sounds Downtown. Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 9 pm, a new free concert takes place outside on three different stages around the downtown area. This Tuesday (August 13th) features jazz music performed by Radam Schwartz on the Central Ave stage. Add some Funk, Rock, or Latin flair into the mix with the Rusty Monks on the Quimby St Stage. Or enjoy a few rock covers performed by Higher Ground on the Foundation Park Stage. These free concerts take place every Tuesday through the end of August.

Cranford Summer Sounds Downtown 2024

Looking for a way to jump-start your weekend? Then make Cranford Summer Sounds Downtown your destination of choice for Thursday nights. From 6 pm to 8:30 pm, a new musical act performs live for free at Eastman Clock Plaza. This Thursday, August 15th, showcases great country tunes performed by Nikki Briar and the Sweetbriar Country Band. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to listen in comfort.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events August 2, 2024

Cranford Summer Restaurant Week 2024

Sopes and spring rolls and Bao buns. Oh my! Calling all foodies. You’re in for a treat. Cranford Summer Restaurant Week 2024 kicks off this Sunday all around the downtown area.

  • What: Cranford Summer Restaurant Week 2024
  • Where: Downtown Cranford Restaurants
  • When: August 4th to August 8th
  • Cost: Varies
  • Contact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208 or via email

Cranford Summer Restaurant Week 2024

OK. So, restaurant “week” may be a bit of a misnomer. Cranford’s Restaurant Week actually lasts for five days. Several restaurants in the downtown area put together some amazing pre-fixe menus for guests to try. Agave offers a Mexican feast that includes an appetizer, entree, and drink for just 30 per person. 8Thai features a three-course menu of an appetizer, main, and dessert for $26.95 per person. Interested in trying some Greek food? Ambeli Greek Taverna provides a three-course meal for $40 per person. Cafe Paris wants to fill your tummy with their three-course menus. They offer two separate menus to choose from: one at $30 per person and the other at $35 per person. And those are only a few of the restaurants participating in this summer’s Restaurant Week. For a complete list of the 30+ restaurants and their various pre-fixe menus/specials they put together for Cranford’s Restaurant Week, please visit the Downtown Cranford website here.

Cranford Summer Sounds Downtown

If you happen to choose the last day of Cranford’s Summertime Restaurant Week to eat out, make sure you visit Eastman Clock Plaza before or afterward. Cranford’s Sweet Summer Sounds Downtown event takes place every Thursday through September 5th. Each week features a new extremely talented musical artist or group. Leonieke Schueble and 3 Generations of Jazz Trio perform live on August 8th. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a date night.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events July 26, 2024

Westfield National Night Out 2024

Back in 1984, law enforcement agencies partnered up with watch groups, civic groups, crime prevention agencies, and volunteers to create the very first National Night Out. What started with 400 communities in just under half of the states in the US grew to include 38 million people in 16,000 communities across the entire United States in 2016. Experts predict that this year’s event, including Westfield National Night Out, may help bring those numbers up even higher in 2024.

  • What: Westfield National Night Out 2024
  • Where: Train Station Parking Lot (North Ave)
  • When: Tuesday, August 6th, from 6 pm to 9 pm
  • Admission: FREE

Westfield National Night Out 2024

This year’s National Night Out takes place in the Train Station Parking Lot. Come out to meet with our local law enforcement officers. Learn how you can help them keep our community safe. Guests get to enjoy great food, do some rock climbing, and listen to awesome music. Let the kids loose in the bounce house on-site. Participate in interactive activities and possibly win a prize in one of the evening’s giveaways. This event takes place no matter the weather. So, dress appropriately.

Sweet Sounds Downtown

Don’t forget. Every Tuesday brings us live music on not one, not two, but three (yes three) different stages in downtown Westfield. Sweet Sounds Downtown takes place from 6 pm to 9 pm each week through August 27th. Each week brings a new amazing performance to each stage. Enjoy a live concert (or all three) while you pick up something great at any of the shops or boutiques in the downtown area.

Cranford Summer Sounds Downtown

On Thursdays, head over to Cranford for the Summer Sounds Downtown concert series. This may not be as large as Westfield’s summer concert series. But that does not mean that it isn’t worth a visit. Each week’s concert features a new musical act from 6 pm to 8:30 pm in Eastman Clock Plaza. The final concert of this series takes place on September 5th.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports July 26, 2024

August 2024 Market Update

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Chatham

Clark

Cranford

Fanwood

Garwood

Madison

Millburn

Mountainside

Scotch Plains

Short Hills

Summit

Warren

Watchung

Westfield by Grade School:

Franklin

Jefferson

McKinley

Tamaques

Washington

Wilson

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events July 13, 2024

Fanwood Fan Jam 2024

We love our music here in the Westfield area. Even with temperatures on the rise, we still enjoy time outdoors with good food, great friends, and lots of fun. If you happen to be in the area this weekend, you might want to go to the Fanwood Fan Jam 2024.

  • What: Fanwood Fan Jam 2024
  • Where: La Grande Park (170-204 La Grande Ave)
  • When: Sunday, July 14th from 11 am to 7 pm

Fanwood Fan Jam 2024

Every year, organizers create an amazing line-up of activities, food, and fun for Fan Jam. This year is no exception. If you love cars, come see the classic car show hosted by Hot Rod Mike. Listen to live music performed by Higher Ground (gospel/country/blues/rock), The Funktown Band (soul/funk/pop), Christina & the Gents (rock/metal/pop), and Back 2 Mac (Fleetwood Mac tribute band).

All of this requires some stamina. Thankfully, several food vendors ensure a wide variety of choices. Whether you crave Korean, Mexican, good old-fashioned American, or some other kind of cuisine, there is something to suit everyone’s taste buds. Plus, beat the heat with a delicious ice cream or shaved ice. And slake your thirst with a refreshing lemonade or (for our 21 years and older crowd) something from the beer garden. Finally, don’t forget to visit vendor row to support our local artists and artisans.

Live Music Nearby

Don’t forget. Both Westfield and Cranford offer live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer. Westfield’s Sweet Sounds Downtown features three different musical acts on three separate stages every Tuesday night through the end of August. On Thursdays, head over to Cranford for their Summer Sounds Downtown series at the Eastman Clock Plaza through September 5th. It costs nothing to attend either event. Come support our local talent and our local businesses at the same time.

I am grateful to all who entrusted me with your life-changing real estate moves and to all who referred me to your family and friends!

View Homes for Sale in the Westfield Area

What’s My Home Worth?

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes