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AddamsFest 2023 Info
For those keeping track, we only have 16 more days until October. And around Westfield, October means only one thing…AddamsFest 2023! Yes, Halloween moves over ever-so-slightly to usher everything Addams family-related. And it all makes for a scary good time!
AddamsFest 2023 Info
Arguably Westfield’s most famous resident, Charles Addams made spooky entertaining through his cartoons from the 1930s to his death and beyond. To celebrate, organizers put together several fun activities throughout October.
Haunt Your House 2023
Registration for Haunt Your House opened up last Sunday, September 10th. To accommodate more people, organizers opened up two routes this year. Only work seen from the street qualifies for judging in this contest. Registration is only open to the first 25 people for daytime haunts and the first 25 people for nighttime haunts. So if you’re interested in participating, you need to sign up right away. Registration closes on October 1st or when the limit is reached (whichever comes first). You must decorate your home and submit a photo of the completed work no later than October 8th. Winners will be determined by the number of votes received. Each category includes a first, second, and third-place winner. Good luck.
Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball
This year, the ball takes place on what else? Friday the 13th, of course. This event at the James Ward Mansion proves to be one of the most popular each year. Therefore, it sells out quickly. Tickets went on sale last Tuesday (the 12th). If you’re lucky, there still should be a few left.
The Gallery on Elm Street
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 13th to October 29th, The Gallery at 122 Elm Street features works of art from Charles Addams and Edward Gorey. Chief on display will be the duo’s Wild Curious Creatures and the Addams Animal Menagerie with works of art inspired by Charles Addams’ cartoons.
Wild Walk Pet Parade
From 1 pm to 3 pm on Saturday, October 14th, dress your favorite mutt or kitty-cat in their best costume. Then parade them through downtown Westfield. Best costumed pet wins a prize. You might even meet your next furry friend here. Several animals will be available for adoption.
Lantern Cemetery Tours
For one night only, the Presbyterian Church offers special lantern cemetery tours. That night (October 14th), tours start at 5 pm and run every 10 minutes until 6:30 pm.
Addams Family Fun Day
On Sunday, October 15th, Quimby Ave transforms into an Addams-inspired wonderland. Decorate pumpkins with the doctors at Atlantic Medical Group Primary Care. Or watch the experts show off their skills at the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers’ demonstration. Local youth bands perform live all day long on the Atlantic Health Youth Stage. And listen to Westfield’s own author Peter Lyons read his children’s book Tonight, Tonight is Halloween every hour on the half-hour from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Charlie’s Ale Garden
The Westfield Armory becomes Charlie’s Ale Garden on Saturday, October 21st. Saved by the 90s headlines the evening’s live entertainment, with several other local bands playing before them. Food trucks provide food for purchase while you drink wine and/or beer provided by the Harvest Restaurant Group. This year, tickets will be sold in two separate rounds: first on September 20th at 7 pm and second on September 27th at 7 pm. Organizers are trying to get permission to use the grounds outside of the armory as well. If that happens, they plan on opening up more tickets to purchase in the days leading up to the event. Check back on the AddamsFest website when the two rounds open up. This is one of the most popular events of the entire month. Tickets sell out right away each year. So, make sure you mark your calendars and check in early.
Addams Family House on Mindowaskin Pond
All throughout October, a miniature version of the Addams Family house floats out on Mindowaskin Pond. Visitors are welcome to come any time to take a photo with it.
Addams Family-Inspired Murals
Come see the murals created by talented local artists at the Central Ave Underpass all month long as well. This ever-changing canvas showcases a variety of artwork throughout the year. But the ode to Charles Addams’ beloved work only lasts through the end of October.
Wicked Windows of Westfield
Another fun and free chance to celebrate Westfield’s native son is by wandering around downtown Westfield and looking at the Wicked Windows set up in shops around town. Several shops set up Addams Family-inspired displays in their windows for the entire month of October. Once you see the displays outside, head inside to see what frighteningly great deals you may find inside.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Westfield School Supply Drive
Westfield students begin their 2023/2024 school year on September 7th. As most parents know, school supplies can be expensive. For some Westfield area households, that brings an additional strain to their finances. If you want to help ease their burden, consider donating to the Westfield School Supply Drive.
- What: Westfield School Supply Drive
- Where: Various Locations Around Westfield (see below)
- When: 8 am to 5 pm now through August 20th
Westfield School Supply Drive
Local high school student Jillian Almendral strives to make a difference in our community with her volunteer work. Since June, she has spearheaded a local school supply drive to benefit those less fortunate kids in our area. Supplies needed include backpacks, notebooks, composition books, #2 pencils, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, erasers, folders, pens, highlighters, crayons, markers, calculators, glue, child-safe scissors, and rulers. They request that all items donated be new (or gently used when it comes to backpacks). They also accept gift cards for Amazon or Visa. New laptops, tablets, and headphones would also be greatly appreciated. All supplies will be donated to Jersey Cares for distribution where needed.
Drop-Off Locations
* Westfield Memorial Library (550 E Broad St)
* Westfield Memorial Pool (713 Cumberland St)
* Westfield Area YMCA (220 Clark St or 422 E Broad St)
* Westfield High School (550 Dorian Rd)
Tax-Holiday for NJ School Supply Shoppers
Every year, New Jersey waives sales tax for back-to-school supplies for a ten-day period. This year, it falls between August 26th and September 4th. Unfortunately, that timeframe comes after the school supply drive takes place in Westfield. But it still provides a bit of relief for parents getting their children ready for the new school year. For a complete list of these items, please visit the NJ Division of Taxation website here.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Westfield National Night Out 2023
Westfield offers a safe place to live and raise a family. We owe a lot of that to the bravery of our first responders. You can meet them and tell them thank you for their service in person at Westfield National Night Out 2023.
What: Westfield National Night Out 2023
Where: Northside Train Lot
When: Tuesday, August 1st, 6 pm to 9 pm
Admission: FREE
Westfield National Night Out 2023
Hosted by the Westfield Police Department, the Westfield Chapter of National Night Out provides an opportunity to learn more about how you can help our first responders do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. Learn how to identify and report criminal activity. Help continue to keep our community safe by creating a deeper bond with our local police. But there is so much more to National Night Out than that.
In addition to community outreach and education, guests can listen to music while noshing on great food, watch live demos, try their hand at the rock climbing wall, and get their faces painted. Come see what equipment firefighters, police, and EMTs use on a daily basis. The little ones can roam around the bouncy house obstacle course. There’s even a dunk tank and a photo booth. This event is meant to strengthen the bond between our first responders and the rest of the community so that Westfield remains a safe and secure community in which to live. I hope to see you there.
Westfield Area Y Carnival Games
Before the National Night Out festivities commence, you might want to bring the kids to Quimby Street. Westfield Area Y hosts free carnival games for the public from 10 am to 1 pm. Members of the Y’s teen leadership program man the booths for these fun games as part of their learning experience. This helps them to positively interact with the community while strengthening their communication skills and boosting their creativity.
Sweet Sounds Downtown Musical Festival
Also, don’t forget about the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival. It also takes place on Tuesday night from 7 pm to 9 pm. If you get too caught up in the National Night Out festivities to attend the August 1st Sweet Sounds concerts, that’s OK. New concerts take place every Tuesday evening through the end of August. You can catch the next one.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023
Do you like to shop? Do you want to support local entrepreneurs? You can do both when you go to the Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023.
What: Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023
Where: Downtown Westfield
When: Now through July 16th
Cost: FREE
Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale 2023
This weekend, several of our local businesses will be participating in the Summer Sidewalk Sale. Organizers put together this fun event every summer to highlight everything that Downtown Westfield has to offer. Plus, shoppers receive some spectacular discounts simply for taking the time to visit these establishments.
Some of the businesses that will be participating in the Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale include:
- American Shoe Repair & Luggage
- Athleta – women’s athletic wear
- The Beau Ideal – home furnishings
- Best Foot Forward – footwear
- Cachet Boutique – women’s clothing & accessories
- Club Pilates Westfield
- Fleet Feet – shoes & sportswear
- Francis Henri – children’s clothing
- J McLaughlin – casual classic men’s & women’s clothing
- Jude Connally – women’s clothing
- Learning Express Toys
- Osteo Strong – strengthen bones, joints & muscles
- Roig Collection Westfield – art gallery
- Ruby & Jenna – women’s clothing
- Sofi’s Color Lounge – hair stylists
- Sole Shoes
If the weather decides not to cooperate, the event still goes on. But you might want to head inside the shops to find those special street sale bargains.
Summertime Music Festivals
Don’t forget. Scotch Plains offers up its Summer Concert Series every Thursday evening throughout July. All you need to bring is a blanket or chair. Each week brings a new act to the Alan M Augustine Village Green starting at 7:30 pm. On Tuesday evenings from now through the end of August, make Westfield’s Sweet Sounds of Summer your destination of choice. With not one, not two, but three stages to choose from, you will never be lacking for musical accompaniment to your weekday shopping. And all of this entertainment comes free of charge. So, enjoy!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023
Some people consider Memorial Day as the beginning of summer. But the official start to summer is June 21st. And while the air quality lately may have not been the greatest, it should clear out in plenty of time to enjoy the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023 in Westfield.
What: Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023
Where: Downtown Westfield
When: From 7 pm to 9 pm Every Tuesday between July 11th to August 29th
Admission: FREE
Contact: Downtown Westfield Corporation (908)789-4040 or via email
Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023
Each summer, downtown Westfield transforms into a live music extravaganza. Every Tuesday evening after the 4th of July through the end of August features different artists on three stages. Jazz groups feature prominently on the Central Ave Stage (137 Central Ave). The Quimby Stage (located at Quimby and Elm) features primarily R & B, Mowtown, Rock, Soul, and even Country music. Then, on the third stage at Foundation Park (439 S Ave W), local talent gets the spotlight. And all of this comes absolutely free of charge to the public. All you need to do is show up downtown on any Tuesday night to enjoy this treat for your ears. While you’re at it, please patronize some of our lovely local shops in the downtown area as well. If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate on Tuesday, then the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival moves to Wednesday for that week.
Sweet Sounds Line-Up
Central Ave Stage
- July 11th – Bradford Hayes (Jazz)
- July 18th – Mitch Marcus Quartet (Progressive Jazz)
- July 25th – Joe Taino Group (Latin Jazz)
- August 1st – Carrie Jackson (Jazz vocalist)
- August 8th – Big Fun(k) (Funky Jazz)
- August 15th – Eric Mintel (Jazz)
- August 22nd – Elena & Boo Demolition String Band (Bluegrass)
- August 29th – Bossa Brasil (Latin Jazz)
Quimby Stage
- July 11th – Rusty Monks (Funk/Rock/Latin Jazz)
- July 18th – Kolor Blynd Band (R & B)
- July 25th – The Wag (Classic Rock/Beatles)
- August 1st – Big Bruce & The Messengers (Motown)
- August 8th – Glenn Alexander & Shadowland (Jazz)
- August 15th – Soul Seduction (R & B)
- August 22nd – Karickter Band (R & B/Soul)
- August 29th – The Sweet Briar Band (Country)
Foundation Park Stage
- July 11th – High Ridge Runners (Bluegrass)
- July 18th – Valencia School of Music (Rock)
- July 25th – Say It Ain’t Scorcho (Weezer)
- August 1st – Higher Ground (Rock)
- August 8th – Better Late (Rock)
- August 15th – Twice Heard (Rock)
- August 22nd – NJ Workshop for the Arts (Rock & Jazz)
- August 29th – Drop the Needle (Rock
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes
Tour de Westfield 2023 – Sign-Ups Start Now
Anyone who knows me knows how much I like cycling. In fact, I put those skills to use every October for the MS NYC charity ride. For many bicycle enthusiasts, the Tour de France is the highlight of their year. But you don’t have to fly to Europe, wait until July, or even traverse the 2000-mile course to enjoy an epic bike ride. Instead, sign up for the Tour de Westfield 2023.
- What: Tour de Westfield 2023
- Where: Starts at North Side Train Station
- When: Sunday, June 11th, 10 am to 12 pm
- Contact: Westfield Recreation Department via email
Tour de Westfield 2023
Unlike its French counterpart, our little bicycle tour is open to the entire family. In fact, the Tour de Tots allows kids ages 9 and under to compete against each other. Kids ages 9 to 15 can learn how to perform fun tricks on their bikes at the Tour de Tricks. Jay’s Cycle Center will be on hand to inspect your bike for safety if you wish as well.
A special bike parade kicks off the festivities at 10 am. If you want to participate in that, you must register for it separately. All participants in the Tour de Westfield are encouraged (but not required) to bling out their bikes. Those who do so may win a $100 gift card to a local business for their efforts.
How to Register
There are only 600 spots available for the entire tour. So if you want to participate, you must sign up as soon as possible. Simply visit the Westfield Recreation Department’s website here. Remember to add yourself and/or anybody else in your part on the parade link if you want to be a part of that as well. If you forget to do so, you will not be able to participate in that. Also, you need to sign up your child for the Tour de Tots separately from your own adult Westfield tour.
Registration is open now. Sign up today to secure your spot on the tour. Have fun!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023
You wouldn’t know if by the crazy cold weather we’ve experienced lately, but it is actually spring in the Westfield area right now. In fact, the weatherman says we should expect to see cloudy and wet weather for the foreseeable future. But whether the sun shines bright or clouds bring rain, the Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023 takes place on the first Sunday in May.
- What: Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023
- Where: Central Ave, Downtown Westfield
- When: Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 10 am to 5 pm
- Admission: FREE
- Contact: Gene Jannotti with the GWACC Chamber of Commerce (908) 233-3021 or via email
Westfield Spring Fling Street Fair 2023
The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce organizes Spring Fling every year. And each year it gets better and better. This year, they cater to all ages. A fun Kids Zone keeps the wee ones occupied with age-appropriate rides and activities. The adults may want to visit the Crossroad beer and wine cafe. Valencia Music and the NJ Workshop of the Arts perform live for fair-goers. And, of course, plenty of food and arts and crafts vendors will be available for all attendees.
Central Ave between E Broad St and North Ave shuts down to everyone but foot traffic for the day (starting at 6 am) to accommodate all fair guests. That means no cars, motorcycles, trucks, vans, skateboarders, bicyclists, or even rollerbladers are allowed during fair hours. For the safety of everyone, please keep pets at home as well. Large groups sometimes make even the calmest animals jumpy.
Please park in the parking lot of the South Ave Train Station. From there, it is a short walk through the North Ave underpass at the Westfield Train Station. Any Westfield resident living on Central or Lenox Avenues must park in nearby municipal lots during Spring Fling hours.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023
I believe in giving back to my community and raising money for a good cause. Every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I work the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas tree lot. The money raised gets distributed to local charities and community organizations. In October, a group of my friends and loved ones join me on the Bike MS NYC ride to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy research. I ask you all to help our local community again by donating what you can to the Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive.
What: Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023
When: Thursday, April 20th, from 7:30 am to 3 pm
Where: Westfield Area YMCA – Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch (422 E Broad St)
Westfield Area YMCA Clothing Drive 2023
Planning on doing some spring cleaning soon? When you do, set aside any gently used clothing, accessories, linens, or other household goods. Then, bag or box them up and bring them to the Westfield Area Y’s clothing drive. All items must be clean and in usable condition.
Items Accepted
- Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing
- Accessories (belts, ties, handbags)
- Shoes (must bag these separately from other items)
- Linens (comforters, blankets, sheets, towels)
- Curtains
- Toys (stuffed animals, small children’s toys)
- Strollers
- Bicycles and scooters
Items collected will be distributed to A & E Clothing Corp for the Strong Kids+ support program. A & E Clothing collects used clothing and other items all over the country. In turn, they sell these items back to the public in bulk in the US and around the world. The sales of these items help create jobs for people in our local communities as well as keep these items out of our landfills. Plus, it allows shoppers to receive quality used items at a huge discount.
They say charity begins at home. Well, start from your home. Box or bag the clothing, accessories, and other items that you no longer use. Then, bring them to the Westfield Area YMCA’s Clothing Drive on April 20th. Clean your house. Help the less fortunate. Create a cleaner world for your family to thrive in.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
