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Arts & Entertainment

The Weekend: October Tails, Opera, Fright Night and More

What's happening in and around the Caldwells this weekend.

Verona Park will be wagging with costumed canines Sunday afternoon at the October Tails Halloween fundraiser for St. Barnabas. The Luna Stage will be alight with the adventures of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, while Kip’s Castle will creep you out for Friday Fright Night. Read on for details of these events and several others Patch has highlighted for your entertainment. Feel free to add your own suggestions for fun happenings in the Comments section, and enjoy!

Where/When: , Bloomfield and Lakeside avenues, Verona, Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

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Why Go? “October Tails,” is Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center’s annual Halloween-themed dog walk fundraiser. The doggy costume contest is not to be missed! Also enjoy children’s activities and a poster contest, games, agility demonstrations, obedience games and vendors. Fun for dogs and their families.

Pricing: $20 per family, but free to all fundraising participants who raise a minimum of $25.

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Where/When: , 120 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, Sunday at 4 p.m.

Why Go? It is a rare treat for fans to have opera performed live right here in our neighborhood. The Garden State Opera with the Caldwell College Choir will perform the charming comic opera L’Elisir D’Amore, sung in Italian with English supertitles.

Pricing: $20 General, $15 Students and Seniors

Where/When: , 555 Valley Road, West Orange; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.

Why Go? John Henry Davis directed this story of the genius Thomas Edison, the advent of electric light, and the complications brought by a young Serbian immigrant named Nikola Tesla. “The Dangers of Electric Lighting examines the ambitions and pride that accompany genius, the concessions made in the name of progress, and the darkness on the road to light up the world.”

Pricing: $25

Where/When: , 44 Clinton Road, West Caldwell; Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Why Go? The New Jersey Audubon will lead this hike through Hatfield Swamp in search of migrant birds, some southbound, and some early arrivals for winter.  Expect muddy footing!

Pricing: $6 for NJAS members and $8 for non-members

Where/When: , 22 Crestmont Road, Verona; Friday at 7 p.m.

Why Go? A creepy castle (haunted?) and a scary movie shown outdoors make a perfect seasonal evening. Enjoy “Monster House” on the lawn of Kip’s Castle!

Pricing: FREE

Where/When: , 620 Passaic Ave., West Caldwell; Saturday at 9 a.m.

Why Go? of West Caldwell, and the townships of Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell, Roseland and West Caldwell have joined together for a fun and informative day of wellness. Blood screenings will be available from 9 to 11 a.m., with exhibitors and activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Flu and pneumonia shots will be available.

Pricing: FREE

Where/When: , 22 Brookside Dr., Millburn; Saturday at 10 a.m.

Why Go? The Pushcart Players will perform the musical “Let Freedom Ring” in a sensory-friendly environment. Designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum, or with other developmental disabilities, the theater environment will be altered for this performance, providing a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families. At this unique presentation, theater lights will remain up, sound volume will be lowered and consistent and children will be free to talk and leave their seat under parental supervision. The show will run about one hour with an intermission. 

Pricing: Reserved tickets are $12-$20

Where/When: , 36 Gould St., Verona; Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Why Go? Home Liquors will supply a variety of wines from different regions and The Fruited Plain of Montville will offer light fare. Discounts to several local restaurants will be available so you can continue the festivities into the evening!

Pricing: $30

Where/When: , 420 Bloomfield Ave., Verona; Saturday at 8 p.m.

Why Go? Dance and enjoy the music, open bar and continuous buffet while raising funds for Autism Speaks, Breast Cancer Awareness and Officer Debra Ferreira Fund.

Pricing: $70

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