Downtown West Orange Alliance

10/21/2026

✨NEW owner = SAME vibe + SAME delicious treats at !

There’s been a change of hands at one of Downtown West Orange’s most popular spots. But don’t worry, you’ll still find your favorite pastries, like their guava turnovers and famous empanadas; their aplastao sandwiches and avocado toast; and coffee drinks like their Matcha Latte, Ube Iced coffee, and - just in time for the cold weather - rich hot chocolate!☕️ 🥐

Treat yourself… and give a hearty ‘Welcome to West Orange’ to new owner Gurdeep. And then come back again and again.

(🅿️ Don’t let parking concerns keep you from visiting! We often find a spot just in front of the shop, but if those are taken, head up a half block to the Lando lot; there’s a driveway to it just past Nelly’s salon and Joseph’s Barbershop.)

10/16/2026

✨It’s here!

The sculpture “You Move Earth” by artist Cemile Sahan, has been installed just outside of the newly-redesigned Lafayette Park!

⚽️ This very special installation is part of The Art of the Game program that Jersey City non-profit Arts 14C created with the New York New Jersey Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Our piece is one of 15 soccer-inspired sculptures that have been donated to communities around the state. (Make sure to follow to see the story behind the art and to find out where you can visit the rest of the art).

👏 Special thanks to the WO Engineering Dept and DPW that built a new sidewalk and display platform in the short turnaround time. We are also appreciative of the efforts of WO Rec and WOPD, and especially of Mayor McCartney, who submitted the application.

Be sure to stop by Main Street to check out this exciting addition to the Downtown corridor (and see if you can spot the very West Orange element on the sculpture 🦅 (and be sure to snap a pic and tag !)

10/07/2026

✨You'll have to wait until next week to see it, but we're excited to share that an exciting, new public art piece is coming to Downtown West Orange!

⚽️The Township has been named a Legacy Partner of The Art of the Game, a program that Jersey City non-profit Arts 14C created with the New York New Jersey Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. We are receiving one of the monumental, soccer ball sculptures that captivated crowds across the NY/NJ region during this summer's games and celebrations.

The installation is on Wednesday, October 14th, where you'll be able to see the selection. Here's what we can tell you:

➡️It will be located at the corner of Main Street and Park Avenue - and will be a perfect addition to the newly-renovated Lafayette Playground, featuring inclusive equipment and a proposed futsal court. 🛝

➡️ It is by internationally-acclaimed artist Cemile Sahin, who is known for work that "moves between words and images."

Mayor Susan McCartney, who spearheaded the effort (along with the Downtown Alliance, the Engineering Dept, the Recreation Dept, and DPW) to receive one of the donated sculptures, hopes that this "is going to become one of those spots everybody knows — where you meet a friend, snap a photo, celebrate a win. It’s art, it’s sport, and it’s ours.”

We hope you'll soon visit this exciting public art piece! And, when you do, snap a pic and tag !

09/24/2026

✨COME JOIN the Downtown WO Alliance and Mayor Susan McCartney as we officially welcome one of Downtown's most exciting new shops, SPA-TACULAR OASIS. 🥂

Meet Emma, and learn about all the skincare options she provides... and get ready to be wowed by the beautiful space she created. It's the true self-care oasis you have been looking for!

The ribbon cutting kicks off a weekend of celebrations - complete with special offers! - that goes from 1-5 pm on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 🍾

RIBBON CUTTING ✂️
📆 Saturday, October 3
⏰ 1 pm

REOPENING CELEBRATION 🎊
📆 Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4
⏰ 1 pm - 5 pm

📍54 Main Street, West Orange, NJ

09/16/2026

09/07/2026

🎸THE CHARACTERS are coming back to Downtown Thursdays on SEPT. 10th and bringing their high-energy and totally fun set list of songs you love to sing and dance along with.

One of the Jersey Shore's favorite cover bands, The Characters have opened for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and played with band members of legendary groups like the E Street Band, Bon Jovi and the Monkees.

We can't think of a better way to wrap up the summer season than to come dance in Downtown WO... while also enjoying the EVENING MARKET, featuring craft and food vendors, food trucks, and games for the whole family.

Best of all... it's all FREE!

📍Downtown Thursdays Evening Market
Thursday, September 10th
4-8 pm
Alden Street at Main Street (between the Edison Museum and CVS)
FREE

09/03/2026

🌞SUMMER isn't over in Downtown West Orange!

Let's get together for some end-of-season fun with LIVE MUSIC by one of the Jersey Shore's favorite bands, THE CHARACTERS. They were a blast last year and are back to play all your favorite music... so come on down, and get dancing and singing! 🎸

And, like all of the Downtown Thursday events, we'll also have a curated selection of craft vendors, food trucks and vendors, and games for the kids.

It's the perfect way to take a break, grab some dinner, listen to some great music, catch up with friends... and discover Downtown West Orange!

📍Downtown Thursday Evening Market
Thursday, Sept. 10
4-8 pm
Alden Street at Main Street (between CVS and the Edison Museum0
FREE

09/02/2026

📚Here’s to all the students, their families, our teachers, and staff as they start a new school year!

The Downtown West Orange Alliances wishes everyone a year that is safe, full of wonder and discovery, and lots of opportunity! ✏️

09/02/2026

‼️ ATTENTION DOWNTOWN WEST ORANGE BUSINESSES

West Orange schools are back in session this week... and that's a great time to offer discounts and specials to teachers, students, and their families. (Think after-school snack deal, post-drop off treat, or celebratory dinner discount)

Here's how we can help you spread the word:

✏️ Tag in your posts so we can share them as a Story (and so we don't miss them!)
✏️ If you create a fun reel, invite us to be a collaborator so it lands in our feed
✏️ Add the to your post or caption
✏️ Consider tagging and the specific PTA pages for the local schools

Any questions? Drop us a DM and we'll walk you through it... Let's kick off a great school year together! 🍎

08/27/2026

🌟Hollywood hit Harrison Avenue in Downtown West Orange this week!

Things were a little busy on Harrison Avenue this week as a massive film crew camped out for about a week to film scenes from the upcoming Paramount+ TV show, "Discretion" at the HAT Tavern.

Scheduled to air in 2027, the legal drama stars heavy-hitters Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, and Josh Lucas. Here's a little movie magic: the series takes place in Dallas, so the crew had to transform our NJ vibe into a little bit of Texas... and we can't wait to see it!

Despite the disruption, local businesses were able to benefit from the influx of cast and crew to the corridor, and the WOPD and WOFD kept everything moving smoothly and safely!

🎬Fun Downtown West Orange fact: the very first movie studio was opened on our Main Street.. and you can actually see it when you visit the Edison National Historical Park. And we're just getting started with more productions like this one as we anticipate the development of a new movie and production studio in the next few years.

Thanks to our business owners and residents, and township officials and staff who helped bring the spotlight to our Downtown corridor!