Maplewood Happenings

Excitement is building in Maplewood, NJ as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, with nearby East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium set to host eight matches, including the championship on July 19.

More than one million fans are expected in the New York–New Jersey area, making this a massive global event for locals and visitors alike.

Maplewood officials, led by Mayor De Luca, are planning watch parties, themed family activities, and special events throughout the summer.

Families can expect soccer-inspired movie nights, youth tournaments, and poolside fun, while the Maplewood Memorial Library and 1978 Maplewood Arts Center are preparing creative, World Cup-themed programming.

Many local restaurants will offer unique menu items inspired by participating nations, celebrating Maplewood’s diverse culinary scene.

The town is determined to make this summer unforgettable, uniting the community around soccer and international culture.

"Be the reason someone smiles today."

🌸 THIS WEEK’S MAPLEWOOD SPRING WEATHER

Quick takeaway: Expect near-record heat early in the week before temperatures cool down with chances of rain heading into the weekend. Perfect weather to enjoy the sunshine now—and keep an umbrella nearby later.

Maplewood, NJ is set to honor hometown creative Bruce Eric Kaplan, renowned for his distinctive cartoons, bestselling books, and celebrated television credits.

Kaplan will receive the 2026 Maplewood Literary Award at a special ceremony on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM during the community’s vibrant Ideas Festival at Maplewood Memorial Library.

Best known for his three-decade presence in the New Yorker, Kaplan’s witty, thoughtful cartoons have inspired readers and filled several popular collections, including No One You Know and This is a Bad Time.

His impressive career spans writing and producing on hit shows like Seinfeld, Six Feet Under, and HBO’s Girls, and currently as Co-Showrunner for Nobody Wants This.

Maplewood residents can look forward to celebrating Kaplan’s global impact and the creativity rooted right in their own backyard.

Don’t miss this special evening of local pride and artistic achievement.

Why did the Maplewood Shout Outs website go to therapy?

Because it couldn't handle all the local drama, event excitement, weather updates, and everyone shouting, “Did you hear what happened in Maplewood?!” 😆

The Maplewood Garden Club has nurtured a passion for gardening locally since 1927.

Nearing its 99th year, the club remains vibrant, welcoming gardeners of every age through engaging events and programs.

The highly anticipated 89th Annual Plant Sale will be held May 7–9 at the Maplewood Community Pool, drawing plant lovers for its standout selection of annuals, perennials, herbs, and vegetables.

Proceeds from the sale fund scholarships and keep public gardens flourishing.

Members also gather for monthly meetings featuring guest experts.

On May 4 at 7:30 PM, Fred Carl explores the beauty of dahlias in his presentation, “Rainbow of Dahlias,” at The Woodland.

Young gardeners can join the MapleFood Garden program, where volunteers grow organic vegetables to support local food banks.

All are invited this spring to connect, learn, and grow with the club.

Columbia High School softball is riding high, driven by senior Claire Shupe’s stellar season.

On May 6, Shupe recorded her 600th career strikeout and set the program’s all-time hits record in a dominant 16-4 win over West Essex.

She went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while Eva Clevenger and Jamie Tarrow powered the offense with key extra-base hits and multiple RBIs.

In the Essex County Tournament quarterfinals, Shupe tossed a one-hitter and fueled a 10-0 shutout of Livingston, aided by Clevenger’s five RBIs.

Freshman Olivia Ahlberg and sophomore Casey Maguire also chipped in with RBIs.

Shupe now owns 147 career hits and a dominant 10-1 pitching record with a 0.45 ERA.

Columbia, at 16-4, will meet Caldwell in the ECT semifinals at Seton Hall’s Ivy Hill Park on May 15.

Springfield Avenue came alive during Maplewood’s MayFest, drawing families, friends, and neighbors for a weekend packed with celebration.

Live music, delicious food, games, and local vendors filled the streets, creating endless smiles and spontaneous dance moves among visitors enjoying the spring sunshine.

The enticing aroma of sweet treats and savory dishes kept guests lingering, with many leaving happily loaded with food and shopping bags.

Kids found plenty to do, while residents reconnected with old friends, showing off Maplewood’s welcoming spirit.

Even quick visits stretched into hours of fun, as laughter mixed with festival tunes and the irresistible scent of funnel cake.

MayFest proved once again that Maplewood is not just a place to live, but a vibrant community where memories are made together.