The Weekender: Mayfest, Jazz, and the Run for Rachel

The weekend is coming!  Hang up your suit jacket, kick off the pumps, and slip into something more comfortable – like sneakers!  The big events in our area this weekend have a decidedly casual bent – no formal attire required.  From Maplewood’s Mayfest to the Run for Rachel, you can stretch your muscles and relax your mind.  Read on for some highlighted events, and be sure to check the Patch calendar for a complete listing of happenings about town.  Enjoy!

New Jersey boasts a number of large castles, and the invites you on a virtual tour of them this weekend.  Presenter Phil Jaeger , a graduate of Rutgers University and retired teacher, will lead the attendees through well-known castles such as Lambert and Kip's castles as well as lesser known ones throughout the state.  Free; Sunday at 2 p.m.; West Orange

“Blues in the Night” is a celebration of the bluesy-jazz music of Hank Crawford and David “Fathead” Newman.  The evening will feature Guitarist Bob DeVos and Tenor Saxophonist Eric Alexander with Bassist Mike Karn on the .  $18 at the door; Sunday at 7 p.m.; West Orange

The 11th Annual Maplewood Mayfest is a community celebration featuring rides, games, petting zoo, pony rides, live music, food, a classic car show and more than 100 participating vendors.  Festivities will take place on Springfield Avenue from Indiana Street to Oberlin Street.  Free admission; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; Maplewood

The Run for Rachel benefits the Rachel Coalition, a partnership of nine northern New Jersey organizations working together to serve victims of domestic violence.  Come out for a morning of race events, including a 5K USA Track and Field – New Jersey Women’s Open Championship Race; a 3K Walk; and a Kids’ Run, as well as a DJ,  children’s entertainment, and refreshments. Joseph DiVencenzo, Jr., the Essex County Executive, will sound the starting gun at the Livingston Oval. $25 ($7 for Kids’ Race); Sunday starting at 7:30 a.m.; Livingston

The life and work of Theodore Aronson, cantor at for the past 45 years, will be celebrated at a Shabbat of sacred music.  Aronson is retiring after a lifetime of service to the temple, and transitioning to Cantor Emeritus.  The community is invited to join in the celebration.  Free; Friday at 7:30 p.m.; South Orange

For more than 40 years, classic jazz musicians have graced the sage at The Chicken Fat Ball.  The tradition continues on Saturday at , when the program features clarinetist Dave Bennett, along with Paul Midiri, Derek Smith, Gary Mazzaroppi and Chuck Riggs.  A “must-see” for jazz enthusiasts!  $25; Saturday at 2 p.m.; Maplewood

Elaine Marlowe, a beloved children’s librarian at the South Orange Public Library, was lost to ALS in the 1980’s.  In her memory, the second Annual  ALS  Fundraiser at will raise funds for ALS research and patient programs through The ALS Association.  The evening will include music from The Local Band, plus a silent auction, door prizes and more.  Free admission; Saturday 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; South Orange

“Almost, Maine” will be presented on the stage at by Inner Circle, a student-run theater group.  This romantic comedy follows 9 couples as they fall in and out of love under the Northern Lights in the fictitious town of Almost, Maine.  Free, but donations are welcome; Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Livingston