Events Calendar
Welcome to the calendar – your resource for upcoming events in Union County!
Please check ucnj.org in case of any event cancellations. For the latest Union County news, visit ucnj.org/press-releases/.
Welcome, 2026! We’re super excited to start the new year with a variety of fun events and programs that you won’t want to miss. This year is extra special as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
Be sure to check our calendar page regularly for updates on community activities, educational workshops, and park events near you. See you soon!
Winter 2026
The Lenape: Native Americans, New Jersey, and American History
Tuesday, January 27 • 6pm
Seton Hall University history professor, Dr. Sean P. Harvey, dives into the history of the Lenape people who inhabited New Jersey in this illuminating seminar. Join us for this free event at the Liberty Hall Museum in Union, in the wagon shed. Attendees must pre-register at www.ucnj.org/250.
Celebrating Black History Month: Flag Raising Ceremony
Monday, February 2 • 1pm
Join us in honoring African American history and culture as we raise the Pan-African flag on the front steps of Union County’s historic courthouse in Elizabeth.
Park Events
February Festivities at Trailside
Saturday, February 14th • 10am
Winter fun awaits at the annual February Festivities event at Trailside! Spend the day learning how maple syrup is made, observing birds in their natural habitat, having an adventurous scavenger hunt nature walk, or painting your own winter woods masterpiece!
Don’t miss out on the fun and register today at ucnj.org/trailside.
Ice Skating at Warinanco Park
Our newly renovated Warinanco Sports Center is open all season long, offering affordable, family-friendly activities that include public ice-skating sessions, open hockey, private party rentals, and events for individuals with disabilities.
The café and snack bar nestled within the sports center offers plenty of seating, with snacks and refreshments available for purchase during your visit. With so many fun activities to choose from, we invite you to join us on the ice!
Visit Your Neighborhood Library
Read, study, make new friends, or get creative at one of over 19 FREE Public Libraries in Union County!
Our local libraries are still the wonderful treasure troves of resources of the past, but when was the last time you visited? While they still offer a fantastic selection of books that you can borrow for school or to enjoy reading at home, there’s so much more to discover!
In January, you can join free knitting clubs at the Garwood and Elizabeth public libraries and make a cozy gift for yourself or a loved one. Practice chair yoga or join a book club at the Linden Public Library.
The list of recreational activities for all age groups includes movie nights, game nights, storytimes – even sing-alongs! Visit your local library today to learn more.
Click here to visit your local library’s website
2025 Model Train Show and Open House – Final week!
More than 200 Model Train Cars on a 40×40-foot Layout Tell the Story of NJ Railroads in the 1950s
• December 13 and 14 (Sat and Sun)
Tickets can be purchased online at themodelrailroadclub.org or at the door
At the Door: $10/adult, $5/child, $8/seniors
Children age 2 and under admitted FREE.
Learn More
The Holiday Train Show and Open House at Union County’s Model Railroad Club runs on weekends from Friday November 28 to Sunday, December 14.
The show features show train operations where special trains traverse the club’s huge 11,000 square foot layout.
Parents and kids can tour the trains and layout up-close, and get an insider’s peek at the expansion that’s currently under construction. See how track is being hand-laid, how mountains and scenery are created, and find out about the planning and engineering that goes into the club’s bi-level corkscrew loop. In addition to the HO-scale trains featured in the show, there are G-scale and N-scale layouts on display, a small play area, and gift shop.
Each hour at the bottom of the hour Jenny will make a return to tell her story of growing up on along our Trenton Northern railroad.
DATES
- Three Weekends: Nov 28-30, Dec 6 -Dec 7, and Dec 13-14
- Opening Day, Fri, Nov. 28 – 11 am – 6 pm
- Saturdays (Nov 29, Dec 6 & 13), 11 am – 6 pm
- Sundays (Nov 30, Dec 7 & 14), 11am – 6pm
- Jenny show times: 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30
LOCATION
- The Model Railroad Club, Inc. – Free Parking!
- Jefferson Avenue, off Route 22 East, Union Township, NJ
- (Behind The Home Depot)
- Building is Wheelchair-Accessible.
TICKETS & INFO
- www.themodelrailroadclub.org
- (908) 964-9724
- At the Door: $10/adult, $5/child, $8/seniors
- Children age 2 and under admitted FREE.
PRESS CONTACT:
Tim McCollum | 908-964-9724 | tim.mccollum@tmrci.org
The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a tax-exempt public charity affiliated with the Union County, NJ Department of Parks and Community Renewal.
All proceeds support the operations of The Model Railroad Club, Inc., one of the largest railroad clubs in New Jersey. The Club has approximately 170 volunteer members who help to fulfill the mission of the club to educate the general public about the railroads and the industries they served in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas.
Toddler Time
Sensory hikes, stories & activities for adults with children ages 3 & under
Parents with children ages 3 and under are invited to our Toddler Time program at the Trailside Nature & Science Center to connect with the natural world. Activities will take place on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. or Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m., as indicated below. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors and bring a baby carrier or sling as strollers are not recommended. Maximum 4 family members per class.
The fee is $10 for residents, and $12 for non-residents. Registration is required. Click here to register or visit ucnj.org/trailside for more information.
For event cancellations or changes, please contact Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org.
May 2025
Saturday, May 31st • 9:30am & 11:00am: Woodpecker Wonders
Art Workshops for Adults at Trailside
Nov. 1
Artist Dario Scholis leads this nature-themed, acrylic painting workshop series at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Registration fee is $30 per resident / $35 for non-residents.
Nature & Forest Bathing
Nov. 8th
Join Park Naturalist and Nature & Forest Therapy certified guide, Delaney Fay, for a restorative autumn walk in the Watchung Reservation. Registration fee is $15 per resident / $20 for non-residents.
Back to Nature
Nature walks for families with children ages 4 & up
Our Back to Nature walks are an excellent way for families with children ages 4 and older to spend time together in the great outdoors, enjoying Union County’s largest park, the Watchung Reservation.
The fee is $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Registration is required for adults and children. Click here to register or visit ucnj.org/trailside for more information.
For event cancellations or changes, please contact Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org.
Fall Schedule
Saturday, November 23rd: Lenape Life
Sensory Friendly Theatre
Our sensory-friendly theatre returns in 2026! From our family to yours, we wish you a joyous holiday season.
These sensory-friendly movie screenings and performances are designed to provide an enjoyable experience for children and adults experiencing autism and other sensory sensitivities.
Happy Feet
December 5th • 7pm
Our Sensory-Friendly Theatre brings the 2025 season to a close with a specially adapted screening of the animated musical “Happy Feet”. In this remarkable movie, we meet Mumble the Emperor penguin, who cannot sing the “Heartsong” needed to find his mate but discovers his true talent in tap dancing. Ostracized for being different, Mumble sets out to prove that what makes you different can also be your greatest strength.
Activities for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs
Activities for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs
2025 Inclusive Splash Nights
For Union County Residents, ages 12 & under
Thursdays, August 14th & 28th • 6:30pm – 7:45pm
Wheeler Spray Park, Linden
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Zumba
For Union County Residents, ages 13 & up
Thursdays, June 19th & 26th • 6:00pm – 6:45pm
Congress Donald Payne Center, 333 Russell St., Union
Registration Required. Click here to register.
2025 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp
August 18th – 22nd
Registration to the 2025 sensory-friendly summer camp is now open! Prospective campers must be Union County residents with a documented disability, demonstrating independence in basic self-care tasks, such as using the toilet and feeding themselves. While the camp warmly welcomes individuals who may require occasional prompting or redirection, it is not suitable for those with a history of fleeing, aggressive, or threatening behavior, who require restraints to manage or stop behaviors, or who require 1:1 staffing.
For more information or to register, click here or visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/.
Skating With Santa
December 20
Join us for a lovely afternoon of ice skating with friends, family, and jolly ol’ Saint Nick at our inclusive “Skating with Santa” event, where we provide a welcoming and accessible experience for residents with disabilities!
Art for All Abilities
For Union County Residents of All Ages • 5pm to 6:30pm
April 23rd: Artsy Bunch Night • Peterstown Community Center – Large Meeting Room, Elizabeth
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Zumba
For Union County Residents, ages 5 – 14
Thursdays, November 7th, 14th, and 21st • 5:30pm – 6:15pm
Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Ceramics
For Union County Residents, ages 15 and up
Tuesday, May 13th • 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Congressman Donald Payne Meeting Center, 333 Russell St., Union
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Yoga
For Union County Residents of all ages
Wednesday, September 24th • 5:30pm – 6:15pm Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Rd., Mountainside
Friday, September 26th • 5:30pm – 6:30pm Elizabethport Community Center, 250 Second Street, Elizabeth
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Karate for Children
For Union County Residents, ages 5 – 14
Mondays, March 24th & 31st • 7:00pm – 7:45pm
Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Karate
For Union County Residents, ages 15 and up
Mondays, March 24th and 31st • 8:00pm – 8:45pm
Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
Registration Required. Click here to register.
NEW! Fun Fit for Kids
For Union County Residents, ages 5 – 10
Thursday, February 6th • 6:15pm – 7:00pm
Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Ceramics for Kids
For Union County Residents, ages 5 to 14
Tuesday March 4th • 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Visit the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs for additional events and more information.
Empowerment Hour – Virtual Series
LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour
August 12th • 6pm
Join us for the latest installment of the LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour, a free virtual series covering a variety of LGBTQ+ topics. In this episode, Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak will join the conversation to discuss adoption services and the importance of estate planning for LGBTQ+ families. Register today at ucnj.prg/lgbtq.
Activities and Services for Seniors
Senior Nature Walks
Our senior walks are a great opportunity for older adults to enjoy fresh air and engage in physical activity while discovering the beauty of our county parks, including the historic Watchung Reservation.
The fee is $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents. Registration is required. Click here to register or visit ucnj.org/trailside for more information.
December 2025
December 5 • Autumn Tree I.D.
Stories of a Lifetime Workshop
Transform your life experiences into a one-of-a-kind biographical performance at UCPAC’s Hamilton stage!
The Stories of a Lifetime Workshop is an exciting three-week program exclusive to Union County seniors, ages 65 and up. Participants will engage in fun improvisation exercises, learn new writing techniques, and develop their unique story under the guidance of a professional playwright. The free workshop concludes with a special showcase where improv actors will perform your story for your friends and family. Registration is required. Register here or call 732-499-8226. Visit ucpac.org to learn more.
Farmers’ Market Food Vouchers
Beginning May 15th, Farmers Market vouchers will be available for eligible Union County seniors. Each eligible senior can obtain a $40 e-benefit card to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables, and herbs at participating Farmers Markets.
For more information about the Farmers’ Market nutrition program, or any services provided by the Division on Aging and Disability Resource in the Union County Department of Human Services, call 1-888-280-8226, or visit online at www.ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
Meals To You
This vital program provides wholesome, nutritious meals directly to Union County seniors and individuals with disabilities who are unable to prepare their own meals or shop for groceries.
To check your eligibility, call Meals To You at 908-486-5100 or click here for more information.
Visit your local Aging Services Kiosk
Residents seeking information about services for seniors and their care givers can come to Union County’s Aging Services Kiosk events and meet in person with professional staff for guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms.
ASK is a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60+ and their care givers. Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.
Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Visit ucnj.org/aging for upcoming dates.
Workshops • Networking Events
Career Opportunities
Career Navigator: A Virtual Hiring Event
Residents seeking a rewarding career helping others find employment can apply to become a Union County career navigator through our virtual hiring event.
Submit your resume today to AJCBusinessteam@ucnj.org.
Now Hiring: Full Time Dispatchers
Union County Communications is seeking responsible individuals with a customer service background who are eager to take on new challenges. If this describes you, text @dispatch to 908-913-7910 and respond to the screening questions when prompted. If you meet the minimum requirements, you will receive a link to apply for the position. For any questions, please call Gareth Williams at 908-518.5629 or email at gwilliams@ucnj.org.
Volunteering Opportunities
Master Gardeners of Union County
If you love gardening, have a passion for teaching, and want to contribute to your community, consider joining the Master Gardeners of Union County!
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is now recruiting volunteers for the 2025 Master Gardener Program, offering residents 18 years and older interested in volunteering the opportunity to learn or enhance their gardening and horticulture skills while assisting Rutgers professionals in educating the public. Click here to register or visit the Master Gardeners website at mastergardeners-uc.org/ for more information.
Union County Trail Stewards
Do you love nature and being outdoors? If so, now is the time to get involved by joining the Union County Trail Stewards!
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation invite all nature-loving residents to help preserve our local parks by becoming a Trail Steward through Union County’s Adopt-A-Trail Program. Click here to register or learn about the important role a Trail Steward plays in maintaining Union County’s hiking trails and pathways.
…or an Environmental Steward!
Are you passionate about the environment and eager to create a positive impact in your community?
Look no further than the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program! This dynamic program empowers individuals to learn from leading scientists and environmental experts about critical issues facing New Jersey. For more information or to register for the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program,visit go.rutgers.edu/RES2025. If you are committed to environmental stewardship, willing to learn, and ready to volunteer, this program is for you!
Volunteering in your community makes a difference! For additional volunteer opportunities, click here or visit ucnj.org/rce.
Recycling Programs
Union County’s 2026 Recycling Programs will resume this spring! For the complete 2026 recycling schedule, please call 908-654-9890 or visit ucnj.org/recycling.
Pool & Spray Park
The Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool and Wheeler Spray Park are now open for the 2025 season! Don’t miss out on the coolest place to be this summer and reserve your spot today. For updates on weather-related closures or changes to operating hours, visit ucnj.org.
Cultural Events Around the County
January
Jan 25 (Snow Date Feb 1)
3 pm
CONCERT
Choral Art Society of New Jersey presents The Cohort: Exploring the Shared Musical lineage of Great English Composers
While many may know the names Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Herbert Howells, and Samuel Coleridge Taylor, it may be surprising to learn that all of these “greats” studied under the same teacher, and many of them interacted with each other personally and artistically.
This concert explores the shared musical lineage of these composers through their works, along with the works of their contemporaries George Dyson, Rebecca Clarke, and John Ireland. Come be part of something special at this choral concert.
$35 General Admission & Door
$30 advance sale & Seniors/Students (18+)
FREE for youth (under 18)
FREE for Families First card holders & WIC card holders
Please note snow date above
Advance tickets: casofnj.org/ticket
The Presbyterian Church of Westfield
140 Mountain Ave., Westfield
Accessibility – Ramp on the left side of the church, along Mountain Ave. Listening devices and large-print programs are available upon request when notified at least 3 business days in advance via this form. Sign language interpretation can be accommodated when notified at least 2 weeks in advance. Service animals welcomed. If you need accommodations not listed here, please use the form and the CAS of NJ will work with you to help you enjoy the concert.
Jan. 31
3 pm
FREE FAMILY CONCERT
Plainfield Symphony presents “Swinging Valentines’ – featuring Jazz Hits
The annual Free Family Concert from Plainfield Symphony will feature notable works by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, William Grant Still, and more.
plainfieldsymphony.org
Charles and Anna Booker School
730 Central St., Plainfield
908-561-5140
Venue is wheelchair accessible. PSO offers 3 assistive listening devices with advance notice and large-print programs with advance notice to either 908-561-5140 or email to info@plainfieldsymphony.org.
February
Feb. 1
2 pm
FREE CONCERT
Rhonda Denet: Motown Goes to the Movies — presented by Summit Free Public Library
Vocalist Rhonda Denet returns with another spectacular musical performance featuring songs from Mahogany, The Wiz, Fast Break, Blue Lagoon, The Woman in Red, The Last Dragon, Boomerang, and more.
FREE
Summit Free Public Library
75 Maple St., Summit
908-273-0350
summitlibrary.org
Wheelchair-accessible venue
Feb. 8
2 – 4 pm
CONCERT & AFTERNOON TEA
Chamber Music Recital & Afternoon Tea – benefits Plainfield Symphony Society, Inc.
Plainfield’s circa-1788 Quaker Meeting House is the charming venue for this fundraiser for the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra. Hear Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 15 in A Minor, Op. 132, featuring the Madison Square String Quartet: Evelyn Estava, Michael Avagliano, Gerald Heiser and Rebecca Harris Lee. The concert (approx an hour) is followed by tea and homemade treats.
Tickets: $65
Cash or check at the door, or purchase online plainfieldsymphony.org
Quaker Meeting House
225 Watchung Ave., Plainfield
908-561-5140
Wheelchair-accessible venue
Feb. 13 – Mar. 1 (nine weekend performances: Feb. 13–14, 20–22, 27–28 & Mar 1)
Fri & Sat @ 8 pm | Sun @ 2pm
THEATER
It Shoulda Been You
A modern musical farce with heart, It Shoulda Been You invites you to a wedding day where nothing goes as planned. Chaos, secrets, and laughs abound as two families—one Jewish, one Catholic—collide in a whirlwind of love, identity, and unexpected twists. This fast-paced ensemble comedy celebrates acceptance, forgiveness, and the true meaning of family.
Tickets $26-28
CDC Theatre
78 Winans Ave,. Cranford
908-276-7611
cdctheatre.org
Wheelchair-accessible venue with, ADA-accessible bathroom. ASL-interpreted performance on Feb. 22 at 2 pm.
Feb 14
7:30 pm
CABARET CONCERT
Summit Chorale Presents A Night at the Opera with QUEEN!
The annual Valentine’s Day cabaret, a fundraiser for Summit Chorale, is an audience favorite. Celebrate the great music of QUEEN as Summit Chorale members take the stage to lead everyone through classic hits from the 70s and 80s!
Summit Knights of Columbus
61 Harvard St., Summit
Tickets: $30 In Advance | $35 At the Door | $15 with Student ID
ticketleap.events/tickets/summit-chorale/QUEEN
Venue is wheelchair-accessible. Large-print programs available upon request. Please email events@summitchorale.org with your accessibility needs.
Feb. 21 (and 3rd Saturday each month)
6 – 9 pm
POETRY & OPEN-MIC
What’s the Word – Poetry Slam & Open-Mic Series
ACP Arts Ink hosts its signature monthly poetry and open-mic event. This inclusive space for artists of all ages, includes professional and up-and-coming spotlight artists. Listen to thought-provoking poetry by a featured poet and an open-mic poetry slam. Perhaps read one of your own poems at this event for both new and veteran poets, from ACP.
FREE entrance
Melao Cafe & Creamery
1425 Irving St., Rahway
acpartsink.org/events
Feb 22 (please note date change)
3 pm
Concert
Afternoon Music presents Beautiful Dreamers: Ellis Island Vignettes
Stephanie Blythe, the world-renowned opera mezzo-soprano, performs with pianist Kayo Iwama. The program includes Alan Smith’s song cycle based on first-person accounts of immigrants, as well as Stephanie Blythe singing from the American songbook and accompanying herself on ukelele!
Stephanie Blythe has “left an indelible mark on operatic roles and the art-song repertoire.” She is a multi-talented mezzo-soprano, appearing on the major opera stages of the world. Kayo Iwama is an acclaimed pianist/vocal coach, an Associate Director of the Graduate Vocal Art Program at Bard Conservatory and on the faculty of the Juilliard School of Music.
Tickets: $30-$40
eventbrite.com/e/beautiful-dreamers-ellis-island-vignettes-tickets-1880505094359
Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation
4 Waldron Ave., Summit
Afternoon Music’s venue is wheelchair accessible. Large-print programs will be available upon request at the door.
Feb. 28
3–5 pm
ART EXHIBIT CLOSING RECEPTION
duCret Center of Art: Artworks by Katie Truk
Katie Truk is a NJ-based visual artist whose sculptural work is made from wires and pantyhose. Her work is displayed at duCret Center of Art thru Feb. 28. This closing reception is a great chance to see Katie’s work in person and meet her.
FREE
duCret Center of Art
1030 Central Ave., Plainfield
908-757-7171
ducretarts.org
Event takes place in a part of the duCret building that is unfortunately not wheelchair-accessible. There are a small number of stairs to reach the room where this event takes place.