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/.
The long days of summer have finally arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited for music festivals in the park, cooling off at the pool or Wheeler Spray Park, and sunset movie nights under a blanket of stars!
Check back often for the latest on future programs, networking events, and various activities for residents of all ages coming to Union County this summer.
Fall Events in our Parks
Tickets can be purchased at ucnj.org/ticket
Hayrides and Campfires
Tickets are $6 for Union County residents and $12 for non-residents and go on sale Tuesday, September 1 at 9:00 a.m.
All tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the event.
Group sales are limited to 15 people, and no refunds or exchanges will be offered.
Friday, October 2
- Warinanco Park
- 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Sunday, October 4
- Trailside Nature & Science Center
- 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Friday, October 9
- Trailside Nature & Science Center
- 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Sunday, October 11
- Trailside Nature & Science Center
- 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Friday, October 16
- Trailside Nature & Science Center
- 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Haunted Hayrides
- Friday, October 23rd
- Saturday, October 24th
- Sunday, October 25th
- Rain Date – Monday, October 26th
Participants will board a hay wagon alongside David Felt, the New York businessman who built Feltville in 1845. As the wagon moves through the fields and forest under the cover of darkness, and then into the Village itself, Mr. Felt will recount stories of tragedy and mystery that occurred in the area now known as the Watchung Reservation.
The tales are told so vividly that history seems to come alive. The journey culminates with a stop at the Village cemetery, dating back to the 1700s, where a chilling story is told that is certain to stir the imagination, and perhaps even the spirits.
The program is recommended for children age 6 and older, and strollers cannot be accommodated.
The full experience lasts approximately one hour and includes both a hayride and a walking portion through the darkened forest.
Participants are encouraged to dress warmly, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a flashlight.
Tickets are $8 for Union County residents and $16 for out-of-county participants. Purchases are limited to eight tickets per person and must be made in advance for a specific date and time.
No refunds or exchanges will be permitted, and tickets will not be sold on-site during the event.
Hispanic Heritage Cultural Festival
- Saturday, October 3rd
- UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage
- 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway
- 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Free for all ages
- More details coming soon
Pumpkin Sail
- Sunday, November 1st
- More details coming soon
Four Centuries in a Weekend
- Saturday October 17th
- Sunday, October 18th
- View website for site information
- Special events, hours of operation, and programs coming soon
- Deserted Village will have special programs and exhibits from Noon to 5:00 pm each day
September 11th Memorial Ceremony
The Union County Board of County Commissioners will commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, with a remembrance ceremony on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Union County September 11th Memorial in Echo Lake Park.
The ceremony will include guest speakers, moments of reflection and the unveiling of a new memorial plaque, which will stand alongside our existing memorials.
As we mark this significant anniversary, we will remember those we lost, recognize the courage of our first responders and reflect on the lives forever changed by the events of September 11.
Visit this website for more information – https://ucnj.org/september-11th-memorial/
Bellies 2 Bottoms Baby Item Collection
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is asking for your help with Bellies 2 Bottoms, a baby item collection serving vulnerable families throughout Union County communities.
From September 1–30, 2026, residents are encouraged to donate diapers, formula and baby wipes at participating Union County drop-off locations. Please remember to check expiration dates before donating.
Drop-Off Locations:
- Engineering Building
- 2325 South Ave., Scotch Plains
- 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Public Safety Building
- 400 North Ave. East, Westfield
- 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Social Services
- 200 West 2nd St., 1st Floor, Plainfield
- 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Prosecutor’s Office
- 32 Rahway Ave., Elizabeth
- 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Administration Building
- 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
- 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Every donation can help provide essential supplies to babies and families in need across Union County.
For questions, contact Judith Guest at 908-527-4388 or judith.guest@ucnj.org
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, there’s so much more to discover!
As we approach the thick of winter, check out your neighborhood library for your next great read, some local fun, or simply to get out of the house and lift your spirits! Check out below for upcoming events in February:
• Adults and children 8 and over can walk through an interactive wax museum & learn about Black history in Roselle.
• Children (grades K-5) can take a financial literacy class in Scotch Plains,
•Teens can join a crochet club in Rahway, take a painting class in Union, or play Dungeons and Dragons in Springfield!
• Library card holders in Kenilworth can access FREE virtual yoga classes for all ages and skill levels!
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.
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.
Lilo & Stitch
July 10 • 7pm
The classic Disney tale of a Hawaiian girl named Lilo and her growing friendship with the mischievous creature Stitch redefines the meaning of family and friendship. Doors open at 6 PM, and tickets are $5 per guest.
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.
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 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.
Visit the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs for additional events and more information.
Activities and Services for Seniors
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.
ASK Senior Services
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to attend the Aging Services Kiosk, or ASK, events scheduled throughout September.
These events provide an opportunity to meet one-on-one with knowledgeable professionals and learn about programs and services available to Union County’s older adults and their caregivers. Bilingual assistance will be available.
Workshops • Networking Events • Webinars
Career Opportunities
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.
2026 Recycling Programs
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.
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!
Cultural Events Around the County
September 23
6 – 8 pm
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
The Art of Photograms
This playful and immersive workshop is for beginners and professionals alike. Photograms are camera-less photographic artworks created with light and shadow in the darkroom.
Often they are the first project a student will create in an analog photography class to learn about photo materiality and how to use a darkroom. Prior knowledge is not needed.
Instructor Heather Palecek walks you through the art of making photograms, and challenges you to expand the possibilities of this medium. Workshop is presented by the Cranford Library. Visit the Cranford Library calendar to learn more or register to participate; see link below.
FREE
www.cranfordlibrary.org
Cranford Community Center
220 Walnut Ave., Cranford
The building is wheelchair-accessible, including an elevator and accessible restrooms.
September 27
2 – 3 pm
FREE CONCERT
Stonehearth Bluegrass Band
Together since 2002, Stonehearth Bluegrass Band plays traditional bluegrass, but has been known to put a bluegrass style on hits by Simon and Garfunkel, the Drifters, the Everly Brothers and even the Beatles.
FREE
Summit Free Public Library
75 Maple St., Summit
Wheelchair-accessible venue
October 3
5 pm
FREE OPEN MIC
Youth Poetry Open-Mic Event
Youth open expression, with music and chill atmosphere at local café. Come to just listen, or read one of your own poems.
Free entry
Melao Cafe & Creamery
1425 Irving St., Rahway
Venue is wheelchair-accessible.
October 3–4, October 9–10-–11
8 pm evenings, 2 pm Sunday matinees
THEATRE
Morning’s at Seven
An American classic written by Paul Osborn, Morning’s at Seven centers around four aging sisters and their families, living in a small Midwestern town in the late 1930s. What appears to be a simple story is nothing but, as it deals with the ramifications as two family members begin to question their lives and want to make changes before it’s too late.
While dealing with hidden resentments and unfulfilled dreams, this is also a heartwarming and sometimes comical story about the true love and devotion of family.
Tickets: $25 general admission; $15 students and veterans with ID
Westfield Community Players
1000 North Ave. West, Westfield
908-232-1221
wcptheatre.org
Ground-floor theatre is wheelchair-accessible. Call ahead to reserve accessible parking or to request additional accommodations, to 908-232-1221.
October 4
2 pm
FREE CONCERT
Summit Symphony – The Orchestra Grows Up – especially for young audiences
Designed especially for young audiences, this lively introduction to the orchestra, directed by Michael Avagliano, explores more than 250 years of music, from Antonio Vivaldi to Aaron Copland.
Discover how the orchestra began, meet the different instrument families, and hear how new instruments created bigger and more exciting sounds over time. The Summit Symphony invites you to this free performance of “The Orchestra Grows Up!”
Summit High School
125 Kent Pl Blvd., Summit
summitsymphony.org
Venue is wheelchair-accessible, including main entrance. Designated accessible parking spaces available in parking lot. Early access to seating is available upon request. Large-print programs available in the lobby. For questions, email info@summitsymphony.org.
October 4
3 pm Reception
5 pm Concert
FREE CONCERT & RECEPTION
Imperial Brass – 35th Anniversary Reception & Concert
Anniversary Reception (light refreshments) and Mini-Concert commemorating 35 years of Imperial Brass, featuring guest Derek Lance, solo cornetist. Concert includes: Concertante, Caprice for Cornet, All There is of Me, Landmarks, Ascalon, Malaguena and Imperial March.
Presbyterian Church, 140 Mountain Ave, Westfield
Venue is wheelchair-accessible.
October 8
3:30 – 4:30 pm
MUSIC & DANCE WORKSHOP
Mexico Beyond Mariachi
Come learn to dance to Mariachi music from Mexico. Children and families will be introduced to the music, dance and culture of Mexico. Mariachi is a traditional Mexican performance and culture. Learn about the stories, legends and myths interwoven together.\
Details at https://linden.librarycalendar.com/event/possible-childrens-program-7371
FREE, but registration is required by Oct. 1
Linden Free Public Library
31 East Henry Street, Linden (on third floor)
Building is wheelchair-accessible, take elevator to 3rd floor.
Oct. 9–18
Fri/Sat at 8 pm | Sat/Sun at 2 pm
THEATRE
Psycho Beach Party
A hilarious send-up of Gidget and Frankie-and-Annette beach-party movies, with a dash of Hitchcock psychological suspense thrillers. Chicklet Forrest, a teenage tomboy, desperately wants to be part of the surf crowd on Malibu Beach in 1962.
One thing getting in her way is her unfortunate tendency towards split personalities. Her most dangerous alter ego is a voracious vixen named Ann Bowman, who has nothing less than world domination on her mind. Note: Psycho Beach Party contains some adult language.
Tickets: $23–$25
CDC Theatre, 78 Winans Ave, Cranford
Theater is wheelchair-accessible, including restroom, ramps, seating, and extra-wide aisle. Accessible parking on right side of building. ASL will be offered at one performance, date TBA. For additional information, questions, assistance, or other accommodations, call 908-276-7611.
October 17
10 am – 2 pm
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Intro to Pinhole Photography
In this immersive 4-hour workshop, learn the history of pinhole photography, explore different types of camera builds, make your own pinhole camera, discuss composition and technique, then head out with your instructor to create pinhole photographs on paper that you’ll develop in the darkroom. No experience necessary. Visit the library calendar to learn more and register.
Presented by the Cranford Library.
FREE, but registration is required.
Cranford Community Center
220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
Building is wheelchair-accessible, including elevator and accessible restrooms.
October 17
6 – 9 pm
POETRY / SPOKEN WORD (FREE)
“What’s The Word!”
ACP Arts Ink hosts its signature monthly event, A Night of Spoken Word/Poetry including a community Open Mic, with a featured poet. Hosted by world-champion slam poet RADI, this inclusive event is for people of all ages, including professional and up-and-coming spotlight artists. Listen to thought-provoking work — and perhaps read one of your own poems at this event for both new and veteran poets.
FREE entry
Melao Cafe & Creamery
1425 Irving Street, Rahway
Venue is wheelchair-accessible.
October 17 – November 1
Fri & Sat at 7:30 pm | 2 pm on Sundays
THEATRE
By the Water
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Murphy family struggles to rebuild their Staten Island home and their lives. As old wounds resurface and loyalties are tested, each family member must decide what they’re willing to fight for — and what they’re willing to leave behind.
Filled with humor, warmth and deeply human characters, By the Water is a moving, contemporary story by Sharon Rothstein about family, community, and the meaning of home. Directed by Karen Thornton.
Tickets: $25
The Summit Playhouse
10 New England Ave., Summit
thesummitplayhouse.org/
Wheelchair-accessible venue.
October 17–18
8 pm Sat. evening, 2 pm Sunday matinee
THEATRE
Morning’s at Seven
An American classic written by Paul Osborn, Morning’s at Seven centers around four aging sisters and their families, living in a small Midwestern town in the late 1930s. What appears to be a simple story is nothing but, as it deals with the ramifications as two family members begin to question their lives and want to make changes before it’s too late.
While dealing with hidden resentments and unfulfilled dreams, this is also a heartwarming and sometimes comical story about the true love and devotion of family.
Tickets: $25 general admission; $15 students and veterans with ID
Westfield Community Players
1000 North Ave. West, Westfield
908-232-1221
wcptheatre.org
Ground-floor theatre is wheelchair-accessible. Call ahead to reserve accessible parking or to request additional accommodations, to 908-232-1221.
October 21
2 pm – 4 pm
POETRY
The Poet Is In
Visit with a poet and receive a personalized healing poem.
FREE
Arbor Terrace, 1050 Springfield Ave., Mountainside
908-522-2894
Venue is wheelchair-accessible. Large-print materials available.