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/.
Experience autumn in Union County like never before as we make your favorite fall events truly unforgettable! Read below for information on upcoming recreational activities, educational programs and other events happening in our community. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates!
Fall 2025
The Great Pumpkin Sail
November 1
The heart of fall brings back a Union County favorite – The Great Pumpkin Sail! Bring your family and carved Jack-o’-Lanterns to Echo Lake Park as we create a stunning display of pumpkins together. This beloved autumn activity is sure to be fun for the whole family!
Tickets MUST be purchased in advance. Limit 2 tickets per person. Visit ucnj.org/tickets to reserve your seat today.
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.
Sound Bowl Meditation
Thursdays at 5pm • Saturdays at 9pm
Join sound healer and Reiki Master Kellie Bogda for a transformative experience that blends the soothing vibrations of sound bowls with the beauty of the natural world. Feel the calming energy flow through your body as you connect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit. Registration fee is $30 per resident / $35 for non-residents.
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
2025 Model Train Show and Open House Returns!
More than 200 Model Train Cars on a 40×40-foot Layout Tell the Story of NJ Railroads in the 1950s
• November 28, 29, and 30 (Fri, Sat and Sun)
• December 6 and 7 (Sat and Sun)
• 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.
Visit Your Neighborhood Library
Enjoy literature, art, and something new at one of over 19 FREE Public Libraries in Union County!
Local libraries are the perfect place to read and study, but did you know they host a variety of fun events for all ages throughout the year? Whether you’re in the mood to read the latest mystery novel, are new to the neighborhood and would like to meet the locals, or need ideas on entertaining restless little ones, don’t let the weather keep you inside! Your neighborhood library has much more beyond books to explore.
The list of recreational activities includes movie nights, game nights, book clubs, storytimes – even sing-alongs! Visit your local library today to learn more.
Click here to visit your local library’s website
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!
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
These sensory-friendly movie screenings and performances are designed to provide an enjoyable experience for children and adults experiencing autism and other sensory sensitivities.
The Nutcracker
November 30th • 2pm
Our Sensory-Friendly Theatre continues with a spectacular performance of The Nutcracker, presented by the NJ Ballet. Get ready to be captivated by the magical holiday tale of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, featuring toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy!
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 14th
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!
Click here to register. To learn more about our inclusive events, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/.
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.
November/December 2025
November 7 • Autumn Tree I.D.
November 14 • History of the Deserted Village
November 21 • Lenape Native Americans
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 on Wheels
This vital program provides 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 on Wheels 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
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.
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.
Volunteering Opportunities
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.
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.
…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
Call 908-654-9890 or visit ucnj.org/recycling for any recycling tips, questions, or more information, including the 2025 recycling schedule.
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
Oct. 18 – Nov. 2
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm (5 dates)
Sundays at 2 pm (3 dates)
THEATER
“The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie, presented by The Summit Playhouse
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is a classic whodunnit play that follows seven strangers snowed in at a remote guesthouse after a London murder. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests learn a killer is among them, and their suspicions grow as each character reveals a shady past. The play is full of humor, intrigue, and twists, and asks the audience to solve the mystery for themselves.
Tickets: $25 for Adults; $20 for Seniors & Students
thesummitplayhouse.org
The Summit Playhouse
10 New England Ave., Summit
908-273-2192
Playhouse lobby, auditorium, lounge, and restroom are fully accessible and ADA-compliant. Please see a Playhouse volunteer upon arrival for assistance with elevator.
Nov. 2
4 pm
FREE SYMPHONIC CONCERT
The Society of Musical Arts
Here’s the Story, the fall concert from the Society of Musical Arts, features three works with a story to tell, opening with Scènes Historiques, Op. 25, by Jean Sibelius, celebrating Finnish nationalism. Tenor Emmanuel Cruz then joins the orchestra for a selection of Mozart’s concert arias, stand-alone works of operatic intensity. Closing the program, Tchaikovsky’s symphonic poem, Francesca da Rimini, tells the story of the two tragic lovers recounted in Dante’s Inferno
FREE
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
414 E Broad St., Westfield
www.somaorchestra.org
Venue complies with ADA regulations for accessibility. Accessible entrance is adjacent to the church parking lot.
Nov. 2
5 pm
FILM FESTIVAL
The Roesch Jewish Film Festival – presents “Midas Man”
The JCC of Central NJ presents the final film of the festival. Midas Man. Set against the kaleidoscopic backdrop of Swinging Sixties London, this stylish musical biopic explores the genius and demons of Brian Epstein, the trailblazing Jewish manager hailed as the “fifth Beatle,” whose visionary work propelled The Beatles’ meteoric rise to stardom.
Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein delivers a raw, authentic depiction in this bittersweet portrait, blending mod-inspired visuals, an evocative soundtrack, and a sensitive exploration of the seismic shifts Epstein ignited – and his struggles as a closeted gay man.
After the film, join in after the credits roll for Lights, Camera, Conversation – a welcoming space for movie-lovers to reflect, share perspectives and dive deeper into the themes, characters and emotions sparked by the film.
For both a casual viewer or a cinema enthusiast, take this chance to connect, process and keep the story going.
AMC Mountainside 10
Route 22 Eastbound, Mountainside
Tickets: $18 (JCC members $15.30)
jccnj.org/midasman/
Wheelchair accessible, subtitles. For accommodations needed, please email bmitchell@jccnj.org.
Nov. 8
7:30 pm
FREE CONCERT
Imperial Brass – Competition Preview Performance
Join Imperial Brass perform music prepared for its upcoming participation in the US Open Brass Band Championships. Works performed include music by Tchaikovsky, Elgar, and Freddie Mercury.
FREE
The Presbyterian Church in Westfield
140 Mountain Ave., Westfield
www.imperialbrass.org
Wheelchair-accessible parking, access, seating and restrooms. Large-format programs available on request.
Nov. 11
7:30 pm
FREE CONCERT & SING-IN
Summit Chorale – Community Sing-In Veterans Day Sing-In: Verdi Requiem
Join Summit Chorale for this free Veterans Day community sing-in of the beloved Verdi Requiem in support of our veterans. Join in the singing, or just listen. All donations collected go directly to a partner veterans support organization.
FREE (accepting donations for a veterans support organization)
Saint John’s Lutheran Church
587 Springfield Ave., Summit
summitchorale.org/concerts-and-events.html
Venue is wheelchair-accessible. Other accommodations will be coordinated: email events@summitchorale.org with your accessibility needs.
Nov 15 (and the 3rd Saturday every month)
6 – 9 pm
POETRY OPEN MIC
What’s the Word!
Enjoy Spoken Word/Poetry in the heart of Rahway from ACP Arts Ink. Thought-provoking artists convene to bring beautiful words of passion. Every show features professional artists and spotlights up-and-coming artists. (This location also hosts the “New Jeru Poetry Slam,” where poets compete for a spot to represent New Jersey at national and regional poetry slam competitions.)
Melao Cafe and Creamery
1425 Irving St., Rahway
FREE
Venue is wheelchair-accessible
Nov. 22
7 pm
CONCERT
A Viennese New Year
Plainfield Symphony’s pre-winter holiday season concert celebrates works by Johann Strauss, featuring the Overtures to “Gypsy Baron” and “Die Fledermaus,” the famed waltzes “Blue Danube” and “Tales from the Vienna Woods,” and polkas “Pizzicato” and “Thunder and Lightning.” Patrons have been known to waltz in the aisle at this concert!
Tickets: $30 Seniors/Students | $45 General | $65 Reserved
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church
716 Watchung Ave., Plainfield
908-561-5140
plainfieldsymphony.org
Venue has accessible parking; is wheelchair-accessible from parking area via a lift to the performance area; and has accessible restrooms. Assistive listening devices and large-print programs are available with advance notice. Visit plainfieldsymphony.org for more information.
Nov. 23
3:30 pm
CONCERT
Chamber Music from Mostly Music
Hear selections by Beethoven, Nielsen, Esmail, and Strauss, performed by world-class master musicians: clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein, bassoonist Gina Cuffari, hornist David Byrd-Marrow, violinist Arnaud Sussmann, violist Paul Neubauer, cellist Nicholas Canellakis, and bassist Nina Bernat, in this program highlighting the rich textures of winds and strings. Artistic director and violist Paul Neubauer is a frequent performer with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Tickets: $50. FREE for students.
Temple Emanu-El
756 East Broad St,. Westfield
908-789-8578
mostlymusic.org
Venue is fully wheelchair-accessible. Hearing devices are available on request. There are seating spaces for wheelchairs and walkers.