Events Calendar
Please check ucnj.org in case of any event cancellations.
Welcome to the calendar – your reliable resource for all upcoming events in Union County!
Experience the magic of the fall season with vibrant festivals, delightful hayrides, as well as educational programs and activities for all ages and abilities.
For the latest Union County news, visit ucnj.org/press-releases/.
Autumn Family Fun
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th – October 15th
Get ready for a month-long celebration of Latino and Hispanic culture as we acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month in Union County! Join us from September 15th through October 15th as we host family-friendly festivities in honor of our Hispanic community. For details, visit ucnj.org/hhm.
Hayrides & Campfires
October
It’s not officially fall until you’ve taken a hayride and roasted marshmallows at our yearly Hayrides & Campfires event!
Tickets are now on sale at ucnj.org/ticket.
All tickets must be purchased in advance, there will be no tickets sold on site. Ticket includes hayride, entertainment, and hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast over a campfire. For more information, visit ucnj.org.
Four Centuries in A Weekend
October 19th – 20th
Calling all history enthusiasts, family, and friends!
Join us as we explore over 30 historic sites in two days to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Four Centuries in a Weekend”!
Delve into the past and explore the stories of evolution and growth as you learn about Union County’s rich history over the span of four centuries!
For hours, participating locations and further details, visit ucnj.org/4c.
The Great Pumpkin Sail
November 1st
Don’t throw away those Jack-o-Lanterns and reserve your spot for our annual Great Pumpkin Sail!
The Great Pumpkin Sail of Union County has become a family favorite tradition that brings the whole community together for a memorable evening at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
Visit ucnj.org/ticket to purchase tickets.
Haunted Hayrides
November 1st • 2nd • 3rd
Join us for an open hay wagon ride through the Deserted Village of Feltville! Prepare for a bit of history and a lot of mystery as you explore these haunted grounds, encountering witches, a traveling circus, and other spooky characters along the way.
Tickets are $8 for Union County Residents and $16 for out-of-county participants. To purchase tickets, visit ucnj.org/ticket.
Rides are scheduled every half-hour from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on Friday, November 1st, and Saturday, November 2nd, and from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Sunday, November 3rd.
Activities for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs
Halloween Bash ’24
October 18th
Residents with disabilities and special needs can look forward to the return of Union County’s Halloween Bash in Rahway. This inclusive event will feature various games, crafts, dancing, a costume contest, a haunted house, and much more. Make sure to arrive dressed in your favorite costume!
Admission to the Halloween Bash is free, but registration is required online at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
Sensory Friendly
Sensory Friendly Theatre
November 3rd • December 1st
These sensory-friendly performances are designed to provide an enjoyable experience for children and adults experiencing autism and other sensory sensitivities. The performances offer a welcoming and inclusive environment where attendees can have a magical time, without feeling overwhelmed by sensory stimuli.
Conferences & Networking Events
Oct. 10th: Hispanic Heritage Month Leadership Event
Join us for a special Hispanic Leadership Event, featuring the Director of the New Jersey State Division on Women, Anna D. Martinez, as keynote speaker.
The Leadership event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Interested participants may register at ucnj.org/hhm.
Oct. 16th: Networking Mixer for Military Personnel & Veteran Service Providers
The Networking Mixer offers a valuable opportunity for veterans and military personnel to connect to resources and establish relationships within the community. The event will feature complimentary food and a cash bar.
Attendance at the mixer is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, please visit ucnj.org/veterans.
Recycling
For more information, please visit ucnj.org/recycling.
Senior Services
Farmers’ Market Food Vouchers
Farmers Market vouchers are now available for eligible Union County seniors. Each eligible senior can obtain a $50 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.
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.
Cultural Events Around the County
Oct. 5
7 pm
CONCERT
Plainfield Symphony: Brahms and Out of the Ordinary
The Plainfield Symphony presents a concert featuring the work of 20th-century music theorist and composer Arnold Schoenberg, who orchestrated Johann Brahms 18th-century “Piano Quartet No. 1, Opus 25.” Schoenberg, a devotee of Brahms, turned a piece written for a quartet into a large orchestration. In addition, the work of 21st-century contemporary composer Christian Pollack will be performed, with “Pandemic Suite.” Three movements from Pollack’s yet-to-be performed opera “The Witch of the Mill.” Concert will presented both live and live streamed.
Tickets: $30 Seniors & Students, $45 General, $65 Reserved
In person at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church
716 Watchung Ave., Plainfield
908-561-5140
Venue has accessible parking spaces. Building is wheelchair-accessible with lift to performance area, and accessible restrooms.
Oct. 17
7 pm
MUSIC & DANCE
Italian-American Heritage Celebration
Enjoy this program by D’Italia, featuring traditional Italian music, dance and costumes. Includes an interactive tarantella dance lesson.
FREE
Kenilworth Public Library
548 Boulevard, Kenilworth
908-276-2451
kenilworthlibrary.org
Wheelchair-accessible via the entrance at back of library
Oct. 19–20
12–5 pm both days
HISTORY
Four Centuries in a Weekend – a fall Tradition!
Learn about life in Union County over the course of four centuries. More than 30 historic sites are open to the public. Enjoy guided tours, exhibits, hands-on activities and special events – from re-enactors to colonial children’s games and horseback-riding.
FREE admission at all sites.
Oct. 20
3:30 pm
CONCERT
Mostly Music – Chamber Music
Hear the New York Philharmonic’s first cellist Carter Brey, joining violins, violas and bass for the Kreutzer Sonata String Quartet and Dvorak’s String Quintet in G Major. Mostly Music presents five chamber music concerts each year by outstanding professional musicians from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic.
Before each work, musicians offer insights about the composer and composition, providing an intimate and exclusive musical experience.
Tickets: $50 | FREE for students
Temple Emanu-El
756 East Broad St., Westfield
908-789-8578
mostlymusic.org
Venue is wheelchair accessible and hearing enhancement devices are available
Oct. 22
7:30 pm
FILM FESTIVAL
“HOME”
The JCC Jewish Film Festival of Central NJ presents this drama based on a true story. A young man’s ambition to open a computer store in his ultra-Orthodox neighborhood begets a clash of tradition versus modernity. This film offers commentary on the intersection of free will and religious dogmatism.
Cranford Theater
25 North Avenue West, Cranford
908-889-8800
Tickets $18
jccnj.org/jccinternationaljewishfilmfestival/
Theater is ADA accessible. Films are captioned. Program available in large print.
Oct 24–27
THEATER
7 pm (Thu-Fri-Sat) 2 pm (Sun)
My Italy Story
Written by noted NJ playwright and storyteller Joe Gallo (four-time Moth StorySLAM winner), My Italy Story is a nostalgic exploration of family, heritage and the ties that bind us. Spurred by pleas to help reunite his fractured family, a young man quits his job and travels to the tiny Italian village of his ancestors. After he returns home, he discovers a secret that unlocks his past. Directed by Charlotte Cohn, this endearing one-man show stars Michael Notardonado, who recently appeared in the Off-Broadway hit, Romeo and Bernadette.
Tickets: $45
Hamilton Stage
360 Hamilton St., Rahway
732-499-8226
ucpac.org/event/my-italy-story
Wheelchair-accessible parking, seating and restrooms.
Oct. 29
7:30 pm
FILM FESTIVAL
“Stay with Us”
The JCC Jewish Film Festival of Central NJ presents this film. Paralleling his own real conversion to Catholicism, a French-Jewish entertainer takes a journey of spiritual discovery in this poignant, humorous self-portrait. This offbeat comedy stars acclaimed French comedian Gad Elmaleh in a semi-autobiographical story; in French with English subtitles.
Cranford Theater
25 North Avenue West, Cranford
908-889-8800
Tickets $18
jccnj.org/jccinternationaljewishfilmfestival/
Theater is ADA accessible. Films are captioned. Program available in large print.
Nov. 2
7 pm
CONCERT
Americana Pops Concert – Plainfield Symphony
The joyful, annual “Americana Pops Concert” is an audience favorite, with something for everyone… featuring tunes by Leroy Anderson, Duke Ellington, Rogers and Hammerstein, Scott Joplin, Stephen Sondheim, John Philip Sousa and more. Tenor Brian Cheney returns as soloist. Concert performed live and livestreamed.
Tickets: $30 Senior/Student, $45 General, $65 Reserved
In-person
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church
716 Watchung Ave., Plainfield
908-561-5140
plainfieldsymphony.org
Venue has wheelchair-accessible parking spaces and building entry access, lift to performance area, and accessible rest rooms.
Nov. 3
5 pm
FILM FESTIVAL
“The Performance”
The JCC Jewish Film Festival of Central NJ presents this film based on a short story by playwright Arthur Miller, centered on a Jewish American tap dancer named Harold who risks it all to bring entertainment to the highest levels of the Third Reich. Jeremy Piven toplines this tension-filled prewar drama of a dance company confronting a dire choice when unwittingly booked to perform for the Führer.
Cranford Theater
25 North Avenue West, Cranford
908-889-8800
Tickets $18
jccnj.org/jccinternationaljewishfilmfestival/
Theater is ADA accessible. Films are captioned. Program available in large print.
FALL 2024
Fall Art Classes for Adults, Kids & Teens
Sep. – Dec.
Fall Art Classes
This fall, duCret School of Art offers diverse classes catering to all artistic interests and skill levels. Explore Jewelry Design, Stained Glass, Sewing, Ceramics, Painting, and Printmaking, each providing hands-on instruction and creative growth. Kids and teens can enjoy specialized classes designed to inspire young artists. Additionally, multiple one-day art workshops are available throughout the season, offering quick, immersive experiences in various mediums. All classes and workshops are open to the public. Discover and develop your artistic talents in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Fees vary: $95 to $375, depending on the course
In person
duCret School of Art
1030 Central Ave., Plainfield
908-757-7171
ducretarts.org
Most classes (except Ceramics) occur on the ground floor, which is wheelchair-accessible from the side parking lot.