Calendar of Events

Events Calendar

Welcome to the calendar – your resource for upcoming events in Union County!

Get ready for a summer packed with fun and exciting events in Union County! Below, you can find information about upcoming recreational activities, educational programs, networking mixers, and career opportunities happening in your community. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates!

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.

Saturday, May 31st • 9:30am & 11:00am: Woodpecker Wonders

December 14th & 15th (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 29 to Sunday, December 15

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.

By popular demand in celebration of our 75th anniversary we are pleased to announce that Jenny is coming home. 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 29-Dec 1, Dec 7-Dec 8, and Dec 14-15
  • Opening Day, Fri, Nov. 29 – 11 am – 6 pm       
  • Saturdays (Nov 30, Dec 7 & 14), 11 am – 6 pm
  • Sundays (Dec 1, Dec 8 & 15), 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

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.

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 – and even sing-alongs! Visit your local library today to learn more.

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!

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.

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. Please check back soon for the next available dates!

Activities for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs

Registration Now Open!

December 14th

Click here to register. To learn more about our inclusive events, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/.

Activities and Services for Seniors

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.

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.

Our senior talks and 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. For event cancellations or changes, please contact Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org.

Tuesday, May 27th • 11:30am: Peregrine Falcons

Tuesday, June 3rd • 11:30am: Pollinators

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.

Employment Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities

Discover how volunteering in your community makes a difference!

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.

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.

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!

For additional volunteer opportunities, click here or visit ucnj.org/rce.

Workshops • Networking Events • Seminars

Recycling

Call 908-654-9890 or visit ucnj.org/recycling for any recycling tips, questions, or more information, including the 2025 recycling schedule.

Cultural Events Around the County

June 12
6 pm
FREE CONCERT

An Evening of Jazz

Bring a chair, a blanket, and enjoy a beautiful evening of live jazz — and local ice cream!

Roselle Park Library
404 Chestnut St., Roselle Park

Venue and event are fully ADA accessible, with wheelchair ramps, elevator, restrooms, doors and hallways to ADA standards.

June 21 (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.)

Venue is wheelchair-accessible.

June 22
12 noon – 2 pm
CONCERT

Youth Rock Bands

“The Ugly Truth” and “Hard-to-Get,” NJ Workshop for the Arts rock bands, perform at Crossroads.

Crossroads
78 North Ave., Garwood.

For questions regarding accessibility, call the venue: 908-232-5666

June 26
7:30 pm
FREE CONCERT

Outdoor Concert by Westfield Community Concert Band – the 113th Summer Concert Series

Westfield Community Concert Band presents free summer concerts in historic Mindowaskin Park, East Broad Street, Westfield on four Thursday evenings starting June 26 (also July 3, July 10 and July 17). The band will perform contemporary, classical, popular and patriotic selections, including music by Gershwin and favorites from Broadway shows including Hello Dolly, Mame, and Chicago. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended.

In the event of rain, concert is held in the Community Room, at Westfield Municipal Building, 425 East Broad St.

Mindowaskin Park
East Broad Street, Westfield
(Rain location: Community Room, Westfield Municipal Building, 425 East Broad St.)
908-337-9073

Level paths are accessible from Mindowaskin Park Drive.

June 28 & June 29
Saturday @ 7:30 pm, Sunday @ 2 pm
THEATRE

Theater Project Jr’s BROADWAY JUKEBOX

Each summer, director Mary Iannelli leads youth 14–25 in building a cabaret of scenes and songs, culminating in performances for the community. Broadway Jukebox is a presentation of Broadway hits and skits performed by alumni of The Theater Project Jr.

The Jardine Academy
61 Myrtle St., Cranford
908-809-8865
Tickets: $18

Wheelchair-accessible venue

July 3
7:30 pm
FREE CONCERT

Outdoor Concert by Westfield Community Concert Band – the 113th Summer Concert Series

Westfield Community Concert Band presents a free concert in historic Mindowaskin Park, East Broad Street, Westfield. The band will perform contemporary, classical, popular and patriotic selections, including music by Gershwin and favorites from Broadway shows including Hello Dolly, Mame, and Chicago. Lawn chairs and/or blanket are recommended.

In the event of rain, concert is held in the Community Room, at Westfield Municipal Building, 425 East Broad St.

Mindowaskin Park
East Broad Street, Westfield
(Rain location: Community Room, Westfield Municipal Building, 425 East Broad St.)
908-337-9073

Level paths are accessible from Mindowaskin Park Drive.

July 10
7 pm
FREE CONCERT

Irish Music – Land of the Leprechaun

Come hear stories, melodic ballads, pennywhistle tunes, and jigs that reflect everyday Irish life. Lively music performed on a variety of traditional instruments will set your feet to dancing. Presented by Mary Knysh.

Kenilworth Public Library
548 Boulevard, Kenilworth
908-276-2451

Venue is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair entrance via parking lot.

July 10
7:30 pm
FREE CONCERT

Outdoor Concert by Westfield Community Concert Band – the 113th Summer Concert Series

Westfield Community Concert Band presents a free concert in historic Mindowaskin Park, East Broad Street, Westfield. The band will perform contemporary, classical, popular and patriotic selections, including music by Gershwin and favorites from Broadway shows including Hello Dolly, Mame, and Chicago. Lawn chairs and/or blanket are recommended. In the event of rain, concert is held in the Community Room, at Westfield Municipal Building, 425 East Broad St.

Mindowaskin Park
East Broad Street, Westfield
(Rain location: Community Room, Westfield Municipal Building, 425 East Broad St.)
908-337-9073

Level paths are accessible from Mindowaskin Park Drive.

July 15 (raindate July 16)
6:30 – 9:00 pm
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT

Jazz & Rock from NJ Workshop for the Arts – Sweet Sounds of Downtown in Westfield

NJ Workshop for the Arts provides Jazz and Rock at the Foundation Park location of Sweet Sounds of Downtown Westfield. Scheduled date is Tuesday, July 15 (rain date iWed., July 16).

Foundation Park
454 South Ave. W, Westfield
9087899696

Outdoor at street level (near the traffic circle)

July 17
7:30 pm
FREE CONCERT

Outdoor Concert by Westfield Community Concert Band – the 113th Summer Concert Series

Westfield Community Concert Band presents the final free concert in historic Mindowaskin Park, East Broad Street, Westfield. The band will perform contemporary, classical, popular and patriotic selections, including music by Gershwin and favorites from Broadway shows including Hello Dolly, Mame, and Chicago. Lawn chairs and/or blanket are recommended.

In the event of rain, concert is held in the Community Room, at Westfield Municipal Building, 425 East Broad St.

Mindowaskin Park
East Broad Street, Westfield
(Rain location: Community Room, Westfield Municipal Building, 425 East Broad St.)
908-337-9073

Level paths are accessible from Mindowaskin Park Drive.