Events Calendar
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/.
We kick off the month of June by celebrating our LGBTQ+ and Portuguese communities with the return of our colorful Pride 5K & Fun Color Run and flag raising events and mark the historic anniversary of Watchung Stable with a fun-filled day of activities!
Additionally, we continue our crusade through history exploring Union County’s role in shaping America with more programming on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Be sure to visit often for future programs, networking events, and various activities for residents of all ages coming to Union County.
Park Activities
Community Day at Lightning Brook
Saturday, June 6 • 12pm
Join us for a fun filled day of music, games, snacks, and connecting with our neighbors and community at the newly transformed Lightning Brook park in Union! Originally scheduled for May 23rd, the event has now been moved to Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at noon. Free to attend.
Watchung Stable Celebrates 100 Years
Sunday, June 7th • 11-3pm
Join us in celebrating a century of our beloved Watchung Stable at a special event featuring live music, a petting zoo, barn tours, art and crafts and more. For more information, visit ucnj.org/stable.
Art Workshops for Adults
Saturday, June 6 • 10am
Join artist Dario Scholis for a creative monthly workshop that explores themes inspired by nature while learning the basics of using acrylic paint. Registration fee is $30 per resident / $35 for non-residents. Register at ucnj.org/trailside.
Nature & Forest Bathing
Saturday, June 6 • 10am
Join Park Naturalist and Nature & Forest Therapy certified guide, Delaney Fay, for a restorative spring walk in the Watchung Reservation. Registration fee is $15 per resident / $20 for non-residents. Register at ucnj.org/trailside.
Touch-A-Truck
Saturday, June 13 • 11-5pm
Police cruisers, dump trucks, and fire trucks—oh my!
Our Spring Touch-A-Truck event arrives at Oak Ridge Park for a fun-filled day of activities for the whole family to enjoy! No registration required. Free to attend.
Sound Bowl Meditation
Saturday, June 13 • 9am
Experience the rejuvenating benefits of sound bathing in a scenic environment with Reiki Master and sound healer Kellie Bogda as your guide. Registration fee is $30 per resident / $35 for non-residents. Register at ucnj.org/trailside.
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.
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.
Upcoming PRIDE Events
2026 PRIDE Color Run
Saturday, June 6th • 8am
Dust off your sneakers-one of your favorite park activities is returning to Oak Ridge for a colorful running experience! Whether you jog, walk, or stroll, we invite you to support and celebrate Union County’s LGBTQ+ community. Register today at ucnj.org/lgbtq.
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.
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.
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.
2026 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp
August 17th – 21st
Registration to the 2026 sensory-friendly summer camp coming soon!
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
Farmers’ Market Food Vouchers
Farmers Market vouchers are now 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.
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 • 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
June
June 4
1 – 3 pm
POETRY ACTIVITY
The Poet Is In
Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center’s “The Poet Is In” places professional poets in settings throughout Union County. Within this program, poetry functions as a bridge affirming personal stories, validating emotions, and providing a moment of reflection. The poems created – in real time – are intended to offer comfort, hope, and/or perspective, and serve as reminders of our resilience, purpose, and humanity.
Through one-on-one conversations, poets capture participant stories and create personalized poems that offer emotional support, reflection, and connection. This project brings poetry directly to people, transforming public and clinical spaces into places of empathy and creativity.
FREE
Vito A. Gallo Senior Building
12 Chestnut St., Summit
The Vito A. Gallo Building is ADA-accessible, designed to ensure accessibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair access, ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and inclusive seating. Program materials can be provided in large print. Poets, facilitators, and staff are trained in trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and disability etiquette to ensure an inclusive experience for all.
June 11 – 21
Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:30 pm
Sunday matinees @ 2 pm | Thursday matinees @ 10 am
Audio described performance Fri, June 12
THEATRE
Having Our Say — a play by Emily Mann
Two pioneering sisters share their family stories, taking us through a century of American history and sweeping social change, from slavery to the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s and beyond. At 104 and 102 years old, Sadie and Bessie Delany gained international recognition when their book, spent six months on the best-seller lists.
Their recounting of family stories about the changes witnessed by their family – from slavery through the close of the 20th century – vividly recalls the ongoing fight for racial equality in the United States.
Tickets: Adults $35, Students $20, Seniors $28 (Senior Sunday is June 14: $23 for age 62+)
DMK Black Box Theatre / Union Arts Center, 1980 Morris Ave, Union
1980 Morris Ave., Union
908-809-8865
thetheaterproject.org/having-our-say-2026
Accessible to people with disabilities.
June 12 at 8 pm
June 13 at 3 pm
CONCERT
Celebration Singers – Postcards in Harmony
“Postcards in Harmony” is a musical journey across cultures, landscapes, and memories, told through the rich blend of choral voices.
Each piece is like a postcard from a different corner of the world, capturing moments of joy, longing, celebration, and reflection. Through diverse styles and languages, this concert program weaves a tapestry of sound that invites you travel without leaving your seat.
Tickets: $20 Adults, $15 Seniors & Children
The Presbyterian Church of Westfield
140 Mountain Ave., Westfield
Wheelchair-accessible venue, digital program available for those needing large print.
June 13
9 am – 3 pm
TAG SALE BENEFIT
Annual Tag Sale Benefiting Merchants & Drovers Tavern & Museum
Held outdoors at Merchants and Drovers Tavern and Museum, rain or shine. A wide assortment of gently used items will be on sale to help raise funds for the museum. Items include glassware, linens, dishes, picture frames, kitchen items, small electronics, home decor, jewelry and more.
Donations can be dropped off the week prior, June 8–12 from 9–12; volunteers on hand will assist. No clothing, shoes, hats, books, computers, or large furniture. To arrange an alternate drop-off time, please contact the museum office at 732-381-0441.
Merchants & Drovers Tavern & Museum
1632 St. Georges Ave., Rahway
732-381-0441
This event is held outdoors.
Jun 17
6 – 8 pm
FREE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Solargraphy
Learn solargraphy, an alternative way to create a pinhole photograph that allows you to capture the movement of the sun in the sky. It’s a magical and fun photography experience. This workshop will take you through the step-by-step process of creating your own. It is a two-part workshop on two evenings. No experience or prior knowledge is necessary. Click here to learn more or to apply to participate. Program provided and presented by Cranford Public Library.
FREE
Cranford Community Center, Arts & Crafts Room
220 Walnut Ave., Cranford
The building is wheelchair-accessible, including an elevator and accessible restrooms.
June 18
6 pm
FREE CONCERT
An Evening of Jazz with the MRB Jazz Project
The MRB Jazz Project trio plays everything from sultry bossa-novas and classic jazz to contemporary interpretations of the great American songbook. Come enjoy this outdoor concert on the lawn of Roselle Park Library, with Michael Pasqua on keyboard, Justin Lee on bass, and Bruce Riccitelli on drums. Perfect for all ages.
FREE
Roselle Park Library
404 Chestnut St., Roselle Park
Wheelchair-accessible event, per ADA via ramps, elevator standards, restroom standards, and internal hallways and doors.
June 18
7 pm
MUSIC & DANCE
Juneteenth Celebration: Hip Hop Fundamentals
Come enjoy Hip Hop Fundamentals — an award-winning team of professional break-dancers who are revolutionizing Hip Hop education with a unique approach combining academic and social content with the dynamic dance form of Breaking.
Join in and explore the roots of hip hop culture. These dynamic, energetic dancers use abundant audience participation to explore the cultural history of Hip Hop and how Black youth changed the world.
FREE
Kenilworth Public Library
548 Boulevard, Kenilworth
908-276-2451
Wheelchair access via the parking lot at the back entrance of the library.
Jun 20
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 featured poets and the New Jeru Poetry slam.
Hosted by world-champion slam poet RADI. This inclusive space for artists of all ages includes 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.
June 21
2 – 3 pm
CONCERT
Florian Schantz Jazz Combo – Celebrating America’s 250th
Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the Summit Library with the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo. Specializing in thematic historical musical programs, the ensemble will present a lively journey through patriotic music from across America’s history.
The performance blends live music with engaging narration. Band members will share insights about the featured music, composers, musicians, instruments, and playing techniques, bringing historical context to life. Led by 23-year-old professional trumpeter Florian Schantz, the combo was founded when he was just nine years old.
FREE
Summit Free Public Library
75 Maple St., Summit
908-273-0350
June 25
7:30 pm
Westfield Community Concert Band’s – 114th Summer Concert Series in the Park
FREE CONCERT
This summer, Westfield Community Concert Band features great American music in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, including the music of Disney, Rogers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein, John Philip Sousa, Frank Sinatra, Stephen Foster, Aaron Copland, Robert Russell Bennett and others. Bring chairs or blankets.
FREE
Mindowaskin Park, East Broad St., Westfield
The park is accessible for all persons, with level, paved pathways leading to the band gazebo area.
July
July 2
7:30 pm
Westfield Community Concert Band’s – 114th Summer Concert Series in the Park
FREE CONCERT
Westfield Community Concert Band features great American music in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, including the music of Disney, Rogers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein, John Philip Sousa, Frank Sinatra, Stephen Foster, Aaron Copland, Robert Russell Bennett and others. This special Independence Day program features vocalist Kerry Stubbs and presentations by “George Washington” and Westfield’s very own “Towne Crier.” Bring chairs or blankets.
FREE
Mindowaskin Park, East Broad St., Westfield
The park is accessible for all persons, with level, paved pathways leading to the band gazebo area.