Events Calendar
Welcome to the calendar – your reliable 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 the joy of the seasons through our vibrant and engaging events that the whole family will love. Scroll below and explore the upcoming educational programs, networking mixers, career opportunities, and inclusive recreational activities taking place in your community. Be sure to check back often as we are constantly updating!
Winter Activities
2024 Model Train Show and Open House
More than 200 Model Train Cars on a 40×40-foot Layout Tell the Story of NJ Railroads in the 1950s
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.
Learn More
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
- 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.
February Festivities at Trailside
Saturday, February 15th • 9:30am – 12:30pm
Families seeking fun in the outdoors are invited to visit our Trailside Nature and Science Center this February for a series of special outdoor programs. The activities include a laser light show, scavenger hunt, maple sugaring, a magical illusion performance and much more.
This event is recommended for families with children ages 4 and up. Please dress warmly and note that strollers will not be permitted. Registration is required to attend.
To register, click here or call 908-789-3670.
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!
Visit Your Neighborhood Library
Enjoy literature, art, and something surprisingly new this winter 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 to entertain restless little ones, don’t let the cold 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.
Click here to visit your local library’s website
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.
Fall Schedule
Saturday, November 23rd: Naturally Artistic
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 performances are designed to provide an enjoyable experience for children and adults experiencing autism and other sensory sensitivities.
Artrageous
February 23rd • 2pm
Our sensory-friendly theater returns to wow audiences in 2025 with Artrageous, a magical fusion of music, art, singing, and movement, creating a spectacular experience the whole family will enjoy!
Once Upon A Time
March 30th • 2pm
In this comedic journey through the most memorable stories of classical ballet, audiences will be inspired and entertained, while also learning a bit along the way. Performers will take viewers on an enchanting and educational adventure through the retelling of beloved classic tales.
Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza
April 27th • 2pm
Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza returns! Audiences will have the chance to experience the latest performance from master bubble wrangler and Guinness World Records holder Jeff Boyer, as he takes bubble artistry to new heights.
Activities for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs
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
December 17th: 6pm – 7:30pm at Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle
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 Zumba
For Union County Residents, ages 18 & up
Thursdays, February 13th, 20th, and 27th • 6:15pm – 7:00pm
Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Yoga
For Union County Residents, ages 16 and up
Tuesdays, February 4th and 11th • 7:00pm – 7:45pm
Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E. Milton Avenue, Rahway
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 $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.
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.
Volunteer Opportunities in 2025
Start the New Year with purpose and generosity by volunteering in your community!
Become a Master Gardener…
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!
For additional volunteer opportunities, click here or visit ucnj.org/rce.
Networking Events
Stay tuned for upcoming networking mixers and conferences in 2025. For the latest updates, visit ucnj.org.
Recycling
As we prepare for our 2025 recycling program schedules, please call 908-654-9890 or visit ucnj.org/recycling for any recycling tips, questions or more information.
Cultural Events Around the County
Jan. 11, 18, 24, 25 at 8 pm
Jan. 12 and 19 at 2 pm
MUSICAL THEATRE
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Music returns to the WCP stage with this witty collection of relatable vignettes that tackle modern love from first dates through marriage, children and the twilight years of life. You’ll find yourself nodding in recognition as art meets life in this hilarious and insightful musical. Directed by Brian Remo.
Tickets available on website or by calling the theater. Adults $25. (Students and veterans: $15 with valid ID.)
Westfield Community Players
1000 North Avenue West, Westfield
Theater 908-232-1221
wcptheatre.org
Venue is wheelchair-accessible. Please call the theater to reserve handicapped parking or if you require any other accessibility accommodations (908-232-1221).
Jan. 25, 2025
3 pm
FREE CONCERT
Annual Free Family Concert by the Plainfield Symphony
Save this Saturday afternoon for the popular Free Family Concert performed by the Plainfield Symphony. Perfect for all ages. Concert will be performed live and livestreamed
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church
716 Watchung Ave., Plainfield
908-561-5140
plainfieldsymphony.org
Venue is wheelchair-accessible with lift to performance area, accessible restrooms and accessible parking places
Feb. 2
2 pm
FREE CONCERT
James Austin, Jr. Jazz Trio
Summit Free Public Library presents a one-hour jazz concert with pianist James Austin, Jr., joined by Mike Karn on bass and Jeremy Warren on drums, playing jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, and more.
Summit Free Public Library, 75 Maple St., Summit
908-273-0350
summitlibrary.org
Wheelchair-accessible venue. Call in advance of event to request assistive listening devices.
Feb. 2
3 pm
CONCERT
Afternoon Music: Feels Like Coming Home – A Music Memoir with John O’Neill
Broadway music director John O’Neill presents a concert with songs and stories of his journey from discovering an old, abandoned piano at the age of four to becoming a Broadway music director. O’Neill has assembled a cast of 15 Broadway vocalists and instrumentalists, to perform his original compositions in the beautiful space at Beacon Unitarian Universalist Church. Performers include jazz vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli, along with Broadway singers Leah Horowitz and Ross Lekites.
Tickets: $30 | Some free student tickets available online
Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Summit
4 Waldron Ave., Summit
Venue is wheelchair-accessible. Large-print programs available at the ticket desk upon request.
Feb. 14 – Mar. 01
Fri/Sat @ 8 pm
Sun. Feb. 23 @ 2pm
THEATRE
Angels in America: Part One – Millennium Approaches
In the first part of Tony Kushner’s 1991 epic, set in 1980’s New York City, a gay man is abandoned by his lover when he contracts the AIDS virus, and a closeted Mormon lawyer’s marriage to his pill-popping wife stalls. Other characters include the infamous McCarthy-ite lawyer Roy Cohn, Ethel Rosenberg, a former drag queen who works as a nurse, and an angel. This full-length drama (approximately 3 hours), was winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and winner of the 1993 Tony Award for Best Play. The play is a complex, often metaphorical, and at times symbolic examination of the AIDS crisis and homosexuality in the U.S. in the 1980s.
Tickets: $22-$30
CDC Theatre
78 Winans Ave., Cranford
908-276-7611
cdctheatre.org
ADA-compliant parking. Entrance, seating and restroom are wheelchair-accessible.