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!
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.
Union County Celebrates Black History Month
Honoring the dynamic voices & vibrant culture of African Americans throughout history
This February, residents and friends are invited to attend any of our free events celebrating Black History Month. These activities will engage and entertain while educating our community about the significant contributions African Americans have made to the workforce, culture, and society as a whole.
Registration is required for certain events. Visit ucnj.org/bhm to register or for additional details on upcoming Black History Month Events!
Woodcock Talk & Walk
March 11th & 20th • 6:00pm – 730pm
This March, nature enthusiast and wildlife expert Peter Axelrod returns with a special presentation and guided walk as we explore the curious life of the American Woodcock.
The Woodcock Talk & Walk event is free and open to adults & children ages 10 & up accompanied by an adult. Visit ucnj.org/woodcock-talks-walks to register.
Additional Winter Activities
Visit Your Neighborhood Library
Enjoy literature, art, and something 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
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!
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.
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 Zumba
For Union County Residents, ages 16 & 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.
Inclusive Ceramics
For Union County Residents, ages 16 and up
Tuesdays, February 18th and 25th • 7:00pm – 7:45pm
Gregorio Center, 330 Helen Street, Linden
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.
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.
Volunteer Opportunities in 2025
Discover how volunteering in your community makes a difference!
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!
For additional volunteer opportunities, click here or visit ucnj.org/rce.
Workshops • Networking Events • Seminars
African Americans and Labor
February 26th • 12:00pm
Join us at the Cranford Campus of UCNJ, Union College of Union County, NJ for a special presentation by Secretary-Treasurer of the New Jersey Education Association, Petal Robertson.
Registration is required. Visit ucnj.org/bhm to register or for additional details on all Black History Month Events!
Brand Builders: A Networking Breakfast
March 25th • 8:30am
Join us for a dynamic event featuring renowned celebrity makeup artist and beauty industry entrepreneur, Kim Baker, as the keynote speaker.
Attendees will enjoy a complimentary breakfast while gaining expert insights on brand building and growth from a trailblazer who has made a lasting impact on the beauty industry. Registration is $15. Secure your spot at ucnj.org/ucmb.
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
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.
Feb. 15
2 pm
THEATRE (FREE in-person event)
Original New Play: INTAKE: HEAVEN — A Live Reading from The Theater Project
Cheru and Lamer are angels whose job it is to run Heaven’s Intake office. When a living human somehow manages to enter without proper vetting, the angels have to explain the human condition to her while convincing her to view other people with an understanding of their own histories.
Audience Q&A discussion with playwright Sheila Duane follows the reading. Sheila Duane’s play have been produced at theaters
FREE
Cranford Community Center
220 Walnut Ave., Cranford
Venue and theater are fully ADA-accessible. To request large-print program or script (or for accessibility questions), email cranfordlibrary@cranfordlibrary.org by Feb. 8. A library staff member will be on hand to assist with other special accommodations.
Feb. 21 – Mar. 8
Fri & Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2 pm
THEATRE (in person)
The Crucible
In a world where fear fuels division and truth is often under siege, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is more relevant than ever. Set during the Salem witch trials, this gripping drama explores how hysteria, suspicion, and the hunger for power can destroy lives—and how courage can challenge the tide. With striking parallels to today’s social and political struggles,
The Crucible will leave you questioning the cost of integrity and the power of standing up for what’s right. Don’t miss this electrifying story.
Tickets: $25 adults, $20 seniors & students
Tickets here
The Summit Playhouse
10 New England Ave., Summit
908-273-2192
thesummitplayhouse.org
Playhouse lobby, auditorium, lounge, and lobby restroom are fully accessible and ADA-compliant. For assistance with elevator, please see a Playhouse volunteer upon arrival.
Feb. 26
12 noon
PRESENTATION
African Americans in Labor
Union County presents this presentation by Petal Robertson, Executive Secretary of the NJ Education Association, in celebration of Black History Month. This free event will be held in the Victor M. Richel Student Commons at the Cranford Campus of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.
FREE Register for up to 4 tickets here.
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ
1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford NJ
Site is wheelchair-accessible. For questions, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org
Feb 28-Mar 2
Fri & Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm
THEATRE (virtual)
Think Fast: A Virtual Short-Play Competition
Join theatergoers from all over North America to enjoy and be a part of live theater from the comfort of your own home as a voter in THINK FAST, a virtual short-play competition from Friday thru Sunday, presented by The Theater Project. See seven recorded plays, each running no longer than 15 minutes.
After the performances, audience members vote for their favorite play. The play with the most votes receives the Audience Favorite award in a virtual ceremony following the Sunday performance, when a panel of judges will also present the winners in four categories: Judges’ Favorite ($500 prize), Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director.
Live audience talkbacks follow the Fri/Sat evening performances.
Tickets $15 (event includes 7 short plays)
thetheaterproject.org/THINKFAST2025
908-809-8865
thetheaterproject.org