Events Calendar
Welcome to the calendar – your 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/.
Get ready to experience autumn in Union County like never before as we make your favorite fall events truly unforgettable! Read below for information on upcoming recreational activities, educational programs and other events happening in our community. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates!
Fall 2025
Hayrides & Campfires
October 2025
Enjoy a scenic ride through the park on the back of a tractor or cozy up under a blanket while sipping cocoa by the fire. Our Hayrides and Campfires event promises to make this fall the most memorable one yet!
Tickets MUST be purchased in advance. Visit ucnj.org/tickets to reserve your seat today.
Four Centuries in a Weekend
October 18 -19 • 12pm – 5pm
Are you interested in history or would like to learn more about the historic beginnings of Union County?
Get ready for an exciting opportunity to explore more than 30 historic sites across Union County during Four Centuries in a Weekend! This annual fall tradition invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in local history spanning four centuries. With engaging docent tours and a variety of special activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit ucnj.org/4c for locations and more details about this yearly event!
Haunted Hayrides
October 24 – 26
Our Haunted Hayrides are back, and they’re more thrilling than ever!
Hop aboard our open hay wagon and take a chilling ride through the historic grounds of the Deserted Village of Feltville. Buckle up for a ghostly adventure filled with eerie tales and all sorts of mystical characters lurking in the shadows!
Tickets MUST be purchased in advance. Visit ucnj.org/tickets to reserve your seat today.
The Great Pumpkin Sail
November 1
The heart of fall brings back a cherished Union County tradition – The Great Pumpkin Sail! Bring your family and carved Jack-o’-Lanterns to Echo Lake Park as we create a stunning display of pumpkins together. This beloved autumn activity is sure to be fun for the whole family!
Tickets MUST be purchased in advance. Limit 2 tickets per person. Visit ucnj.org/tickets to reserve your seat today.
Art Workshops for Adults at Trailside
Oct. 11 • Oct. 25 • Nov. 1
Artist Dario Scholis leads this nature-themed, acrylic painting workshop series at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Registration fee is $30 per resident / $35 for non-residents.
Nature & Forest Bathing
Oct. 18th • Nov. 8th
Join Park Naturalist and Nature & Forest Therapy certified guide, Delaney Fay, for a restorative autumn walk in the Watchung Reservation. Registration fee is $15 per resident / $20 for non-residents.
Sound Bowl Meditation
Thursdays at 5pm • Saturdays at 9pm
Join sound healer and Reiki Master Kellie Bogda for a transformative experience that blends the soothing vibrations of sound bowls with the beauty of the natural world. Feel the calming energy flow through your body as you connect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit. Registration fee is $30 per resident / $35 for non-residents.
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.
May 2025
Saturday, May 31st • 9:30am & 11:00am: Woodpecker Wonders
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.
Visit Your Neighborhood Library
Enjoy literature, art, and something new 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 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 – 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!
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 movie screenings and performances are designed to provide an enjoyable experience for children and adults experiencing autism and other sensory sensitivities.
Hotel Transylvania
October 24th • 7pm
Union County proudly presents a sensory-friendly adaptation of ‘Hotel Transylvania,’ a unique monsters-only oasis where scary ghouls and creatures go to relax and unwind, away from the human world. The film follows the story of Jonathan, an unsuspecting human backpacker who not only discovers the secret resort, but also falls in love with the owner’s daughter, Mavis. Watch what happens when humans and monsters collide!
Activities for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs
Activities for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs
Family Spooktacular Night Celebration
October 17
Individuals with disabilities and special needs are invited to Union County’s Spooktacular Celebration, our annual event designed for guests of all abilities to enjoy seasonal fun in a comfortable and stress-free environment. Don’t forget to wear your favorite costume for a chance to enter the costume contest!
Click here to register. To learn more about our inclusive events, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/.
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.
Inclusive Zumba
For Union County Residents, ages 13 & up
Thursdays, June 19th & 26th • 6:00pm – 6:45pm
Congress Donald Payne Center, 333 Russell St., Union
Registration Required. Click here to register.
2025 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp
August 18th – 22nd
Registration to the 2025 sensory-friendly summer camp is now open! Prospective campers must be Union County residents with a documented disability, demonstrating independence in basic self-care tasks, such as using the toilet and feeding themselves. While the camp warmly welcomes individuals who may require occasional prompting or redirection, it is not suitable for those with a history of fleeing, aggressive, or threatening behavior, who require restraints to manage or stop behaviors, or who require 1:1 staffing.
For more information or to register, click here or visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/.
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 • 5pm to 6:30pm
April 23rd: Artsy Bunch Night • Peterstown Community Center – Large Meeting Room, Elizabeth
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 Ceramics
For Union County Residents, ages 15 and up
Tuesday, May 13th • 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Congressman Donald Payne Meeting Center, 333 Russell St., Union
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.
Inclusive Ceramics for Kids
For Union County Residents, ages 5 to 14
Tuesday March 4th • 6:00pm – 7:30pm
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.
Empowerment Hour – Virtual Series
LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour
August 12th • 6pm
Join us for the latest installment of the LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour, a free virtual series covering a variety of LGBTQ+ topics. In this episode, Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak will join the conversation to discuss adoption services and the importance of estate planning for LGBTQ+ families. Register today at ucnj.prg/lgbtq.
Activities and Services for Seniors
Senior Nature Walks
Our senior 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.
October 2025
October 10th • Migratory Bird Walk at Oak Ridge
October 24th • Fall Foliage Walk
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.
Farmers’ Market Food Vouchers
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.
Meals on Wheels
This vital program provides 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 on Wheels at 908-486-5100 or click here for more information.
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.
Workshops • Networking Events
Hispanic Heritage Month Leadership Seminar
Join us at this year’s Hispanic Leadership event, featuring Union County’s Chairwoman Lourdes Leon and Commissioner Granados, and New Jersey Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. Attend to ask questions or simply listen to the inspiring stories of determination and perseverance as we explore the Latin American experience.
For more information on HHM events, visit ucnj.org/hhm.
Career Opportunities
Career Navigator: A Virtual Hiring Event
Residents seeking a rewarding career helping others find employment can apply to become a Union County career navigator through our virtual hiring event.
Submit your resume today to AJCBusinessteam@ucnj.org.
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.
Recycling
Call 908-654-9890 or visit ucnj.org/recycling for any recycling tips, questions, or more information, including the 2025 recycling schedule.
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.
Cultural Events Around the County
Sep. 27
7 pm (plus a Pre-Concert Lecture at 6 pm)
CONCERT
Imperial Brass with the New Jersey Festival Orchestra: The Gypsy Spirit
Experience this vibrant joint concert, celebrating orchestral color and folk-inspired flair, conducted by David Wroe. New Jersey Festival Orchesra and Imperial Brass team up to present Janáček’s commanding Sinfonietta, rich with ceremonial majesty, followed by the expressive depth of Bruch’s beloved Violin Concerto No. 1.
The evening concludes with the evocative Spanish rhythms of de Falla’s Three-Cornered Hat Suites Nos. 1 & 2. A pre-concert lecture will presented by pianist Dr. Yifei Xu at 6 pm.
Presbyterian Church in Westfield
140 Mountain Ave., Westfield
908-232-9400
Tickets: $28 to $90
To purchase online: tix.com/ticket-sales/njfestivalorchestra/3374/event/1430340
Accessible parking, seating, and restrooms available. Large-format program available.
Oct. 11 – 25
8 pm and 2 pm
THEATRE
Shakespeare’s “Much Ado about Nothing” – presented by the Westfield Community Players
“Much Ado about Nothing” with flappers and gangsters a la Al Capone? Not quite how the Bard imagined it, but his comedy of love and deception transposes easily onto the Jazz Age in this production, where champagne and witticisms flow in equal abundance. At the center of this play are Beatrice and Benedick, each determined to avoid love and remain single — but they’re drawn to spar verbally with one another whenever they meet. Is the deception here self-deception and could the sparring be a sign of mutual attraction? Benedick’s buddies, Don Pedro and Claudio, use outright trickery to bring the unlikely pair together.
Tickets: $25 general admission; $15 students and veterans with ID
Westfield Community Players
1000 North Ave., Westfield
908-232-1221
wcptheatre.org
Accessibility: Theater is on ground floor and is wheelchair accessible. Call ahead to 908-232-1221 to reserve wheelchair-accessible parking or to request additional accommodations.
Oct. 8
6 pm to 9 pm
SEWING WORKSHOP
Halloween Tea Towel Workshop: A Beginner Sewing Class
Learn the basics of machine sewing and appliqué as you create a fun, Halloween-themed project. Choose a ghost or bat design to appliqué onto pre-cut cotton fabric, then finish your tea towel with hemming and trim.
You’ll learn how to thread and operate a sewing machine—perfect for true beginners or anyone needing a refresher. All supplies are included, with a selection of Halloween fabrics to choose from. Sewing machines and tools are provided in the classroom.
Fee: $60
duCret Center of Art
1030 Central Ave, Plainfield
908-757-7171
Register at ducretarts.org/halloween-tea-towel/
Classroom is wheelchair-accessible.
Oct. 11
9 am – 12 noon
ART WORKSHOP
Watercolor Painting: Fall Leaves Workshop
Celebrate the beauty of autumn in this relaxing 3-hour watercolor workshop focused on painting fall leaves. You’ll explore techniques for capturing the rich colors, delicate textures, and graceful shapes of leaves, using transparent layers and expressive brushwork.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a project to inspire your creativity. All supplies are included—just bring your love for fall and a willingness to play with color!
duCret Center of Art
1030 Central Ave., Plainfield
908-757-7171
Class fee $120 (includes ALL supplies)
Register at ducretarts.org/fall-watercolor-leaves-workshop/
Wheelchair accessibility can be accommodated. Please call the main office for more information.
Oct. 11
7 pm
CONCERT
Happy Birthday, Maurice Ravel!
Plainfield Symphony celebrates the 150th anniversary of Ravel’s birth, performing pieces including “Bolero,” arguably Ravel’s most famous piece, featured in the 1979 film “10.” His orchestration of “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Mussorgsky may also be familiar due to Emerson Lake and Palmer’s adaption of the piece into rock music. Finally, “Pavanne for a Dead Princess,” Ravel’s adaptation of a dance performed before Spanish royal courts, will be featured.
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church
716 Watchung Ave., Plainfield
908-561-5140
Tickets: $30 Seniors/Students, $45 general, $65 reserved
Venue has accessible parking (first come, first served) and is wheelchair-accessible via lift to performance area, and has accessible restrooms. Use of assistive listening devices is available. Large-print programs provided with advance notice.See website plainfieldsymphony.org for more details about accessibility.
Oct 10 – 19
Fri/Sat at 8 pm | Sun at 2 pm
THEATER
The Shark Is Broken
It’s the 50th Anniversary of the blockbuster movie “Jaws.” Filming Jaws is a nightmare. The weather is hell, the mechanical shark is on the fritz, and the actors? Trapped together on a too-small boat, battling egos, booze, and boredom. Robert Shaw—the old-school pro. Richard Dreyfuss—the young upstart. Roy Scheider—caught in the crossfire.
As tension rises and patience wears thin, Hollywood chaos churns beneath the surface. But from the wreckage, something legendary is born. Fifty years later, the shark still haunts us. But the real storm? It was behind the scenes. Jaws isn’t funny—but The Shark is Broken is absolutely hilarious.
Tickets $21-$26
CDC Theatre
78 Winans Ave., Cranford
908-276-7611
Wheelchair accessible venue, including accessible bathroom.
Oct. 16
7 pm
FREE MUSIC/DANCE PERFORMANCE
D’Italia Programs: Italian-American Heritage Month Celebration
Join an evening performance featuring traditional Italian music, dance, and costuming. Enjoy live music including an interactive tarantella dance lesson. Performed by D’Italia Programs.
Kenilworth Public Library
548 Boulevard, Kenilworth
908-276-2451
Venue is wheelchair-accessible, via the parking-lot entrance
Oct. 16, 22, 28 & Nov. 2
FILM FESTIVAL
The Roesch Jewish Film Festival
The JCC of Central NJ presents the Roesch Jewish Film Festival, with four films: On October 17, Tatami at 7:00 pm. On October 22, Never Alone at 7:00 pm. On October 28, The Ring at 7:00 pm. On November 2, Midas Man at 5:00 pm.
After each film, join in after the credits roll for Lights, Camera, Conversation – a welcoming space for movie-lovers to reflect, share perspectives and dive deeper into the themes, characters and emotions sparked by the film. For both a casual viewer or a cinema enthusiast, take this chance to connect, process and keep the story going.
AMC Mountainside 10
Route 22 Eastbound, Mountainside
Tickets: $18 (package available for the full series)
jccnj.org/jccinternationaljewishfilmfestival/
Wheelchair accessible, subtitles. For accommodations needed, please email bmitchell@jccnj.org.
Oct. 17 & Oct. 24
1 – 2 pm
FREE WORKSHOP
Smartphone Training
Valerie Porter presents two one-hour sessions focused on how to: use a QR code safely, retrieve deleted text messages, increase phone storage, and set up call favorites.
Free.
John T. Gregorio Center
330 Helen St., Linden
908-474-8600
Venue is wheelchair-accessible.
Oct. 18 – Nov. 2
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm (5 dates)
Sundays at 2 pm (3 dates)
THEATER
“The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie, presented by The Summit Playhouse
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is a classic whodunnit play that follows seven strangers snowed in at a remote guesthouse after a London murder. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests learn a killer is among them, and their suspicions grow as each character reveals a shady past. The play is full of humor, intrigue, and twists, and asks the audience to solve the mystery for themselves.
Tickets: $25 for Adults; $20 for Seniors & Students
thesummitplayhouse.org
The Summit Playhouse
10 New England Ave., Summit
908-273-2192
Playhouse lobby, auditorium, lounge, and restroom are fully accessible and ADA-compliant. Please see a Playhouse volunteer upon arrival for assistance with elevator.
Oct 18 (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.)
Melao Cafe and Creamery
1425 Irving St., Rahway
FREE
Venue is wheelchair-accessible
Oct. 18–19
12–5 pm both days
CELEBRATING LOCAL 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 across Union County will be open to the public. Enjoy guided tours, exhibits, hands-on activities and special events – from re-enactors to children’s games and authentic colonial-era cooking.
Presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
FREE admission at all sites.
Oct. 26
3:30 pm
CONCERT
Mostly Music – Chamber Music Concert “Bohemian Echoes”
This Mostly Music concert, is an exploration of Bohemian, Hungarian and Russian music, featuring violinists Chad Hoopes and Arnaud Sussmann, and violist Paul Neubauer, performing Dvořák’s Drobnosti; Ysaÿe’s Trio de Concert “Le Londres;” Kodály’s Serenade; Taneyev’s String Trio; and Dvořák’s Terzetto.
Tickets: $50. Free for students.
Temple Emanu-El
756 East Broad St., Westfield
908-789-8578
mostlymusic.org
Accessibility: Venue is totally totally ADA-accessible, on one floor. Hearing devices are available on request. The concert pieces are described.
Oct. 26
5 pm
CONCERT
Summit Chorale’s Fall Concert: I Go On
Program includes Bernstein’s Mass. Leonard Bernstein composed his Mass as a modern setting of the traditional Latin Mass with additional lyrics by himself, Stephen Schwartz, and Paul Simon. The second half of the program is filled with choral favorites, to please singers and audience alike.
Tickets: $25 In Advance || $30 At the Door || $15 with Student ID
United Methodist Church of Summit
17 Kent Place Blvd., Summit
ticketleap.events/tickets/summit-chorale/fall-concert-2025
Venue is wheelchair-accessible. Large-print programs available upon request. Email accessibility requests to events@summitchorale.org.
Offered Select Saturdays this Fall
9 am – 12:30 pm
ART WORKSHOP
One-Day Stained Glass Workshop
Create your own stained-glass masterpiece in a fun, hands-on workshop. Stained Glass Workshops are available on 5 dates; choose one or more. Each 3½-hour session focuses on a specific project— choose from a Cat, Pumpkin, Bat, Feather, or Poinsettia (Sep 13, Oct. 11, Oct. 25, Nov 15, Dec 13).
No experience required, and all materials are provided. Leave with a finished stained-glass work to take home and display.
duCret Center of Art
1030 Central Ave., Plainfield
908-757-7171
$140 fee (all materials included)
Register at ducretarts.org/fall-stained-glass-workshops/
Venue is wheelchair accessible