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.