May
Now thru May 27
Mon–Fri 9 am–5:30 pm | Open Tues. to 8 pm
ART EXHIBIT
2026 Union County Senior Art Exhibit
This annual exhibit showcases artworks by both professional and non-professional artists who are older adults 60+. The wide-ranging media displayed include everything from drawing and painting to sculpture and craft.
Made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs.
UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ (in the Conference Center on the UCVTS campus)
1776 Raritan Rd., Scotch Plains
culturalinfo@ucnj.org
Venue is fully ADA compliant.
May 19
12 pm (noon)
FREE MOVIE
“La La Land”– presented by Downtown Cranford
Part of the film series for Union County seniors (55+). This acclaimed musical comedy-drama film stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as struggling artists pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. After the movie, enjoy a brief Q/A with film-industry professional.
FREE for 55+ seniors.
Reserve tickets here
908-709-7208
Cranford Theater
25 North Ave. West, Cranford
The Cranford Theater is fully wheelchair-accessible.
May 27
10:30 am – 2:30 pm
FESTIVAL
Senior Arts & Wellness Day
Come out for an Arts & Wellness Festival in Linden. Focused on seniors, the event features arts and entertainment activities, exercise, and education. Activities include arts and crafts, a concert, low-impact exercise, and healthy refreshments. Additionally, the Linden Health Dept. will provide free screenings, information booths, and giveaways.
FREE for all seniors 65+
Peach Orchard Park
1400 Deal Ave, Linden
908-474-8600
linden-nj.gov/events/senior-arts-and-wellness-day-festival/
Wheelchair-accessible.
May 28
6 pm
FREE CONCERT
Jazz Concert on the Lawn – 250 Celebration Series
The Florian Schantz Jazz Combo performs patriotic songs, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library
404 Chestnut St., Roselle Park
Event is wheelchair-accessible via ramps, elevator, ADA-standard restrooms.
May 30
1 – 6 pm
CONCERT
Music from New Jersey Workshop for the Arts – with Fundraiser BBQ
Outdoor concert (weather permitting) and fundraiser, with New Jersey Workshop for the Arts providing music throughout. Rock, Jazz, and Bluegrass. Admission is no charge. Food sales to raise money for youth programming.
FREE
First United Methodist Church
1 E. Broad St., Westfield
908-789-9696
Wheelchair-accessible venue, both outside and inside.
May 31
3 pm
CONCERT
The Sounds of Romance – from Brahms to Tango
Musicians of the NY Philharmonic with Yi-heng Yang play Brahms, Chopin, Zeugner, Bernstein and Piazzolla! Join in the beauty of exquisite music, as Yi-heng Yang, Max Zeugner, Maria Kitsopoulos and Sharon Yamada perform:
- Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8 by Johannes Brahms
- Etude in C# minor Op. 25 No. 7 by Frédéric Chopin
- 3 Partimenti for solo electric bass by Max Zeugner
- Two Songs from “West Side Story” by Leonard Bernstein
- Astor Piazzolla: ‘Summer’ from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
Tickets: $30 (free for students with ID)
Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation
4 Waldron Ave, Summit
Venue is wheelchair-accessible per ADA. Large-print programs available upon request.
May 31
4 – 6 pm
FREE CONCERT
Happy 250th, America!
This free symphonic concert is presented by the Society of Musical Arts, commemorating and celebrating the semiquincentennial of the United States — with Gould’s American Salute and Locklair’s Independence Day, along with Aaron Copland’s stirring Lincoln Portrait for narrator and orchestra. Music Director Stephen Culbertson conducts.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
414 East Broad St., Westfield
Venue is wheelchair accessible.
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
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