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/.
Scroll below to explore upcoming recreational activities, including educational programs, networking mixers, and even career opportunities 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.
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 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.
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
Get ready for Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza! 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 15 & up
Thursday, February 27th • 6:15pm – 7:00pm
Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle
Registration Required. Click here to register.
Inclusive Karate for Children
For Union County Residents, ages 5 – 14
Mondays, March 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th • 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 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th • 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 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 15 and up
Tuesdays, February 18th and 25th • 7:00pm – 7:45pm
Gregorio Center, 330 Helen Street, Linden
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.
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.
Employment Opportunities
Volunteering Opportunities
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
Brand Builders
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.
Union County Women Mean Business
May 28th
This once-a-year conference returns to bring together women entrepreneurs & professionals to learn from and connect with each other over common topics of interest, including work-life balance, career development, and much more. Mark your calendars, ladies – you won’t want to miss this unforgettable event!
Register for updates at ucnj/org/women.
Recycling
Call 908-654-9890 or visit ucnj.org/recycling for any recycling tips, questions, or more information, including the 2025 recycling schedule.
Cultural Events Around the County
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.
Mar. 8–22 (6 performances)
8 pm Fri/Sat | 2 pm Sun
THEATRE
Rope – presented by the Westfield Community Players
ROPE is the play by Patrick Hamilton that Alfred Hitchcock adapted for the famous movie starring Jimmy Stewart. It was inspired by a chilling real-life crime, Chicago’s Leopold and Loeb homicide in 1924. Two wealthy friends, believing themselves to be intellectually superior to their contemporaries, murder their fellow student purely to see if they can get away with it. They then throw a party, serving food from the top of the trunk where they have hidden the body. Tension and suspicions increase as the evening wears on. Rope is directed by Peter Curley.
Tickets: $25 ($15 for veterans & students w valid ID)
Purchase tickets here
Westfield Community Players
1000 North Avenue West, Westfield
908-232-1221
wcptheatre.org
Mar 15
7 pm
CONCERT
Plainfield Symphony in Concert – “Loss and Renewal”
Music Director Charles Prince conducts the Plainfield Symphony in a performance of “Four Last Songs” (Vier letzte Lieder) by Richard Strauss (his last work), featuring soprano soloist Othalie Graham; and “Symphony No. 5 in E Flat Major, Op. 82” by Jean Sibelius — focused on the composer’s pride of Finland and its natural surroundings. Concert will be performed live and livestreamed
Tickets: $30 Senior/Students, $45 General, $65 Reserved
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church
716 Watchung Ave., Plainfield
908-561-5140
plainfieldsymphony.org
Venue has accessible parking spaces. Wheelchair-accessible building has a lift to performance area and accessible bathrooms.
Mar 15
2 pm
THEATRE (Free event)
Play Reading of “Spaghetti Western”
The Theater Project presents a script-in-hand performance followed by a lively discussion with the playwright, director, actors, and audience. “Spaghetti Western,” by Rosemary Parillo, explores the fragility of the American dream. Parrillo is a NJ playwright and journalist whose work has been staged across USA and Canada.
FREE
Cranford Community Center
220 Walnut Ave., Cranford
Please email cranfordlibrary@cranfordlibrary.org within a week of the play to request large print copies of the program or to discuss other accommodations.
Mar. 23
3 pm
CONCERT
Afternoon Music presents Christópheren Nomura in Concert
Baritone Christópheren Nomura performs works by Schubert, Copland, and Bolcom, accompanied by pianist Kayo Iwama and a string quartet from the Manhattan School of Music. Mr. Nomura is an internationally renowned opera and Broadway singer who has performed with the Seattle Opera, San Francisco Opera, Dallas Opera, Cincinnati Opera and German opera houses in Hamburg, Berlin and Kiel. Ms. Iwama is the associate director of the Graduate Vocal Arts Program at Bard Conservatory and a faculty member at the Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts at the Juilliard School.
Tickets: $30
afternoonmusic.org
Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Summit
4 Waldron Ave., Summit
Venue is fully wheelchair-accessible, including reserved seating. Large-print programs available on request.
Thru Apr. 13
ART EXHIBIT – CALL for ENTRIES
The Union County 2025 Senior Art Exhibit
The 2025 Union County Senior Art Exhibit is accepting registrations. Any artist age 60 or above, professional or non-professional, residing in Union County, may enter one original artwork. The deadline to register is April 13. The exhibit will be held April 21–June 4, followed by a virtual version opening in summer.
UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ
1776 Raritan Rd, Scotch Plains
May 2–18
8 pm Fri/Sat | 2 pm Sun
THEATRE
Legally Blonde, The Musical
Harvard’s beloved blonde takes the stage by pink storm in this fun, upbeat story of self-discovery, based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture. Book by Heather Hach. Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe Nell Benjamin. This award-winning musical, based on the adored movie, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances, this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
Tickets: $27-$35
CDC Theatre
78 Winans Ave., Cranford
908-276-7611
cdctheatre.org
Venue has wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and restroom.
May 15
6:15 pm
FREE CONCERT
The Music of Tony Bennett & Bill Evans
Pianist Joel Zelnik and vocalist Tony Corrao perform in this tribute to the legendary recordings of Tony Bennett and Bill Evans. Joel, a contemporary of Evans, has entertained audiences for over decades and has performed for five U.S. Presidents. Tony, an outstanding song stylist, was the first-place winner in the Hoboken Sinatra Centennial.
Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library
404 Chestnut St., Roselle Park
roselleparklibrary.org
Wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances. To request other accommodations, call 908-245-2456.