Family events in Union, NJ

Set in the Millburn Courtyard during the golden hour, this concert features performances from teen students, adult students, and bands, together with teachers and staff. Musicians of different ages and roles share the stage for a varied program in a courtyard setting.

Part of the UCPAC Summer Arts Camp Series, Kaleidoscope Kids Visual Arts Week invites children ages 7 to 12 to explore painting, drawing, and printmaking in a welcoming, beginner-friendly setting. Each day highlights a different influential artist, including Vincent van Gogh, Keith Haring, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol, so students can experiment with new techniques while developing their own creative voice. The camp is delivered in person with hands-on, experiential learning. The week concludes with an art show where families and friends can celebrate the students’ creations, along with a pizza party and showcase. Tuition is $135 per child for the week, with discounts available for multiple weeks.

Little ones and their grownups can share a lively dance and movement experience created for early childhood. Sessions blend sing-alongs, simple activities that build fine motor coordination, and plenty of dancing sized for both adults and children. Suitable for ages 0 to 5, and no sign-up is needed.

Downtown Cranford hosts live music as part of an ongoing series that showcases area bands, and this event features the Richard Baratta Trio. The series is supported by Garlic Rose Bistro, HomeGotOwned, Sheet Metal Workers Local 22, Martin Jewelers, NJPAC, and Neim Dani from State Farm. If weather affects plans, check Downtown Cranford social media for updates.

A Minecraft Movie screens as part of Movies in the Park at Carteret Park. Plan for an evening start, with the exact kickoff dependent on daylight and permitting. Scheduling and film availability can shift due to licensing and distribution, and if weather forces a cancellation, a new date may be arranged.

Sweet Sounds Downtown returns for the season with live music and dancing that bring a lively spirit to the heart of downtown. It is an inviting backdrop for outdoor meals, a bit of shopping, or a relaxed stroll, with performances popping up in key spots. Quimby Street becomes a hub of movement and community fun all summer, and Foundation Park also hosts performances. Programming takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Tuesday shows on Quimby Street and at Foundation Park, and Thursday shows on Quimby Street. If rain affects a Tuesday, the schedule shifts to Wednesday. If rain affects a Thursday, that performance is canceled with no rain date.

Live performances by local bands take place at Eastman Plaza, and this edition features MPack. Sponsors include Garlic Rose Bistro, HomeGotOwned, Sheet Metal Workers Local 22, Martin Jewelers, NJPAC, and Neim Dani from State Farm. For updates in case of inclement weather, please check Downtown Cranford social media.

NJ/NY Gotham FC meets the Kansas City Current at Sports Illustrated Stadium, formerly Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, New Jersey. This NWSL clash brings together two standout teams with distinct styles, top-level talent, and a lively stadium vibe. With late-season urgency in play, the outcome could influence the league standings.

At Colonia Dairy Maid, this ice cream event offers a chance to enjoy a frozen treat while spending time with Great Danes. Ambassador dogs will be present, meeting new people and showing their affectionate personalities. Families are welcome to visit and meet the dogs.

If rain or bad weather occurs, the concerts will be moved to the community center instead.

YESTERcades Anime Nights return for 2026 in partnership with Anime NYC, and the Westfield stop features cosplay, arcade play, and prizes. Cosplay is encouraged, with a contest and giveaways that include pairs of four-day passes to Anime NYC. This series spans Red Bank, Somerville, Metuchen, and Westfield, providing multiple opportunities to take part and compete for those passes.

Petflix is a free, pet-friendly outdoor movie night at the Hamilton Street Parking Lot. Browse pet vendors and enjoy bites from food trucks, then settle in for a digital screening of The Secret Life of Pets as evening falls. Bring a chair and your pet. This event is presented by UCPAC in partnership with Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe, the City of Rahway, and the Rahway Special Improvement District. All are welcome.

Prudential Center hosts a high-octane showcase of massive trucks, jaw-dropping stunts, and side-by-side racing that keeps spectators close to the action. Top drivers battle on a dirt track, combining daring maneuvers with blistering speed in tight head-to-head contests. Fan favorites including Grave digger, El Toro Loco, and Sparkle Smash are part of the lineup, with more popular trucks in the mix. Built to entertain fans of every age, this live motorsports spectacle delivers big air, roaring engines, and nonstop thrills that define Monster Jam.

Screenings are planned to begin at a set time, though the actual start may shift depending on daylight and permitting conditions. The film lineup and dates can change due to licensing and distribution requirements. If inclement weather leads to a cancellation, a rescheduled screening may be arranged.