One, two, Freddy’s coming for YOU! Join us for @jerseygirltravels and UCPAC’s presentation of A Nightmare on Elm Street in 35mm! Come early and shop our spooky vendors, sip themed drinks throughout the night, and enter for your chance to win a movie poster signed by Heather Langenkamp (Nancy)! Snap selfies at our photo op spot and celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary with us!
My Italy Story by noted NJ playwright and storyteller Joe Gallo is a nostalgic exploration of family, heritage and the ties that bind us, presented by American Theater Group. Spurred by pleas to help reunite his fractured family, a young man quits his job as a New York account executive and travels to Vallata — the tiny Italian town of his ancestors. Not until he returns home, however, does he discover a secret that unlocks his past.
Damien Escobar bears many titles and puts no limits on what more he can achieve, making him one of the most prolific figures hailing from Jamaica, Queens. The Emmy-winning, NAACP Image Award nominee, possesses a nearly two-decade-spanning resume that includes billboard chart-topping albums, sold-out global tours, collaborations with music legends, and more — an inspirational success story that started with Escobar playing his violin on NYC subways. Jazz saxophonist extraordinaire Kim Waters opens.
Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Five-time Grammy Winner Robert Cray is all these things – and more. His 1986 breakthrough album Strong Persuader, featuring the hit “Smoking Gun” is the bestselling blues album ever. “Nothing beats playing live,” says Cray of his forthcoming US tour dates. “Audiences inspire me and my band to reach for the top every night.” The Robert Cray Band consists of Richard Cousins (bass guitar), Dover Weinberg (keyboards), George Sluppick (drums) and Robert Cray (vocals/guitar).
Wait a second, let us get this straight. We’re telling you that we’re showing The Lost Boys in 35mm with themed drinks, a costume contest, and an 80s Goth Rave dance party on our stage after the movie — ON HALLOWEEN??!!
Meet Mortimer & Meg Muckelbones and experience Halloween themed magic and illusion the entire family will enjoy! Halloween Hollow is a sensory-friendly theater performance adapted for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities.
My One and Only – Ma Eli Ghayro Saturday, November 9 8 PM “When it rains, it pours” fits Im Hussein’s situation nowadays. Many problems came her way all at once. Divorce was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Life has not been the same for her ever since. She still struggles to resume […]
Get ready to be swept out of your seat and on to your feet by Groove Merchant Drum & Dance Ensemble as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary with a spectacular showcase! This isn’t just any performance — it’s a journey through two decades of infectious rhythms and dance!
The Ultimate Elvis Concert is an unrivaled multimedia production of The King of Rock n’ Roll’s career! Starring internationally acclaimed Ultimate Elvis Champion Cote Deonath backed by The Infinit-E Tribute Band, taking you back to key points of Presley’s musical career with multiple costume changes that will have you guessing what is next!
Come enjoy The Nightmare Before Christmas shown in 35mm, photo ops with special guests from Halloween Town, themed drinks, & more!
Talent Harris, The Gangsta Capone, Rob Stapleton, and Mark Viera are The NY Kings in a comedy concert you don’t want to miss! You’ve heard them on Hot 97 and WBLS Power 95! You’ve seen them on Def Comedy Jam (HBO) and Bad Boyz of Comedy (Showtime) and on Comedy Central, now see them live!
Who’s Bad 20th Anniversary Tour Michael Jackson Tribute Saturday, November 23 8 PM Who’s Bad 20th Anniversary Tour – the ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute returns to UCPAC by popular demand! Who’s Bad’s live performance is an unrivaled celebration of pop music’s one true King. Their power-packed performance of Michael Jackson’s expansive catalog has been thrilling […]
An annual holiday tradition is back at UCPAC by popular demand! The ever lovable and charismatic Father Alphonse Stevenson returns to conduct the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea Holiday Concert. Join us for this magical matinee concert of carols and seasonal favorites.
SOLD OUT – NJ Ballet: The Nutcracker Sensory Friendly Performance Sunday, December 1 2:00 PM NJ Ballet: The Nutcracker, a beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancers and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. The Nutcracker tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as […]
American Theater Group (ATG) is pleased to present the premiere reading of Erik Kahn’s new play Moses in Berlin as part of its free Monday Night Play Reading Series. Moses in Berlin opens in an upscale apartment building in 1933 Berlin, where a group of young friends play a game. As the game progresses, the players face decisions with life-or-death consequences.
Come and celebrate the Christmas season with the Shining Stars Christmas Spectacular 2024, featuring the Shining Stars, a talented cast of performers with special needs whose energy and passion light up the stage!
Cherish The Ladies Celtic Christmas once again bring the holiday spirit to Rahway with classic carols, step dancing & more in a special matinee show!
Join us for a new holiday tradition! Experience the magic of Rahway Dance Theater’s A Rahway Nutcracker starring Daphne Lee, Rahway native and current cast member of Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway. Don’t miss this incredible performance!
A Christmas to Remember chronicles the life of Stephen McKenzie, his wife Caryn along with their two daughters, Jasmine and Breonna as they prepare for their favorite time of year, Christmas! Everything is going as usual until an unexpected event threatens their way of life as well as test their faith.
A Very Maysa Christmas with Special Guests The String Queens Saturday, December 14 8 PM Get ready to celebrate the holidays in style! Join us for A Very Maysa Christmas […]
Amahl and his mother are dazzled by the three kings on the way to Bethlehem on the first Christmas Eve. Amahl’s mother welcomes the royal sojourners who rest in the small, bare house where love and faith work miracles during the night. Come witness a Christmas miracle (and live animals too)! Presented by New Jersey Opera Theater.
The New Jersey Youth Symphony Jazz Concert celebrates the great American art form of jazz with young musicians performing works by Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, & more.
Join us for UCPAC’s annual holiday tradition – The Muppet Christmas Carol in 35mm! Snap selfies with Santa’s Elves and enjoy a holiday organ concert before the film. Don’t be a Scrooge – come get in the holiday spirit with Kermit and friends!
KWANZAA CELEBRATION Saturday, December 21st, 2024 12pm – 4pm Presented by the Rahway Social Justice Commission and the NAACP Rahway Branch Admission is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome! Pre-Registration for this event is closed. Any remaining tickets will be available at noon the day of the event at the registration […]
Center For Dance Education presents The Nutcracker Suite, a time-honored tradition in ballet. This stunning performance is suitable for all ages. Join us for this post-holiday celebration!
American Theater Group (ATG) presents the premiere staged reading of Pandora Scooter’s Mother’s Day, inspired by Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Night Mother. The reading is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.
WBGO presents All That Jazz, a unique series showcasing some of the genre’s most talented and respected performers! This month features smooth jazz musicians Brian Simpson and Jackiem Joyner. This series is a partnership between UCPAC and Smooth Jazz NJ.
Let’s do the Time Warp again! Come see The Rocky Horror Picture Show – A Live Movie Experience with the Cosmic Light Cabaret Shadowcast! Please note: This showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be a digital presentation.
WBGO presents All That Jazz, a unique series showcasing some of the genre’s most talented and respected performers! This month features smooth jazz musician and visual artist Marion Meadows. This series is a partnership between UCPAC and Smooth Jazz NJ. Enjoy an evening of smooth jazz, beginning in the WBGO Piano Lounge. Come early to enjoy cocktails and live piano music from the phenomenal Leonieke Scheuble on the Fazioli piano before the performance – doors open one hour before showtime. Marion’s art will be displayed and available for purchase at this event!
The Mahoning Drive-In Road Show is rolling into our Main Stage, and you’re invited to join us a night of cinematic nostalgia and thrills! This one-of-a-kind event brings the legendary Mahoning Drive-In Theater experience indoors with an unforgettable double feature of John Carpenter’s The Fog and Don Coscarelli’s cult classic Phantasm in 35mm, along with Virgil and Mark from Mahoning hosting, vendors, and so much more!
Join us as American Theater Group (ATG) presents the premiere reading of Paul Marsh’s new comedy The Waiting Room as part of its free Monday Night Play Reading Series. The cast will feature Broadway’s Brenda Braxton (Smokey Joe’s Café – Tony Award nomination; Chicago), Robert Cuccioli (Jekyll and Hyde – Tony nomination; Les Miserables) and Jennifer Smith (Anastasia, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder).
Enjoy a night of live jazz at Hamilton Stage! Grown Groovin’ with saxophonist Anthony E. Nelson Jr., bassist Kenny Davis, and drummer Winard Harper. Free in celebration of Black History Month. Proudly presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Rahway.
Artrageous 2025 – Sensory Friendly Theater: The only show where you can witness the fusion of live art, rock concert, inclusion & more in one magical experience!
Miss Grand New Jersey is the state pageant preliminary to Miss Grand USA, the fastest-growing national and international beauty pageant.
Are you a senior in Union County eager to connect with your community, share your unique experiences, and explore your creative side? Register for our three-week workshop Stories of a Lifetime! This creative writing workshop, proudly presented by UCPAC and designed specifically for seniors ages 60 and up, offers you the chance to write and share your own story with the guidance of a professional playwright. The workshop closes with a showcase performance of your work to share with family and friends.
The Juilliard School is world renowned for educating Jazz artists such as Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Jon Batiste and many others. Come hear the new generation of world class musicians swinging their way through the innovative musical style known as Bebop.
American Theater Group proudly presents Purlie, a 1970 musical adaptation of Ossie Davis’s comedic play Purlie Victorious about a traveling preacher who returns to his hometown in Georgia and concocts a scheme to reclaim his church
UCPAC is thrilled to welcome back The Red Hot Chilli Pipers to our Main Stage this St. Paddy’s weekend! Bagpipes with attitude. Drums with a Scottish accent. A blazing rock band and show so hot, it carries its own health warning!
The Academy for Performing Arts at UCVTS presents Tony-Award winning musical, Urinetown! Explore this satirical comedy at UCPAC’s Main Stage.
Back by popular demand! Join us for our Black & White Night 2025, a fun evening of short silent films, accompanied by award-winning organist Ian Fraser on our “Biggest Little Wurlitzer”. Whether you’re a silent film buff or are experiencing a silent movie for the first time, you’re sure to be amazed and entertained!
Be a superhero to the kids in your life. Bring them to see Disney’s Big Hero 6, a digital presentation of UCPAC’s Popcorn & Pajamas film series at Hamilton Stage. Pajamas encouraged! Free popcorn (one per person). Come early and make a craft before the movie!
New Jersey Ballet Once Upon A Time is a family, sensory friendly show taking its audience on a comical tour through some of classical ballet’s greatest stories. Part educational, part dance, the performers will dissect classic tales, providing insight into the movement while giving you a fun and entertaining peek behind the balletic curtain.
McDonald’s Gospelfest 2025 returns to UCPAC on April 5th, with Yolanda Adams, Vashawn Mitchell, Rich Tolbert, Jr., and more!
Fearless – The Taylor Swift Experience is the most authentic Taylor tribute. Starring Taylor lookalike Rikki Lee Wilson, a dedicated Swiftie herself, who prides herself on knowing EVERY song on EVERY album! The show features all your Taylor faves like “Blank Space”, “Love Story”, “You Belong With Me”, and many, many more!
Experience an unforgettable fun filled evening with Dr. Annu Kapoor playing Antakshari, a game based on Bollywood songs and your talent. This highly anticipated evening promises to be a night filled with soulful melodies and bollywood music. A musical evening full of nostalgia, fun, and some crazy Antakshari vibes.
American Theater Group (ATG) in partnership with UCPAC present a Free Play Reading Series at Hamilton Stage: King of the Hollywood Fixers by Douglas J. Cohen. In January 1942, MGM “fixers” Eddie Mannix and Howard Strickling converge at the El Rancho Hotel in Las Vegas with the studio’s top star, Clark Gable, after a plane carrying his wife, actress Carole Lombard, goes missing in the nearby mountains. Charged with managing the crisis and getting Gable back to work, the two fixers clash over motives, methods, and morals—while all three fight to survive, reflecting the struggles of Hollywood and the nation amid war and rising fascism.
Experience The Godfather in 35mm at Union County Performing Arts Center’s Third Thursday Film Series. Photo ops, themed drinks, and more!
WBGO presents All That Jazz, a unique series showcasing some of the genre’s most talented and respected performers! This month features smooth jazz pianist Alex Bugnon. This series is a partnership between UCPAC and Smooth Jazz NJ. Enjoy an evening of smooth jazz, beginning in the WBGO Piano Lounge. Come early to enjoy cocktails and live piano music from the phenomenal Leonieke Scheuble on the Fazioli piano before the performance – doors open one hour before showtime.
Be a part of our world! Bring the kids to see Disney’s The Little Mermaid Sing-Along, a digital presentation of UCPAC’s Popcorn & Pajamas film series at Hamilton Stage. Pajamas encouraged! Free popcorn (one per person). Come early and make a craft before the movie!
The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute is undoubtedly the Ultimate Beatles Tribute. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of the Beatles’ classics, the The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute will make you think you are back in time rockin’ with John, Paul, George, and Ringo!
Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza sensory friendly show is back again by popular demand in 2025! See the newest, funniest, zany spectacular from world-famous, Guinness Book of World Records-holding, master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer, as he takes bubbles to the max with big bubble flair in this Sensory Friendly Theater (SFT) performance.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been canceled.
The Shining Stars Celebrates Broadway at UCPAC’s Main Stage —a dazzling night of song and dance presented by Shining Stars Network.
Join us for the Oldies But Goodies Mother’s Day Concert benefiting families in Greater Union County, with The Intruders, The Legendary Bluenotes, The Dramatics Tribute, The Temptations Revue, Blue Magic Revue & The Chi-lites Review!
Celebrate cinema at UCPAC Film Fest 2025 with a lineup of films, panel discussions, and unforgettable experiences in a historic venue.
Join us May 16 for the Opening Ceremony of the second annual UCPAC Film Fest with feature presentation Singin’ in the Rain in Rahway, NJ.
Experience Verdi’s most treasured masterpiece La traviata, a tragic opera about a courtesan who falls in love and tries to leave her life behind. Although written in 1853, its themes of the hypocrisy of upper-class society, and the impossibility of escaping one’s social class and fate, all the while searching for true love, still resonate with audiences today.
Come see Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, a Sensory Friendly Theater digital movie screening at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage adapted for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities.
UCPAC welcomes back Center for Dance Education, celebrating their 29th year of presenting their Dance Collage Minis featuring their youngest talented dancers.
“When I Grow Up” is a dance show presented by the students and staff at Harmony Dance Center in Union, NJ.
The Willows is a humorous, heart-filled story about mothers and daughters, unexpected friendships, and learning to listen to—and love—the people in our lives we may not agree with. Directed by Chris O’Connor.
Joan Osborne breathes new life to Bob Dylan’s classics in 2025 with special guests and songs from her acclaimed Dylanology Live album.
WBGO & Smooth Jazz NJ present Jeff Lorber and Alexander Zonjic! Enjoy cocktails and live piano in the WBGO Piano Lounge before the show!
Join The Wannabes Dance Troupe and The Hive Dance Studio at UCPAC for a vibrant showcase celebrating community, music, and dance talent.
Witness the creative, passionate, entertaining performances crafted by Strauss Performing Arts’ devoted teachers and performed by talented children!
Brandy’s Dance Unique 2025: 40 Years of Magic is a celebration of 40 magical years of dance on Staten Island! Brandy’s dancers are proud to showcase what they have learned throughout the year.
29th Annual Dance Collage presented by Center for Dance Education, featuring professionally choreographed pieces performed by their talented dancers in Ballet/Pointe, Modern, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, & Hip Hop.
Come celebrate Soul Xpressiion’s students as they showcase their dance and musical selections. This year’s “Express Yourself” Annual Production will highlight different types of celebrations. We look forward to having you enjoy every moment with us!
This Juneteenth, join us for Dreamgirls in 35mm (rated PG-13). Enjoy themed drinks, photo ops, and more surprises all evening. When the movies over, we’re telling you, we’re not going – and neither are you! Immediately after the film, come up on stage and dance to your favorite Motown and R&B tunes!
Juneteenth – The Soundtrack of Freedom will showcase a vibrant community choir, talented soloists, powerful poetry, dynamic dance, and, returning by popular demand, the electrifying Junior Mack Band.
Don’t miss Best of the Eagles playing the “Hotel California” album in its entirety, plus Eagles and solo hits!
Join InSpira as they honor the 2024–2025 school year with a powerful showcase of their dancers’ growth, resilience, and dedication. This recital is the culmination of months of hard work and passion, and promises to leave you inspired.
Dance, Dance, Dance Ltd. is thrilled to present their 41st student showcase – an event you won’t want to miss. So grab your tickets before it’s too late, join the celebration, and start Dancing Through Life!
Bring your kids to see The Mitchells vs. the Machines, a digital presentation of UCPAC’s Popcorn & Pajamas film series at Hamilton Stage. Pajamas are encouraged and free popcorn provided!
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to a night of classic Freestyle music featuring TKA, Judy Torres, and Soave! Free Admission! This event was originally scheduled to take place in Warinanco Park, but will now take place at UCPAC’s Main Stage due to weather.
CAU Community Players is a theater troupe of all abilities advancing community inclusion through the arts. CAU Community Players strives for excellence while promoting acceptance, understanding, and equality for all members. Each year the troupe collaborates to stage an exciting performance like no other.
It’s our show now, kid. Theatrical Artists Prep and UCPAC are proud to present our Summer Camp Youth Cast (Ages 8-12) in Beetlejuice JR!
CAU Community Players is a theater troupe of all abilities advancing community inclusion through the arts. CAU Community Players strives for excellence while promoting acceptance, understanding, and equality for all members. Each year the troupe collaborates to stage an exciting performance like no other.
It’s our show now, kid. Theatrical Artists Prep and UCPAC are proud to present our Summer Theater Camp Teen Cast (Ages 13-18) in Beetlejuice JR!
It’s our show now, kid. Theatrical Artists Prep and UCPAC are proud to present our Summer Camp Youth Cast (Ages 8-12) in Beetlejuice JR!
CAU Community Players is a theater troupe of all abilities advancing community inclusion through the arts. CAU Community Players strives for excellence while promoting acceptance, understanding, and equality for all members. Each year the troupe collaborates to stage an exciting performance like no other.
It’s our show now, kid. Theatrical Artists Prep and UCPAC are proud to present our Summer Theater Camp Teen Cast (Ages 13-18) in Beetlejuice JR!
It’s our show now, kid. Theatrical Artists Prep and UCPAC are proud to present our Summer Camp Youth Cast (Ages 8-12) in Beetlejuice JR!
It’s our show now, kid. Theatrical Artists Prep and UCPAC are proud to present our Summer Theater Camp Teen Cast (Ages 13-18) in Beetlejuice JR!
There’s an upcoming secret event coming to Rahway that is really cool (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) in a very cool, secret location. It’s going to be funny, too. Really funny – and FUN! Find out more.
Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe and the Rahway City Council present MJ Live – Michael Jackson Tribute Concert, outside UCPAC’s Main Stage! Don’t miss MJ Live – the #1 Michael Jackson Tribute Concert in the World, performing the King of Pop’s biggest hits including “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and so many more!
Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe and the Rahway City Council present We May Be Right – Billy Joel Tribute, outside UCPAC’s Main Stage! Don’t miss this fun free show!
Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe and the Rahway City Council present Frankie Negrón, outside UCPAC’s Main Stage! New Jersey native and Grammy nominated performer Frankie Negrón brings his modern salsa sounds to Rahway – don’t miss it!
UCPAC and Rahway Dance Theatre (RDT) proudly present the 2025 Summer Dance Intensive performance, the culmination of our summer camp program! Our students, ages 9 to 18, will perform genres like Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, West African Dance, World Styles, and Theater Dance, showcasing what they’ve learned in their Summer Dance Intensive.
Register your child today for Summer 2025 Visual Arts Camp with renowned New Jersey scenic artist Bernard Jackson. Each child will receive a learning kit consisting of a pallet knife, easel, apron, and more to build their own scenic board!
See HOT 97’s DJ Funk Flex and DJ Nick Scalici spinning outside UCPAC’s Main Stage during the Mayor’s Summer Concert Series! Free show!
The Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers are proud to honor the legacy of lifelong Board Member, author, historian, and film enthusiast I. Joseph “Irv” Hyatt with the renaming of its beloved classic film series.
UCPAC marks Hispanic Heritage Month with a screening of “La Bamba,” starring Lou Diamond Phillips, in 35mm. After the movie, join us on UCPAC’s Main Stage after “La Bamba” for a dance party featuring Valens’ music and other Latin rock and pop hits by the artists he inspired!
Get ready for some legendary laughs at the Urban Legends of Comedy Tour! This powerhouse lineup features comedy heavyweights Talent, Ed Lover, and Joe Clair, alongside rising stars Julio Diaz, Ambur James, GI Douglas, and Just Ray, with the legendary Miss Jones hosting the night!