The UC Scoop normally goes out on Mondays but I’ll make an exception this week so that I can include all of the 4th of July celebrations and fireworks starting from tonight, June 29th!

Here’s a rundown of all that’s happening this coming week.

Scotch Plains Fourth of July Fireworks
June 29, 2025 (7:00 PM – dusk)
Shady Rest Golf & Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains

After being postponed due to expected showers, the Scotch Plains Fourth of July Fireworks will now take place on Sunday, June 29 at 7 PM. The free event kicks off with live entertainment and food trucks, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfortable viewing.

Cranford Fourth of July Fireworks Display
July 2, 2025 (5:00 PM – dusk)
Nomahegan Park, 995 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

The annual Cranford Independence Day celebration at Nomahegan Park features a fair with rides and games beginning at 5 PM, followed by a colorful fireworks display at dusk. Attendees can explore local food trucks and vendor booths while children enjoy inflatables and carnival attractions. This family-friendly event invites residents to spread blankets on the Great Lawn for prime viewing.

New Providence Downtown Fireworks
July 3, 2025 (7:00 PM – 9:15 PM)
Fields near the Community Pool, South Street & Westview Avenue

Kick off the evening at 7 PM with live music, DJ entertainment and sidewalk-chalk art in downtown New Providence, then settle in for a dazzling fireworks display launched from the Community Pool fields at 9:15 PM. The show is free and visible from most spots around town—bring blankets or lawn chairs and grab dinner from nearby eateries before the big finale.

Rahway River Park Fireworks
July 3, 2025 (9:00 PM – 9:30 PM)
Rahway River Park, Rahway

Rahway River Park hosts the city’s annual Independence Day fireworks show on July 3, launching a half-hour display over the Rahway River. This free event draws families and friends to the park’s waterfront paths; attendees can enjoy live music and food vendors leading up to the 9 PM spectacle. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for best viewing.

Clark Township Independence Day Fireworks 2025
July 4, 2025 (9:00 PM)
Arthur L. Johnson High School, 365 Westfield Avenue, Clark

The Township of Clark’s annual Independence Day fireworks display launches at 9 PM from the fields of Arthur L. Johnson High School. Free and family-friendly, the evening includes live music and food trucks before the sky lights up. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets for the best views under the summer stars.

Elizabeth’s 4th of July Celebration 2025
July 4, 2025 (2:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park, Front Street, Elizabeth

Starting with live music and food trucks at 2 PM along the scenic waterfront, the celebration includes family activities, craft vendors, and a dazzling fireworks show at dusk over the Elizabeth Harbor skyline. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs. The event wraps up by 8 PM.

Plainfield Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 2025 (10:00 AM – 9:15 PM)
Cedar Brook Park, East Front Street

Plainfield’s Independence Day festivities begin with a parade along East Front Street at 10 AM, followed by a free concert at Cedar Brook Park at 4 PM. The celebration wraps up with a dazzling fireworks display at 9:15 PM over the park grounds.

Springfield’s July 4th Celebration 2025
July 4, 2025 (5:00 PM – dusk)
Meisel Avenue Park, Springfield

The festivities begin at Meisel Avenue Park with rides, inflatables, and family games at 5 PM, followed by a live concert at 7 PM. As night falls, the sky lights up with a professional fireworks display at dusk that’s visible across the park’s open lawn. This free event offers food trucks, a petting zoo, and fun for all ages.

Summit’s Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 2025 (Noon – 10:00 PM)
Soldiers Memorial Field, 5 Myrtle Avenue

Join Summit residents for the 78th annual Independence Day celebration featuring a flag-raising ceremony, live music, carnival rides, and food vendors beginning at noon; the festivities culminate with a fireworks display at dusk over Soldiers Memorial Field. Admission is free and open to all ages. In case of rain, the concert and fireworks will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 12.

Union Township’s 4th of July Concert & Fireworks
July 4, 2025 (7:30 PM – 9:30 PM)
Biertuempfel Park, Winslow Avenue, Union

The event kicks off with a live concert at Biertuempfel Park featuring local bands and family-friendly entertainment before culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 9 PM over the park grounds. Free admission; bring lawn chairs and blankets. The park’s lush surroundings provide a welcoming backdrop for all ages to celebrate Independence Day.

Last week, we asked you about the grocery store that you frequent the most.

Here are the results. Wow - the big winner is… drumroll… Shop Rite!

Here’s a new poll for you…

787 Coffee
218 E Broad Street, Westfield

787 Coffee brings authentic Puerto Rican coffee culture to Westfield, officially opening on East Broad Street this month and roasting direct-trade beans from Puerto Rico and beyond. The shop’s menu showcases signature Coquito and horchata lattes alongside fresh empanadas, gluten-free bites, and premium single-origin coffees. Inside, guests will enjoy free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating when weather permits—ideal for remote work or a casual catch-up in its lush, plant-filled space.

Email us at [email protected]

Learn to Wok
July 11, 2025 (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
1 South Avenue East, Cranford
Explore the versatility of the classic Chinese wok in this hands-on workshop at Little Fox Kitchen. Under expert instruction, you’ll master authentic stir-fry techniques and discover the wok’s steaming and pan-frying powers as you prepare Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic, Sichuan Red Chili & Shiitake; Steamed Fish with Sesame & Oyster Mushrooms; Yangchow Fried Rice; and Scallion & Pork Steamed Dumplings with Chili Oil. All ingredients, equipment, and cleanup are included—just bring your curiosity and appetite for bold flavors.

South Indian Dosa Party: Vegan Special
July 12, 2025 (5:00 – 7:00 PM)
31 Woodland Avenue, Summit
Dive into South Indian cuisine at Passion for Spices Cooking School, with crisp masala dosas, beetroot uttapam, classic sambar, and tomato chutney in a fully vegan workshop that covers batter preparation and fermentation techniques

A Summer Feast: Hands-On Adult Cooking Class
July 26, 2025 (6:00 – 9:00 PM)
710 South Avenue West, Westfield
Roll up your sleeves at Cooking Thyme’s Saturday workshop. Chef James Standridge guides 20 guests through pan-fried fresh mozzarella, grilled chicken piccata with lemon-caper sauce, and a mango-kissed tiramisu. You’ll cook, dine, and take home new skills—no cleanup required.

Alsacian Wine Dinner
August 14, 2025 (6:30 PM)
431 North Avenue West, Westfield
Journey to the foothills of the Vosges at Chez Catherine’s Alsacian Wine Dinner, where a four-course feast is expertly paired with Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris selections. Discover how each varietal’s aromatic profile complements savory Alsatian-inspired dishes, and enjoy insights from the chef and sommelier throughout the evening. Limited seating—reserve your spot early.

Screen on the Green: “Moana 2”
Thursday, July 3, 2025 (Dance party 7:15 PM; Movie 8:00 PM)
Village Green, Summit
Summit’s beloved open-air cinema series returns with pre-show dance parties, food-truck fare and blockbuster hits every other Thursday. The summer opens with the brand-new “Moana 2,” projected on a jumbo screen under the stars—perfect for a picnic blanket night out.

Sweet Sounds Downtown
Tuesdays beginning July 1, 2025 (6:00 – 9:00 PM)
Quimby Street & surrounding venues, Westfield
Westfield turns its streets into three open-air stages every Tuesday in July and August. Opening night starts earlier this year—Quimby jams at 6, with Central Ave and Foundation Park striking up at 7—for an evening of jazz, rock, and R&B plus al-fresco dining deals from downtown restaurants.

Summit Street Sounds
Thursdays & Fridays, June & July 2025 (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Downtown Summit, Main Street between Springfield & Maple
Downtown Summit’s Street Sounds series brings live music to the sidewalks every Thursday and Friday evening throughout June and July, featuring over 50 local artists across genres like jazz, rock, and folk. Free to attend.

Westfield Community Concert Band
Thursdays starting July 3, 2025 (7:30 PM)
Mindowaskin Park, East Broad Street, Westfield
The Westfield Community Concert Band presents patriotic classics and Broadway favorites in Mindowaskin Park’s 113th Summer Concert Series; bring chairs or blankets for this free outdoor performance with a rain location at the Municipal Building.

Summer Sounds with Coo Moe Ghee
July 3, 2025 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Eastman Clock Plaza, North Union Avenue & Alden Street, Cranford
Kick off July with live reggae rhythms as Coo Moe Ghee headlines the Summer Sounds series. Bring a chair or blanket for this free outdoor concert in the heart of downtown Cranford.

Touch of Grey at Bull n Bear Brewery
July 11, 2025 (8:00 PM)
425 Springfield Avenue, Summit
Join Bull n Bear for a Grateful Dead tribute night as Touch of Grey spins cult classics, with a full menu of comfort fare and seasonal draft pours.

Hot Summer Nights: Almost Eras (Taylor Tribute)
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 (7:00 – 9:00 PM)
Village Green, Summit
Summit’s Tuesday concert series opens with a Taylor-inspired sing-along that’s part tribute show, part community karaoke. Expect plenty of friendship bracelets and food-truck snacks; later weeks bring ’80s hits and big-band swing.

Looking for fresh produce? There is a farmers market for almost each day of the week in Union County with the exception of Tuesdays and Fridays.

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