March is that in-between moment where winter is finally loosening its grip and the first hints of spring start to show up around town. We’re going to start the week with some nice spring temperatures. It’s also the time of year when Union County’s community calendar starts picking up again — with parades, performances, classes, and plenty of reasons to get out of the house.

This week’s lineup has a little bit of everything, from live shows and community events to food experiences and festive gatherings across the county. Whether you’re looking for something low-key midweek or planning a weekend outing with friends and family, there are plenty of ways to plug into the local scene.

Take a scroll through what’s happening around Union County March 9–15, and while you’re here, cast your vote in this week’s poll: Which Union County town is your go-to for a night out?

Dr. Falafel
📍138 East Broad St, Westfield

A new Middle Eastern eatery called Dr. Falafel just opened in downtown Westfield, replacing the former Chutzpah Kitchen space. The menu features falafel, shawarma, gyros, salads, and other Mediterranean street-food favorites, with quick casual service perfect for lunch or takeout.

Coming Soon: Firefly Mercantile & Kokuyo Cocktail Bar
📍1135 Chestnut St, Roselle

Two new sister concepts are preparing to open on Chestnut Street in Roselle: Firefly Mercantile, a specialty market and lunch spot featuring curated pantry goods, and Kokuyo Cocktail Bar, an evening destination for craft cocktails and small plates. The dual concept aims to create a day-to-night neighborhood gathering space.

Is there a favorite restaurant that you would like to share with us? Send your scoop to [email protected]

We asked what makes a place your “comfort spot.” Turns out it’s not just one thing — our readers were almost evenly split between two favorites.

The top answers were “I know exactly what I’m getting” and “It just feels cozy.” Familiarity and atmosphere clearly go a long way when it comes to the places we return to again and again.

The next two choices “The staff knows me” and “It’s close to home,” were also close behind.

In other words, comfort spots aren’t just about convenience — they’re about familiar faces, reliable favorites, and that cozy feeling that keeps us coming back.

☘️ The Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade first marched through Union Township in 1997 and has grown into one of the largest St. Patrick’s celebrations in New Jersey.

🥣 Many restaurants in the U.S. serve corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day — but the dish is actually an Irish-American tradition that became popular among immigrants in the early 20th century.

🍀 In Ireland, the more traditional meal historically paired bacon or pork with cabbage and potatoes, not corned beef.

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, several spots across Union County will be serving up Irish-inspired comfort food and pub classics. Whether you’re in the mood for shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, or simply a pint of Guinness, these local restaurants and pubs are great places to celebrate.

Discovered a hidden gem, new restaurant, or cool event? We’d love to feature it in The UC Scoop!

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A late winter storm might delay a weekend of open houses, but it doesn’t change the bigger picture. Across Union County, inventory remains tight and serious buyers are already getting their financing and wish lists in order before the spring wave of listings arrives.

If 2026 is your year to buy or sell, preparation now makes all the difference later. Reach out to Suzanne McMahon to start mapping your next move.

The 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show — the world’s largest and longest-running indoor horticultural event — took place last week and here are some photos that I took from the event. Did anyone else go see it? What did you think?

The Cranford Theater is giving back in two meaningful ways this month. In celebration of the opening of Elvis, the theater is hosting a Food Drive to support local families in need, inspired by Elvis Presley’s well-known generosity. At the same time, in honor of Read Across America, they’re running a Book Drive to help provide books to children and schools who need them most. Donations can be dropped off during regular operating hours — no movie ticket required, just a giving heart.

Daffodil Day Festival
🗓 Sunday, April 12, 2026 - 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Reeves-Reed Arboretum

This annual celebration showcases the arboretum’s famous Daffodil Bowl with more than 50,000 blooming daffodils, along with spring crafts, music, food vendors, and family activities.

Bloomfest! Cherry Blossom Festival
🗓 Sunday, April 12, 2026 - 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Branch Brook Park

Celebrate spring at Bloomfest, the grand finale of the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival. Visitors can stroll through more than 5,000 cherry blossom trees—the largest collection in the United States—while enjoying live music, cultural performances, food vendors, a crafter’s marketplace, and family activities throughout the park.

As we inch closer to spring, local community gardens across Union County are beginning to prepare for the growing season — here’s a quick look at where residents can dig in and get involved. Now is the time to reserve your plot.

Berkeley Heights Learning Community Garden
Behind Littell-Lord Farmstead, 31 Horseshoe Road, Berkeley Heights
Township-supported organic garden with individual plots and a giving garden; check with Berkeley Heights Township for current availability.

New Providence Community Garden
Near Municipal Tennis Courts, 1378 Springfield Avenue, New Providence
Resident allotment-style garden managed through the Recreation Department; seasonal registration typically opens early in the year.

Summit ACHIEVE Organic Community Garden
Beauvoir Avenue (land from Overlook Medical Center), Summit
56-bed organic garden administered by the Summit Area YMCA with volunteer and orientation requirements for participating residents.

Township of Union Community Garden
Eleanor R. Erickson Park, Liberty Avenue, Union
Community plots available for Township of Union residents; contact the township for 2026 registration details.

Vauxhall Community Garden
Near Morris Avenue/Springfield Avenue area, Union
Raised-bed garden initiative supported by Golden Rule Community Outreach; limited plots may be available.

Rahway Community Garden
Corner of Central Avenue & St. Georges Avenue, Rahway
Organic community garden focused on local stewardship and volunteer engagement; updates typically shared through community channels.

Elmora Community Garden
Behind Elmora Branch Library, Elizabeth
Community garden space supporting neighborhood access to fresh produce.

Zimmerman Urban Community Vegetable Garden
Jewish Family Service of Central NJ, Westfield Avenue area, Elizabeth
Urban organic garden initiative supporting community food access.

Scotch Plains Community Garden
Frazee House grounds, Scotch Plains
Township-supported allotment garden located on historic property.

Looking for a meaningful way to give back this spring? Literacy Volunteers of Union County is seeking volunteer tutors to help adults improve their reading, writing, and English language skills. No teaching background is required — volunteers receive training and ongoing support before being matched one-on-one with a learner.

Just a few hours a week can make a lasting impact, whether you’re helping someone prepare for a job, earn a diploma, or simply gain confidence navigating everyday life. If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved locally, this is a powerful and personal way to do it.

Learn more about becoming a volunteer at literacynj.org/volunteers.

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