The UC Scoop - May 19, 2025

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and it’s a time for us to come together in gratitude and remembrance. As we honor the brave men and women who served our country, we’ll also be marking the unofficial start of summer with parades, ceremonies, and moments of reflection. Whether you’re lining the streets for a procession or pausing at a local memorial, this weekend invites us all to cherish the freedoms we enjoy.

The Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summer in Union County. The farmers markets swell with fresh, vibrant produce. Outdoor concerts light up downtown parks under warm evening skies. Craft fairs, pop-up shops, and guided nature walks beckon you to explore and connect. In this issue of The UC Scoop, we’ve rounded up the best happenings to help you dive into the season. Let’s make this summer one to remember!

Union Township Veterans’ Alliance Memorial Day Parade & Encampment
Monday, May 26, 2025 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
High Street & Stuyvesant Avenue, Union
Join the Township of Union Veterans’ Alliance as they march from the VFW Post, featuring Clydesdale horses, historic war reenactments, floats, and live music by the Uptown String Band. After the parade, gather at Veterans Honor Roll & Memorial Park for a Revolutionary War battle demonstration at 11:30 AM and a formal program at noon—perfect for all ages to honor those who served.

Westfield Memorial Day Parade & BBQ
Monday, May 26, 2025 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Memorial Plaza, Westfield
Westfield kicks off Memorial Day with a 10:00 AM remembrance ceremony at Memorial Plaza, followed by the traditional parade down East Broad Street. After the march, stick around for a complimentary BBQ hosted by the Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3—complete with classic picnic fare and community camaraderie.

Summit Annual Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 2025 (10:00 AM)
25 Deforest Avenue to Village Green, Summit
Summit’s American Legion and local VFW post lead the parade assembly behind 25 Deforest Avenue at 9:30 AM, marching through downtown to the Village Green for a solemn ceremony. Enjoy patriotic music, wreath-laying, and guest speakers honoring Union County’s veterans in this time-honored tradition.

Rahway Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Sunday, May 25, 2025 (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)
City Hall Plaza, Rahway
Gather at City Hall Plaza for Rahway’s annual Memorial Day Parade, featuring local first responders, scout troops, and youth organizations. The procession concludes back at the plaza for a brief ceremony at the Veterans Memorial, where wreaths are laid and speeches are given in tribute to the fallen.

Kenilworth Memorial Day Flag Deployment
Saturday, May 24, 2025 (8:00 AM)
Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth
Volunteers are invited to place flags on veterans’ graves for this annual Memorial Day tradition. Meet at the Kenilworth Veterans Center for breakfast at 8:00 AM, then head to Graceland Memorial Park to assist with the flag deployment. Stay afterward for hotdogs and fellowship at the Veterans Center.

Scotch Plains–Fanwood Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 2025 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Park Avenue between East 2nd Street & Front Street, Scotch Plains
The annual Scotch Plains–Fanwood Memorial Day events begin with a 10:00 AM ceremony honoring fallen heroes, followed by a 10:45 AM parade down Park Avenue. Local bands, marching units, and civic groups participate, culminating in a community concert at the Fanwood train station.

Here’s a quick poll for you.

There aren’t any recent openings in Union County so we’ll feature some new openings in Montclair and Maplewood this time.

Seoul Bistro
537 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair

Seoul Bistro opened with a soft launch on March 20, 2025, and celebrated its grand opening on April 1, 2025, in Montclair Center. This casual dining spot melds traditional Korean street food with modern flair—think spicy tteokbokki, crispy jeon, and build-your-own ssam-bap wraps, all served alongside an array of house-made banchan. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of ramen or savory buldak topped with melted cheese, Seoul Bistro offers bold flavors in a sleek, contemporary setting.

Barn Bird Kitchen
147 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood

Opened in November 2024, Barn Bird Kitchen brings refined Southern American–inspired comfort food to Maplewood Village. Founded by Chef Emeka Onugha, the menu spotlights perfectly fried chicken, house-made sides like buttery cornbread and collard greens, plus seasonal twists on classics. Housed in a warm, modern space with exposed brick and communal seating, it’s earned local acclaim for its soulful flavors and welcoming vibe—ideal for date nights or casual gatherings.

Perla Oyster Bar
415 Boyden Ave, Maplewood

Opened in October 2024, Perla Oyster Bar brings its celebrated mobile raw bar to a permanent Maplewood Village home. Born from backyard oyster truck pop-ups, the cozy spot features communal tables, an ever-changing selection of fresh oysters and clams, and shareable tapas-style plates like anchovy toasts and chicken liver mousse. With its industrial-chic décor and laid-back vibe, it’s quickly become the go-to destination for seafood lovers seeking a fun, social dining experience.

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Burgundy Wine Dinner – Chez Catherine
June 5, 2025 (7:00 PM)
431 North Ave. W., Westfield
Westfield’s beloved French jewel is pairing a five-course seasonal menu with top Burgundy selections from Wilson Daniels. Seats are $180 (plus tax & gratuity) and include canapés, oysters, beef carpaccio, seared tuna and a classic Peach Melba finale, each matched to a curated pour. Reservations required; these dinners sell out fast.

Adult Crochet for Beginners
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (6:00 – 8:00 PM)
Vauxhall Branch Library, Union
Learn the basics of crochet—chain stitch, single crochet, and turning—under the guidance of a patient instructor. Participants will create a simple coaster or dishcloth by the end of the session. Materials are supplied; feel free to bring your own yarn if you have a favorite.

Senior Walk: Peregrine Falcons
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (11:30 AM)
Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside
Designed for older adults, this gentle nature stroll explores local raptor habitats and the remarkable comeback of peregrine falcons in the Reservation. Learn about their nesting habits and conservation efforts while enjoying fresh air and light exercise.

Union County’s Native Plant Swap and Shop
Thursday, June 12, 2025 (5:30 – 8:00 PM)
Scout Camping Area, Watchung Reservation
Swap perennials, shrubs, and seeds with fellow gardeners at this free, community-driven event hosted by the Union County Commissioners and Trailside Nature & Science Center. Bring labeled plants to exchange and shop native specimens, then mingle over light refreshments while learning landscaping tips that support local wildlife.

Summit Farmers Market
Sundays, April 27 – December 21, 2025 (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
22 DeForest Avenue, Summit
One of New Jersey's premier farmers markets, offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and specialty foods from local vendors. A great way to support local agriculture and artisans.

Scotch Plains Farmers Market
Saturdays, May 3 – November 22, 2025 (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
430 Park Avenue (Municipal Parking Lot), Scotch Plains
Celebrating over 30 years, this market features a diverse array of vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, organic items, and specialty foods. It's a community favorite for local shopping and live music.​

The Market at Union
Thursdays, June 5 - September 25, 2025 (5:00 - 8:30 PM)
​1980 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ
The Market at Union is held at the front parking lot of Town Hall/Union Public Library, located at 1980 Morris Avenue. The market features a variety of local farmers, producers, artisans, and crafters, offering fresh produce, gourmet foods, and handmade goods.

Open Road on Rahway Ave.
May 18 & 25, 2025 (All Day)
Rahway Avenue, Union
Rahway Avenue transforms into a pedestrian-friendly zone, encouraging residents to walk, bike, and enjoy outdoor activities. Local businesses and organizations often participate, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

Mayor’s Music Series
June – September 2025 (various times)
Downtown Rahway
Rahway’s free, open-air concert series brings live music to Main Street and Arts District Park every weekend from June through September. Enjoy solo acoustic sets on Fridays in “The Paseo” (1501 Main St) and full-band funk, rock, blues, and jazz on Saturday evenings at the corner of Irving Street & Central Avenue—just steps from the UCPAC. Bring a lawn chair, your neighbors, and settle in for a summer soundtrack under the stars.

NJ GreekFest 2025
May 30 – June 1, 2025
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill Road, Westfield
Opa! Celebrate Greek culture with three days of authentic cuisine, traditional dancing, live music, and shopping. Hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, NJ GreekFest is a can't-miss annual favorite for food lovers and culture seekers alike. Free parking and family fun guaranteed!

Garwood Rocks Street Fair
June 1, 2025 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Downtown Garwood (5th & Spring Street)
The Garwood Rocks Street Fair transforms downtown into a vibrant artisan market with over 50 local crafters showcasing handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities in this community celebration of creativity and local small businesses.

Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show
June 7, 2025 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
South Avenue & Boulevard, Westfield
This street fair features a curated selection of arts and crafts vendors offering original handmade goods alongside food stalls, live entertainment, and amusements. Free admission makes it a perfect weekend outing to support local artisans and enjoy downtown Westfield’s vibrant atmosphere.

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