Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 07/12/2022
(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present a variety of programs for all ages in August, including laser concerts and special astronomy shows geared specifically for young children.
The following shows will be presented:
Rockin’ Rocket Ride, Wednesdays, August 3 & 17 at 2:30pm; Thursday, August 4 at 2:30pm - Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun, and planets. A lively experience for young people, the show features selected music from "Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
SkyLights, Wednesdays, August 3 & 17 at 3:30pm; Thursday, August 4 at 3:30pm - Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (“Family Ride,” “Kalien the Alien”) and Jane Murphy (“Moon Rock Rock,” “The Planet Song”). Some songs are illustrated with lasers, while others feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)
Accidental Astronauts, Fridays, August 5 & 12 at 7:00pm; Wednesday, August 24 at 2:30pm - Robo-kids Cy, Annie, and their dog, Armstrong, get a lot more than they expected from their class field trip in an impromptu adventure. Travel along exploring the Sun, Earth and Moon, with a witty starship computer as navigator and guide. Race along on the surface of the Moon. Collect an asteroid sample in low gravity. Survive a solar storm. Find new appreciation for the unique beauty of Earth. Journey along with the Accidental Astronauts in this epic dome theater adventure. (Recommended for ages 4-10)
Astronomy Tonight, Friday, August 5 at 8:00pm - Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. Learn about some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Summer Lights Laser Concert, Fridays, August 5, 12, 19, 26 at 9:00pm - It may be August, but there’s still plenty of time left to enjoy the summer. Break out your Hawaiian shirts and listen to songs that remind us of summertime. "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffet, "Rock Lobster" by the B-52s, and "Heatwave" by Glass Animals are just some of the summer-themed songs you'll hear in this laser concert.
Mars One Thousand One, Fridays, August 12, 19, 26 at 8:00pm - Someday soon, the first humans will leave for Mars. Like the astronauts of the Space Age, they’ll be blasting off to the unknown. In Mars One Thousand One, space reporter Miles O’Brien guides audience members through the first human mission to Mars: a daring 1001-day mission to fly an international crew to the Red Planet and return the group safely to Earth. Many challenges will have to be met in order for the crew to succeed and unlock the secrets of the new world. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)
Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Thursdays, August 18 & 25 at 3:30pm; Fridays, August 19 & 26 at 7:00pm - Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious "M"? This show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5 and older)
Perfect Little Planet, Thursdays, August 18 & 25 at 2:30pm - A family from another star system is seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known dwarf planet; sail through the rings of Saturn; feel Jupiter’s lightning storms; and walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination will the family choose? (Recommended for ages 6-12)
Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 for two shows back-to-back on the same day. Reservations are recommended, but all ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show. Late admission to Planetarium shows is not permitted. For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805.
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey.
EVENT PREVIEWS
37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival to Take Place June 27-28, 2026
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Carteret's Independence Day Festival to feature country star Walker Hayes
(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year
(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
SOPAC presents Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much? on July 16th
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stewart Copeland brings his first American spoken-word tour (Have I Said Too Much?) to the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Copeland is the founding drummer of The Police and one of rock's most inventive forces.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
