Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/13/2025
(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present a number of special offerings in February, including shows in honor of Black History Month; Valentine's Day programs focusing on love; and a new selection, To Space and Back, that features narration captions projected onto the theater's dome.
Some highlights of the Planetarium’s February schedule include:
Our Lovely Skies, Saturdays, February 1 & 8 at 7:00pm. Constellations memorialize love lost and love gained. Planets are named for Roman and Greek gods who have stories of their own. Beautiful stellar nebulas remind us of celestial flower bouquets. Discover these treasures and more in this light-hearted, family-friendly show about the love stories in the sky. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
Laser Love, Saturdays, February 1 & 8 at 8:00pm; Friday, February 14 at 8:00pm. This laser concert celebrating love includes such tunes as “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher, and “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast. (Saturday shows are recommended for ages 10-adult; the Friday evening, Valentine’s Day performance is for audiences ages 16-adult only)
Romancing the Stars, Friday, February 14 at 7:00pm. It’s date night at the Planetarium. Enjoy a light-hearted look at the Universe with a show focusing on stars, constellations, songs, and stories that all celebrate love. (For audiences ages 16-adult only)
Follow the Drinking Gourd, Saturdays, February 15 & 22 at 3:00pm. Learn to find the Big Dipper and other stars in the night sky. Then, we’ll go back in time to follow a family trying to escape oppression. The Big Dipper guides the family through a frightful but rewarding voyage. Sing along with the slaves who used the Drinking Gourd song to travel north on foot from Alabama to Canada. Based on Jeanette Winter’s same-titled book, the show describes the astronomy behind the slave song, “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” (Recommended for ages 6-12)
Exploring the Underground Railroad with Codes, Saturdays, February 15 & 22 from 3:00-5:00pm. This special Planetarium program will feature free, hands-on activities inspired by codes found in quilt squares and the song, “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” Participants will learn about astronomy and the Underground Railroad, a secretive network of people and places that helped thousands of enslaved people move northward as far as Canada to escape slavery. Participants also may view displays about nature, codes, and African Americans who have made a difference. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
To Space and Back, Saturdays, February 15 & 22 at 7:00pm. To Space and Back, a new show at the Planetarium, takes viewers on an incredible journey from the far reaches of our known universe and back to Earth. The technology that transports people through space is paving the way for the devices and apps used every day. What’s happening above and beyond is coming back down to Earth. The two presentations of this star show will include narration captions projected onto the Planetarium dome. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)
For a complete schedule of RVCC Planetarium star shows and laser concerts open to the public this winter, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium/public-shows.
Last fall, the Planetarium installed new computers, video projectors, and audio speakers that provide audiences with an exciting, immersive experience. The new system offers brighter, clearer images and sharper sound quality, as well as an enhanced ability to “fly” through the Universe. The upgrade was funded through the RVCC Foundation by a generous RVCC supporter.
Planetarium tickets cost $11 for one show, $20 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 or email [email protected]. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.
Planetarium laser shows include loud music, flashing lights, and rapidly moving graphics, all in a dark environment, and therefore may not be recommended for those who are sensitive to these conditions or have a medical condition that could be exacerbated by them.
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.
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
