Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 09/15/2025

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Moonlit Market, an open-air night market featuring art, small batch and artisan made goods, will welcome shoppers on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. The market will be located at 1591 Irving Street in Rahway, next door to the Union County Performing Arts Center. Entry to the market is free.
As the moon rises, shoppers can browse and buy unique finds direct from artists and makers in this lantern lit market. Moonlit Market vendors will light their tents and tables to present their handmade products and unique wares. On Fire Entertainment joins Moonlit Market to spin cosmic tunes and tracks.
"Our small businesses and local artists are at the heart of Rahway,” said Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe. “The Moonlit Market is like a nighttime treasure hunt, with lanterns glowing, music in the air, and one-of-a-kind finds from the incredible makers in our community.”
Moonlit Market is presented as part of Rahway’s Festival of the Moon, taking place October 4-20, 2025. At the heart of the festival is Museum of the Moon, an internationally acclaimed installation by U.K. artist Luke Jerram. Dramatically suspended inside the historic UCPAC theater, this stunning lunar artwork sets the stage for a 17-day celebration featuring live performances and celestial-themed events.
The Festival of the Moon offers fun and immersive experiences that appeal to the public including those who enjoy fine art, music, theater, dance, cultural arts, science and learning, shopping, and dining.
Attendees can expect to find:
* Objects for home and garden
* Handmade bath and body products
* Fine art, prints, ceramics and small sculptures
* Handcrafted jewelry and custom hair accessories
* Hand poured soy candles and essential oils
* Upcycled clothing and one-of-a-kind crocheted pieces
* Inspired bags, wallets, and accessories
* Fun stickers, witchy wares, and spooky season themed items
Free parking for Moonlit Market is available in the public lot on Hamilton Street, approximately 1 block from the market. The market will be cancelled in case of bad weather to protect vendors and their wares. If in doubt, please call 732-669-3600.
For more information on Moonlit Market and the list of participating local small businesses, click here.
A full schedule of Festival of the Moon events can be found here.
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
