☀️ Happy Monday, Union County!
I started The UC Scoop because I noticed something: Union County is full of good things that are easy to walk right past. A new restaurant on a street you drive every day. A concert on the green you didn’t know was happening. We’re here to help you notice what’s already happening right where you live. Know a place or event we should cover? Hit reply and send it our way.
This week's lineup makes the case for us: Union's brand-new jazz festival kicks off Friday, Cranford wraps its summer concert series with a four-day sidewalk sale, and Garwood just landed a new all-day brunch spot. Different corners of the county, same instinct: stop and notice. Let's get into it!
Restaurant News
Just Opened
Butter & Jam
414 South Ave, Garwood
Garwood has a new brunch destination! Butter & Jam has opened at Vermella Garwood Station, bringing the popular Madison café’s all-day brunch concept to Union County. The expansive menu includes lemon-ricotta pancakes, brioche French toast, egg dishes, gourmet toasts, salads, sandwiches, coffee drinks, and its signature board of house-made flavored butters and fresh jams. This location also has a liquor license, outdoor seating, reservations, and space for private events. A second concept from the same team, Burger Bistro, is planned next door with elevated burgers, steak frites, tuna Niçoise, and other French-bistro-inspired dishes.
Jack’s Surf & Turf
356 Springfield Ave Ste 2, Summit
This Maine style lobster roll favorite from Montclair and Short Hills is bringing a fast casual concept to Summit, built for quick takeout.
Opening Soon
Vina
Quimby Street, Westfield
A new Vietnamese restaurant is headed to Quimby Street from the team behind Kirshenbaum Baking Co., built around Chef Uyen’s family recipes.
Side note: Quimby St in Westfield is getting a makeover soon.
Perch & Parlor
102 E Broad St (Broad & Prospect), Westfield
Coffee, brunch, and dinner are headed to the former Hummus Republic spot downtown. A window sign promises a menu “designed around your day.” No opening date yet: follow along on Instagram for updates.
🏡 This Week’s Poll
Last week's poll asked how long you've called Union County home, and the answer was clear: most of you aren't going anywhere. 44% are lifers, born and raised here. Another 39% have been here 15+ years. Just 2% recently moved to town. Union County has a way of keeping people around.
It's been a few months since we last ran this one, so let's see if anything's shifted.
Where do you live in Union County?
🏡 UC Scoop Real Estate Partner
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Samantha is always open to a conversation.
Samantha's 5 tips for prepping your home to list:
Enhance your curb appeal — landscaping and exterior upkeep go a long way before buyers even walk in.
Declutter your home — a clutter-free home feels bigger and helps buyers picture themselves living there. Rent a storage unit if you need to.
Invest in a professional deep clean — a spotless home tells buyers it's been well cared for, inside and out.
Refresh your bathrooms — clean white towels, fresh bath mats, and minimal clutter make bathrooms feel brighter and move-in ready.
Refresh paint & maximize natural light — neutral paint and lighter window treatments help a home photograph and show at its best.
Got a local tip?
Discovered a hidden gem, new restaurant, or cool event? We’d love to feature it in The UC Scoop!
📩 Send your scoop to [email protected] or message us on Instagram @ucscoop.
We bring you the eats and the events, 1440 brings you the news.
Daily news for curious minds.
Be the smartest person in the room. 1440 navigates 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive, unbiased news roundup — politics, business, culture, and more — in a quick, 5-minute read. Completely free, completely factual.
Things To Do This Week
Monday, August 17
Pass The Mic: Live-Band Open Mic Night — 7:00 PM
DMK Black Box Theater, 1980 Morris Ave, UnionGrab the mic or just enjoy the show at this live-band open mic night in Union. Check link for the latest details.
Tuesday, August 18
Family Fun and Flix: Lilo & Stitch — Festivities 7:30 PM, movie at dusk
Warinanco Park, Roselle/ElizabethBring a blanket or lawn chair for a free outdoor screening of Lilo & Stitch, with an ice cream vendor on hand while you wait for the sun to go down.
Jo Bonanno & the Spirit of Asbury Park — 7:00–8:30 PM
Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, LindenThis rescheduled free concert brings the sound and spirit of the Jersey Shore to Linden with an evening of classic rock.
Wednesday, August 19
Summer Arts Festival: Soul Seduction — Yoga 6:30 PM, concert 7:30 PM
Echo Lake Park, Mountainside/WestfieldStart with a free yoga session, then stay for Soul Seduction playing hits from the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
Explore the Vauxhall Pollinator Garden — 6:00–7:00 PM
Vauxhall Branch Library, 123 Hilton Ave, UnionTour a garden filled with native plants, pick up advice from a Rutgers Master Gardener, and meet fellow plant lovers. Free, drop-in, and open to all ages; moves to August 26 if it rains.
Thursday, August 20
DJ Drewski: Mayor's Summer Concert Series — 7:00 PM
In front of UCPAC, 1601 Irving St, RahwayFree live hip hop party under the summer sky, presented by the Mayor and Rahway City Council.
Comedy Under the Stars: Summer Entertainment Series — 6:30–9:00 PM
Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, LindenFree stand-up and sketch comedy on the Promenade. Seating is first come, first served, with lawn chairs welcome.
Screen on the Green: The Game Plan — Dance party 7:15 PM, movie at dark
Tatlock Field, SummitCelebrate Tatlock Field's new lights with a free outdoor screening of The Game Plan. Bring blankets or chairs and arrive early for the family dance party and featured food truck.
Summer Sounds: Burnside Manor — 6:00–8:00 PM
Eastman Clock Plaza, CranfordCranford's weekly summer concert series closes out the season with pop-punk and emo favorites from Burnside Manor.
Downtown Cranford Summer Sidewalk Sale — Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23
Downtown CranfordFour days of sales, promotions, and discounted items from Downtown Cranford retailers. Check link for participating stores.
Books & Beer Book Swap — 5:00–8:00 PM
Wet Ticket Brewing, 1435 Main St, RahwayBring a gently used book to swap, grab a beer, and find your next read at this casual book swap night.
Friday, August 21
Live at Cherry Street Park: Lydia Crown — 6:30–9:30 PM
Cherry Street Park, 59 E Cherry St, RahwayIndie-folk artist Lydia Crown brings heartfelt storytelling and melodic sound to Cherry Street Park for a free evening of live music.
Union Jazz Festival — Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23
Union Arts Center, 1980 Morris Ave, UnionUnion's inaugural three-day jazz festival brings free outdoor sets each day (Fri "Expressions," Sat "Evolutions," Sun "Excellence" finale) plus ticketed indoor performances and master classes at the DMK Black Box Theater, including Stephane Wrembel and Marel Hidalgo on Friday. Check link for the full lineup and tickets.
Saturday, August 22
Scotch Plains Farmers Market — 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
430 Park Avenue (Municipal Parking Lot), Scotch PlainsLocal produce, baked goods, and Jersey Fresh favorites fill the municipal lot for this weekly market. Rain or shine.
Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show — 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
South Ave & Boulevard, WestfieldOriginal arts and crafts, vendors, food, games, and live music fill South Avenue for this popular summer street fair.
A Diverse Mix of Live Music: Gypsy Funk Squad — 6:00–8:00 PM
Arts District Park, Central Ave & Irving St, RahwayThis New Jersey-based world fusion and funk band mixes music from multiple cultures for a free evening at Arts District Park.
Next Stop Comedy at Untied Brewing Company — Seating 7:30 PM / show 8:00 PM
Untied Brewing Company, 140 Spring St. Unit C, New ProvidenceHeadliner Michael Harrison brings his stand-up to Untied Brewing, with support from Sasha Srbulj and Jake Vevera. General admission is $27.
Sunday, August 23
Summit Farmers Market — 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Park & Shop Lot #1, DeForest & Woodland Ave, SummitOne of the best farmers markets in the state sets up with local produce, baked goods, and more. Rain or shine.
Ladies of Liberty Hall Tour — 1:00–2:00 PM
Liberty Hall Museum, 1003 Morris Ave, UnionA special tour highlighting the women who lived and labored at Liberty Hall.
Mark Your Calendar
Summit Summer Sidewalk Sale — Thursday, August 27 to Saturday, August 29, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Downtown SummitThree days of sidewalk sales and deals from downtown Summit shops. Check link for the latest details.
All-4-One: Mayor's Concert Series — Thursday, August 27
In front of UCPAC, 1601 Irving St, RahwayThe R&B group behind "I Swear" brings their hits to Rahway's free summer concert series. Check link for time and latest details.
This Week’s Volunteer Spotlight: SAGE Eldercare
SAGE Eldercare helps older adults across Union County stay safe and independent at home. Volunteers deliver meals, run grocery shopping trips, help with mailings and events, or lend a hand in the furniture restoration workshop. Scheduling is flexible, so you can pick what fits your week.
🤝 Learn more & sign up: sageeldercare.org/volunteer
📌 The UC Scoop Bulletin Board
Nature Behind Glass - Discover handcrafted miniature terrariums or join a guided workshop to create your own.
Wear The Whimsy - Shop sustainable fashion and give pre-loved clothing a fresh place in your wardrobe.
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