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☀️ Happy Monday, Union County!
Westfield's food scene just added two new stops: Peruvian roast chicken at Don Alex and a serious cookie-and-ice-cream lineup at Cookies N' Cream, both open now, right as Sidewalk Sale Days brings deals to shops across downtown all week. But the weekend's biggest draw might be the World Cup Final itself, with Union County hosting a free watch party at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, beer garden and all. Elizabeth is also celebrating with its Puerto Rican Festival and Parade, and just over the county line, Orange's Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival is worth the short drive. Add a packed slate of free outdoor concerts across Summit, Cranford, Rahway, and Union, plus a wellness block party in Westfield, and there's plenty to fill your calendar. Let's get into it.
New Openings
Two new food spots are worth putting on your radar this week, from bold Peruvian flavors to something on the sweeter side.
🍗 Don Alex Opens in Westfield
231 South Ave. E, Westfield
Don Alex, a Peruvian restaurant with locations in Elizabeth, Kenilworth, and Montclair, has opened its fourth New Jersey spot in Westfield. The menu centers on roast chicken, served as a single portion or a whole bird, with a family combo that includes rice, salad, beans, and fries. It's open daily from 11 AM to 9:30 PM.
🍪 Cookies N' Cream Opens in Westfield (July 10)
109 East Broad St., Westfield
Westfield's downtown got a lot sweeter with the grand opening of Cookies N' Cream, a gourmet dessert franchise making its second New Jersey stop. The shop serves more than two dozen kinds of fresh baked cookies alongside 35 ice cream flavors, including vegan and sugar free options, plus milkshakes, sundaes, and a cereal infused ice cream mashup they call a swirling. It's open until 11 PM on weeknights and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Last Week’s Poll
Last week we asked: What's still on your Union County summer bucket list? Getting to the Jersey Shore came out on top, with about 40% of readers saying a beach trip is still on the list. Trying a new restaurant or cafe and catching a free outdoor concert tied for second, each pulling about a fifth of the vote. Hitting up a farmers market more often rounded things out. Thanks to everyone who voted!
This Week’s Poll
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Things To Do This Week
Monday, July 13
Community Night & Hot Summer Nights Concert Series — 5:45 PM / 7:00 PM
Village Green, SummitSummit kicks off the week with two events on the Village Green. Local non-profits set up tables for Community Night starting at 5:45 PM to share their work with the community, followed at 7 PM by Element K taking the stage for the Hot Summer Nights concert series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and stop by to meet local organizations before the show.
Tuesday, July 14
Cranford Summer Sounds — 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Eastman Plaza, CranfordDowntown Cranford's free live music series featuring Lynette Sheard. The series brings local bands to Eastman Plaza on Tuesday and Thursday nights through the summer.
Sweet Sounds Downtown — 6:00 PM (Quimby St.) / 7:00 PM (Foundation Park)
Quimby Street & Foundation Park, WestfieldWestfield's free outdoor concert series kicks off tonight, with live music running at the same time on Quimby Street and at Foundation Park through the summer. Grab dinner downtown and catch a show on either end of town. Rain moves Tuesday shows to Wednesday.
Family Fun and Flix: Zootopia 2 — 7:30 PM
Warinanco Park, RoselleUnion County's free outdoor movie series returns to Warinanco Park. Festivities kick off at 7:30 PM, with the movie starting at dusk. Bring a blanket or beach chair, and grab a treat from the ice cream truck on site.
Wednesday, July 15
Roselle Park Farmers Market — 1:00–6:00 PM
Michael J. Mauri Park, E. Grant Ave., Roselle ParkStock up on fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and other seasonal favorites at the Roselle Park Farmers Market. Held every Wednesday from July through October, the market is a great midweek stop to support local vendors and enjoy fresh summer flavors. The market is held rain or shine.
Sidewalk Sale Days — 10:00 AM–8:30 PM (through Sunday)
Downtown WestfieldDowntown Westfield retailers bring their best deals outdoors for the annual Sidewalk Sale Days. Browse racks and tables along the sidewalks and enjoy summer shopping throughout downtown, running through Sunday, July 19.
The Brand Behind the World's Best Kitchens Just Launched Cast Iron
You've probably seen Made In Cookware® by now. They're the cookware brand used in 4,000+ professional kitchens, including 100+ Michelin-starred restaurants, and adopted by millions of home cooks.
Well, they just dropped a full cast iron collection. And they did it differently.
Where most cast iron has a rough, pebbly cooking surface, Made In machined theirs smooth. That means better searing, easier food release, and cleanup that doesn't require a degree. Every piece is cast, machined, and seasoned in the USA, oven-safe to 900°F, and compatible with all heat sources, including open flames. This is heirloom cookware, built to be the last cast iron you ever buy.
Their Cast Iron Skillets are where most people start: perfect for frying eggs, searing steaks, or getting that smashburger crust.
Thursday, July 16
Cranford Summer Sounds — 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Eastman Clock Plaza, Downtown Cranford
Spend a summer evening in downtown Cranford as the Jared Paparozzi Group takes the stage for the Summer Sounds concert series. Grab dinner from one of the nearby restaurants, browse local shops, and enjoy two hours of free live music in the heart of downtown.
Sponsored — presented by Gregory Burrus Productions
The Market at Union — 5:00 – 8:30 PM
1980 Morris Avenue, Union
Expect weekly vendors, food trucks, and local businesses as the 2026 season kicks off.Summit Street Sounds — 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Downtown SummitDowntown Summit comes alive with live music at multiple locations throughout the business district as part of the annual Summit Street Sounds series. Performances range from rock and pop to jazz and acoustic acts, creating a lively atmosphere for an evening stroll, outdoor dining, or shopping.
Sweet Sounds Downtown — 6:00–9:00 PM
Quimby Street, WestfieldWestfield's free summer concert series continues on Quimby Street with live music, dancing, and a lively downtown crowd.
Buddha Bash: A Wellness Event for the Soul — 6:00–9:00 PM
Quimby Street, WestfieldDowntown Westfield hosts an evening of wellness and community, with more than 30 vendors and practitioners, live music on the Quimby Lawn, and complimentary wellness classes. Free to attend, with VIP add-ons available.
Summer Concert Series ft. Freestyle Forever — 7:30–9:00 PM
Rabkin Park, UnionUnion Township's free summer concert series continues with Freestyle Forever, a high-energy tribute to '80s and '90s freestyle dance hits. Bring a blanket or chair and grab dinner from the food trucks on site.
Rahway Farmers Market — 12:00–7:00 PM
Train Station Plaza, RahwayStock up on fresh produce and local goods at Rahway's weekly farmers market. Held every Thursday through November at Train Station Plaza, rain or shine.
Friday, July 17
Summit Street Sounds — 5:00–8:00 PM
Downtown SummitKick off the weekend with Summit Street Sounds, where local musicians perform throughout downtown Summit while shops, restaurants, and cafés stay lively into the evening. Stroll Springfield Avenue and Beechwood Road, enjoy live music on multiple street corners, and grab dinner or dessert at one of Summit’s many local eateries. It’s one of the best ways to experience downtown on a summer Friday.
Saturday, July 18
5th Annual Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival · Sponsored — 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Monte Irvin Orange Park, OrangeJust a short drive from Union County, this free all-day festival is worth the trip for music lovers and foodies alike. The 5th Annual Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival features live jazz and blues performances throughout the day, dozens of food trucks serving everything from BBQ and Caribbean cuisine to desserts and vegan fare, plus a community health fair offering free wellness screenings and family resources. Bring a lawn chair, spend the afternoon in the park, and enjoy one of North Jersey's biggest summer festivals. Rain date is Sunday, July 19.
Sponsored — presented by Gregory Burrus Productions
Live Music at Arts District Park — 6:00–8:00 PM
Arts District Park, RahwayRelax with an evening of free live music in Rahway’s Arts District. Bring a lawn chair, grab dinner from a nearby restaurant, and enjoy another installment of the city’s popular summer entertainment series.
Scotch Plains Farmers Market — 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Municipal Parking Lot, 430 Park Ave., Scotch PlainsThe Scotch Plains Farmers Market continues its 2026 season with fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, prepared foods, flowers, and local vendors filling the municipal lot every Saturday morning. One of the best recurring spring rituals in Union County and an easy way to spend a relaxed Saturday outdoors.
Puerto Rican Festival — 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Veterans Memorial Park, ElizabethCelebrate Puerto Rican heritage and culture at this free two-day festival, with live music, food trucks, rides, and games. The festival continues Sunday, when it's joined by the Puerto Rican Parade.
Sunday, July 19
Summit Farmers Market — 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Park & Shop Lot #1, Summit
The market runs Sundays through Dec. 20, rain or shine, with New Jersey farmers and purveyors.Union County World Cup Final Watch Party — 2:00–6:00 PM
Oak Ridge Park, ClarkUnion County hosts a free outdoor watch party for the World Cup Final, with a full viewing area, beer garden, food trucks, and family entertainment including kids' games and inflatables. Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.
Puerto Rican Parade — 10:00 AM
Union Square to Veterans Memorial Waterfront, ElizabethThe parade steps off at Union Square and marches to the Veterans Memorial Waterfront, where the Puerto Rican Festival continues through 9:00 PM with live music, food, and family activities.
How Do The French Age So Gracefully?
Sexy, flirty, confident—Parisians embrace aging with typical élan. The most stylish among them share their secrets
This Week’s Volunteer Spotlight: YWCA Union County
The YWCA in Union County is actively recruiting volunteers across several meaningful programs — from crisis hotlines to workforce mentoring and administrative support. Whether you can commit to evening hours, a couple of hours weekly, or helping survivors of domestic violence with job skills, there's a role that meets your schedule and heart for service. Requirements vary by role, and trainings are provided.
📝 Learn more & apply: ywcaunioncounty.org/volunteer-opportunities
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