September is a great time to get out and explore Union County. The summer heat begins to ease, fall activities start appearing on the calendar, and many of our downtowns, parks and community organizations have events planned throughout the month.

From festivals and live music to hiking, history and an outdoor movie, here are some ideas for things to do around Union County in September 2026.

Celebrate the Start of Fall at Westfield FestiFall

One of Union County's popular September traditions returns to Downtown Westfield on Sunday, September 20.

FestiFall runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and brings vendors, food, shopping, entertainment and family activities to Central Avenue.

It's also a good opportunity to make a day of visiting Downtown Westfield. Grab breakfast or lunch, browse the downtown shops and enjoy one of the community's signature seasonal events.

Location: Downtown Westfield
Date: Sunday, September 20
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy Live Music in Downtown Westfield

Summer may be winding down, but outdoor music isn't finished yet.

Downtown Westfield's Sweet Sounds Encore continues during September with live performances on Quimby Street.

Upcoming performances include country music and line dancing on September 10, Yacht Rock Night on September 18 and a dueling pianos performance on September 25.

The performances run from 6 to 9 p.m., making them an easy way to combine dinner downtown with an evening of live entertainment.

Head to the Rahway Arts Fest

Rahway has developed a strong arts and cultural scene, and September provides a chance to experience it firsthand.

The Rahway Arts Fest is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center.

While you're there, spend some additional time exploring Downtown Rahway and its restaurants, public art and growing arts district.

Location: Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 2 to 6 p.m.

Catch an Outdoor Movie at Warinanco Park

There's still time for one more outdoor movie before fall takes over completely.

Union County's Family Fun & Flix series comes to Warinanco Park on September 8 with a showing of A Minecraft Movie. Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m., with the movie starting at dusk.

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy an inexpensive September night out.

Location: Warinanco Park
Date: Tuesday, September 8
Festivities: Beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Explore Watchung Reservation

You don't need a scheduled event to enjoy one of Union County's best outdoor destinations.

Watchung Reservation offers miles of wooded trails through more than 2,000 acres in the Watchung Mountains. September is an especially good month to explore the reservation, when temperatures become more comfortable for hiking but the woods are still largely green.

Depending on how ambitious you're feeling, you can take a short walk or spend several hours exploring the trail system.

The reservation is also home to Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside, making it easy to combine some outdoor exercise with an educational stop.

Discover the Deserted Village of Feltville

Hidden inside Watchung Reservation is one of Union County's most unusual historic sites.

The Deserted Village of Feltville traces its history through several eras, including its days as a 19th-century mill community and later as a summer resort.

Today, visitors can walk through the historic district, view surviving buildings and interpretive signs, and combine the visit with a hike through the surrounding reservation.

It's one of those places that reminds you how much local history can be hiding practically in your backyard.

Spend an Afternoon at Nomahegan Park

For something a little less strenuous than hiking through Watchung Reservation, visit Nomahegan Park in Cranford.

The park offers walking and biking paths, a picturesque pond, picnic areas, athletic fields and plenty of open space. September's cooler weather makes it a particularly nice place for a walk, run or leisurely afternoon outside.

Afterward, head into Downtown Cranford for coffee, lunch or dinner and spend some time exploring the local shops.

Take a Walk Through Mindowaskin Park and Downtown Westfield

Another easy local outing is Mindowaskin Park in Westfield.

Located just a short walk from Downtown Westfield, the park features a pond, walking paths, gazebo, playground and landscaped grounds.

Pair a walk through the park with lunch, dinner or shopping downtown and you have an easy afternoon out without leaving Union County.

Step Back in Time at Liberty Hall

History lovers can visit Liberty Hall Museum on the campus of Kean University in Union.

The historic property dates to the 18th century and has connections to generations of New Jersey and American history. The museum and surrounding grounds provide a fascinating look at how life in New Jersey changed over more than two centuries.

September is a good time to explore the property before colder weather arrives later in the fall.

Check Liberty Hall's current tour schedule and ticket information before visiting.

Enjoy Hispanic Heritage Month Events in Rahway

Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15, and Rahway has several events scheduled to mark the occasion.

The city's Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Raising takes place September 15 at Train Station Plaza. On September 17, Rahway will host Celebración at Arts District Park from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It's another opportunity to experience the community events and cultural programming taking place throughout Downtown Rahway.

Explore Union County's Downtowns

Sometimes you don't need an event at all.

Pick a Union County downtown you haven't visited recently and spend a few hours exploring. Westfield, Cranford, Summit and Rahway each offer their own combination of locally owned restaurants, cafés, shops and public spaces.

September weather is ideal for walking around without dealing with July heat or January wind, two of New Jersey's less charming contributions to outdoor recreation.

Try a restaurant you've never visited, stop for coffee, browse some local businesses and rediscover a town you may normally just drive through.

Get Outside at a Union County Park

Union County's park system gives residents plenty of options beyond Watchung Reservation.

Take a walk around the lake at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, spend an afternoon at Warinanco Park, explore Rahway River Park or visit one of the many smaller parks located throughout the county.

As September progresses, you'll also begin to see the earliest signs of fall color, particularly toward the end of the month.

Enjoy September Close to Home

One of the things I have always appreciated about Union County is how much there is to do within a relatively small area.

We have walkable downtowns, restaurants, parks, hiking trails, historic sites, cultural attractions and community events, often just a few minutes from home.

September is an especially good month to take advantage of them. Summer isn't completely gone, fall is just beginning, and there's still plenty of time to get outside and enjoy what our local communities have to offer.

As a lifelong Union County resident and local real estate professional, I believe understanding an area means knowing more than home prices and market statistics. It's also about knowing the communities, neighborhoods and local places that make people enjoy calling Union County home.

Event schedules, locations, admission requirements and other details are subject to change. Always check with the event organizer or venue before heading out.