Experience inspiring performances by the New Jersey Youth Symphony, a program of Wharton Arts, at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. Thanks to support from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), these concerts are free and open to the public.
For more than 45 years, Wharton Arts has inspired young people and enriched communities through exceptional performing arts education and world-class performances. Based in New Jersey, Wharton Arts serves nearly 2,000 students each year through the New Jersey Youth Symphony, New Jersey Youth Chorus, Performing Arts School, and Paterson Music Project. From concerts and musicals to community events and educational programs, Wharton Arts believes that the arts have the power to educate, connect, and transform lives.
About the Free Concert Series
Thanks to support from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Wharton Arts is proud to present this free concert series at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. These performances celebrate the power of music to bring people together while making high-quality arts experiences accessible to everyone. We invite audiences of all ages to discover inspiring performances, experience the vibrant arts community in Rahway, and celebrate the joy of live music.
upcoming performances:
Wharton Arts
America250: Harmony Across Cultures
October 25 at 3:00 p.m.
Union County Performing Arts Center
FREE admission
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an inspiring musical journey that honors the many cultures that have shaped our nation.
NJYS Youth Symphony Helen H. Cha-Pyo, Music Director & Conductor
Inner City Dance Ensemble Nicholas Rodriguez, Artistic & Executive Director
Korean Traditional Music and Dance Center Yusun Kang, Artistic Director
Edmar Castaneda, EC Llanera harp
Ema Mitrovic, Mezzo-Soprano
Wharton Arts
America250: Harmony Across Cultures
October 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Union County Performing Arts Center
FREE admission
Wharton Arts is pleased to present Plainfield Symphony Orchestra for a festive celebration of America250, featuring beloved American classics and works.
NJYS Youth Orchestra Oliver Hagen, Conductor
Plainfield Symphony Orchestra Charles Prince, Music Director & Conductor
Wharton Arts
America250: Harmony Across Cultures Education Concert
October 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Union County Performing Arts Center
FREE admission
Educators, take your students on an exciting, one-hour musical journey celebrating America’s 250th anniversary!
NJYS Youth Symphony Helen H. Cha-Pyo, Music Director & Conductor
Wharton Arts
Gospel Music Festival
December 12 at 5:00 p.m.
Union County Performing Arts Center
FREE admission
Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, hope, and celebration at the Gospel Music Festival.
New Jersey Youth Symphony Helen H. Cha-Pyo, Music Director & Conductor
Elevation Dr. Arreon A. Harley-Emerson, Artistic Director
Cicely Tyson High School for the Arts Chorus Kyle Goyen, Director
J.P. Stevens High School Chorus Matthew Chi Lee & Regina McElroy, Directors
Somerville High School Chorus Daniel Malloy, Director
Rosa Parks High School for the Arts Chorus Lauren Sander-Wells, Director
Wharton Arts
Two Nutcrackers
December 13 at 2:00 pm
Union County Performing Arts Center
FREE admission
Two Nutcrackers brings together two unforgettable interpretations of the beloved classic, featuring the timeless elegance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite alongside the vibrant jazz reimagining of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s The Nutcracker Suite.
NJYS Youth Orchestra Oliver Hagen, Conductor
NJYS Jazz Orchestra Shamie Royston, Director
NJYS Youth Symphony Helen H. Cha-Pyo, Music Director & Conductor
Wharton Arts
Season of Joy!
December 13 at 7:00 pm
Union County Performing Arts Center
FREE admission
Featuring the NJYS Philharmonia and the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, this heartwarming concert brings together musicians of all ages for an uplifting program filled with beloved seasonal classics, joyful traditions, and holiday cheer.
NJYS Philharmonia Mark Gunderman
Plainfield Symphony Orchestra Charles Prince, Music Director & Conductor
parking
Whether you’re coming to a show at our Main Stage or our Hamilton Stage, there are a number of free and paid parking options that are convenient to our venues.
Accessible Parking Spaces
With a state-issued permit, you may park in any of the designated accessible parking spaces near both the UCPAC Main Stage and Hamilton Stage. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hamilton Street Parking Lot
360 Hamilton Street
Rahway, New Jersey 07065
There are over 100 parking spaces available at the Hamilton Street parking lot. The lot is situated next to Hamilton Stage, and just a block down from the UCPAC Main Stage.
Rahway Parking Garage
1436 Main Street
Rahway, New Jersey 07065
The multi-level parking deck is located on the corner of Main Street and Lewis Street – approximately four blocks from the UCPAC Main Stage, and five blocks from Hamilton Stage. The parking deck is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At all times, the first 30 minutes is free. Extended free parking is available for the first two hours of parking on the following days and times:
- Monday – Thursday after 5:00 PM and until 12:00 AM
- Friday from 5:00 PM until 1:00 AM
- Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 AM
Pay by Plate Parking: Monday through Saturday 7 AM – 7 PM
Irving Street / Main Street / Central Avenue / Hamilton Street
Rahway, New Jersey 07065
- Rates: $1 per hour (maximum 4 hours)
- The minimum amount of time is 15 minutes ($0.25) if paying by coin, 60 minutes
($1) if paying by card or app - The first 30 minutes are complimentary (users must input their license plate and
information into the pay machines to activate the free 30 minutes) - Input license plate and information into the pay machines to register
- Follow prompts on the pay station screen
- Pay stations accept coins or card payments
- Download the Flowbird app for convenient meter payments directly from your cell phone
- 4-hour parking maximum
Rahway Municipal Parking Lots
These lots are available to the public free of charge during evening hours (after 7 PM) and on
weekends:
Broad Street (“F Lot”)
West Milton Avenue (“H Lot”)
Fulton Street
Neighborhood Spaces
There are over 500 neighborhood spaces located within a few blocks of both the UCPAC Main Stage and Hamilton Stage. Please feel free to park in any of these spaces, but please be aware that some streets have time limits. Take note of any street-specific signage regarding parking times and regulations.
Questions? Please call the Rahway Parking Utility at 732-827-2222.
Click HERE for information on directions and parking to UCPAC’s Main Stage.
Supported by funding through the NJEDA’s A.R.T. – Phase II Grant Program