#United States #Luke Jerram #Festival of the Moon #UCPAC #Rahway, NJ

Festival of the Moon: An Artistic Wonderland in Rahway

The City of Rahway is set to illuminate the autumn nights with the much-anticipated Festival of the Moon, running from October 4 to 20, 2025. In a collaboration with the Rahway Special Improvement District (SID) and the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), this festival promises to celebrate creativity in a captivating manner that merges art, music, and scientific wonder.

An Enchanting Experience Awaits

The highlight of the festival will surely be the spectacular Museum of the Moon, an inspiring artwork by renowned U.K. artist Luke Jerram. This gigantic installation, measuring a staggering 23 feet in diameter, showcases intricate NASA imagery of the lunar surface. It will be suspended exquisitely over the orchestra seating area in the beautiful UCPAC theater, creating a surreal atmosphere for festival-goers.

Visitors can embark on a journey of artistic discovery as they enjoy a schedule of unique performances throughout the festival. Some of the must-see acts include:

• - Moonrise: Witness a mesmerizing concert by the New Jersey Symphony that promises to transport audiences to celestial heights.
• - Swan Lake, Act II and More: Enjoy a magical ballet performance by the American Repertory Ballet that captivates the essence of moonlit graceful movements.
• - Rusalka: The enchanting opera based on Hans Christian Andersen's tale, presented by the New Jersey Opera Theater, will bring a fairy-tale allure to the proceedings.
• - Ada Twist, Scientist and Friends: A delightful family musical that emphasizes STEM learning, ensuring educational fun for younger audiences.
• - Lunar Rising: A breathtaking concert showcasing the talents of the Wharton Arts’ New Jersey Youth Symphony, harmonizing beautifully under the lunar glow.
• - The Dark Side of the Moon: Relive the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd with performances by Heroes for Ghosts that will surely resonate with music lovers.

As Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe aptly said, “It’s not every day you can see the New Jersey Symphony or American Repertory Ballet performing under the glow of the moon.” This event is envisioned as more than just a festival; it is crafted to be a magical moment for everyone involved.

Fun for Families and Young Astronauts

In addition to the fantastic performances, the festival offers various experiences designed to engage families. One highlight includes an animated screening of SING, paired with an exciting karaoke segment that promises laughter and enjoyment. Moreover, the Goodnight, Moon Tales for Tiny Astronauts story hour invites young children to gather under the moon for a special storytelling experience that inspires their imaginations.

For those interested in attending, detailed scheduling and event information can be found on the official festival website: rahwaymoonfest.com/schedule.

Discover Museum of the Moon

The Museum of the Moon serves as a central attraction, providing free timed entry tickets that can be reserved to explore the moonscape from a close perspective. Guests can examine the moon’s surface in depth, discovering intricacies such as craters and mountains, all while enjoying the peaceful ambiance surrounding it.

To reserve your spot for this experience or to learn about public viewing hours, visit ucpac.org/festival-of-the-moon.

As the Festival of the Moon prepares to cast its enchanting light over Rahway, it's an event that promises to engage, inspire, and celebrate the collective creativity of the community. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable experience this October!

A Festival to Remember

With its impressive lineup of performances, immersive art installations, and family-friendly activities, the Festival of the Moon stands as a testament to what happens when art and community intersect under the majestic night sky. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this lunar celebration in Rahway, a city that knows how to host a memorable gathering under the stars.