The New Jersey Folk Festival

Experience the Heart of the Garden State: The New Jersey Folk Festival Returns!

Mark your calendars, New Jersey! One of the state’s most cherished cultural events, the New Jersey Folk Festival, is set to delight audiences once again. This year, the festival, celebrating its 50th anniversary, will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the picturesque Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in North & South Brunswick Townships, Middlesex County. Should Mother Nature have other plans, a rain date is set for Sunday, August 24, 2025, with announcements made by August 20th if dangerous weather is predicted.

The New Jersey Folk Festival is far more than just an event; it’s a living testament to the diverse heritage and rich traditions that define our state. Established in 1975 by Dr. Angus K. Gillespie of Rutgers University, it proudly stands as the oldest continuously running folk festival in New Jersey. While it traditionally graced the Rutgers campus, its 50th-anniversary celebration finds a new home at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, a beautiful setting known for its open fields and natural charm. This move allows the festival to embrace a wider audience and incorporate new elements, promising an even more expansive and engaging experience.

Drawing over 15,000 visitors annually, the New Jersey Folk Festival is a cornerstone event for Middlesex County and the City of New Brunswick. It’s a vibrant gathering that brings together communities from across the state, highlighting the unique stories, sounds, and crafts that make New Jersey so special.

What to Expect at This Year’s Festival: A Celebration of New Jersey’s Spirit

Get ready to immerse yourself in a full day of captivating performances and engaging activities designed for all ages. The festival typically boasts:

• Multiple Stages of Music, Dance, and Workshops: From traditional folk melodies that echo through the park to lively dance performances and interactive workshops where you can learn a new skill, there’s always something to captivate your senses. Discover new artists and reconnect with beloved folk traditions.
• A Juried Craft Market: Stroll through a bustling marketplace showcasing the exquisite talents of local artisans. Here, you’ll find unique handcrafted goods, from intricate jewelry and pottery to beautiful textiles and woodwork, perfect for finding a special souvenir or gift.
• A Children’s Activities Area: Designed with young festival-goers in mind, this dedicated space offers a variety of free, engaging activities. Expect games, crafts, face painting, and opportunities for hands-on fun that will spark creativity and introduce kids to folk traditions.
• Delicious Food Choices: No festival is complete without an array of tempting culinary delights. Sample a wide variety of food, from classic festival fare to diverse ethnic foods that reflect New Jersey’s multicultural tapestry.
• A Folk Marketplace: Beyond crafts, this area offers insights into the festival itself, where you can pick up schedules, merchandise, and learn more about the diverse cultural expressions on display.
• A Heritage Area: This special section provides an up-close look at the festival’s annual cultural or geographical theme, featuring exhibits and demonstrations that offer deeper understanding and appreciation for specific traditions.

This year’s 50th-anniversary theme, “Celebrating New Jersey,” promises to highlight the richness of our state’s history, music, traditions, and culture. Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, with its open spaces and natural beauty, provides an ideal backdrop for this grand celebration of New Jersey’s folklife and folk arts.

So, gather your friends and family and join us for a day of discovery, entertainment, and community spirit at the New Jersey Folk Festival. It’s an opportunity to connect with the authentic heart of our state and celebrate the vibrant traditions that make New Jersey truly unique.

Festival Activities

Website

DIRECTIONS, PARKING INFORMATION, & FESTIVAL MAP

Directions

The 2025 NJFF will be located at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park (link: https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/97/), a 499 acre Middlesex County Park located in North Brunswick and South Brunswick Townships. The closest address to the entrance for GPS would be: 42 Riva Avenue – North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902. You can also search for the Middlesex County E.A.R.T.H. Center (link: https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/department-of-economic-development/middlesex-county-cooperative-extension-service-with-rutgers/agriculture-and-natural-resource-management/e-a-r-t-h-center-educational-tours) in your GPS. Note: Upon entering the park, one part of the entry road is a single-land bridge. Please drive with caution and care.

Driving Directions

From Route 287

• Take Exit for Rt. 1 South
• Follow directions for Rt.1

From Route 1

• Take Rt. 130 at Rt. 1 & 130 circle
• At light after Middlesex County Offices & Correctional Center, make left (Davidson Mill Rd.)
• Make first right onto Riva Ave.
• Park is on the left

From Route 18

• Take Cranbury Rd. (Rt. 535) in East Brunswick
• Follow to Davidson Mill Rd. (Make a right)
• Go over bridge
• Make left onto Riva Ave. (Last left before bridge)
• Park is on the left

From Route 9 North

• Take Rt. 18 North
• Follow directions for Rt. 18

From Garden State Parkway South

• Take Exit 130 (Rt.1)
• Follow Rt.1 South
• Follow directions for Rt.1

From Garden State Parkway North

• Take Exit for 287
• Take Exit for Rt. 1 South
• Follow directions for Rt.1

From NJ Turnpike

• Take Exit 8A
• Follow signs for Rt. 32 West
• Take Rt. 130 North (New Brunswick)
• Make right onto Davidson Mill Rd.
• Make first right onto Riva Ave.
• Park is on the left

Parking Information

Parking at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park (link: https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/97/) is FREE. Upon arrival, you will be directed to the parking area by a volunteer or member of the Middlesex County Parks Ranger team. Most parking will be in designated areas of a grassy-field with a limited number of ADA spaces reserved in small paved lots. After parking, guests will be directed to walk toward the Festival Grounds. Note: Non-emergency vehicular traffic is PROHIBITED on the Festival Grounds on the day of the festival.

Festival & Park Map

Complimentary Festival maps will be available at the New Jersey Folk Festival Central tent on the day of the event.