31 August 2025 | By Don Lichterman | Explore New Jersey Arts & Culture
As summer winds down, New Jersey’s arts and culture scene remains vibrant, offering a mix of music, theater, visual art, and community events for every taste. From outdoor festivals to immersive museum exhibitions, residents and visitors alike have plenty to experience this week.
Celebrating Dominican Culture in Essex County
Today, August 31, Essex County comes alive with the Dominican Cultural Parade and Festival, a lively celebration of Dominican heritage. Attendees can expect colorful parades, live music, traditional dances, and authentic Dominican cuisine. This event is not just a festival—it’s a full immersion into culture, history, and community spirit, highlighting the diverse cultural fabric of New Jersey.
Cars, Music, and Camden Fun
Over in Camden, Cooper’s Poynt Park hosts a Car Show and Music Fest also on August 31. Classic cars line the park grounds while live music fills the air, creating a festival atmosphere that blends visual appeal with sound. It’s a perfect outing for families, car enthusiasts, and music lovers looking to enjoy one last summer celebration.
Museums and Outdoor Exhibitions
Art enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities to explore New Jersey’s museum scene this week.
- Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton Township spans 42 acres of landscaped gardens and features ongoing exhibitions including Clifford Ward: I’ll Make Me A World and Slow Motion. These shows explore the intricate relationship between art and nature, inviting visitors to reflect while strolling through sculptures that seem to grow from the landscape itself.
- Princeton University Art Museum continues to commission new works for outdoor and temporary exhibition spaces, even as renovations of the main building proceed. Students, residents, and visitors can experience evolving installations and curated collections that reflect both contemporary and historical perspectives.
- Newark Museum of Art presents The Artist Risham Syed Takes a Bird’s-Eye View of Colonialism, a compelling exhibition examining history, power, and perspective through a modern lens.
For more ongoing art coverage across the state, Explore New Jersey offers a dedicated portal: Art & Culture.
Live Music and Theater Highlights
New Jersey continues to celebrate live performance as the summer season wraps up.
- Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven presents Broadway at the Beach, staging the classic musical Cinderella on August 31. Families can enjoy this timeless story brought to life with professional performances, costumes, and sets.
- Jazz and Blues: Music series across the state are reaching their summer finales. The Jazz, Blues & More Summer Concert Series in Downtown Freehold has its last show tonight, August 31, while Surf Dog Bar and Grill in Woodbine continues live music through the end of the month.
- Hiroya Tsukamoto, the New York-based guitarist, singer, and storyteller, performs at NLK Studio in Jersey City tonight, offering a unique evening of intimate music and narrative.
Community Arts and Interactive Experiences
Many local towns continue their engagement with arts programming as summer ends. Princeton hosts events encouraging community participation, while Discover Jersey Arts recently highlighted a jazz performance that captivated audiences.
- Paint and Sip studios across the state hold interactive sessions today, August 31, allowing attendees to create while enjoying a relaxed social environment.
- The Painters’ Collective wraps up its final weekend at Prallsville Mills today, giving art lovers one last chance to view this collaborative exhibition before it closes.
A Vibrant Cultural Week Across New Jersey
From parades and festivals to museum exhibitions and intimate music performances, New Jersey offers an eclectic mix of cultural experiences this week. Whether exploring the arts in Hamilton Township, catching a summer concert in Freehold, or attending a parade in Essex County, the state’s dynamic arts scene continues to thrive, connecting communities, history, and creativity.
For those looking to plan an art-filled outing, stay up to date with all the latest New Jersey arts and culture events here: Explore New Jersey Art & Culture
