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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T100000
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UID:49673-1755943200-1755964800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:The New Jersey Folk Festival
DESCRIPTION:Experience the Heart of the Garden State: The New Jersey Folk Festival Returns! \n\n\n\n\n\nMark 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nDrawing 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. \n\n\n\nWhat to Expect at This Year’s Festival: A Celebration of New Jersey’s Spirit\n\n\n\nGet ready to immerse yourself in a full day of captivating performances and engaging activities designed for all ages. The festival typically boasts: \n\n\n\n\nMultiple 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.\n\n\n\nA 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.\n\n\n\nA 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.\n\n\n\nDelicious 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.\n\n\n\nA 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.\n\n\n\nA 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.\n\n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nSo\, 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. \n\n\n\nFestival Activities\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWebsite \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDIRECTIONS\, PARKING INFORMATION\, & FESTIVAL MAP\n\n\n\nDirections\n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nDriving Directions\n\n\n\nFrom Route 287 \n\n\n\n\nTake Exit for Rt. 1 South\n\n\n\nFollow directions for Rt.1\n\n\n\n\nFrom Route 1 \n\n\n\n\nTake Rt. 130 at Rt. 1 & 130 circle\n\n\n\nAt light after Middlesex County Offices & Correctional Center\, make left (Davidson Mill Rd.)\n\n\n\nMake first right onto Riva Ave.\n\n\n\nPark is on the left\n\n\n\n\nFrom Route 18 \n\n\n\n\nTake Cranbury Rd. (Rt. 535) in East Brunswick\n\n\n\nFollow to Davidson Mill Rd. (Make a right)\n\n\n\nGo over bridge\n\n\n\nMake left onto Riva Ave. (Last left before bridge)\n\n\n\nPark is on the left\n\n\n\n\nFrom Route 9 North \n\n\n\n\nTake Rt. 18 North\n\n\n\nFollow directions for Rt. 18\n\n\n\n\nFrom Garden State Parkway South \n\n\n\n\nTake Exit 130 (Rt.1)\n\n\n\nFollow Rt.1 South\n\n\n\nFollow directions for Rt.1\n\n\n\n\nFrom Garden State Parkway North \n\n\n\n\nTake Exit for 287\n\n\n\nTake Exit for Rt. 1 South\n\n\n\nFollow directions for Rt.1\n\n\n\n\nFrom NJ Turnpike \n\n\n\n\nTake Exit 8A\n\n\n\nFollow signs for Rt. 32 West\n\n\n\nTake Rt. 130 North (New Brunswick)\n\n\n\nMake right onto Davidson Mill Rd.\n\n\n\nMake first right onto Riva Ave.\n\n\n\nPark is on the left\n\n\n\n\nParking Information\n\n\n\nParking 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. \n\n\n\nFestival & Park Map \n\n\n\nComplimentary Festival maps will be available at the New Jersey Folk Festival Central tent on the day of the event.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/the-new-jersey-folk-festival/
LOCATION:Davidson’s Mill Pond Park\, Riva Ave\, North Brunswick Township\, New Jersey\, 08902\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Festivals,Music
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T130000
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CREATED:20250820T133511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250820T133514Z
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SUMMARY:Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival
DESCRIPTION:Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival 2025 at The Great Lawn Amphitheater\, Long Branch\, NJ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCelebrate summer on the Jersey Shore with one of the state’s most anticipated music events — the 2025 Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the ocean\, this all-day festival brings together world-class jazz\, soulful blues\, and a vibrant community atmosphere that draws music lovers from across New Jersey and beyond. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFestival Lineup\n\n\n\n🎶 1:00 PM – National Anthem🎶 1:05 PM – Sweet Music Academy Youth Band🎶 2:15 PM – New Watchdog Blues Band🎶 3:30 PM – RED 123🎶 4:45 PM – Tommy Labella Allstars featuring Arne Wendt🎶 6:00 PM – Peter Karp🎶 7:30 PM – The Blues Beatles \n\n\n\n✨ Fireworks over the ocean at dark to close out the night! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy You Should Go\n\n\n\nThe Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival is more than just a concert — it’s a full-day experience along the Jersey Shore. Visitors can enjoy: \n\n\n\n\nLive performances from local talent and international acts.\n\n\n\nFamily-friendly fun\, with plenty of space for picnics\, beach chairs\, and blankets.\n\n\n\nVendors and food trucks\, offering everything from festival snacks to local favorites.\n\n\n\nA spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Long Branch sky as the festival finale.\n\n\n\n\nWith its prime location on the Great Lawn Amphitheater overlooking the Atlantic Ocean\, this free festival offers the perfect mix of great music\, seaside charm\, and community spirit. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlan Your Visit\n\n\n\nWhether you’re a die-hard jazz fan\, a blues enthusiast\, or simply looking for a lively way to spend a summer day by the shore\, the Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival 2025 is a must-attend event in New Jersey. Bring your friends\, bring your family\, and don’t forget your beach chairs for an unforgettable day of music and memories.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/long-branch-jazz-and-blues-festival/
LOCATION:Great Lawn Amphitheater\, 10 Ocean Avenue\, Long Branch\, New Jersey\, 07740\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Festivals,Music
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