Join Middlesex County for FolkLIVE: New Jersey Folk Festival 50th Anniversary August 23
The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF), one of the nation’s longest-running celebrations of folk traditions, returns this year for its 50th anniversary on August 23rd, 20205. This milestone event will showcase the richness of folklife and folk arts across the state, bringing together musicians, dancers, artisans, storytellers, cultural groups, and local vendors for a full day of festivities. Best of all, admission is free.
Presented in partnership with the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, the 2025 festival is part of the FolkLIVE series, which highlights both global traditions and homegrown talent. As New Jersey’s oldest and largest folk festival, NJFF continues its mission to preserve and share diverse cultural heritage through live performance and community engagement.
Guests can explore a wide variety of activities, from live music across multiple stages to artisan demonstrations, cultural showcases, and garden tours. The Middlesex County EARTH Center will host nature programs, agricultural talks, and family-friendly fun including children’s crafts, tractor rides, and even live cricket demonstrations. Shoppers will enjoy a bustling folk marketplace filled with handmade art and crafts, while food vendors serve up local favorites throughout the day.
Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs to relax and take in the outdoor performances. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles are recommended, and free parking will be available in designated lots, including limited ADA-accessible spaces.
This golden anniversary celebration promises to be a vibrant day of culture, creativity, and community spirit, honoring five decades of tradition while looking forward to the future of folk arts in New Jersey.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025, 10 am – 4 pm
Location: Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Avenue, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Cost: Free
For more information about this and other upcoming arts, history, and cultural events in Middlesex County, visit middlesexcountyculture.com
