The Arts Institute of Middlesex County’s FolkLIVE event series which gained popularity during last year’s debut is returning with an expanded lineup this year.
Originally launched with a Gospel Music Festival honoring African American musical heritage, FolkLIVE now includes the Raritan Native American Heritage Celebration and PowWow at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds in East Brunswick, Gospel Music Festival 2025 at Monument Square Park in New Brunswick, New Jersey Folk Festival 50th Anniversary at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in North Brunswick and Mexican Independence Day Festival 2025 at Boyd Park in New Brunswick.
“Through FolkLIVE, we’re creating space for communities to share their traditions with pride,” stated Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, chair of Economic Development. “Whether through gospel music, Indigenous dance, folk music, or Mexican folk traditions, these events unite generations and cultures. They remind us that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.”
FolkLIVE brings cultural experiences to communities across Middlesex County, celebrating the diverse histories, traditions, and stories that make Middlesex County vibrant, inclusive, and unique, organizers say.
In the last year, the Arts Institute of Middlesex County reached more than 81,000 people, thanks to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com, the go-to destination for upcoming cultural events around Middlesex County, said Lindsay Erben, the organization’s director.
“As a hub and connector for artists and cultural organizations across our region, the Arts Institute is deeply committed to making the arts accessible to anyone across the county,” Erben stated. “By expanding FolkLIVE, we’re not only helping residents engage with culture in meaningful ways but supporting the artists and organizations that make this work possible.”
The Raritan Native American Heritage Celebration and PowWow from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 21-22 welcomes more than 1,000 Native American artists, dancers, and educators from across the country. Visitors can enjoy traditional storytelling, dance exhibitions, artisan demonstrations, and authentic cuisine, including buffalo burgers, venison stew, and corn soup. Tribes represented include the Lakota, Navajo, Mohawk, Cherokee, Aztec, Hawaiian, and many others. For tickets go to redhawkcouncil.org/events.
The Gospel Music Festival from 2 to 6 p.m. on June 28 will feature Grammy-winner Fred Hammond and Grammy- nominee Kierra Sheard, along with emerging local talent. With roots tracing back to the foundation of this nation, gospel music has been traditionally passed down through generations. Admission is free.
The New Jersey Folk Festival 50th Anniversary, initially postponed from April due to weather, is the state’s longest-running folk festival and will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 23. It will include live music, dance, heritage exhibits, crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly programming. This new venue will also highlight the Garden State’s agricultural heritage. Admission is free.
The Mexican Independence Festival 2025 from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 13 is a partnership with Holy Family Parish’s Folkloric Dance Troupe and will celebrate Mexican culture and traditions with an array of local, national, and international artists and artisans. Other event highlights include folkloric performers, Mariachi musicians, and entertainment from “Grito de Independencia,” in partnership with the Mexican Consulate in New Brunswick. Admission is free.
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Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.