(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- Middlesex County's FolkLIVE event series, led by the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, returns this summer for a third year, inviting residents and visitors to celebrate the arts, cultural traditions, and local talent. Running from June through September, the series features an exciting lineup of four outdoor events highlighting diverse cultures through artistic expression including music, dance, and storytelling.
"The FolkLIVE series provides residents an exciting glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry that exists in Middlesex County," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "I encourage all residents this summer to experience the diverse heritage and history of our community showcased at each event, to not only strengthen our collective pride but also enjoy with their friends and family."
"With FolkLIVE, we are creating inclusive moments and spaces for our residents to convene, embrace their heritage, and engage in cultural exchange," said Middlesex County Commissioner and Chair of the Economic Development Committee Chanelle Scott McCullum. "Entering our third year, we are proud to continue to offer the community free access to the arts while also uplifting the talent around us."
FolkLIVE is an ongoing initiative that brings cultural experiences to communities across Middlesex County — celebrating the diverse histories, traditions, and stories that make Middlesex County vibrant, inclusive, and unique. This is part of Middlesex County's broader investment and effort to ensure that arts, culture, and history are accessible to all residents.
"The arts allow people to exchange stories, preserve traditions across cultural heritage, and learn about other cultures to build a greater sense of understanding," said Lindsay Erben, Director of the Arts Institute of Middlesex County. "From our local performers to our partnerships with community organizations, the Arts Institute of Middlesex County is proud to bring forth the FolkLIVE series to our residents once again to reinforce our community bonds."
2026 FolkLIVE Event Lineup:
Saturday, June 20 – Sunday, June 21 | 11:00am – 8:00pm | FolkLIVE: Raritan Native American Heritage Celebration and PowWow. In partnership with the Redhawk Native American Arts Council, the Raritan Native American Heritage Celebration and PowWow will be held at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds in East Brunswick. Over the course of two days, the event will showcase over 1,000 Native American artists, dancers, and educators from across the country. Experience 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. Tickets are available here.
Saturday, July 25 | 3:30pm – 7:30pm | FolkLIVE: Gospel Music Festival. For the third year, the Gospel Music Festival will bring the sounds of gospel music to Monument Square Park in New Brunswick, celebrating African American heritage through an afternoon of gospel music featuring Grammy® Award-winning artists and local talent. With roots tracing back to the foundation of this nation, gospel music has been traditionally passed down through generations. Free admission.
Saturday, August 29 | 11:00am – 5:00pm | FolkLIVE: New Jersey Folk Festival 51st Anniversary. Celebrating its 51st anniversary, the state's longest-running folk festival will take place at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in North Brunswick. The festival will include a full day of live music, dance, heritage exhibits, park and garden tours, folk and agricultural talks, crafts, and food vendors. Free admission.
Saturday, September 12 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm | FolkLIVE: Mexican Folkloric Festival 2026. In partnership with Holy Family Parish's Folkloric Dance Troupe, the Mexican Folkloric Festival will take place at Monument Square Park in downtown New Brunswick. The event will celebrate Mexican culture and traditions with local, national, and international artists and artisans. Performance highlights include folkloric performers, Mariachi musicians, and a presentation of the "GRITO DE INDEPENDENCIA," in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick. Free admission.
For full details on these events, including featured artists and full schedules, please visit MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.
Middlesex County is bettering the lives of residents and providing economic growth opportunities to business and industry. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 21 county parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, Middlesex County is one of the nation's most dynamic regions — and a leader in life sciences, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. With more than 860,000 residents across 25 municipalities, Middlesex County is among the most diverse areas in the United States. Its award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools and two-year Middlesex College strengthen the County's reputation as New Jersey's leader in education and workforce development.
