Many people look forward to listening to live music in a welcoming environment, regardless of their tastes. Whether you’re in town for a few days or several weeks, there are plenty of Central New Jersey music venues, offering pleasant experiences for guests to enjoy. Here, Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau highlights a few of these area locations known for hosting concerts and other musical acts.
State Theatre New Jersey (New Brunswick, NJ)
This Middlesex County cultural landmark, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021, is the region’s largest performing arts center. In fact, it’s so popular that PBS featured this historic site in its Treasures of New Jersey documentary program. Since the venue became a non-profit entity in 1988, more than six million guests have taken in performances by musical artists such as Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, and Ringo Starr.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (New Brunswick, NJ)
Another staple of the Middlesex County entertainment landscape, this location features several live event settings. It is also the home of George Street Playhouse and Crossroads Theatre. Many musical programs featuring Rutgers University-New Brunswick Mason Gross School of the Arts students occur here. Area organizations that work to promote the arts can utilize the complex’s available rehearsal rooms and workspaces.
The Starland Ballroom (Sayreville, NJ)
The Starland Ballroom offers premium music listening experiences, whether you enjoy country, pop, rock, or another genre. You will likely find a performance that suits you at one of the many events held here during the year. Past performers of this venue include New Jersey natives Jon Bon Jovi, the Jonas Brothers, and Bruce Springsteen.
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center (Carteret, NJ)
This live music location opened in 2021 and provides Eastern Middlesex County with a prime entertainment hub. The building includes a comedy/jazz club with a lounge and a baby grand piano in the second-floor lobby. Some types of performers who commonly play at this versatile, multi-level site include musical tribute acts, country artists, and R&B musicians.
Avenel Performing Arts Center (Avenel, NJ)
Once an abandoned factory, this eclectic 13,500-square-foot building began welcoming visitors in 2019. The facility is near the Avenel train station and is part of an area revitalization effort that includes housing and retail development. The center develops musical engagement through its recording studio and programs such as live performances and karaoke nights.
Dunellen Theatre (Dunellen, NJ)
For those seeking a small music venue experience, this former movie house could be the place. The structure, which initially accommodated 500 visitors, now has a reduced capacity of 150. Spacious seating and cocktail-style tables between rows help create an intimate and comfortable musical performance environment.
Visit These New Jersey Music Venues to Experience Live Entertainment
These locations and many others are among our region’s quality Central New Jersey music venues. Our local establishments and artists can provide enjoyable entertainment for different music lovers. You can learn about scheduled performances and ticket information by contacting each venue directly.
To explore regional music offerings, plan a trip with Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau, or sign up for our email blast to stay informed on upcoming shows. Contact us today to learn more about live music experiences in the area or to start planning a visit.