2025 is in full swing, and with it comes a new lineup of live music events. Central New Jersey is home to many music venues, which means you don’t have to travel far to experience fun and excitement. Here, Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau highlights a few upcoming music festivals in 2025 that music lovers can enjoy.
Middlesex County Jazz Festival
Enjoy great jazz while experiencing the food, music, and friendliness of New Brunswick, Woodbridge, Carteret, and Metuchen. Formed out of cooperative dialogue and a mutual love of music, this cross-town event started in 2023 and occurs in the last week of September. This fully accessible event is free to enjoy and features live jazz music in beautiful outdoor venues. Mark your calendars for this year’s event scheduled for September 24-28, 2025.
FolkLIVE: Gospel Music Festival 2025
This free event features live performances by Grammy Award-winning gospel singers Fred Hammond and Kierra Sheard, along with other local talent. Explore the diverse histories, traditions, and stories that make Middlesex County culturally rich. Hosted in beautiful Monument Square Park, this festival runs from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28. If you want to stay the entire weekend and see more that our area has to offer, book one of our local hotels.
Plays-in-the-Park
If musical theater is more your style, check out Plays-in-the-Park in Edison, NJ. This government-sponsored outdoor amphitheater presents three full-scale musicals each summer. Additionally, they perform a children’s musical in October and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the State Theatre in December.
This year’s lineup includes:
- “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (June 18-28)
- “Rent” (July 9-19)
- “Grease” (July 30-August 9)
Roaring 20s Jazz Party
This jazz-filled music event is held in East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway, NJ. It will highlight and celebrate the musical legacy of James P. Johnson, who penned the Charleston, the defining song and dance of the 1920s. On-site parking is free, and there will be a complimentary shuttle service from the New Brunswick train station. This event will take place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come and dance to signature live jazz melodies and vintage records. Stay for the food and drinks, vintage cars, and family-fun memories.
Concerts at Local Theaters
Middlesex County is home to several theaters and event venues that host comedy shows, concerts, and free events.
The State Theatre in New Brunswick
The State Theatre hosts touring artists from around the country, Broadway performances, and local groups. Some upcoming highlights include:
- “How to Train Your Dragon” in concert by the New Jersey Symphony on Saturday, July 12
- The Straight No Chaser SUMMER: The 90’s Part 2 Tour on Wednesday, July 16
- The New Brunswick Heart Festival on Saturday, August 9
- Willy Chirino in concert on Friday, September 19
- The KC and the Sunshine Band Doin’ It World Tour 2025 on Saturday, October 11
The Dunellen Theatre
Another popular local concert venue is the Dunellen Theatre, a historic theatre that is now home to live entertainment. Mark your calendars for the following events:
- Gypsy, a Stevie Nicks Experience on Saturday, May 10
- Good Stuff, a Steely Dan Tribute Band, on Saturday, May 31
- Bark at the Moon, an Ozzy Tribute Band, on Saturday, June 7
Enjoy Live Music Festivals in 2025 in Central New Jersey
These are just a few of the upcoming music events and live music festivals in 2025. Dates and events are subject to change, so contact each venue for up-to-date schedules and ticket information. If you’re planning your visit to Middlesex County and Central NJ, the Central Jersey CVB can help. Sign up for our email blast to stay up-to-date on area events, or contact us for more information today.