By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that following a successful debut in 2024, Middlesex County’s FolkLIVE event series, led by the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, returns in 2025 with an expanded lineup of four total outdoor events celebrating global traditions and local talent.
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 on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22; Gospel Music Festival 2025 at Monument Square Park in New Brunswick on Saturday, June 28; New Jersey Folk Festival 50th Anniversary at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park on Saturday, August 23; and Mexican Independence Day Festival 2025 at Boyd Park in New Brunswick on Saturday, September 13, MCPO authorities stated. 
According to Middlesex County officials, these family-friendly events highlight the diverse voices, cultures, and stories that make Middlesex County one of the country's most vibrant and inclusive communities.
“FolkLIVE has grown into a powerful expression of our County’s identity,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “It’s about more than performances — it’s about connecting people through the shared language of culture. Whether attending one event or all four, you’ll find something that reflects your story or invites you to learn someone else’s. I invite all residents and visitors to come out this summer and enjoy one of our many outdoor events!”
“Through FolkLIVE, we’re creating space for communities to share their traditions with pride,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, chair of Economic Development.
“Over the past year, the Arts Institute of Middlesex County has reached over 81,000 people, thanks to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com — the go-to destination for upcoming cultural events around Middlesex County,” said Lindsay Erben, Director of the Arts Institute of Middlesex County.
2025 FolkLIVE Event Lineup:
Saturday, June 21-Sunday, June 22 l 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
FolkLIVE: Raritan Native American Heritage Celebration and PowWow
This two-day event at the Middlesex County Fairgounds welcomes over 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. Tickets are available here.
Saturday, June 28, 2-6 p.m.
FolkLIVE: Gospel Music Festival
Returning to Monument Square Park, the Gospel Music Festival will feature Grammy® Award winner Fred Hammond and Grammy® Award 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. Free admission.
Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
FolkLIVE: New Jersey Folk Festival 50th Anniversary
Initially postponed due to weather, the state’s longest-running folk festival will now join Middlesex County’s FolkLIVE event series at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park. Celebrating its 50th year, the festival 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. Free admission.
Saturday, September 13, 2-6 p.m.
FolkLIVE: Mexican Independence Festival 2025
This year, in partnership with Holy Family Parish’s Folkloric Dance Troupe, the Mexican Independence Festival will join Middlesex County’s FolkLIVE event series at Elmer B. Boyd Park. The event 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. Free admission.
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, MCPO officials say.
Middlesex County officials stated this is part of the greater investment and effort by Middlesex County to ensure that arts, culture, and history are accessible to all residents.
For the latest updates, including artist lineups and full schedules, visit MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.