New Brunswick’s free, 15th annual performing, visual and culinary arts series for people of all ages is now underway, offering a varied calendar of events through Oct. 12.
The Hub City Sounds series includes music and dance performances, cooking contests, spoken word performances, crafting and more.
“Whether you love history, live entertainment or tasting the local dishes, you will find it at Hub City Sounds,” said Tracey O’Reggio Clark, executive director of New Brunswick Cultural Center, which is co-hosting the event. “And with the essential support from all our partners, collectively, we are very honored and grateful to have one of the most culturally inclusive festival series in the area.”
The festival, also co-hosted by Arts New Brunswick, includes collaborations with the city of New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center, the New Brunswick Free Public Library, the New Brunswick Jazz Project and more.
Here is the full list of events included in Hub City Sounds:
Janmashtami Festival: Aug. 16
Offering fare, music and dance performances inspired by the culture and traditions from Northern and Southern India, complemented by educational dance and theatre presentations, Zumba Bollywood and a visual arts workshop.
Go: 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16; rain date Sunday, Aug. 24. Livingston Avenue in front of New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
Caribbean Festival: Aug. 23
Revel in island vibes with Caribbean cuisine, music and dance performances featuring reggae, soca and calypso, as well as a jerk chicken tasting cook-off. Also learn about the English, Spanish, French and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.
Go: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23; Recreation Park at 7 Pine St.
Mexico en New Brunswick: Sept. 13
Celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day with traditional dances, live music and food, and be a part of “El Grito” with the Mexican Consulate in New Brunswick.
Go: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13; Boyd Park at Route 18 N.
CareSparc Sustainable Health & Wellness Village Festival: Sept. 20
A health and wellness festival that connects at-risk populations with community resource providers to expand access to healthcare and enable self-advocacy to advance public health outcomes and quality of life. Held in partnership with CareSparc Community Connections organization.
Go: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20; Alice Jennings Archibald Park at 23 Van Dyke Ave.
Middlesex County Jazz Festival: Sept. 28
This third annual festival is presented in four municipalities, showcasing local talent from New Brunswick, Carteret, Metuchen and Woodbridge. Held in partnership with the New Brunswick Jazz Project.
Go: Sept. 26-29 throughout Middlesex County; New Brunswick event is 1-5:30 p.m. Sept. 28. In front of New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
Annual Corazon Latino & Mercado Esperanza: Oct. 12
Enjoy food, traditional music and dance from local and national artists celebrating Latinx Heritage Month. Participate in a community mural installation, face painting and more. Held in partnership with New Brunswick Tomorrow.
Go: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12; Joyce Kilmer Park at 143 Joyce Kilmer Ave.
For more information on Hub City Sounds events, call 908-917-2862 or visit NewBrunswickArts.org.
Staff Reporter Jenna Intersimone: [email protected]