New Jersey Folk Festival Celebrates 50th Anniversary at Rutgers University

The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Passion Puddle area on Cook Campus at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. This free, family-friendly event continues to attract over 15,000 visitors annually.

Established in 1975, the NJFF is the oldest continuously run folk festival in New Jersey and one of the oldest in the United States. Its mission is to preserve and protect the music, culture, and arts of New Jersey by highlighting the diverse ethnic and cultural communities within the state. This milestone event not only reflects on the festival's storied past but also looks forward to its future role in fostering cultural appreciation and unity.

The festival was founded by Dr. Angus Kress Gillespie, a folklorist and American studies professor at Rutgers University. Under his guidance, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event. In 2019, Dr. Gillespie announced his decision to step down from his role as director after 45 years, marking a transition in leadership while maintaining the festival's commitment to celebrating New Jersey's rich cultural heritage.

The NJFF is organized by the New Jersey Folk Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The festival is presented in partnership with the Rutgers University Collaborative Center for Community Engagement. Notably, the festival is managed by a team of Rutgers undergraduate students, making it one of the few large-scale student-run events in the country. This structure provides students with hands-on experience in event management, artist relations, and marketing.

Attendees can expect live performances by local musicians across multiple stages, craft markets featuring artisans and folklorists, folklife demonstrations, and children's activities. The festival typically features multiple stages of music, dance, and workshops, a juried craft market, a children's activities area, a variety of food options ranging from traditional American fare to diverse ethnic cuisines, a folk marketplace, and a heritage area that offers a close-up look at each year's cultural or geographical theme.

The NJFF serves as a platform for cultural exchange and understanding, fostering a sense of community among New Jersey's diverse populations. By highlighting various cultural traditions, the festival promotes inclusivity and appreciation for the state's multicultural heritage. Additionally, the festival provides economic opportunities for local artisans, musicians, and food vendors, contributing to the local economy.

As the NJFF celebrates its 50th anniversary, it continues to honor and preserve the rich cultural heritage of New Jersey, providing a vibrant platform for artists and communities to share their traditions and stories.