New Brunswick Cultural Center Unveils the Free Hub City Sounds Festival Series

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (May 5, 2026) - The New Brunswick Cultural Center has unveiled the schedule for Hub City Sounds, a free, family-friendly festival series that brings a vibrant mix of performing, visual, and culinary arts to the heart of the city. This year's lineup spans from August through October, offering a diverse array of cultural celebrations and community wellness events.

The series kicks off with high-energy celebrations of local and international heritage:

7th Annual HEART Festival: This vibrant celebration of local arts and history takes place Saturday, Aug. 8, from 1 to 6 p.m. on Livingston Avenue in front of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center and the State Theatre.

11th Annual Caribbean Festival: Scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Recreation Park, 5 Pine St. This event features music, dance, and food representing more than 25 Caribbean nations.

Janmashtami Festival: On Sunday, Aug. 23, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Elmer B. Boyd Park, attendees can enjoy a theatrical journey through India with traditional dance and North and South Indian cuisine.

Mexico in New Brunswick: Held on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Monument Square, 2 Livingston Ave., this event celebrates Mexico's Independence Day with "El Grito," folkloric dance, and authentic food.

CareSparc Health and Wellness Festival: This community-focused day takes place Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Alice Jennings Archibald Park, 23 Van Dyke Ave., featuring health screenings and wellness resources.

4th Annual Middlesex County Jazz Festival: The New Brunswick kickoff for this world-class showcase happens on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., at Monument Square, 2 Livingston Ave.

Annual Corazon Latino & Mercado Esperanza: This Latinx Heritage Month celebration takes place Sunday, Oct. 11, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Joyce Kilmer Park, 143 Joyce Kilmer Ave., with the food marketplace opening early at noon.