Forget the headache of heading into NYC—New Jersey’s premier theater experience is in Newark at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, or NJPAC. You’ll find that NJPAC has everything from family programs to art education programs and free cultural events, without the traffic or big-city ticket prices, with lots of area parking (so much better than the city). And if you or your child wants to dive further into the arts, NJPAC offers classes and summer camps to enrich their arts experience. Read on for more about this cultural icon in New Jersey. (featured photo credit: NJPAC)

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

NJPAC outdoors nj mom — *Festivals and events take place inside and outside NJPAC year-round. Photo Credit: NJPAC*

Family shows for kids and their parents

NJPAC hosts shows for all ages, featuring comedy, ballet, and musical performances. Mark your calendars for exciting upcoming family events, such as “Peppa Pig: My First Concert” and “Mutts Gone Nuts”. To make it easy to find family-friendly options, check out the genre search on NJPAC’s website, where you can explore a wide range of categories, from dance to musicals and education. While many shows are suitable for all ages, NJPAC suggests that children under 5 might want to skip adult performances.

Something for everyone (including FREE performances)

All year round, NJPAC has something fun for everyone—whether you’re into jazz with the TD Jazz Series or love classical music, there’s an event for everyone in the family. You can see outstanding performances by the New Jersey Symphony, listen to up-and-coming poets at the Dodge Poetry Festival, and see shows across NJ during the North to Shore Festival, which celebrates our area’s incredible diversity and creativity. And if ticket prices seem daunting, there are free events like Horizon Sounds of the City, a weekly outdoor concert in Chambers Plaza. Plus, there are exciting activities like Jazz Jams, co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers University–Newark’s Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS)

njpac camp nj mom — *Enriching classes and camps are available at NJPAC. Photo Credit: NJPAC*

Classes, camps, and the Colton Institute

Have a budding actor or musician in the family? Kids can explore activities like jazz, acting, hip-hop, and musical theater through classes at NJPAC’s Center for Arts Education, the largest provider of arts education for kids in the state. Sign up for classes in Hip-Hop Arts and Culture, Acting, Backstage Pathways, and a Summer Creative Arts Camp, taught by dedicated and experienced art education teachers. Their newest initiative—Colton Institute for Training and Research in the Arts—further amplifies student voices, supporting creative kids and teens through classes, camps, coaching, mentorship, and performance opportunities so their ideas and projects can shine.

FAQs

How do I get to NJPAC?

NJPAC (1 Center Street) and the NJPAC Arts Education Building (24 Rector Street) are in different locations. If you’re driving, there are two attended parking lots (NJPAC Lots A and C) next to or across from NJPAC, as well as a Military Park Garage directly across the street.

How much are tickets?

Everyone, including infants not in a seat, must have a ticket, and children under 14 must be with an adult. Ticket prices vary by show. Will Call is at the NJPAC Box Office, and tickets can be picked up from any box office window until the day of the performance. On show days, the box office is open for Will Call and same-day sales until the end of the first intermission or 30 minutes after the performance starts without intermission.

When do doors open for a show?

Doors open one hour before the show, and elevators and restrooms are available.

To learn more about the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
1 Center Street
Newark, NJ 07102

Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.