October is National Arts & Humanities month celebrated coast to coast every fall in recognition of the importance of culture in America. The mission of the initiative is to encourage Americans, to not only support the arts and humanities, but to continue to explore new facets of the two in their lives.
New Jersey is full of cultural outlets and events where you can support and explore artistic initiatives.
1. See a theater production
Evil Dead: The Musical. Photo courtesy of Peter Coombs.
October is full of theater shows including some spooky Halloween-inspired performances like Evil Dead: The Musical, which heads to the Count Basie Theatre October 27 and the Mayo Performing Arts Center October 28 ($29-$75).
Not a fan of fright? Attend a more traditional stage performance like Baby Doll, adapted from the screenplay by Tennessee Williams and running at the McCarter Theatre through October 11 ($25-$95) or see The Diary of Anne Frank, adapted from The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, heading to the Shakespeare Theatre October 14-November 21 ($32-$62).
2. Go to a book or poetry reading
Joyce Carol Oates. Photo courtesy of Flickr: Creative Commons: SpokaneFocus.
Celebrate the spoken word by attending a book or poetry reading this month. Famed novelist Joyce Carol Oates will read from her new memoir, The Lost Landscape: A Writer’s Coming of Age, at Grounds for Sculpture on October 15 from 7 pm-9 pm ($15 for members; $20 for nonmembers).
Poetry lovers can listen to readings from the anthology, Howl of Sorrow: A Collection of Poetry Inspired By Hurricane Sandy. Contributors will read their poems to mark the launch of the volume, which comes on the third anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. Over 30 poets will recount their experiences at this poetry reading at Long Branch City Hall on October 28 from 6:30 pm-9 pm.
Check with your local library or university to find an upcoming poetry reading near you.
3. Attend a film festival
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons: Wikimania2009.
Let’s go to the movies… the New Jersey Film Festival, held each fall at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, runs through October 18 and features everything from international and experimental films to documentaries, short films and more ($8-$10). Find the full schedule here.
Also this month, Rutgers University-Camden will host a film screening with Academy Award-nominated documentarian and feature filmmaker Robert Pulcini on October 14 from 4 pm-7 pm. His latest film, Ten Thousand Saints stars Asa Butterfield, Ethan Hawke and Emily Mortimer (free).
Check here for a complete list of film festivals in New Jersey.
4. Visit a museum or art gallery
“Maxi Taxi” by Tom Everhart. Courtesy of Peanuts World Wide 2015
Visit the Morris Museum, now through October 18, to see their exhibit “Musically Made in New Jersey” to explore what music was like in the heyday of instrument manufacturing in the Garden State (Adults $10; seniors $7; children under 3, free). Those interested in the fine arts can head to Ocean Galleries, which will host “The Art of Tom Everhart,” from October 9-12 (free). Best-known for his visual subject matter inspired by Peanuts© characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, all of Everhart’s artwork on exhibition will be available for acquisition.
Looking for something a little more hands-on? Attend an art class, like Spring Street Art Center’s next “Paint & Sip” event—set for October 9 from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm—where you can enjoy a glass of wine and let loose on canvas ($30 online).
5. Rock out at a concert
Photo courtesy of PMK-BNC.
Pop icon Madonna will perform songs from her new album, Rebel Heart, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City at 8 pm on October 3 as part of her world tour celebrating the release of her 13th studio album ($50-$357).
Looking for something a little less bombastic? Get tickets to see legendary singer, songwriter and producer Stevie Wonder perform his Songs in the Key of Life Performance Tour at 8 pm on October 14 at Prudential Center ($49.50-$165). Or, purchase tickets to listen to folk music artist Art Garfunkel, who will perform solo at 8 pm on October 10 at Mayo PAC ($39-$79).
6. Attend a lecture or presentation
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons: Sander van der Wel.
Learn something new at a lecture, presentation or symposium like the Somerset County Park Commission‘s Flower and Landscapes Photography: Autumnal Brilliance lecture and field session, being run by the horticulture department. Set to run from 9 am-11:30 am on October 20 (October 21 rain date) in the Buck Garden, the session—taught by nature photographer Brien Szabo—will cover the use of light, composition, close-ups and landscapes with a focus on fall foliage ($35).
Interested in history? Attend the African American History in the Sourlands and Hopewell Valley presentation on October 8 from 7 pm-9 pm to learn about African American history in the region from the late 17th century through today. The presentation, part of Sourland Conservancy’s Train Station Series presented at the Hopewell Train Station, will include a display of artifacts as well as a taste of traditional African American food and song from the Sourlands ($5 donation encouraged).
Check out our Arts & Events section to find more events happening around New Jersey this fall.
Know of an exciting event near you? Share it with us below in the comments!