Plainfield Has Rhythm!

All are welcome to attend. The soul festival is happening on May 30 in Cedar Brook Park.

For more information, please call 908-436-2900. 

Union County’s historic Cedar Brook Park is located in Plainfield, New Jersey. A map of the park is available at ucnj.org.  The concert area is in the large multipurpose field across Cedar Brook Park Drive from the tennis courts.

One of Union County’s best loved warm-weather traditions is back: the annual Rhythm and Blues by the Brook free outdoor music festival, which returns to historic Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield, on Saturday, May 30th, 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.

This year, Rhythm and Blues by the Brook features the high energy funk of The Family Stone, one of the most influential bands of the ’60s and ’70s, and the iconic R&B super group of the ’70s, War. Also featured is “world music on jet fuel” Safro-Rock artist Mthakathi and the RT Funk Band.


Rhythm and Blues by the Brook also features free activities for young children, including inflatable activity rides, a petting zoo, and pony rides. The children’s area will open at 12:00 noon and close at 4:30, when the main act takes the stage.

Also returning to Cedar Brook Park on May 30 is a classic car show, located near the basketball court across the park from the concert area.

Food vendors will be on site, and a number of picnic tables will be conveniently located under a tent in the concert “outfield.” Concert-goers are also welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Tips for Visitors

Persons with disabilities: Designated parking is available inside the park.



Walking and biking: Visitors are encouraged to walk or bike. Cyclists, please wear a helmet and bring a bike lock.

Mass transit: The concert area at Cedar Brook Park is approximately 1.5 miles from the NJ Transit train station in downtown Plainfield. For more transit information visit ucnj.org/connect.

Driving: To find Cedar Brook Park on Google Maps, search under “Park Avenue and Cedar Brook Park Drive, Plainfield NJ.”

Parking: Please be prepared to park several blocks away and walk to the park.

Seating: Visitors may bring blankets and folding chairs. Small tents and canopies are also permitted outside of the center viewing area, marked with a white line.

Sun Safety: Bring plenty of sun block and wear a sun hat. Visitors may also bring umbrellas. A limited number of shaded picnic tables are available. Bug spray is also recommended.

Food and Water: A wide variety of food vendors will be on site. Visitors may also bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks (County policy prohibits alcoholic beverages in the park). Grilling is permitted outside of the central viewing area.


Pets: A large crowd is expected, so with the exception of service animals please leave pets at home.

Recycling: Please make use of the recycling containers placed around and inside the concert area.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in County parks.