
The State Theatre in New Brunswick stands as a cornerstone of New Jersey's performing arts scene, hosting an impressive range of entertainment from Broadway-caliber musicals and dramatic productions to contemporary concerts, comedy shows, and family-friendly performances. This historic venue has earned its reputation as a premier destination for both touring acts and local productions, drawing audiences from across the Garden State and beyond with its diverse programming that spans classical music, jazz, dance, and popular entertainment.
The theater offers an intimate yet grand atmosphere that creates a special connection between performers and audience members. The venue's classic architecture and thoughtfully designed interior provide excellent sightlines and acoustics that enhance every performance, whether it's a delicate chamber music recital or an energetic rock concert. The warm, welcoming ambiance makes each visit feel like a special occasion, with the kind of theatrical magic that only comes from a venue steeped in performance tradition.
Nestled in the heart of New Brunswick, the State Theatre sits within a vibrant college town atmosphere, surrounded by the energy of Rutgers University and a thriving downtown district. The area offers plenty of dining options for pre-show meals and the walkable neighborhood creates a pleasant evening out experience. Arriving at the theater feels like stepping into the cultural heartbeat of central New Jersey, where town and gown come together to celebrate the performing arts.
Explore the exciting lineup of upcoming performances at the State Theatre on CultureTicks and discover your next unforgettable night out.
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Nearby restaurants
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Finish dinner 30+ minutes before showtime. Most restaurants offer pre-theater menus.
Highly recommended, especially for evening performances. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Most listed restaurants are within 5-10 minutes walk. Factor in extra time during busy hours.
Based on 2,599 Google reviews
Nice sized theater for a show. We sat in orchestra area, all seats seemed good. We saw the Vampire Circus & had a good view of everything. They were very interactive with the audience. It was easy to get in & out without a wait, restrooms were large so there wasn't a long line. Parking is in garages or on the street, but mind the meters bc we saw 2 tickets on cars plus 1 ticket bc they weren't even in a parking spot. Many restaurants around.
A very cool theater with unique architecture. It seats 915. The floor is slanted to help everyone have a nice view. We sat by Door 2, Row G, Seats 6 and 8. Two seats off the aisle and 7 rows from the stage. Our seats were great. We had an amazing view of the stage. It is a big stage so many musicians can fit on it and easily move around the stage together. We saw Howard Jones and Haircut One Hundred. The sound was very good and anywhere you sat you should be able to hear the performers. We very much enjoyed our show and will definitely look for other shows to enjoy here in the future. The theater is very cool and has nice charm about it. There is a balcony too. Snacks and beverages and adult beverages can be purchased and enjoyed during the shows. Convenient and clean bathrooms are in the lobby. The theater does not have parking BUT there is street parking and many parking garages. We parked at the Hyatt Regency Hotel parking garage. It was a short walk to the theater. We paid $20 for parking for 4 to 6 hours. There are many neat restaurants around the theater to try. We also enjoyed looking for all the many art pieces of Seward Johnson from Grounds for Scuplture placed around the sidewalks. We didn’t have much time to look before the show but we found 3. Someone at the show said he found 12. Very cool!!!! Many neat buildings surround the theater as well as artwork. This is definitely a must visit venue for enjoying a musical band up close and personal rather than from far away and lost in the crowds.
Had a great time. Seated are tight if you are plus sized. That's the only thing that's bad. Very clean nice staff
Attending the David Foster and Katharine McPhee concert at the State Theatre New Jersey was like stepping into a masterclass in musical brilliance and showmanship. The legendary producer and the Broadway/pop vocalist brought charisma, humor, and undeniable talent to the stage, delivering a performance that felt both grand and intimate. David Foster, with decades of hits under his belt, was more than just the pianist and bandleader—he was the host of the evening. His storytelling between songs offered a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of some of the biggest songs of the past 40 years. Whether recounting anecdotes about working with Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, or Josh Groban, Foster’s presence was warm, witty, and engaging. Katharine McPhee brought vocal versatility and charm, shifting effortlessly from heartfelt ballads to jazzy renditions and Broadway power notes. Her chemistry with Foster—who also happens to be her husband—was evident and endearing, with playful banter that added a personal touch to the performance.
Recently my two friends and I went to this theatre. We’ve been many times in the past and always had an enjoyable experience until this last trip. We had balcony seats. We got there maybe a tad bit late and we used the bathroom upstairs that said all gender rest room as far as I know we were the only women in the room of about 12-15 stalls. After the show one of my friends needed to use the restroom the ladies room to be specific so she opened up the door and lo and behold here are both men and women waiting to use the restroom surprisingly no urinals, and I have to say I am shocked, disappointed, and outraged that you would allow men and women to share a bathroom. We’re not talking about a family bathroom that you see in airports we’re not talking about a single bathroom that you see but this is just outrageous. So the three of us will not be back again because of this. We left and we went to a restaurant and we used their facilities which they had both the men’s and women’s restroom so this is really more of a WARNING that if you have balcony seating and this offends you as it does, I either use the facilities downstairs, don’t go or find a restaurant close by. There are plenty of other venues in NJ that would appreciate your support
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Common questions about visiting
Check the Events tab on this page for all upcoming performances at State Theatre - New Jersey. You can filter by genre and date to find shows that interest you.
Visit the "Getting There" section for directions, parking information, and public transit options for State Theatre - New Jersey. We also include nearby restaurant recommendations for a complete night out.
Most performing arts venues offer accessible seating and accommodations. Contact State Theatre - New Jersey directly for specific accessibility information, including wheelchair access, hearing assistance, and service animal policies.
Review the venue details section for important information including capacity, seating layout, and house rules. Arriving 15-30 minutes early is recommended, especially for popular performances.
We recommend arriving at least 30-45 minutes before the performance start time to allow for parking, security screening, and finding your seats. Some venues may have stricter arrival policies for late seating.
Photography and video recording are typically not permitted during performances out of respect for the artists and other patrons. Please check with the specific venue for their policy.
Ticket sales are final. However, if a performance is cancelled or significantly rescheduled, refunds will be issued. Please review our terms and conditions for complete details.
Most venues have bag size restrictions. Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are typically not permitted. Small purses and clutches are usually allowed. Check the venue's specific bag policy before attending.
State Theatre - New Jersey is committed to accessible services
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available throughout the venue. Please contact the box office when purchasing tickets to ensure appropriate accommodations.
Assistive listening devices are available for patrons who are hard of hearing. Please inquire at the venue or when purchasing tickets.
Service animals are welcome at all performances. Please notify staff upon arrival.
For specific accessibility questions, please contact the venue directly or reach out to our support team.