GRAND ARTISTRY INSPIRES, A NONPROFIT NJEDA A.R.T. PHASE II GRANT AWARD RECIPIENT, HOSTS A FREE TWO-DAY JAM N’ SKATE ARTS FEST IN THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY, TO CELEBRATE COMMUNITY, WELLNESS, AND THE ARTS
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026 (Rain Date June 6, 2026)
TAPintoPlainfield: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/plainfield/events/jam-n-skate-arts-fest-2026
TAPintoUnion: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/union/events/jam-n-skate-arts-fest-2026-4
TAPintoElizabeth: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/elizabeth/events/jam-n-skate-arts-fest-2026-8
TAPintoNewark: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/newark/events/jam-n-skate-arts-fest-2026-6
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026 (Rain Date June 7, 2026)
TAPintoPlainfield: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/plainfield/events/jam-n-skate-arts-fest-2026-3
TAPintoUnion: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/union/events/jam-n-skate-arts-fest-2026-5
TAPintoElizabeth: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/elizabeth/events/jam-n-skate-arts-fest-2026-9
TAPintoNewark: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/newark/events/jam-n-skate-arts-fest-2026-7
PLAINFIELD, NJ— Grand Artistry Inspires, in collaboration with the City of Plainfield in Union County, New Jersey, proudly announces the return of the 2026 Jam N’ Skate Arts Fest, a free, regional two‑day outdoor celebration designed to advance community wellbeing through the power of the arts. Set in a vibrant urban oasis in downtown Plainfield, just two blocks from public transportation at the NJ Transit Plainfield Station, the Jam N’ Skate Arts Fest will take place at Library Park at the Plainfield Public Library, located at 800 Park Avenue, Plainfield, New Jersey. Expanded to two full days, the festival occurs on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST, and Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. The event is not rain or shine; in the case of inclement weather, rain dates are June 6–7, 2026.This year’s high‑energy festival is made possible through Grand Artistry Inspires’ receipt of generous funding from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) – Phase II Grant Program, which supports community‑focused arts and cultural organizations working to revitalize commercial corridors and strengthen local communities.Connection, Wellbeing, and Resilience Through the ArtsThis year’s theme, “Connection, Wellbeing and Resilience through the Fine and Performing Arts”, reflects the festival’s mission to bring communities together while promoting access to wellness resources, creative expression, and meaningful engagement. In addition to an exciting lineup of talented young artists and skilled skaters, attendees will connect with leading health and social service organizations dedicated to supporting families and strengthening communities. Participating agencies include, but are not limited to: Hackensack Meridian Health; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties, NJ; NJ Department of Human Services’ Division of Disability Services; NAMI NJ en Español; Prevention Links Rise Up Recovery Center; Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey; and, Iris House. These organizations will offer valuable resources, wellness activities, and opportunities for families to access services that support healthier, more resilient communities.
A Visionary Leader Driving Community Impact
The visionary behind this one‑of‑a‑kind festival, Esira Castillo, founder of Grand Artistry Inspires, believes that creativity is a powerful catalyst for community wellbeing. “As I lead my nonprofit arts organization day-to-day, I fundamentally embed the promotion and protection of health in the work that we do with and for the community, as it is of value to all,” said Castillo. “It is important to create and sustain safe, inclusive spaces for creativity, resilience, and wellbeing. Many families are unable to pay for high caliber arts programming. Grand Artistry Inspires stands in the gap to offer free, affirming cultural arts programming, such as the Jam N’ Skate Arts Fest, that is ADA compliant and LGBTQI-friendly, and also connects families to tangible resources. We are also excited to expand our impact in the City of Plainfield this year with new business vendors, elite artist showcases, unprecedented artist scholarship awards, roller skating competitions with tri-state area judges and skaters traveling from as far as Arizona and North Carolina, more donated giveaways, a larger skating rink for everyone to enjoy, and much better lighting and sound for all live performances.”Through careful planning and expanded community‑centered programming, this year’s Jam N’ Skate Arts Fest welcomes partnership with the Families First Discovery Pass Program to support equitable access to arts and cultural experiences for New Jersey families and individuals enrolled in state assistance programs. The festival features nearly 500 performers on the main stage, approximately 20 health and social service agencies, more than 30 registered retail and food vendors, and a variety of interactive arts experiences designed for all ages.
World‑Class Hip‑Hop Dance Experiences
Festival attendees will experience high-energy hip-hop programming featuring nationally recognized artists Deshawn Da Prince (NYC) and Smart Mark (Philadelphia) — both of whom have worked with top-tier artists, including Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga. The event also features dynamic competition formats, including the Duo Domination Street Styles Dance Battle and the Dance Crew Challenge, showcasing top talent and raw expression from across the region. Competitors will be judged by an esteemed panel of industry leaders, including Juwaan Walker, Chrybaby Cozie, Cal Hunt, Law Antoine, and Wiz, bringing credibility, expertise, and authentic culture to the floor.
An Unforgettable Outdoor Festival Experience for All
The Jam N’ Skate Arts Fest delivers an unparalleled outdoor experience with features, such as:
- Live performances, showcasing the Plainfield Marching Band, Step 4 Step Soul Line Dancers, Eastside Dance Project, Teens Step Up, and so many more artists
- Pop‑up skatepark with BR Skateboarding and Garden State Adventures
- Roller skate competition with Brandon Young, Cory Young, Sandra Bryson and DJ Dream
- Skateboarding Jam Contests
- Interactive family activities — arts and crafts, face painting, and much more
- A marketplace with retail and food vendors
- Wellness resources and community services
More Creative Experiences Coming Soon
As a creative force for community transformation, Grand Artistry Inspires is preparing to launch two Grand Artistry Live events — multi‑day, creative arts productions, at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center in mid‑July and late September, further expanding access to free, top-tier arts programming.
Join the Movement
The Jam N’ Skate Arts Fest is more than a festival — it is a celebration of creativity, community, and connection. Families, youth, artists, residents, and visitors from across the region and beyond are encouraged to attend and experience the transformative power of the arts. To learn more about the Jam N’ Skate Arts Fest and other free community arts events, visit: www.GrandArtistryInspires.com.
About Grand Artistry Inspires
Grand Artistry Inspires is a community‑focused arts organization dedicated to advancing wellbeing through creative expression, cultural engagement, and equitable access to arts programming. Through high‑impact events and partnerships, the organization connects communities to resources that foster creativity, health, and resilience.
Media Contact:
Grand Artistry Inspires
Email: Esi@GrandArtistryInspires.org
Website: www.GrandArtistryInspires.com