Newark is well known by travelers as the home of the Newark International Airport (EWR) and as an affordable base from which to explore New York City. But, its stellar entertainment venues are often overlooked. Check-out these venues during your next trip to Newark so you don’t miss out on the city’s best entertainment.
Newark Symphony Hall
This New Jersey landmark is the oldest performing arts venue in the city. Built in 1925, the Newark Symphony Hall is architecturally beautiful and ornate. The exterior features massive Ionic columns, while the interior has marble sculptures and gold-leaf finishings. The Newark Symphony Hall includes the Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall, Terrace Ballroom, and Newark Stage. With three venues to choose from, you’re sure to find a dance, music, or opera performance to enjoy during your vacation.
Stay within a short drive of the Newark Symphony Hall at a hotel in Weequahic. This neighborhood, near the Newark International Airport, offers many budget-friendly hotels.
Prudential Center
Affectionately known as “The Rock” by Newark locals, the Prudential Center is a world-class sports and concert arena. Get your tickets early to see the NHL’s New Jersey Devils; this popular hockey team frequently packs the house. While at the arena, visit the Devil’s Den shop for your own jersey and team memorabilia. Basketball fans can see the NCAA’s Seton Hall Pirates men’s basketball team at Prudential Center, while concert goers can look forward to superstars like Cher, Demi Lovato, and Fleetwood Mac.
Prudential Center is well served by NJ Transit buses, Amtrak trains, and light rail. If you’d prefer to walk to your event, consider the Courtyard Newark Downtown hotel. This affordable hotel offers comfortable, modern rooms and convenient on-site dining.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
One of the largest venues of its kind in the United States, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center is the home of the Grammy Award-winning New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. The center continues to book sensational line-ups of artists and has attracted more than seven million visitors since it opened in 1997.
Locals are very proud of NJPAC and its commitment to education programs for children, amateurs, professionals, and families. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is a full package performing arts venue. Keep an eye-out for event listings and you might be lucky enough to snag tickets to acts such as Yo-Yo Ma, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, comedians, and dance performances.
Cathedral Basilica of Sacred Heart
While you may not think of a Catholic Church as an entertainment venue, the Cathedral Basilica of Sacred Heart will change your mind. Not only is the stained glass, towering stone exterior, and delicate woodcarving interiors breathtaking to behold, but the Cathedral also offers a calendar of classical music performances. In addition to its regular schedule of organ recitals, classical music, and choirs, the Cathedral provides free performances every Wednesday at noon that include a tour of the Cathedral.
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Author Bio: A former journalist, Tammy Banfield is a freelance travel writer who loves scouring the web for the best travel experiences. Tammy has written about more than 2,000 hotels, throughout Canada and the United States, for sites like Hipmunk.
