Wharton Arts Day
March 22 @ 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Wharton Arts Day
March 22, 2026 at 2:00-5:30 p.m.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens, Elizabeth
FREE Event
Wharton Arts Day 2026 is a joyful celebration of music, performing arts education, and community!
From 1:30–3:00 p.m., enjoy interactive musical activities throughout the mall, perfect for all ages. The afternoon culminates from 4:00–5:30 p.m. with the New Jersey Youth Symphony’s Playathon and a special performance by the Wharton Arts Day Festival Ensemble, bringing nearly 600 young musicians together for a high-energy finale you won’t want to miss.
New Jersey Youth Symphony Jazz Pop-Up Stage | 1:30–3:00 p.m.
The celebration begins with a special New Jersey Youth Symphony Jazz Pop-Up Stage located in front of Saks OFF 5TH. Featuring student jazz ensembles, this lively pre-event performance invites shoppers and visitors to experience live music throughout the mall and sets the stage for an afternoon of interactive musical discovery.
Interactive Music Activity Zones | 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Visitors are invited to explore four interactive Music Activity Zones located throughout the mall. These hands-on engagement areas allow participants of all ages to create, play, and discover music alongside Wharton Arts students and artistic staff.
New Jersey Youth Chorus: Karaoke & Community Sing-Along | Upper Level by Metro Mart
An interactive vocal experience where participants sing alongside choristers, learn simple songs, and celebrate the joy of making music together.
An interactive vocal experience where participants sing alongside choristers, learn simple songs, and celebrate the joy of making music together.
New Jersey Youth Symphony: Orchestral Instrument Petting Zoo | Center CourtA hands-on introduction to orchestral instruments where visitors can see, touch, and try instruments while meeting youth musicians and learning how sound is created.
Performing Arts School: Early Childhood Music Exploration & Instrument Craft | Lower Level by Polo Ralph Lauren Children’s Factory Store
Young learners explore early childhood instruments through guided musical play and create their own musical crafts to take home.
Young learners explore early childhood instruments through guided musical play and create their own musical crafts to take home.
Paterson Music Project: Interactive Musical Games | Lower Level by Simon Guest Services & Entrance D
High-energy rhythm and movement activities including tempo walk, body percussion, and hand drumming that build musical skills through teamwork and play.
High-energy rhythm and movement activities including tempo walk, body percussion, and hand drumming that build musical skills through teamwork and play.
Festival Orchestra Pops Concert | 4:00–5:30 p.m.
The afternoon concludes with the New Jersey Youth Symphony PLAYATHON and Wharton Arts Festival Orchestra Pops Concert in Center Court, performed by nearly 600 student musicians from across Wharton Arts programs. The family-friendly program features beloved cinematic and video game music, including Mission: Impossible (new this year!), Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Members of the New Jersey Youth Symphony unite for the annual PLAYATHON fundraiser, now a part of Wharton Arts Day, raising nearly $100,000 in support of music education programs and scholarships that expand access to the performing arts for young people across the region.
For easy reference:
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New Jersey Youth Symphony – Center Court
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New Jersey Youth Symphony Jazz Ensembles – Saks OFF 5TH
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New Jersey Youth Chorus – Upper Level by Metro Mart
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Performing Arts School – Lower Level by Polo Ralph Lauren Children’s Factory Store
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Paterson Music Project – Lower Level by Simon Guest Services & Entrance D