New Brunswick's Nightlife: Where To Go

New Brunswick, Canada, is a great place to visit, with its friendly and welcoming people, natural wonders, and historic sites. The Bay of Fundy is a must-see, with the world's highest tides, incredible whale-watching expeditions, and stunning rugged coastal landscapes. The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpot Rocks, offer a unique natural experience of both high and low tides. Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton, the largest cities in New Brunswick, offer a variety of attractions, including historical sites, museums, and outdoor activities. The Fundy National Park, with its miles of hiking trails, and the Fundy Trail Parkway, with its breathtaking views, are also worth visiting. For a unique cultural experience, explore the Acadian Historical Village, which showcases the lifestyle of early Acadians in the area. New Brunswick truly has something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs.

Live music and dancing at The Court Tavern

The Court Tavern was a live music venue and bar located at 124 Church Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey. The venue has been closed indefinitely since 2019 but has a rich history as a rock and roll club, with live music and dancing.

The Court Tavern was bought by Bob Albert Sr. in 1961, who ran it with his son, Bobby Albert Jr., until his passing in 1997. The Tavern was then sold to Michael Barrood in 2012 and has changed hands several times since, with periods of closure in 2015, 2017, and indefinite closure in 2019. Despite this, The Court Tavern remains an iconic part of New Brunswick's music scene and has hosted acts like Pavement, The Butthole Surfers, Mudhoney, and The Jesus Lizard.

The venue has two floors: the upstairs is a relaxed space to enjoy a drink, while the downstairs is where the live music and dancing happen. The main room has limited seating, with the focus on providing space for people to dance. The crowd was described as "eclectic", with a majority being "one or two years out of college".

Renovations were planned to provide more space for dancing by moving the bar and stage. The close quarters, however, were also seen as a positive, fostering camaraderie between patrons and between the audience and the band. The intimate setting and lively atmosphere made The Court Tavern a favourite among musicians and music lovers.

The Court Tavern holds a special place in the history of New Brunswick's music scene, and many hope that it will reopen its doors once again.

Stand-up comedy at Stress Factory Comedy Club

If you're looking for a good laugh and a great night out, the Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick is the place to be. With locations in both New Brunswick, NJ, and Bridgeport, CT, Stress Factory brings you the best comedy talents from across the nation.

The New Jersey location, based in New Brunswick, is the original Stress Factory club, and it has been delivering laughs and creating memories for years. The club has played host to some of the biggest names in comedy, and its stage is a coveted spot for up-and-coming comedians looking to make their mark. The intimate setting and lively atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy a night of hilarious entertainment.

At Stress Factory, you can catch both established and rising stars of the comedy world. Their diverse lineup ensures that there's something for every taste, from class-dismissed comedy tours to social media sensations and everything in between. The club is committed to showcasing a range of comedic talents, ensuring that every night is a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Stress Factory Comedy Club is more than just a venue; it's an institution that has cultivated and celebrated the art of stand-up comedy. With a constant rotation of fresh and exciting acts, there's always something new to discover. Whether you're a long-time fan of comedy or just looking for a fun night out, Stress Factory is guaranteed to leave you in stitches.

So, if you're seeking a night of side-splitting laughter and unforgettable memories, be sure to check out the Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick. With its stellar lineup, intimate setting, and dedication to the craft of comedy, it promises an evening like no other. Get your tickets, grab a drink, and prepare for a night of non-stop entertainment!

Theatre at George Street Playhouse

The George Street Playhouse is a theatre company in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the city's Civic Square government and theatre district. It is one of the state's most prominent professional theatres, producing new and established plays. The playhouse is led by Artistic Director David Saint and Managing Director Edgar Herrera.

The theatre company was founded in 1974 by Eric Krebs and has since been represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway. The playhouse presents a main stage season and provides a space for both established and emerging theatre artists. In addition to its mainstage season, the GSP's Touring Theatre features issue-oriented productions that tour over 250 schools in the tri-state area and are seen by more than 30,000 students annually.

The playhouse is currently located on Livingston Avenue in the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, having moved back to this location in 2019 after a period in an interim location. Prior to this, the theatre company was located in an abandoned supermarket on George Street.

George Street Playhouse has a rich history of productions, including:

• The world premiere of The Trial of Donna Caine by Walter Anderson
• Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical
• A revised version of I Love You, You're Perfect Now Change
• An Act of God with Kathleen Turner
• American Son by Christopher Demos-Brown
• Lewis Black's One Slight Hitch
• Gettin' The Band Back Together
• Joe DiPetro's Clever Little Lies
• The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Proof, by David Auburn

The playhouse also has a history of producing plays that go on to be performed on Broadway, including:

• Swinging on a Star, a revue of the works of Johnny Burke (1994)
• Syncopation by Alan Knee, which received the Best New Play Award from the American Theatre Critics Association (1999)
• The Spitfire Grill, a new musical by James Valcq and Fred Alley
• All box office records in the history of GSP were broken with Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, starring Suzzanne Douglas as Billie Holiday (2001)
• Venecia by Jorge Accame, adapted and directed by Arthur Laurents and starring Chita Rivera (2004)

Craft beer at Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe

If you're looking for a place to spend your nights in New Brunswick, the Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe in downtown New Brunswick is a great option. This place offers a unique experience with handcrafted beers and a flavourful American eclectic menu. The menu is carefully curated by both the chef and brewer to offer a memorable taste experience.

The brewery has a full-service bar with top liquor brands and popular wine varietals. They also offer private party bookings and special events. You can enjoy their diverse flavours, textures, and aromas of craft beer while indulging in delicious food. The atmosphere is fun and exciting, perfect for all ages.

The Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe is located on George Street, close to Albany and Church Streets. There are municipal parking lots nearby, and the NJ Transit New Brunswick Station is just a few blocks away, making it easily accessible.

The reviews for the brewery are mostly positive, with an overall rating of 4.24 out of 5. People commend the good quality food, great service, friendly staff, and enjoyable atmosphere. Some negative reviews mention slow service, indifferent staff, and warm coffee. However, the majority of customers seem to have had a positive experience.

If you're looking for a night out in New Brunswick, the Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe is a great choice for craft beer enthusiasts and those seeking a unique dining experience.

Mediterranean food and jazz at Olive Branch Cafe & Restaurant

If you're looking for a fun night out in New Brunswick, the Olive Branch Bar & Restaurant is the place to be. Located on Bartlett Street in New Brunswick, New Jersey, this spot offers a unique combination of Mediterranean food and jazz music to elevate your dining experience.

As you step into the Olive Branch, you'll be greeted by a lively atmosphere with a mix of Rutgers students and locals. The bar is well-stocked with a variety of drinks, including American beers, and the food menu features dishes like pizza slices, burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. The restaurant also offers happy hour deals, making it a great spot for a night out with friends.

The Olive Branch is known for its friendly bartenders and decent bar food. It's a great place to watch a sports game, with several TVs scattered around the bar. You can even try your hand at a game of "Skee-Ball," adding a fun twist to your night out. The bar can get crowded, especially during the school year, so be prepared for a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

New Brunswick has a lot to offer when the sun goes down. From exploring the city's vibrant nightlife to taking in the natural wonders like the Hopewell Rocks and the Bay of Fundy, your evenings can be filled with excitement. The city is also known for its friendly and welcoming locals, making your night out even more enjoyable.

Whether you're a student looking for a break from studying or a traveller seeking a taste of the local culture, the Olive Branch Bar & Restaurant is a great choice for an evening of Mediterranean cuisine and jazz vibes. So step inside, grab a drink, and enjoy the unique blend of food and music that makes this place special.

Frequently asked questions