Historic Smithville Park will once again be illuminated with captivating light displays and original artwork for a festival celebrating contemporary and traditional art, music, poetry, and other creative performances during the 2026 Arts After Dark festival.
The free event will be held on Saturday, September 19, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Historic Smithville Park (803 Smithville Road, Eastampton) and will showcase a mix of artists, musicians, and performers from across the region.
“From traditional drawings and paintings to modern light shows, yarn bombing, typewriter poetry, and mural making, Arts After Dark provides a showcase for a wide variety of art experiences and performances,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “It’s the perfect night out for a couple, families, or anyone interested in experiencing art, music and the beauty of Smithville under the stars.”
“Burlington County has one of the best park systems in the region, and the Arts After Dark festival helps us showcase traditional and cutting-edge art forms in one of our county’s most scenic destinations,” added Commissioner Randy Brolo.“Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy this unique celebration and help support the arts in Burlington County.”
Creative Spark Art Challenge exhibit
Among the featured attractions at this year’s Arts After Dark is a special exhibit of artwork created during the Burlington County Creative Spark Art Challenge. The County-sponsored event invited artists to one of two August workshops where they were given just three hours to create an original work of art based on a “mystery theme” provided when they arrived.
The event was the brainchild of Tiffany Case, a museum attendant and art class instructor with the Burlington County Parks System. Twenty-four artists participated, and Emilie Holms’ acrylic painting was selected as the winner. Three others were selected for Honorable Mention, and all 24 works of art created during the challenge will be on display in the festival’s Pop-Up Gallery.
“It’s remarkable what these artists were able to create in such as short amount of time,” said Commissioner Eckel.“Community art projects like this reveal the talent and creativity that exists in Burlington County, and we are excited to share these artists’ creations at Arts After Dark.”
Other featured attractions
Another showpiece attraction is the 4th Annual Crankie Festival where renowned artists, puppeteers, musicians, and performers will bring stories to life on hand-illustrated scrolling canvases.
There will also be exhibits of photography and glass art in the Smithville Mansion Annex and Workers House galleries, plus a projection light show, a “yarn storm” fiber art installation on Smithville Park grounds, mural paintings, live music, food trucks, a wine and cheese tasting, and more.
A special photography exhibit showcasing images from classic and modern rock concerts will be on display in the Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery, and works from glass artist Michael Rearden will be exhibited in the Workers House Gallery.
You can learn more about the Arts After Dark festival and more great Burlington County Parks events and programs planned this fall in the Burlington County Parks seasonal program guide available online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks. You can also download the Burlington County Parks app from either the Apple or GooglePlay stores for information about Burlington County Parks events, trails, and resources conveniently accessible wherever you go.
