The Summer Concerts Need Help!!

Funding Crisis

Sparta Township has decided that, due to extraordinary fiscal budgetary pressures, the township will be unable to provide any funding contribution in 2026 to the Summer Concert Series. Historically, Sparta Township has contributed a very significant portion of the funding needed for each Summer’s Series.

While the Township’s decision is understandable and unfortunate, we have decided to continue to organize & present the Series as best we can. The immediate impact is a shorter program for the 2026 Series as it would be irresponsible for the SCAC to start scheduling shows without first obtaining the funding for each show. We would like to maintain the same program as Sparta has enjoyed in past summers, both in quality & in the number of shows. Being able to enjoy world-class musicians each Friday evening in Dykstra Park has become a Sparta tradition that many residents have enjoyed for many years. With your help, the help of new and returning sponsors, we can overcome the fiscal challenges and continue the Sparta Summer Concert Series for all to enjoy each Friday evening.

New Donation Options for 2026

Due to increasing funding challenges, the SCAC has had to be creative in approaching the very serious and critical need to raise funds to help cover the costs of the Sparta Summer Concert Series. The SCAC will be partnering with SpartaArts, a recently formed NJ non-profit, to help with the fundraising efforts. Without the valuable contributions from sponsors, audience members and friends of the Series, providing the concerts would be more difficult if not outright impossible.

Because SpartaArts, unlike the Sparta Cultural Affairs Committee, is not a township entity, there are fundraising options available to the SpartaArts organization. The SpartaArts website will have a donation function that will place donations into the account of the SpartaArts non-profit. SpartaArts will also be able to process credit card and debit card donations on the field at each concert.

Note: The declared purpose of the SpartaArts non-profit is to donate 100% of the funds raised to Sparta Township to assist in covering the costs of the Summer Concert Series in 2026 and in the future. Some expenses that have been paid via Township checks such as this website may be transferred to the new SpartaArts organization to take financial & content management of. The SCAC will continue to run the schedule, engage with performers & the township for contractual & operational aspects. The SpartaArts 501(c)(3) organizations purpose is to contribute via fundraising, including fundraising options not previously available.