Located at 46 Washington Avenue, Carteret, NJ 07008, Carteret Performing Arts & Event Center (often abbreviated CPAC) is a multi-level, flexible-space venue designed to host a wide range of performances and events. The center sits on the historic site that once housed the Ritz Theatre (1927–1965) and opened in 2021, continuing Carteret’s rich cultural legacy. CPAC houses four distinctive spaces — the Gallery Space, the Encore/Main Auditorium, The Event Space, and The Underground — each with adaptable layouts to fit different programs and audiences. Whether you’re catching a concert, school awards show, or comedy night, CPAC is your go-to venue in Central New Jersey.

We’ve got you covered with practical details to help you plan your visit: flexible seating configurations, nearby parking (including a Parking Garage just across the street at 29 Washington Ave and surface parking adjacent to the building), and accessible transit options. For visitors staying overnight, we recommend nearby hotels like Hilton Garden Inn Edison/Raritan Center and Courtyard by Marriott Edison Woodbridge. When you’re ready to purchase, our process is straightforward and reliable—think of us as your friend in the business who makes tickets easy to secure. Check the downloadable tech packet for exact seating layouts and configurations for your event, and reach out if you need help locating the right seats.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 46 Washington Avenue, Carteret, NJ 07008.
Venue type: multi-level, flexible-space performing arts and events center (Gallery Space, The Encore/Main Hall, The Event Space, and The Underground).
Seating capacities: Gallery Space ~573 seats; Encore/Main Auditorium ~1,100–1,600 seats; Event Space 2,200+ capacity.
Seating chart/dimensions: seating is configurable; CPAC provides a tech packet with layout details (downloadable from the site).
Parking: public parking within walking distance; Parking Garage across the street at 29 Washington Ave; surface parking adjacent to the building; parking fees may apply.
Transit: near NJ Transit bus lines 48 and 116; Washington Ave Pershing Ave stop nearby; Avenel station within walking distance (approx. 33 minutes by foot); Carteret Park & Ride available.
Nearby hotels: Hilton Garden Inn Edison/Raritan Center (50 Raritan Center Parkway, Edison, NJ); Courtyard by Marriott Edison Woodbridge (3105 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ).
Notable events hosted: grand opening in December 2021 featuring The Smithereens; 2023 schedule highlighted with 40+ events including high school Marquee Awards; Herman’s Hermits Christmas show (Dec 2023); Manhattan Comedy Nights at The Underground (2025).
Renaming/demolition history: built on the site of the historic Ritz Theatre (1927–1965); Ritz Theatre demolished in 2017; CPAC opened in 2021 and is also known as Carteret Performing Arts Center / CPAC / CarteretPAC.