By: Sophy Ramirez
Executive Director 
Historic Midtown Elizabeth

The Old Academy School, which is known today as the Snyder Academy of Elizabethtown, in Historic Midtown Elizabeth, where both Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr attended school.

Midtown Elizabeth is alive with energy. It’s a place where history whispers from every corner even as new life and transformation unfold daily. The district has always been at the heart of Elizabeth’s story—its streets once walked by Alexander Hamilton now pulse with restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks that reflect both the city’s heritage and its forward-looking spirit. From storefront makeovers to world-class events, Midtown is proving that past, present, and future truly meet here.

The Ritz Theater in Historic Midtown which recently seen an upgrade to their iconic marquee.

History is never far from sight in Midtown. City Hall, the Union County Courthouse, and the many historic churches remind visitors that Elizabeth has always been a hub of leadership and resilience. The iconic Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center continues to anchor the cultural life of the city, while the newly renovated Elizabeth Train Station—reborn through a $74 million investment—creates a modern gateway that welcomes residents and visitors alike.

As you stroll through Midtown today, the changes are hard to miss. Storefronts once faded by time are now painted fresh and bright, their architecture uncovered and celebrated as old awnings give way to thoughtful new designs. Pots of greenery spill color onto sidewalks, murals add vibrancy, and even lighted stars and a Painted Payphone Art Walking Tour transform ordinary spaces into moments of delight. Everywhere you look, Midtown is reinventing itself as a district that feels welcoming and alive.

But the heart of Midtown isn’t its bricks or its murals—it’s the people and businesses that bring the district to life. New ventures like 555 Barber Shop, Bolgati Ice Cream, and Dynasty Billiards are creating fresh places to gather, connect, and enjoy. Women-led businesses like Penny’s Size to Fit, Beautiful Lashes & Accessories, and Golden Shear Academy are shaping the neighborhood with style, skill, and empowerment. And long-standing favorites—Signature Barbers, Midtown Photo, Ferns Diamond Diner, and the Elizabeth Public Library—continue to ground the district as trusted community anchors. From local diners to national names like McDonald’s and Popeyes, Midtown is a place where global meets local and every storefront tells a story of perseverance, growth, and pride.

That same pride shines through in the events that animate the district throughout the year. The Annual Midtown Car Show returns this September, followed by a Revolutionary War Reenactment in October, and seasonal festivities that make autumn come alive. In the months ahead, new traditions like Salsa Strolls will join community favorites like the Christmas Tree Lighting and Easter Egg Hunt. Looking forward, Midtown will also play host to milestone celebrations—Elizabeth’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and the global excitement of the FIFA World Cup that same summer. These events are more than just dates on a calendar; they are moments where families, neighbors, and visitors come together to celebrate the heartbeat of the city.

What makes Midtown truly special is its balance—heritage alongside progress, local spirit alongside global connection, tradition alongside reinvention. Here, you can walk the same streets as Alexander Hamilton, grab a meal at a family-owned restaurant, take in a show at the Ritz, pose by a mural, or dance during a Salsa Stroll. It’s a district that honors where it came from while embracing what’s next.

Midtown Elizabeth isn’t just growing—it’s thriving. And the best part? You’re invited to be part of its story. Come stroll, shop, dine, dance, and celebrate in the heart of our city. Follow along at @MidtownElizabeth on Facebook and Instagram, support the local businesses, and mark your calendars for the events ahead. Together, we’ll keep Midtown blooming, shining, and thriving for generations to come