The basics:

• American Dream‘s 60,000-SF event center can host up to 3,500 guests
• Dream Live Performing Arts Center seats 3,000
• Venues will host concerts, comedy, sports, trade shows
• Megamall continues expanding beyond traditional retail

American Dream is continuing to reimagine the traditional shopping mall experience with the addition of an event venue and performing arts center.

Located inside the East Rutherford megamall’s luxury shopping and dining wing, the 60,000-square-foot event center was designed to accommodate a wide range of events, such as exhibitions, consumer trade shows, corporate gatherings, private celebrations and large-scale hospitality experiences.

According to American Dream, the space can handle up to 3,500 guests, as well as accommodate more than 300 exhibitor booths and 190 banquet tables.

Additional amenities include four breakout rooms, dedicated registration areas and catering from American Dream’s restaurant, as well as a window wall with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, the mall said.

American Dream also touted its ability to offer “a truly unique destination experience.”

“Beyond the event space, guests have access to more than 30 attractions, 105 dining destinations, and world-class retail offerings throughout the property. This integrated approach transforms traditional meetings, trade shows, and corporate gatherings into immersive experiences that extend well beyond the event floor,” the mall said.

The event center officially opened July 19 to host a private gathering for several thousand ticketholders prior to the World Cup Final at neighboring MetLife Stadium, according to American Dream.

Click here for more information on the center or to inquire about bookings.

Living the Dream

Meanwhile, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center will make its debut July 25 with a premier professional and amateur mixed martial arts event from the Victory Fighting League.

Designed as a dynamic, multi-purpose space, the 3,000-capacity venue will host a range of performances spanning concerts, comedy, theater productions, cultural programming, community events and live sporting events, ac-cording to American Dream.

Situated on Level 2 and 3 above the mall’s Garden Court, the venue features a state-of-the-art sound system, as well as best-in-class lighting and video production capabilities. There’s also VIP seating, luxury suites and elevated hospitality offerings, the mall said.

According to American Dream, Ticketmaster will serve as the venue’s official ticketing partner. Click here for event details and to buy tickets.

Other events coming soon to the Dream Live Performing Arts Center include:

• July 26: Comedy Night with Yechiel Jacobs
• July 30: Free screening of “Jaws”
• July 31: Free screening of “Jaws 2” and “Jaws III”
• Aug 9–14: Dog Man: The Musical
• Aug. 15: French Montana: Live in Concert
• Aug. 16: Good Guys Podcast Live
• Aug. 23: High School Musical Sing Along

It’s been a Dream

Besides being the largest mall in New Jersey, the 3 million-square-foot venue is one of the biggest in the country — second only in size to the Mall of America in Minnesota. Both are owned by Triple Five Group.

Hometown heroes

The Dream Live Performing Arts Center will also play host to the 18th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Sept. 24. Meet the Class of 2026 here.

The mall’s collection of attractions includes DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, Sesame Street Learn & Play, The Gameroom Powered by Hasbro, New Jersey Hall of Fame, Legoland Discovery Center, Big Snow and Sea Life Aquarium.

The lineup of over 400 stores includes a luxury wing featuring brands such as Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, Canada Goose, Gentle Monster and Ferrari. American Dream is also home to flagship locations of H&M, Primark, Sephora, Uniqlo, Zara and Toys R Us. Its 100-plus dining options include celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Marcus Live and the first MrBeast Burger restaurant.

The property already hosts hundreds of events each year, such as concerts, celebrity engagements and sports. Earlier in 2026, Gov. Mikie Sherill held her inaugural ball there after being sworn in as the 57th governor of New Jersey.

Part of the game

The launches of the event center and Dream Live Performing Arts Center come as American Dream winds down its programming related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The mall’s soccer-themed initiatives included a 39-day fan festival, a small business marketplace, new retail and immersive attractions. The mall also served as a major hospitality and parking hub for visitors attending local matches.

Triple Five Group Principal Roy Ghermezian said, “American Dream continues to redefine the entertainment and retail experience. These two state-of-the-art venues further enhance our property, allowing us to host even more world-class performances, live events, hospitality experiences, conventions and trade shows for visitors from around the world.”