Friday, June 20, 2025
FESTIVALS UNITED NEWARK (FUN) has unveiled a spectacular and diverse series of events for 2025, offering a vibrant collection of outdoor festivals, artistic showcases, live music performances, and community-driven activities. Kicking off with Newark’s annual Juneteenth celebration at Harriet Tubman Square Park, the 2025 festival season is set to bring people together through the city’s rich cultural tapestry, vibrant arts scene, and historic celebrations.
This initiative is made possible through a generous $1.5 million grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, awarded in December 2023. The funding aims to drive Newark’s post-pandemic recovery, utilizing art and culture as key elements to stimulate economic growth. With this investment, FUN will host a wide range of cultural events designed to revitalize the city, foster community pride, and attract tourists to explore Newark’s unique offerings.
In an unprecedented collaboration, Newark’s leading cultural institutions have united under the FUN umbrella, creating a unified platform to promote the city’s festivals and cultural activities. The coalition includes celebrated events like the Lincoln Park Music Festival, Halsey Street Festivals (Halsey Fest), AfroBeat Fest, Newark Arts Festival, Newark Pride Festival, Newark Winter Village, and the Newark City Parks Foundation. Together, these events will engage tens of thousands of participants from Newark and beyond, creating a lively and inclusive cultural environment.
FUN’s year-long festival calendar promises to offer an expansive range of experiences that reflect the city’s diverse artistic and cultural landscape. The collective goal is to provide high-quality, accessible cultural experiences for people from all backgrounds. With many events being free or low-cost, FUN ensures that cultural participation is open to everyone, from local residents to visitors from surrounding areas.
The 2025 festival series will span a broad array of interests, catering to a wide range of tastes. AfroBeat Fest will immerse attendees in the vibrant rhythms of African music and dance, while the Newark Arts Festival will showcase a variety of artworks from local and global artists. Newark Pride Festival will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with events designed to inspire inclusivity and support. The Lincoln Park Music Festival will feature live performances from local and international talent across multiple music genres, and Newark Winter Village will bring family-friendly entertainment, holiday activities, and seasonal celebrations. These festivals provide something for everyone, from music lovers to families seeking fun activities.
As part of its mission to promote accessibility, FUN has partnered with Via, Newark’s free weekend micro-transit service. Via is an on-demand, app-based ride service that operates on Fridays through Sundays, offering easy access to festival locations across Newark. This partnership aims to simplify transportation for festival-goers, helping them navigate the city without the inconvenience of parking. With Via’s convenient transportation service, attendees can travel between events with ease, ensuring that they can make the most of the cultural experiences on offer.
FUN is committed to making these events inclusive and accessible to as many people as possible. Whether a Newark local or an out-of-town visitor, all are encouraged to engage with the city’s vibrant festivals. Most events will be free of charge or very affordable, ensuring that all community members have the opportunity to participate in these celebrations of art, music, food, and social connection.
The coalition’s efforts will not only elevate Newark’s cultural identity but also support the city’s economic development. By drawing visitors from across the state, surrounding areas, and even from outside the region, FUN’s cultural programming will help position Newark as a leading cultural destination in the Northeast. The festivals will contribute to the city’s economic growth by creating opportunities for local businesses, artists, and performers to thrive while fostering a sense of unity and pride among residents.
Each event within the FUN lineup is designed to be a transformative experience that reflects Newark’s diverse culture and creative energy. The collaborations between local cultural organizations will serve as an example of the power of unity in driving forward positive change and revitalizing a city’s cultural landscape. The events will provide a platform for creative expression while building connections across communities, ensuring that Newark remains a city rooted in celebration, inclusivity, and artistic innovation.
Throughout 2025, Newark will come alive with a dynamic range of cultural events, turning the city into a lively hub of creativity and engagement. Whether you are an art enthusiast, music lover, or simply looking for fun, the 2025 festivals will offer something for everyone. The season promises a unique opportunity to connect with Newark’s artistic spirit and immerse yourself in the diverse cultural offerings that the city has to offer. As Newark continues to grow and recover, these celebrations will be a testament to the city’s resilience, creativity, and commitment to fostering a strong, vibrant community.
