Events in Newark

Newark is the cultural centre of New Jersey, a position reflected in its busy calendar of annual events. It is a buzzing mix of social, historic and cultural activity as well as having a strong culinary scene that embraces Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences.

The outdoor life can be enjoyed by walking, cycling and picnicking in green urban areas such as Branch Brook, Ivy Hill and Military Parks.

Historic sites include the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Thomas Edison National Historic Park while for culture-vultures, Newark has the impressive Newark Museum.

St Patrick's Day Parade (March)

Jump into spring with the annual St Patrick's Day celebrations in mid-March. The colour green takes over the city and there is even green beer being brewed in honour of St Patrick! Newark has a large Irish population so the annual St Patrick's Day parade is big and brash with plenty of parties going on throughout the night in Newark's Irish bars and beyond.

This much-loved day kicks off the town's annual calendar of events and has been held for over 80 years. Irish groups, sporting clubs, hospitality venues and civic officials come together to make sure each year's event gets bigger and better

Cherry Blossom Festival (April)

By April each year the cherry trees in Branch Brook Park - over 4,000 of them - are coming into bloom. In fact, the park has the largest collection of cherry trees in the whole of North America.

This impressive fact and the glorious sight of the cherry trees in their pink blooms are celebrated in style during the Cherry Blossom Festival with cultural events, picnics and plenty of photo opportunities. It has even been listed as one of the 'great things to do in America'.

African American Day Parade and Festival (May)

The African American Day Parade and Festival takes place every spring. This event started in 1966 when it was called the Crispus Attucks Day Parade and was an occasion to honour the heritage and contribution of Africans and African Americans to American life.
The day brings thousands of people together on the streets and in the parks where they enjoy a whole host of entertainment. Join in the fun of carnival rides, historic balloons, market stalls, street entertainers and the concerts that take place in Weequahic Park.

Portugal Day Festival (June)

Every year in June, thousands of people head to Newark's Ironbound district to celebrate Portugal Day. Portuguese BBQ chicken, chouriço sausage and grilled sardines are washed down with sangria in Ironbound restaurants and bars.

The celebrations carry on through the night with concerts featuring everything from classical guitar to classic rock as well as folk dance performances.

Lincoln Park Music Festival (July)

The Lincoln Park Music Festival which takes place in July was conceived as a way of revitalising the Lincoln Park Community. Festival music takes its inspiration from the African American experience and features gospel, jazz and hip hop as well as rhythm and blues.

The Newark Museum of Art Black Film Festival (July)

Summer sees the Newark Black Film Festival, America's longest-running festival of its kind. It provides a public forum for emerging talent in the film world while film buffs can enjoy reruns of classic films as well as new productions of African American and African Diaspora cinema. A full range of films, documentaries and avant-garde cinema can be enjoyed

Newark Pride Festival (July)

Also taking place in the summer is the week-long Newark Pride Festival. Held in Military Park, PrideFest sees multiple events embracing community, family and friendship. Inaugurated in 2005, it has grown into an event that draws thousands of people to Newark where they can enjoy a programme of social, political, educational and cultural seminars, workshops and rallies as well as fun activities for all ages.

Geraldine Dodge Poetry Festival (October)

Something to look forward to every other year is the biennial Geraldine Dodge Poetry Festival, the largest poetry event in North America. This takes place in Newark's Downtown Arts District. A poetry village springs up where a diverse and celebrated group of poets and spoken word artists share their work.

Since its beginnings in 1986, it has played host to over 500 poets including Nobel Laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners.

Planning a city holiday around a festival or event is a good way to really get a taste of local life. If we have tempted you with our round-up of Newark events, then visit BudgetAir now to get our best deals on Newark flights and hotels.