Enjoy a classic carnival while simultaneously celebrating the African American culture when you come to the African American Heritage Festival in Weequahic Park. This fun-filled, family-friendly event builds on tradition, establishing a sense of pride and awareness of African American heritage as well as providing a weekend of entertainment for the diverse Newark community.
The beauty of spring is incarnate at Branch Brook Park’s Cherry Blossom Festival. The gorgeous, two-week long festival attracts thousands of visitors from New Jersey and surrounding areas for the elaborate performances, cultural demonstrations and family activities, not to mention the stunning blossoms of the park’s tree-lined pathways.
For six weeks, the Newark Black Film Festival provides the Garden State with some of the nation’s most definitive independent films. Hosted in the Newark Museum, this film festival showcases movies by emerging filmmakers, writers and directors that focus on the both past and contemporary experiences and concerns of African Americans.
Support the LGBTIQ community at Newark-Essex Pride. This annual, weeklong event raises money for Newark’s LGBTIQ community programs. Although comparatively much smaller than similar events held in neighboring states, such as New York, Newark-Essex Pride provides a more intimate atmosphere that packs a big punch!
When spring is in the air, the West Orange Street Fair fills downtown West Orange with more than 100 artists, vendors and performers. This smaller suburban town, only 15 minutes away from Newark, is typically quiet, but the crowds come out for this festival. Walk down the streets and enjoy fabulous food, live music and entertainment for all ages.