Destination Newark Summer 2025

SUMMER 2025

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Ways to Stay Active

Where to Find Authentic Cuisine

NEWARK’S

SUMMER GUIDE of Festivals and Outdoor Events

2025 Family Fun • Music • Food • Shopping

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Karaoke on Halsey: R&B Edition

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Halsey Festival

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Halsey Art Block Party

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Western 12-4 Fall Festival 25 OCT

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TBD HALSEYNWK.COM

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Newark Uncorked: Spirits Edition @HALSEYNWK

HALSEY ST, NEWARK Scan for more info

Supported by

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LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER *

PUBLISHER Sakina Spruell Cole scole@colemediainc.com EDITORIAL Kim Prime Editor Sonja Mack Copy Editor Mahima Aktar Writer Pamela Germain Writer Jen Braun Contributor Shira Vickar-Fox Contributor Carlos Ferreira Contributor Isabella Coelho-Marques Contributor

“I believe I have ALL of the issues... ” —@malcolmflex2011 (March 2023) Publisher’s reply: Malcolm, thanks so much for your words of inspiration. An outpouring of support from readers like you has fueled us to make this issue as great as the others, if not greater. We hope you enjoy adding our latest edition to your collection.

“ We ( m y d a u g h t e r Dasani and I), make sure to snatch up a Destination Newark wherever we see one.... my daughter’s favorite is the one with Izzy on the cover, lol” —Demaris (June 2019) Publisher’s reply: Thank you, Demaris. We adore the Izzy issue! She was our debut cover star and set the bar very high!

“I work for the Newark P ­ ublic Library. We would like to add the library to your list of distribution points. We also need some back issues for the research collection.” ­—Tom Ankner, Librarian, Newark Public Library (August 2019) Publisher’s reply: Tom, we are proud to say that issues are available at the Newark Public Library. Thanks so much for all you do to keep so many of us in Newark in the know!

“Hi! Can you please drop off copies of your wonderful magazine to our campus?

Please see my contact information below.”

—Marcia Wilson Brown, Esq., Former Sr. Vice ­Chancellor, Rutgers University-Newark (October 2018)

EDITORIAL PARTNERS City of Newark Newark Arts and Education District Invest Newark Newark Alliance ADVERTISING advertising@colemediainc.com

Publisher’s reply: Mrs. Brown, we’ve had the pleasure of talking in person several times, but we just wanted to say again publicly, thank you! You are thoroughly appreciated. The publication lives on because of people like you who’ve made it known that you see us! dN

Destination Newark magazine.

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Todd Chapman Designer

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

*Indicates that a version of this story appeared in a previous issue of

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ART Mary A. Brown Creative Director mbrown@colemediainc.com

@DestinationNewark

Published by Cole Media Inc. 89 Market Street, 4th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 For more information contact Cole Media Inc. at info@colemediainc.com All rights reserved. © Copyright 2025.

DESTINATION NEWARK

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3 LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER

6 NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Who is Policing Your Community?

9 HEALTH HEALTHY LIVING Get Moving in Newark: Walk. Run. Cycle.

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14 EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT 10 Celebs Who Went to Newark Arts High School 16 SUMMER GUIDE There’s Always a ­Festival in Newark

28 ENTERTAINMENT ARTS AND CULTURE NJPAC Youth ­Summer Arts ­Program

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30 ENTERTAINMENT Free Outdoor ­Concerts

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30

COVER PHOTO: DONELL WOODSON/NJPAC

4 SUMMER 2025 | DESTINATION NEWARK

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

26 FEATURE Where to Find ­Authentic Cuisine

16 PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

21 FEATURE Here’s a Great Place in Newark for That!

11

COURTESY OF AFROBEAT FEST

11 LIFESTYLE SPOTLIGHT Here’s What Keeps Actor Tobias T ­ ruvillion in Newark

MARY A. BROWN

5 GOVERNMENT ASK THE MAYOR

PHOTO CREDIT

4 TABLE OF C ­ ONTENTS

CONTENTS

GOVERNMENT

ASK THE MAYOR

Mayor Ras J. Baraka, City of Newark PHOTOS BY MARY A. BROWN

Q

Members of the arts community join Mayor Baraka during the 2025 State of the City address

Why are the arts so important?

Mayor Baraka: “Here in Newark, we are using art to expand our economy, to create jobs and opportunity, to be inclusive and l­everage our diversity, to lift our spirit and to inform our ­direction. The expansions of NJPAC and the Newark Museum of Art, c ­ ombined with the Lionsgate Film and TV Studio, are expected to generate $1 billion in economic impact. Besides

Q

those m ­ ilestones, we are still going strong with our Creative ­Catalyst fund that has ­supported over 500 local artists with ­millions of dollars in grants, which allowed Newark to be listed as the eighth most vibrant arts city in the country. This includes c ­ ­ountless public arts projects, and about 75 murals in ­collaboration with Project Empty Space.”

What’s your response to those who say nothing is happening in Newark?

Mayor Baraka: “I was at a forum recently and one of the ­ andidates said, “No disrespect, Mayor, Newark only has three c cranes in the air.” Well the best way to diffuse a lie is to share the truth. Newark has b ­ illions of dollars of development going on now. This includes N ­ ewark Summit Tower at 200 Market Street.

It has 579 units, with 20 percent set aside as affordable, and 11,000 square feet of retail. There is also Fireman’s Insurance Building at 10 Park Place, which transfers a historic landmark building into a 231-unit affordable housing complex. These people are

talking about things they want to do. Or, ideas about what they hope to accomplish. Well, I say come visit us, we are getting it done. (Other current ­projects include The ­Ballantine Project on 80 Freeman Street, which is redeveloping an old brewery into housing; Rise Living Phase Two and Three, developed by Queen Latifah; Boraie Development’s third tower on the city’s waterfront, and 48 parcels given to 16 c ­ ommunity d ­ evelopment organizations, which will add 88 ­additional affordable units.)

My mother would say: no investigation, no right to speak.”

Excerpt from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s 2025 State of the City address.

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| SUMMER 2025 5

DEPARTMENT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD SLUG

NEIGHBORHOOD Who is Policing Your Community?

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he role of Community Service Officers in each precinct is to serve as a point of contact for community leaders and members in each neighborhood. “The Community Service Officer engages, encourages, and educates all community members in meaningful dialogue about safety and crime prevention, and facilitates the needs of community members either directly, by contacting the appropriate service providers, or through referrals,” says a spokesperson for the Newark Police Division.

Here’s who to call depending on where you are located in the city:

4th PRECINCT (973) 733-6060 Officer Troy Frye fryet@ci.newark.nj.us

6th PRECINCT (973) 923-1473 Officer Joshua Droz drozj@ci.newark.nj.us

6th PRECINCT (862) 448-6686 Officer Terrell Grace gracet@ci.newark.nj.us

4th PRECINCT (973) 733-6060 Officer Keyonna Eley eleyk@ci.newark.nj.us

5th PRECINCT (973) 733-6070 Officer Jorge Miranda mirandaj@ci.newark.nj.us

6 SUMMER 2025 | DESTINATION NEWARK

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2nd PRECINCT 973-733-6080 Officer Erwin Lorenzo lorenzoe@ci.newark.nj.us

METRO PRECINCT (973) 733-6129 Officer Duane Martinez martinezd@ci.newark.nj.us

2nd PRECINCT 973-733-6080 Officer Tara Rich richt@ci.newark.nj.us

METRO PRECINCT (973) 733-6129 Officer Kristie Felder felderkr@ci.newark.nj.us

7th PRECINCT (973) 645-1819 Officer Kelvin Arroyo arroyok@ci.newark.nj.us

3rd PRECINCT (973) 733-6190 Officer Andrew Hart harta@ci.newark.nj.us

3rd PRECINCT (973) 733-6190 Officer Steve Pereira pereiras@ci.newark.nj.us

5th PRECINCT (973) 733-6070 Officer Geoffrey Tanner tannerg@ci.newark.nj.us

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| SUMMER 2025 7

No one plans on having heart valve disease.

But you should have a plan for it.

Make a plan with New Jersey’s top TAVR program.

RWJBarnabas Health offers the state’s most innovative valve replacement procedures—our patients experience less pain, fewer complications, and quicker recovery time, often returning home the day after the procedure. Managing your heart health is a lifelong journey; know that TAVR is equally an interventional cardiology procedure as it is a surgical procedure. Trust the health system with the largest network of providers, hospitals, and adult and pediatric cardiac surgery programs in the state for all of your heart’s needs. Your heart’s in the right place at RWJBarnabas Health. Make plans at rwjbh.org/tavr

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HEALTH

HEALTHY LIVING

R

egular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, being physically active can improve brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

And here’s the great news: you don’t have to exercise alone.

Right here in Newark there are clubs that will support you in becoming and remaining active. Challenge yourself to meet daily or weekly activity goals for 30 to 60 minutes a day to get your heart pumping and body moving.

HERE ARE 6 WAYS TO GET YOU MOVING:

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MAJOR TAYLOR CYCLING CLUB Bike riding with a group is a great way to meet your fitness goals while exercising with others.

The Major Taylor Cycling Club organizes short rides throughout Newark. Longer rides such as day tours and multi-day excursions are also available for seasoned cyclists.

Check out the monthly calendar! www.majortaylorclub.com

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DESTINATION NEWARK

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WALK. RUN. CYCLE.

Get Moving in Newark Walk. Run. Cycle.

HEALTHY DEPARTMENT SLUGLIVING DEPARTMENT SLUG

GREAT TRAILS IN NEWARK

Here are a few walking trails in and near Newark that you can look up at your leisure: • Branch Brook Park • Branch Brook Loop • Weequahic Lake Trail • Riverfront Park

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• South Mountain Reservation • Eagle Rock Reservation • Watchung Reservation

DOWNTOWN FITNESS CLUB The NDD (Newark Downtown District) Fitness Club kicks off June 3, 2025 and is a great way to keep fit and meet downtown neighbors while taking in the beautiful architecture, horticulture, and other sights downtown Newark has to offer.

The NDD Fitness Club season runs from June through October and offers walks starting at lunchtime and increasing in frequency throughout the season as well as building up to other exercise activities. During these walks participants receive health tips from a certified instructor and learn new exercises to keep their bodies in motion.

Walking groups run from June to October and all walkers are invited to join. https://downtownnewark.com/program/fitness-club/

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BRICK CITY RUN CLUB Welcoming runners of all levels, the Brick City Run Club is on a mission to help Newark residents become healthy. The club offers two group run times: #BrickCity 30 - Sundays at 9:30am Location: Mulberry Commons

Morning Miles - Wednesdays at 7:00am Location: Tubman Square Park — near the George Washington Monument

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Visit www.brickcityrunclub.com

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RACHEL FAWN ALBAN

WALK. RUN. CYCLE.

SELF-GUIDED WALK Newark is one of the thousands of cities available for a self-guided tour at the GPSmyCity app. Take a self-guided walking tour of cultural and historical attractions while reaching your exercise goals. Walkers will download the GPSmyCity to their mobile device and navigate three miles of destinations throughout Newark. www.gpsmycity.com

Have You Met Newark?

HARRIET TUBMAN MONUMENT POWERED BY AUDIBLE

Your very own experienced guide will introduce you to the arts and culture around the Harriet Tubman Square including the new Tubman monument, murals created by local Newark artists as part of the NAC (Newark Artist Collaboration).

ARMERS MARKETMURALS TOUR AND

DOWNTOWN NEWARK MURAL TOUR

Wed, Jun 11 • 5:00 PM Newark Public Library Main Branch

Wed, Aug 13 • 5:00 PM Harriet Tubman Square

Tue, Jun 17 • 4:00 PM 9 Edison Pl

Wed, Jul 9 • 5:00 PM Harriet Tubman Square

Wed, Sep 10 • 5:00 PM Newark Public Library

TO BOOK, VISIT

10 SUMMER 2025 | DESTINATION NEWARK

www.haveyoumetnewark.com

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LIFESTYLE SPOTLIGHT

Here’s What Keeps This Movie Star in Newark MARY A. BROWN

LIFESTYLE

J

Actor Tobias Truvillion takes us to his favorite locations when he’s at home!

ust turn on BET, Hallmark, Lifetime or any other streaming service you may have, and you are very likely to see a made-for-television movie starring Tobias Truvillion. He will be the sexy, charismatic Black man who is stealing Sanaa Lathan’s character away from Taye Diggs’ character in the NBC Peacock series The Best Man: The Final Chapters; or he is the super fine music producer Khalil, who becomes the love interest of Jill Scott in BET’s First Wives Club. He is also the leading rugged cop in Equal Standard, the crooked lawyer in Tyler Perry’s Sistas on BET, and the todie-for male lead Damon King in T.D. Jake’s Seven Deadly Sins: Lust on Lifetime. That’s the short list.

Tobias has more than 70 film and TV credits to his name, including 17 guest star roles and 10 feature film lead roles. Acting since the age of 23, Tobias has played roles in TV’s Law and Order, Chicago P.D., New Amsterdam, FBI, and most recently, The Equalizer.

Tobias sat down with the team at Destination Newark to explain why he calls Newark home, and what makes him come back, no matter how far away acting takes him.

Born in Queens, New York, the 47-year-old actor moved to Newark about 10 years ago to settle down

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VISIT the pool at John F Kennedy Aquatics Center 211 West Kinney St., Newark, N.J. 1

The JFK Pool

Tobias encourages Newarkers ‘not to sleep’ on the Olympic-sized pool at the JFK Recreation Center. Home to the largest indoor/outdoor pool in New Jersey, Tobias uses the pool at the center to stay in Hollywood shape.

VISIT Gant-Gilbert Arts Creative 505 Clinton Ave., Newark, N.J. The Gant-Gilbert Arts Creative is an artist hub located in the Clinton Hill section of the city.

Two of Tobias’ favorite spots are located in the building, renovated in 2022: 2

Plants and Poets Café

This quaint cafe specializes in vegan dishes named after legendary artists, singers, poets and leaders like the Amiri Baraka lentil soup, Chuck Berry smoothie, Naughty by Nature salad and the Patty La Melt.

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LIFESTYLE SPOTLIGHT

with his wife, Michele, who is a Newark native with her share of film and TV credits including New Jersey Drive and Eddie Murphy’s animated series, The PJs. With Newark a booming location for film production, living downtown Newark affords certain luxuries to the veteran actor. For instance, The Best Man: The Final Chapters was filmed in the city, and one of Tobias’ scenes was filmed at a farmer’s market in Military Park.

When asked ‘Is that the life, or what?’ Tobias decides to go deeper. “Let me break it down for you... I’m in the middle PHOTOS BY MARY A. BROWN

First Wives Club with Jill Scott

3 BlkBoxNwk Studio An art gallery and performance space where Tobias conducts his Tru Acting workshop periodically for rising actors.

VISIT “Electric Avenue” 547 – 551 Central Ave., Newark, N.J. This strip of Central Avenue, nicknamed by Tobias as ‘Electric Avenue’, has three vegan eateries and a quaint gym that the plant-based actor regularly frequents: 4 Blueberry Cafe’ Juice Bar & Vegan Grille

The Best Man with Sanaa Lathan

This vegan cafe and juice bar inspires its customers to take the healthy route with their organic food and drinks.

5 Zucchini Bar Tobias loves the variety at this eclectic eatery that offers a selection of comfort food and coffee, including mushroom gyros and hash.

6 Magic Cones Vegan Ice Cream Parlor When it’s time for a sweet treat, Tobias can be found at this plant-based, ice cream parlor.

First Wives Club with Deborah Cox

of a love triangle with Deborah Cox and Jill Scott (on the set of First Wives Club in New York). They are the goddesses... I leave that, and I come home (to Newark) to shoot The Best Man and the first day on set I’m in a scene with Regina Hall and Sanaa Lathan. And on top of it all, I rode my scooter to work, not even 10 minutes from my home. You couldn’t tell me nothing!” exclaims the actor with a hearty laugh. ­—Sakina Spruell Cole

12 SUMMER 2025 | DESTINATION NEWARK

7 Aqua Phit Water Bar & Gym With a focus on aquatic fitness classes and stateof-the-art gym equipment, Aqua Phit provides a refreshing and effective approach to staying active and healthy.

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EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

DEPARTMENT SLUG

EDUCATION 10 Celebs Who Went to Newark’s Arts High School Newark’s Arts High School is lauded as the first formed public school in the United States to specialize in visual and performance arts curriculum. It opened in 1931 and served as the model for the ‘famed’ High School of Art & Music in New York City. The rigorous curriculum is intended to “train students with a sense of harmony, form, rhythm, design, color, movement, and theater,” according to the school’s philosophy. The school is still thriving and has a competitive audition and enrollment process that is open to all high school aged students living in Newark.

Look at the famous faces that once graced the hall of Arts High School!

MICHAEL B. JORDAN, ACTOR/PRODUCER Michael Bakari Jordan graduated from Arts High School in 2005. His drama major propelled him into an acting and producing career. He became popular for his roles in Ryan Coogler films including Oscar Grant in the drama “Fruitvale Station” in 2013; Adonis ‘Donnie Creed in “Creed,” and as Erik Killmonger in “Black Panther” in 2018. In 2022, Jordan starred in “Creed II” and in 2022 he directed “Creed III.” Jordan is currently starring in Coogler’s unique box office hit “Sinners”.

MICHAELA ANTONIA Jaé RODRIGUEZ, ACTRESS/TV PERSONALITY Born and raised in Newark, Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez, formerly known as Mj Rodriguez, is a 2009 graduate of Arts High School. In 2023, she was the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a television series drama. Michaela won for her role as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in the groundbreaking FX series “Pose.”

MELBA MOORE, SINGER/ACTRESS Melba Moore graduated from Arts High School in 1958. She received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023. She was nominated for a Grammy for her cover of the Aretha Franklin classic “Lean On Me” earned a Tony Award for her performance as Luttie Belle Gussie Mae Jenkins in “Purlie,” and became the first African-American woman to perform the role of Fantine in “Les Misérables.”

CONNIE FRANCIS, SINGER/ACTRESS Connie Francis was born and raised in the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey and attended Arts High School in the early 1950s. Connie was the first female vocalist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 list and had 53 hit records during her career.

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JD WILLIAMS, ACTOR

TISHA CAMPBELL, ACTRESS/SINGER

J.D. Williams was a drama major at Arts High School in the early 1990s. He is known for his starring roles in the HBO television series “Oz” as Kenny Wangler, “The Wire” as Bodie Broadus, “Pootie Tang” as Froggy, and he was a member of the cast of “Saints & Sinners.”

Tisha Michelle Campbell graduated from Arts High School in 1986, the same year that she made her screen debut in the musical comedy, “Little Shop of Horrors.” She went on to star in the NBC musical comedy, “Rags to Riches.” She is best known for her role as Gina Waters in the hit sitcom “Martin” and later as Janet ‘Jay’ Kyle in “My Wife and Kids”.

WAYNE SHORTER, MUSICIAN/COMPOSER Wayne Shorter, a pioneer of Jazz and a legendary saxophonist, graduated from Arts High School in 1952.

The New York Times said Shorter shaped the color and contour of modern jazz as one of its most intensely admired composers. Shorter received 12 Grammys and was nominated 23 times. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys, as well as Kennedy Center Honors and the Polar Music Prize.

SARAH LOIS VAUGHN, SINGER SAVION GLOVER, DANCER/ACTOR/ PRODUCER S a v i o n G l o v e r, a d a n c e superstar and a leader of jazz tap, graduated from Arts High School in 1991. Savion’s career took off when he was cast as the lead in the 1985 play “The Tap Dance Kid” followed by his Tony-nominated performance in the 1989 Broadway musical “Black and Blue.”

The incomparable Sarah Lois Vaughn transferred to Arts High School in the 1930s. Ella Fitzgerald called her the world’s “greatest singing talent.”

Her career spanned nearly 50 years and she won three Grammy Awards including Best Jazz Vocalist for her album, “Gershwin Live!” a Lifetime Achievement Award nominations for nine Grammy Awards, and the NEA Jazz Masters Award.

KAT DeLUNA, SINGER Kathleen (Kat) Emperatriz DeLuna graduated from Arts High School in 2003. While a student, she formed a R&B group called Coquette. She signed with Epic Records and released her debut single, “Whine Up” in 2007. Her hit “Run the Show,” made it to No. 2 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. She released “Hottie With a Body” in 2023.

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—Pamela Germain

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ALEXKICH/ADOBE STOCK

FEATURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

There’s Always a Festival in Newark

Your Summer Guide to Outdoor Entertainment

16 SUMMER 2025 | DESTINATION NEWARK

I

t’s truly common to happen upon an ­authentically cultural burst of music, ­laughter, aroma or ­energetic experience just by walking down a street or through a park during the summer in Newark. From pop-up street fairs on Treat Place outside of Source of Knowledge bookstore to ­several citywide festivals, Newark is an epicenter for s­ ummer fun.

Recently, a consortium of festival organizers bonded together under the ­Newark Alliance to ensure that Newark remains a year-round destination for cultural ­celebration and community engagement. So, 2025 promises to bring even more excitement to the stage. “These festivals, each with its unique flair, collectively showcase the rich tapestry of Newark’s arts and culture scene,” says Ashley Mays, Chief Marketing Officer at the Newark Alliance. “By uniting under the Festivals United banner, we aim to pool resources, coordinate programming, and amplify the ­collective impact.”

Festivals United is a collaborative initiative that brings together six of Newark’s most vibrant cultural events: AfroBeat Fest, Halsey Fest, Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark Arts Festival, Newark Pride, and Newark Winter Village along with the Newark City Parks Foundation, a critical stakeholder in the production of several of the coalition’s events.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Downtown Newark faced challenges with reduced foot traffic and business activity, says Mays. “By ­supporting Festivals United, the Alliance seeks to mitigate this negative impact by leveraging the festivals and authentically engaging Newark’s residents and visitors, which will stimulate local businesses, and reinforce Newark’s identity as a hub of cultural vibrancy,” she explains. “Our involvement underscores a commitment to ­inclusive growth and the belief that arts and culture are pivotal to Newark’s continued growth.”

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEWARK ALLIANCE

HALSEY FEST September 18, 2025 Halsey Street

The annual Halsey Fest welcomes thousands of new and returning visitors to the historic Halsey Street district in downtown Newark. The celebrated festival stretches several city blocks and includes activations, ­giveaways, a fashion show presentation, a vibrant market of local ­artisans, and a lively festival mainstage. Halsey Fest attendees have a unique opportunity to e ­ xperience the Halsey Street neighborhood f irsthand with a ­delicious array of food options, exciting ­programming, and special performances f rom local DJs and arts organizations. Festival goers include a diverse mix of ­residents, students, community partners, stakeholders, the ­community at large as well as visitors.

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FEATURE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AFROBEAT FEST

AFROBEAT FEST July 12th, 2025 Military Park

Founded in 2017, Afro Beat Fest is an annual one-day family festival in Newark, occurring on the second Saturday of July. Celebrating the art, food, fashion, music, and culture of the African diaspora, it stands as the largest such celebration in the state, drawing more than 10,000 attendees and 300 vendors from Newark and beyond. Inspired by Ghana’s vibrant markets and the culture of the Ashanti people, the event offers a f ree and open cultural space with a vendor’s market, children’s village, community pavilion, and live performances.

COURTESTY OF LINCOLN PARK MUSIC ­FESTIVAL

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20TH ANNIVERSARY LINCOLN PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025 Week One: July 23rd -27th, 2025 Week Two: August 1st-5th, 2025 Lincoln Park The annual Lincoln Park Music ­Festival (LPMF) is the largest music experience rooted in traditions of the African American and Afro Caribbean diaspora in the tri-state region. LPMF has expanded into an audience of 50,000-60,000 international attendees that come together for a full season, peaking over two weekends in July and August, to experience dedicated days to genres of music including Gospel, Jazz, House, Hip-Hop, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Kompa and of the Latinx/Hispanic diaspora.

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COURTESY OF NEWARK PRIDE INC.

NEWARK LGBTQ PRIDE FESTIVAL

EVENTS

For the last 19 years, the Newark Pride F ­ estival has served to increase ­the awareness, visibility, and participation of Newark’s LGBTQ+ community. Highlighted by a Pride Flag Raising ceremony, a parade down Broad Street, and Newark Pride in the Park across various locations, the week-long experience attracts nearly 5,000 participants to the Downtown Business District.

More Summer Happenings in Newark PORTUGAL DAY BY SOL-MAR

DJ WALLAH

20th Anniversary Newark Gay Pride Festival 2025 • July 7th-13th, 2025

2ND ANNUAL NEWARK FIT FEST June 7th - 8th, 2025

Fit Fest is a fitness and movement festival in the five downtown parks. Designed to get Newarkers moving towards a healthier lifestyle, the festival hosts sporting activities to include basketball, soccer, baseball, kickball, boxing, yoga, and dance, to name a few.

13TH ANNUAL RIVER DAY

June 6-8, 2025 Ferry Street www.portugaldaybysolmar.com

June 14th, 2025 Riverfront Park

BROWN MILL BLOCK PARTY

Newark celebrates its triumphant return to the Passaic River and

June 7, 2025 Halsey Street www.BrownMill.co

Riverfront Park with this annual event that highlights the environmen-

NEWARK BLACK FILM FESTIVAL July 16-20, 2025 The Newark Museum of Art newarkblackfilmfestival.com

tal conditions of the Passaic River and presents a snapshot of activities for the summer calendar at the Park. The day includes ­sustainable vendors, boat tours, environmental workshops, art m ­ aking, dance and

BRAZILIAN DAY FESTIVAL August 30-31, 2025 Rome Street Brazilian-day.com

music performances and a keynote speaker.

2ND ANNUAL NEWARK CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL

NEWARK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL September 2-7, 2025 CityPlex 12 Theater, Tryp Hotel newarkiff.com

August 16th, 2025 Mulberry Commons

Co-produced with Tempo Networks, the Newark Caribbean

24 HOURS OF PEACE FESTIVAL September 5-6, 2025 Central Avenue @24hoursofpeace

­Festival celebrates the rich diversity of the Caribbean with music, dance, and cultural events along with a vibrant market that showcases food and products from the Dutch, English, French, and Spanish-speaking nations.

PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE September 21, 2025 Bloomfield Ave prdpnj.org

8TH ANNUAL DANCE NEWARK! September 13th, 2025 Riverfront Park

Hosted and curated by tap master Maurice Chestnut, Dance For more events in the Arts and Education District, visit newarkartsandeducation.com

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­Newark! showcases different styles of dance, local dance companies, and dance classes.

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Business Development Services Our Bus ness evelopment Team can help you :

Navigate state and local

resources for businesses

Access trainings custo i ed for local business needs Identify grant and loan

Rashena Burroughs Owner Magic ones lant ased ce ream ,

opportunities

Obtain Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) ertification

Executive Business Accelerator rogram

Contact s

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Here’s a Great Place in Newark for That!

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ou may not need to leave the city at all. I­ nvest ­Newark, t­ he city's e­ conomic ­development o ­ rganization, recently ­conducted r­ esearch to assess the types of services people were ­leaving Newark to buy elsewhere. Here are some of their findings and a few hometown recommendation so you can support local businesses!

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

JENKOATAMAN/ADOBE STOCK

Where to go for spa treatments?

includes a variety of procedures such as body and face contouring, ­microneedling, facials, sclerotherapy, and more. They have two locations in Newark at 275 Chestnut Street and 278 Ferry Street. Visit hlmedspa.com for more information.

BWS Massage on Demand

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ewark residents made over 188,000 trips outside the city last year just for beauty services. You don’t need to! Here are a couple places in town where the owners have completed Invest Newark’s Executive Business Accelerator ­program, proving their commitment to run a sound local business.

HL Med Spa

beauty and wellness care center with a team of industry-leading ­p rofessionals. The list of services

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This spa has two locations in the Ironbound and boasts a h ­ igh-end

BWS on Demand will come to you so there is no need to leave the city. BWS is an acronym for Bodies with Style. The company’s mission is to improve the quality of movement through therapeutic touch.

They offer customized massages and other modalities to position the body and mind in a place for success and ­happiness. They say, at BWS, it’s all about you­—what your body wants and what your spirit needs. Check out their services at bwsmassage.com.

CoolVines

CoolVines is a go-to for a large selection of wines and s­ pirits. They often host weekly tastings in the attractive Hahne Atrium, located in the Hahne's Building at 625 Broad Street.

Visit newark.coolvines.com.

Consigliere

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Where to go for wine?

Where to go for pharmacy?

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Consigliere is a brand new wine, ­ o ck t a i l a n d s o u n d b a r n e s t l e d i n c ­U niversity Heights that specializes in small plates and e ­ xploratory wines. They are located at 31 W ­ arren Street. Check out their well designed space on ­Instagram @consiglierewine.

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ewark residents spend over $132 million on health and personal care outside the city each year.

There are ­dozens of pharmacies in Newark ­i ncluding Walgreens and family-owned stores. Here’s some local options that have been serving the community for decades!

There are two pharmacies in the North Ward with a long h ­ istory of

­community service: Liss ­Pharmacy at 794 Mount Prospect Avenue, and

Heller Pharmacy at 664 Mount ­Prospect Avenue. Liss has been in business for more than 85 years and they have several registered pharmacists, plus they offer delivery service, ear piercing, notaries and more. Give them a call, Liss Pharmacy: (973) 483-4749 or Heller’s Pharmacy: (973) 482-5353.

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Where to go for fresh fish?

Popular Fish Market

Popular Fish Market on Ferry Street in Newark’s Ironbound was a ­featured backdrop in the Amazon Prime film "Musica"—and for good reason. They are a mainstay of the neighborhood. Check them out at 129 Ferry Street or call 973-344-7939.

Mi Lindo Ecuador Seafood Market

Visit us online!

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This f ish market and the adjacent restaurant provides an authentic Ecuadorian experience with a focus on fresh seafood. Check them out at 182 Bloomfield Avenue.

Find out about more businesses and places to go in Newark!

Want to learn about more businesses in Newark?

Tune in to the ­­Newark Made podcast on Apple and Spotify produced by Invest Newark.

Where to go for pet care?

Brick City Pets

This downtown pet shop owner’s mission is to provide city pet owners with quality food, supplements and gear for their furry friends. Check them out at their cozy brownstone location at 9 Warren Street. Visit b ­ rickcitypets.com for more information.

Fluffy Paws by Brittany

This friendly groomer with fun painted windows is a neighborhood f­ avorite who has a 4.8 star rating on Google. The shop is by appointment only and located at 504 South Orange Avenue. Check them out on I­ nstagram @fluffypawsbybrittany or call 973-573-5596 for more information. dN

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FOOD

By Carlos Ferreira and Isabelle Coelho-Marques

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here are many factors that contribute to Newark’s uniquely flavorful nature. Founded in 1666, it is one of the oldest cities in the country and the largest and most populous city in New Jersey.

Such seniority has fostered a rich history and unmatched culinary tradition. Located just a few miles from NYC, the authenticity you can taste in Newark’s restaurants is something you won’t find in the Big Apple or any other city in the country. We are convinced that Newark is America’s authentic food capital. We can’t wait for the world to know it.

In an era when everything seems to be faster, more accessible, and artificially enhanced, the city of Newark reminds us of how truly tasteful authenticity can be. More than just flavorful dishes, Newark offers real family traditions that have withstood the test of time. Its proximity to the airport has turned the city into a sought-after destination for hundreds of thousands of immigrants who found their pathway to the “American Dream”.

Over the past 100 years, it is believed that Newark has received 300,000 immigrants, who, in addition to their resilient spirit, brought with them the flavors of their nostalgic memories. This diverse contribution not only made the city more flavorful but became an integral part of its identity.

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Newark’s authentic flavors hail from every corner of the globe: Asia, Latin and Central America, Africa (including African American soul food), and Europe. Located in the city’s East Ward, the neighborhood known as the Ironbound is a “foodie’s Mecca” — a portal to a universe of authentic flavors that you will never forget. In the Ironbound, you’ll find bakeries, fish markets, and supermarkets that cater to the diverse communities through meticulous supply chains, ensuring that traditional dishes are prepared with original spices. Everything aligns to transport you to countries like Portugal, Spain, and Brazil—the three predominant ethnic cuisines in the neighborhood. Believe us when we tell you, you’ll experience the same level of rigorous authenticity you can find in any of these countries.

When it comes to the Ironbound, given our Portuguese background and extensive travels throughout these countries, we can vouch for Newark’s authenticity. We’ve had the opportunity to host Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish food connoisseurs who can attest to that. In a neighborhood where you’ll find restaurants like “O Escritório,” “Seabra’s Marisqueira,” and “O Preguinho,” it’s clear that “Americanizing ethnic traditions” is not even an option.

This unwavering pursuit of authenticity makes Newark the food destination that every food lover should experience.

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FOOD

Where to Find Authentic Cuisine?

Writing about Newark’s rich flavors is very challenging being that we find the levels of authenticity worthy of a socio-cultural PHD thesis. Newark is a destination that can expose you to a universe of authentic flavors that will take you around the world. All of it because of the contribution of multiple families whose traditions have been kept alive.

We’ve compiled a list of restaurants we personally recommend.

From Europe to Latin America to Africa, in Newark you can travel the world without having to leave the city.

Allegro

(Portuguese) 58 Kossuth Street Allegro is a sought-after restaurant known for its amazing outdoor area that will make you feel like you’re in a distant tropical paradise, all while staying local. Famous for its seafood and the best wild berry sangria, Allegro guarantees a great time.

Adega Grill

(Portuguese, Iberian Fusion) 130 Ferry Street If you’re looking for an elegant atmosphere, Adega’s décor, menu, wine selection, cocktails, and breathtaking rooftop all contribute to an unforgettable experience.

Adega offers a wide variety of Mediterranean flavors including Vegan options.

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Boi Na Brasa

(Brazilian) 70 Adams Street and 1 Merchant Street The owner of Boi na Brasa hails from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where “churrasco” is more than just barbecue— it’s a way of life. Rooted in the “gaucho” traditions of the southern plains, grilling meat over open flames, seasoned simply with salt, and shared with friends and family is the essence of the experience.

At Boi na Brasa, you’ll feel like you’re in Brazil’s southern region.

Café Avenida

(Portuguese) 123 Wilson Avenue At Café Avenida, you’ll enjoy a cozy atmosphere and traditional Portuguese flavors that transport you straight to Portugal.

Seabra’s Marisqueira

(Portuguese) 87 Madison Street One of the most iconic Portuguese restaurants in Newark, Seabra’s Marisqueira will transport you to a classic Lisbon-style brewery. The restaurant offers a great variety of Portuguese delicacies, from seafood to juicy meat dishes. An absolute must-try.

Sabor Unido

(Brazilian and Portuguese) 77 Jefferson Street Sabor Unido serves homemade food in an elegant yet cozy setup. It offers a variety of Brazilian and Portuguese dishes. Equipped with a state-of-the-art audio system, Sabor Unido has become the new listening bar in town for true lovers of tasteful sophistication.

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Casa d’ Paco

(Spanish) 73 Warwick Street Have you ever felt that you wanted to go to Spain but for some reason that dream trip keeps getting postponed?

Well, we have good news!

This family-run operation has made sure that true Spanish flavors have remained intact in Newark, from the Leston family to ours.

Sol-Mar Restaurant

(Portuguese) 276 Ferry Street A beloved Portuguese restaurant located in the heart of Newark’s Ironbound district, Sol-Mar offers an authentic taste of traditional Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine. Known for its warm, inviting atmosphere, it is a local favorite where guests can enjoy expertly prepared dishes like fresh seafood, grilled meats, and classic Portuguese specialties. With impressive Portuguese cobblestone work, Sol-Mar’s dining room will transport you to traditional Portugal.

Vonda’s Kitchen

(American Southern and Soul Food) 183 W. Kinney Street Chef Vonda McPherson is a standout in Newark’s culinary scene, combining business savvy with a passion for food, culture, and community. After a successful corporate sales career, she launched her first restaurant in Elizabeth in 1998, paving the way for Vonda’s Kitchen—a local favorite known for its fresh, nutritious takes on Southern comfort food. It is considered one of the best Black-owned restaurants in the state. She’s also a dedicated mentor, educator, and advocate for Black-owned businesses, committed to building community and inspiring the next generation.

Swahili Village Newark

(East African) 2 Center Street Swahili Village brings the vibrant flavors of East Africa to the heart of New Jersey.

Located across from NJPAC, this fine dining restaurant offers a rich blend of African, Arabian, Indian, and Persian influences, creating a unique culinary experience.

Taino’s

(Puerto Rican) 85 Halsey Street Taino’s Kitchen is a vibrant Puerto Rican and Caribbean restaurant with two locations in Newark—one on Mount Prospect Avenue and another in the heart of downtown on Halsey Street. Known for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality, Taino’s Kitchen offers a diverse menu that captures the essence of island cuisine.

Sabor Latino

(Ecuadorian) 24 Wilson Street Sabor Latino is a vibrant Latin American restaurant nestled in Newark’s Ironbound district at 24 Wilson Ave. This cozy eatery offers a delightful fusion of Ecuadorian and broader Latin American flavors, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

The menu at Sabor Latino is a celebration of traditional dishes, including favorites like ceviche, bandeja paisa, and pescado frito. Whether you’re craving seafood, grilled meats, or comforting classics, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Mi Pequeño Mexico

(Mexican) 81 Ferry Street Mi Pequeño Mexico is a cherished Mexican restaurant nestled in Newark’s Ironbound District at 81 Ferry Street.

Known for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality, this cozy eatery has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a light bite, Mi Pequeño Mexico provides a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.

Sihana Bistro

(Georgian) 159 Washington Street Sihana Bistro offers an authentic taste of Georgian cuisine in a contemporary setting. Helmed by Kreshnik Berisha and David Khabuliani, the restaurant seamlessly blends Mediterranean influences with traditional Georgian flavors, creating a unique dining experience.

Compiled by Carlos Ferreira and Isabelle Coelho-Marques who run Plusable PR based in Newark, NJ.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

NJPAC Summer Arts Program for Youth

by Shira Vickar-Fox

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ultiple summer experiences at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) are ­designed to help young people learn, grow and discover themselves through the power of the arts. NJPAC summer classes emphasize self-expression, collaboration and community building. Children are nurtured and engaged by NJPAC teaching ­artists—all of whom are working professionals in creative fields including dance, musical theater, hip hop and acting.

Full-day camps, running July 8 through August 8, are for ages 9 – 18 and include free add-on programs that further develop talent and self-expression. Excitement builds throughout the four weeks as the programs culminate in final presentations before an audience of family and friends.

Every student is accepted; scholarships for summer camp tuition are available, and the application process is easy. Don’t delay—­registration is ongoing.

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In the Mix

A free add-on for those enrolled in Arts Education programming.

It’s a student-driven, multidisciplinary project with a civic engagement focus. The purpose of this project is for students to recognize their potential to become community-engaged artists and leaders, and establish their voices in creative, civic initiatives to make their world a better place. Students showcase their work on a podcast they create, produce and host themselves.

Creative Arts Camp For the youngest artists, ages 9 – 12 Every day they will dive into acting, ­musical theater, hip hop (including dance and emcee/ music production) and visual arts—all while building friendships and collaborating with ­talented teaching artists. One of the ­collaborative projects is designing a museum. Campers will develop exhibits, write artist statements and plan how their exhibits will come to life at night.

Spoiler alert: After-hours at the museum is the theme of the end-of-summer share. Campers will create an original piece, performed before a friendly audience of family and loved ones.

Creative Coaching A free add-on for participants in NJPAC Arts Education summer programs.

Students set a goal and are matched with a professional artist for guidance and support in achieving their goal. Aspirations can include perfecting a skill, developing a new talent, overcoming an obstacle or preparing for academic success. Creative Coaching turns young artists into unstoppable creative forces! This program is supported, in part, by the Ed Hajim Professional Readiness Program and is part of the Colton Institute for Training and Research in the Arts at NJPAC.

Creator’s Room Anyone is welcome to join this series of free conversations about the behind-the-scenes journey of artistic work.

The Ultimate Show & Tell will take place June 18, 2025, at 6:30PM in the NJPAC Center for Arts Education. Learn from a panel of producers, directors and stage technicians about backstage careers that are essential to on-stage storytelling.

Creativity on the Grand Stage!

Visit njpac.org for more information about these and other enriching programs and performances.

For students ages 13 – 18 Students choose a focus of hip hop arts and culture, acting or musical theater. In addition to learning from talented teaching artists, participants can join master classes with industry professionals, including NJPAC mainstage performers. What also makes this program special is the opportunity to perform on an NJPAC stage!

Campers will collaborate to create an original work that will be presented in a grand finale on the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Stage of the ­Victoria Theater.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENTERTAINMENT

Performances on a Spectular New Plaza ENTERTAINMENT

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hen Horizon Sounds of the City kicks off this summer—with the much-anticipated return of WBGO deejay Felix Hernandez and his ­rollicking, old-school Rhythm Revue Dance Party— the dance floor will be bigger.

Fancier, too.

In summers past, New Jersey Performing Arts Center's (NJPAC) free Thursday-night outdoor concert series has often filled the Arts Center’s front yard, Chambers Plaza, to overflowing. Roughly 3,000 people boogied on the brick-paved space each week.

Now, those dancers will have more room to spin, shuffle, and spread out. After roughly a year under construction, Chambers Plaza officially reopened earlier this month, gorgeously reappointed. Its familiar curved brick terraces have been replaced by a wide-open space floored with smooth gray stone. For those who prefer to ­people-watch, a new addition to the Arts Center’s campus, the Essex County Green, offers a

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

grassy lawn for reclining, relaxing and taking in the show.

“We can’t wait to welcome all our neighbors and friends over for a good, old-fashioned dance party in the beautifully redesigned ­Chambers Plaza,” says John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC. “This is the first piece of our whole-campus redevelopment project to be finished. By 2027, Chambers Plaza will be the nucleus of a whole new neighborhood on our campus. But this summer, we’re excited for our community to rediscover Chambers Plaza and the new Essex County Green as a wonderful space to people watch, soak in the sun and listen to some wonderful music.”

The reimagined space will also have movable seating and sun umbrellas. But some of the biggest innovations can only be ­ appreciated once the show starts: On four “totems” that now rise from the flat plaza, state-of-the-industry audio and light equipment has been ­permanently installed, making for a better outdoor musical experience—and more elaborate lighting.

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Free Outdoor Summer ­Concerts at NJPAC

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or the Horizon Sounds of the City series, Felix Hernandez’s Rhythm Revue Dance Party will kick off the summer at 5 PM on Friday, June 27, with a festival of old-time R&B mixed with hip hop. Another headliner (to be named later) will appear on Saturday, June 28.

And at 5 PM on Sunday, June 29, Lettuce, the GRAMMY-nominated music collective, mixes it up with their blend of funk, hip hop, rock, soul and go-go.

In July, the free series returns to Thursday nights with a lineup that encompasses a range of global musical styles:

JULY 10: THE LEGENDARY WAILERS WITH JUNIOR MARVIN Bob Marley’s guitarist Junior Marvin carries on the legacy of reggae with a ­performance of Marley’s hits and more.

JULY 17: LYFE JENNINGS

The platinum-selling R&B star Lyfe ­Jennings will take us on an intimate ­musical journey with his raw talent and personal lyrics.

JULY 24: DJ TUNEZ AND BAND

North to Shore F ­ estival Comes to Newark June 14 through June 29 In a departure from the t­ ypical Horizon Sounds of the City schedule, the series will kick off with three back-to-back shows in one weekend, as part of the N ­ JPAC-produced Prudential North Kumail Nanjiani June 21 to Shore Festival.

The multi-city summer music and comedy f­ estival runs June 14 through June 29 in Newark and Asbury Park, and year-round in A ­ tlantic City. For full details on all the festival’s headlining and c ­ ommunity events, please visit n ­ orthtoshore.com.

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The Nigerian-American deejay from South Brooklyn is renowned for his mixes of Afrobeat and dance hall tunes that keep the party jumping.

JULY 31: CIMAFUNK

GRAMMY-nominated Cuban musician Cimafunk blends funk and hip hop with Latin tunes; both Rolling Stone and NPR called his 2021 album El A ­ limento one of the year’s best.

AUGUST 7: MC LYTE

A hip hop pioneer, MC Lyte rose to fame in the 1980s as the first female rapper to release a solo album, Lyte as a Rock.

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kem

with special guest melanie fiona

jul 18

avatar: the last airbender in concert Fri, Jul 25 @ 8PM Chicago plays hit after hit: “Make Me Smile,” “25 or 6 to 4,” Saturday in the Park,” “Beginnings,” “Hard Habit to Break” and more!

tom segura Come Together Oct 15 @ 8PM Laugh it up with comedian Tom Segura, the host of fan-fave podcasts Your Mom’s House and 2 Bears 1 Cave.

The 20th Anniversary Tour Fri, Oct 3 @ 7:30PM The animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender comes to life on the big screen, with a spectacular full orchestra.

diana ross Oct 27 @ 7PM Diana Ross: radiant icon, trailblazing entertainer, unstoppable creative force, rewriting popular culture with unparalleled vocal artistry performing live at NJPAC!

frankie valli & the four seasons The Last Encores Sat, Oct 11 @ 8PM The original Jersey boy still loves performing at 90 years young.

Come celebrate the legendary man and his immortal music.

trisha yearwood with a Symphony Fri, Dec 5 @ 8PM The holidays sparkle when Trisha Yearwood (“She’s in Love with the Boy”) performs with a symphony.

@NJPAC • 1.888.MY.NJPAC • njpac.org One Center Street, Newark, NJ