One Love Music Fest 2026

ONE LOVE MUSIC FEST 2026 – Newark’s Premier Caribbean Musical Explosion 🌴🎶

One Day. One Unforgettable Experience.

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT!

Newark’s biggest Caribbean celebration returns on August 30, 2026 at Military Park. Join us for a full day of live music, Caribbean food, cultural performances, games, family fun, and community experiences, all completely FREE.

Join thousands of festivalgoers for Newark’s ultimate Caribbean celebration!

We believe culture should be shared, not gated. Join us for a full day of music, culture, and celebration at no cost.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Live Entertainment

Experience electrifying performances from an incredible lineup of artists throughout the day.

Vendors Marketplace

Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring Caribbean food, local businesses, crafts, merchandise, and island-inspired vendors.

Health & Wellness Hub

Start your day with yoga, Konpa dance classes, high-energy Soca Fit sessions, wellness activities, and professional health screenings.

Community & Networking

Meet creators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and organizations making a positive impact throughout Newark and beyond.

Unmatched Festival Experience

Celebrate Caribbean culture through music, food, art, entertainment, and unforgettable community vibes.

LEVEL UP YOUR EXPERIENCE: VIP & SWAG BAGS

Upgrade your festival experience with a VIP Access Pass featuring exclusive perks, lounge access, and food. Don't forget to grab an official OLMF 2026 Build Your Own Swag Bag filled with island-inspired goodies.

Proudly partnered with Legends Event Production, LLC, Newark Parks Foundation, Brothers Building A Better Nation, EAS Entertainment, Fete Bandits, Haitian All Starz, and the City of Newark.

Headliners

🎟 ADMISSION IS FREE! We believe culture should be shared, not gated. Join us for a full day of music and celebration at no cost.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of smooth jazz and side-splitting laughter at Jazz & Jokes in the Park, hosted by the legendary Bob Sumner—co-creator of Def Comedy Jam and champion of some of comedy’s biggest stars.
Settle in under the stars as top-tier jazz musicians set the mood, followed by a lineup of hilarious comedians handpicked by Bob himself. It’s the perfect blend of rhythm and wit in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Free and open to the public.

Come for the music, stay for the laughs—Jazz & Jokes is where soul meets comedy in the heart of the community.

Enjoy Summer Fun & Films in Military Park with free midweek movie nights and family-friendly activities before films begin under the stars.

SHOWING: Lean on Me

Black Boy Joy Fest is back for its 2nd year! Future Leaders of Tomorrow invites Black boys and their families to a free day of connection, celebration, and community at Military Park in Newark.

Boys can dive into chess and strategy, wellness and yoga, arts and crafts, sports and games, and music and entertainment, plus enjoy free haircuts, food and refreshments, school supplies and giveaways, reading resources, and mentorship and leadership opportunities.

This is a day built to remind our boys they are seen, valued, and celebrated.

Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 11 AM–5 PM | Ages 5–18.

Enjoy Summer Fun & Films in Military Park with free midweek movie nights and family-friendly activities before films begin under the stars.

Join us every Tuesday starting July 7 through August 11, 2026, with activities beginning at 5:00 PM

Panini Mobile Tour

Rain date - May 9

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of smooth jazz and side-splitting laughter at Jazz & Jokes in the Park, hosted by the legendary Bob Sumner—co-creator of Def Comedy Jam and champion of some of comedy’s biggest stars.

Settle in under the stars as top-tier jazz musicians set the mood, followed by a lineup of hilarious comedians handpicked by Bob himself. It’s the perfect blend of rhythm and wit in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Free and open to the public.

Come for the music, stay for the laughs—Jazz & Jokes is where soul meets comedy in the heart of the community.

Grab the mic and show off your skills at Karaoke Night at The Yard! 

Join us for TWO nights of music, laughs, and good vibes in the heart of downtown! Whether you're a pro or just in it for fun, everyone’s invited to sing their heart out!

Event 1: Aug 12 @ 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Event 2: Sep 9 @ 5:30pm - 8:30pm

The Yard | 55 Park Place (Military Park)

Free to attend & open to all!

NDD Karaoke at The Yard

One Love Music Fest is bringing di Islands to New Jersey!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and colors of the islands at One Love: Caribbean Music Fest in Military Park, Newark, New Jersey on Saturday, August 2nd. This eagerly anticipated festival brings the authentic Carnival atmosphere to the city with live performances, talented artists and DJs, mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine, local vendors, and family-friendly activities.

Dance to the beats of konpa, soca, and dancehall/reggae, savor the diverse flavors of Caribbean food from food trucks and vendors, and explore unique crafts and shopping stalls. With captivating performances, bouncy houses, and fun for all ages, the One Love Music Fest is the ultimate celebration of Caribbean culture.

Produced by Legends Event Production, LLC and Brothers Building A Better Nation in partnership with Newark City Parks Foundation.

Celebrate the brilliance, strength, and potential of our young kings at the Black Boy Joy Festival—a powerful day of mentorship, workshops, sports, and community connection designed to uplift and inspire the next generation of Black male leaders.

Hosted by Future Leaders of Tomorrow, this event pairs young Black boys with positive, purpose-driven mentors for a day filled with:

• Transformational workshops on self-awareness, leadership, and dreaming beyond circumstance
  

• Interactive sports and team-building activities
  

• Safe spaces for reflection, expression, and connection
  

• Music, food, and celebration of Black boy joy
  
  

This is more than a festival—it's a movement to affirm identity, nurture self-worth, and plant seeds of greatness.

Come as you are. Leave inspired.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of smooth jazz and side-splitting laughter at Jazz & Jokes in the Park, hosted by the legendary Bob Sumner—co-creator of Def Comedy Jam and champion of some of comedy’s biggest stars.

Settle in under the stars as top-tier jazz musicians set the mood, followed by a lineup of hilarious comedians handpicked by Bob himself. It’s the perfect blend of rhythm and wit in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Free and open to the public.

Come for the music, stay for the laughs—Jazz & Jokes is where soul meets comedy in the heart of the community.

Afro Beat Fest is an annual family-oriented festival in Newark, New Jersey celebrating African culture and communities including music, art, fashion, dance, crafts and cuisine. Feel the beat, move your feet, and celebrate the spirit of Africa at the Afro Beat Festival.! This high-energy, family-friendly event brings the heart of African music and culture to the community with live performances, dance, food, artisan vendor marketplace and fun. Whether you're here to dance, eat, shop, or just soak up the rhythm, the Afrobeat Festival promises a joyful experience that celebrates the power of music to bring people together.

Join us for a magical evening of music in the heart of the city as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Quintet brings their signature artistry to the Square with a fresh take on the Great American Songbook.

This special performance blends classical finesse with jazz-infused flair, breathing new life into timeless favorites by Gershwin, Ellington, Porter, and more. It’s a celebration of American musical heritage — reimagined with style, soul, and symphonic sophistication.

🎶 Live performance by NJ Symphony musicians
🎷 A vibrant twist on iconic American standards
🌆 Beautiful outdoor setting in the Square

Free and open to all.

The Project Connect Service Fair is held each year and offers many services to the people experiencing homelessness in the Newark community. The 2025 iteration of the Project Connect Service Fair will be held on Thursday, June 26th from 10am-2pm.

The 2024 Service Fair was a huge success in serving the homeless population of Newark. We had over 30 service providers, gave 67 haircuts and provided case management to a record-setting 227 attendees, who are able to receive ongoing support following the event.

Thank you to Prudential and so many other businesses and organizations that provide services at this event!

A reactivation of HARVEST’s Community Vision Board - an open invitation for a day at the park full of art, music, good energy, and space to dream out loud with your neighbors. Add your piece to the vision before the final piece is sealed and framed.

https://partiful.com/e/3eMY4YZwBEUmLkykEtaa