Nork! Photo Fest
This summer, Newark's revolutionary history in film and photography takes center stage with Nork! Photo Fest, a month-long public art installation and cultural celebration hosted by The Nork! Project. Kicking off Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Military Park, the festival commemorates the city's lasting impact on visual storytelling—dating back to 1898 when Reverend Hannibal Goodwin invented celluloid film at the historic Plume House in downtown Newark, forever changing photography and making motion pictures possible.
Presented by The Nork! Project, an independent art and apparel brand rooted in Newark’s creative spirit, Nork! Photo Fest is an evolution of lens-based activations that began in 2020. What started as a grassroots photo walk has grown into a full-fledged cultural festival highlighting street and documentary photography with deep ties to Newark’s urban landscape and storytelling traditions.
Tuesdays (June + July - Tuesdays @ 6pm) Zumba with Crystal Gaynor
Get ready to dance, sweat, and smile with Zumba in the Park, led by the vibrant and energetic Crystal Gaynor! This fun-filled class is perfect for all ages and fitness levels—no dance experience needed, just a willingness to move and have a great time. Crystal brings the energy with easy-to-follow routines set to upbeat Latin and international music that will get your heart pumping and your body moving.
Bring the whole family and let the rhythm move you—it’s fitness that feels like a party!
HARVEST x Nork! Project x Newark City Parks - Community Vision Board Activation
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
Bridges Project Connect Service Fair
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!
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra - Great American Songbook
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.
Afro Beat Festival
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.
Jazz & Jokes, Hosted by Bob Sumner
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.
One Love Music Festival
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.
Jazz & Jokes, Hosted by Bob Sumner
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.
Nork! Photo Fest
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