City of Newark Launches 'Experience Newark: Local Festivals and Flavors' Initiative Alongside Summer Festivals

Experience Newark aims to drive foot traffic to local restaurants, highlight city culture and connect visitors to Newark's dining and entertainment scene

NEWARK, N.J., July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Newark Alliance, Invest Newark and the City of Newark's Arts and Education District today announced the launch of Experience Newark: Festivals & Flavors, a season-long initiative designed to connect the energy of major cultural events and festivals, including Prudential North to Shore Festival, to the city's thriving restaurant and nightlife scene.

The strategic campaign features themed itineraries pairing performances and events with nearby dining options and specials, encouraging visitors and residents to have a well-rounded experience as they visit downtown for events.

"Experience Newark is an opportunity for our city to showcase its vibe and vibrance – all the more brilliant under the stage lights of this summer's most exciting festivals including Prudential North to Shore Festival," said Mayor Baraka. "Those who travel here to see the headliners will be just as awed by our world-class venues and diverse global cuisine. Our retail landscape features treasures from every continent, and our residents welcome you with open arms. Come enjoy Newark, and make connections and memories to last a lifetime."

Experience Newark includes a mobile digital passport, available all season long, featuring local bars and restaurants offering exclusive deals, discounts and rewards for users who check in to establishments and purchase. The digital pass, accessible on the Newark Happening website (www.newarkhappening.com/experiencenewark), and via QR code citywide, guides visitors through downtown Newark's culinary districts — from the Arts and Education District and the Halsey Street corridor to the Ironbound — highlighting the best in cult coffee spots, upscale dining, craft cocktails and international cuisine.

"Experience Newark is part of our broader effort to build long-term visibility for Newark as a dynamic, must-visit city," said Ashley Mays, chief marketing officer of Newark Alliance and president of Newark Happening. "By linking our hospitality assets with major cultural moments, we're creating value for residents, local businesses and visitors while supporting economic growth in the process."

Over 20 businesses are participating in Experience Newark, including The Yard, Black Swan Espresso, CoolVines Newark, Five Corners, Sihana Bistro, Taste of the Caribbean Restaurant & Catering, Sweet Jeans, Sabor Unido, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Newark Local Beer, Krug's, La Cocina, Roberts Pizzeria, Just Delicious, Ramen Gami, Cornbread Newark, Konoz Restaurant, McGoverns Tavern, Casa d'Paco, TOSSSED NJ, The Good Eats Experience, Tainos Kitchen, Darios Tex Mex, Fruit House, A&J Caribbean Taste and Vivo Tapas Kitchen. 

Businesses span a variety of cuisines and styles, including local staples and newer venues eager to capture the attention of visitors arriving for concerts, festivals and performances throughout the summer. Most of these are proudly owned by Newark-based entrepreneurs, demonstrating the city's growing base of locally owned restaurants and venues.

"This initiative pairs visitors and residents attending events with restaurants and businesses they may want to visit," said Marcus Randolph, CEO of Invest Newark. "By activating our districts during high-profile events, we create opportunities for entrepreneurs to shine and for visitors to truly experience what makes Newark unique."

"Our goal is to activate the whole city through events like Prudential North to Shore Festival," said John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC, the anchor cultural institution for the City of Newark. "We aim to give those coming to town for a performance a great reason to explore Newark's neighborhoods, its galleries and restaurants, and to get a feel for the spirit of our incredible hometown."

Additional components of Experience Newark include on-the-ground ambassadors stationed at major events and near key venues such as Prudential Center, providing information, tips and recommendations and guided walking tours connecting restaurants, bars and cultural landmarks, which included a "Don't Leave" activation for the Tyler, The Creator tour at Prudential Center on Sunday, July 27th  in partnership with newly opened Just Delicious restaurant on Market Street.

"Experience Newark will enable people to truly connect with our city," said Evan Weiss, CEO of Newark Alliance. "Whether you're here for a show or just exploring, we want every experience to be authentic and memorable."

For more information and to access the mobile passport, visit www.newarkhappening.com/experiencenewark.

ABOUT NEWARK
For more information on the City of Newark, please visit https://www.newarknj.gov/.

ABOUT NEWARK ALLIANCE
The Newark Alliance, through the combined strength and collaboration of its members, drives inclusive economic growth for all of Newark, N.J. Our members comprise Newark's premier businesses, anchor institutions, and community partners, including Fortune 100 and 500 companies and several of the country's top universities, developers, hospitals, and arts institutions. United by a shared vision, the Alliance and its Members work collaboratively to cement Newark's status as one of America's most diverse, prosperous, exciting, and equitable cities. Visit us at www.newark-alliance.org, www.newarkhappening.com and www.downtownnewark.com.

ABOUT INVEST NEWARK 
Invest Newark, the city's Economic Development Corporation, propels economic growth by championing small businesses, improving internet access and facilitating real estate development. These endeavors lead to job creation and wealth generation, enhancing the overall welfare of Newark's residents. Distinguished by our unwavering dedication to equity and sustainability, Invest Newark stands apart as a forward-thinking development agency. Stay up to date on Invest Newark's latest news by following us on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, or visit us at InvestNewark.org. 

SOURCE Newark Alliance