Halsey Festival Draws Thousands to Newark on September 18 with Music, Food and Community Celebration

Annual event in Newark's historic Halsey Street corridor gathered the City's local businesses, artists and makers while bolstering community wellbeing

NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Halsey Festival, Newark's signature celebration of culture, community, and small business, took place on Halsey Street (between Center and New Streets) on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, from 3–9 p.m. Hosted by Alexandra Bernard-Simmons, CEO/Founder of Think Like a Boss, the free, family-friendly festival featured over 70 vendors, live music curated by Newark-based DJ collective bunkr., food from local restaurants, interactive art and free activities for kids and families.

More than an event, Halsey Festival reflects Newark Alliance's vision to transform the Halsey corridor into a cultural and economic hub. Known for its entrepreneurial energy and creative spirit, Halsey Street sits at the heart of the Arts and Education District. Through festivals, placemaking initiatives, and small business support — particularly for BIPOC entrepreneurs —Newark Alliance is building a destination that honors the city's history while fostering growth, creativity, and opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Ashley Mays, Chief Marketing Officer at Newark Alliance and President of Newark Happening, said: "Walking down Halsey Street during the festival is like seeing the city come alive. People are laughing, shopping, enjoying music, and connecting with neighbors. It's a chance to experience some of the aspects that make Newark so special—our businesses, our artists, and our community coming together."

This year's festival celebrated Newark's vibrant food and performing arts scene while supporting local small businesses and promoting community health and safety. RWJBarnabas Health introduced Harvest, a new Farm to Community Center expanding access to healthy food, and the Urban Agriculture Cooperative will distribute fresh produce. Free screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, and HIV were on-site, alongside voter registration and city health resources. Community partners—from NJPAC and Newark Arts to local nonprofits and student groups —hosted interactive activities, art stations, and resource tables throughout the event.

"Every year, Halsey Festival reminds us why we do this work," said Evan Weiss, President and CEO of Newark Alliance. "It's exciting to watch families, friends, and visitors explore the corridor, support local vendors, and discover new talent. This festival is more than an event—it's a reflection of the vibrancy of this neighborhood."

"Halsey Festival celebrates the vibrancy of the Newark community and highlights its rich cultural legacy and entrepreneurial spirit," said Lata Reddy, senior vice president of Inclusive Solutions at Prudential Financial and chair of the Newark Alliance Board of Directors. "Prudential is proud to support this festival as part of our long-standing commitment to investing in Newark's neighborhoods and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and homegrown talent — and creating lasting impact for residents and visitors alike."

Entertainment included local performers Monique the Star, Craig Bradley, J.1.DA, and K Marques. The All Stars Project of New Jersey, Inspira Dance, and Rutgers student groups gave community-driven performances. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed special activations from partners like the Red Bulls and Girl Scouts. Nearby on Bleeker Street, GlassRoots offered free glassblowing demonstrations and studio tours. The evening wrapped up from 7–9 p.m. with karaoke on Halsey Street, giving festivalgoers the chance to take the stage.

Halsey Festival was made possible through the support of NJPBS, Prudential Financial, United Airlines, PSEG and NJEDA.

"NJ PBS is a proud media sponsor of Halsey Festival and its mission, like ours, to bring local arts, stories and voices to the community," said Debra Falk, NJ PBS director of communications. "Events like this showcase Newark's talent, creativity and energy, which are all reasons our network calls it home."

Monica Slater Stokes, Managing Director, Corporate & Government Affairs of United Airlines added: "Giving back to the communities we live in and serve is in our DNA at United. We're proud to sponsor Halsey Fest and help showcase Newark's businesses, arts, and local talent to residents and visitors alike. Newark's cultural events are a reflection of the city's heartbeat, and we're excited to play a part in amplifying that energy."

Looking ahead, Halsey Festival programming continues with Halsey Art Block Party on October 9 (4–7 p.m., Halsey Street), the Western Fall Festival on October 25 (12–4 p.m., Military Park), and Newark Uncorked: Spirits Edition on November 15 (5–9 p.m., Newark Symphony Hall), featuring art, music, food, and community celebrations for all ages.

To learn more, please visit www.halseynwk.com. Halsey Festival is part of Festivals United Newark (FUN), a coalition of the city's most beloved cultural events. For media inquiries or to learn more about FUN, please visit www.festivalsunitednewark.org.

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.newarkalliance.org, www.newarkhappening.com and www.downtownnewark.com.

ABOUT FESTIVALS UNITED NEWARK
Funded through a $1.5 million grant awarded to the Newark Alliance from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Festivals United Newark (FUN) is a unique partnership of leading festival and event organizers in the City of Newark, NJ. For the first time, Newark's major festival planners have come together to form a coalition of the city's most beloved cultural events. Together under one umbrella, FUN members include AfroBeat Fest, Halsey Festival, Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark Arts Festival, Newark Pride, and Newark Winter Village, all in partnership with the Newark City Parks Foundation. FUN ensures a summer, fall, and winter filled with music, art, food and community. FUN is more than just a name – it's a movement. For more, visit www.festivalsunitednewark.org.

SOURCE Newark Alliance