Halsey Festival Returns to Celebrate Newark's Culture, Commerce and Community

Annual event will spotlight the history of Halsey Street and the people shaping its future

NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Halsey Festival will return to downtown Newark on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 3 to 8 p.m., bringing residents, students, entrepreneurs, and visitors together along Halsey Street for live entertainment, local food, shopping and family-friendly activities.

Presented by Newark Alliance, the free festival will feature performances, food and artisan vendors, community resources, and opportunities to experience Newark's small businesses, global cuisine and public art. Additional details and free RSVPs are available on the Halsey Festival Eventbrite page.

Stretching 1.2 miles through one of downtown Newark's oldest areas, Halsey Street has long connected commerce, the arts, education and civic life, with its commercial history continuing today through a diverse community of entrepreneurs.

"Halsey Festival gives us an opportunity to bring residents, students, visitors, and commuters directly to the businesses and experiences that make Halsey Street distinctive. The festival builds on Newark Alliance's ongoing work to strengthen the corridor through programming, partnerships, placemaking and the Halsey place brand," said Ashley Mays, Chief Marketing Officer at Newark Alliance and President of Newark Happening. "By creating more opportunities to discover and support the storefronts along the corridor, the festival advances our broader vision of strengthening Halsey Street as a destination rooted in local ownership, Black and Brown wealth creation and inclusive economic growth."

Now in its 20th year, Halsey Festival highlights the locally owned businesses, entrepreneurs and makers shaping the corridor, while connecting Newark entrepreneurs with new and longtime customers. Several returning vendors will be spotlighted at the event and will be joined by several newcomers from both retail and business. 

For HARVEST, a farm-to-community center by RWJBarnabas Health, this year will mark its first time participating in the festival. "Having our location on Halsey Street means becoming part of a vibrant community rich in culture, history, creativity and entrepreneurship," said Christopher Keys, logistics manager for HARVEST. "We're excited to contribute to the energy and growth that make Halsey Street so special, while becoming part of its ongoing story."

Harlem Cycle, which opened on Halsey Street this past January, will also participate for the first time. "I love being surrounded by other small businesses and entrepreneurs who are also invested in seeing this area thrive," said Tammeca Rochester, owner of Harlem Cycle. "There is something really special about becoming part of a street with such a strong history of entrepreneurship while also getting to contribute to what comes next."

Returning vendors see Halsey Festival as an opportunity to reconnect with the community. Newark-based FABYOULIFE has participated over the years as its fragrance and lifestyle brand has grown. "I continue to participate in Halsey Fest because it genuinely feels like community," said FABYOULIFE owner Shakirah Dickens.

Blush Velvet Boutique owner Candace Guy similarly credits the festival with helping the business build its local customer base. "It gives us the opportunity to connect with customers face to face and let them experience the brand in person," Guy said.

Sister Lovely S. Ali, founder of Lovely Life Products, returns annually to provide face painting for children and henna art for adults. "Halsey Festival is a chance to reconnect with people, support fellow small businesses and artists, and be part of the energy that makes Halsey Street so special," Ali said.

Together, these businesses and vendors reflect the community of entrepreneurs, artists and residents that Halsey Festival brings together each year.

"Halsey Festival celebrates the heart and culture of Newark's Central Ward. Halsey Festival brings together our residents, small businesses, artists, students, and visitors. It strengthens our local economy, showcases the rich culture and creativity of what makes Halsey Street a premier destination in our City, and ensures that the people and businesses who have helped build this corridor remain central to its continued growth," said Central Ward Council Member Amina Bey. "As a resident of the Central Ward, I look forward to attending annually, and I am honored this year to support Halsey Festival even more as the Central Ward Councilwoman."

Halsey Street sits at the intersection of downtown Newark's arts, academic, business and cultural districts, near The Newark Museum of Art, Rutgers University-Newark and Newark Public Library's main branch. The corridor also touches the Audible Innovation Zone at Washington Place and Tubman Square.

Halsey Festival's Supporting Sponsors, Prudential Financial and United Airlines, help make the free public event possible.

"Halsey Street has long been at the heart of Newark's story, serving as a vibrant corridor where culture, commerce, and community come together," said Lata Reddy, Senior Vice President of Inclusive Solutions at Prudential Financial and Chair of the Board of the Newark Alliance. "The festival is a celebration of what makes Newark special. It strengthens connections among residents, showcases local talent and entrepreneurship, and contributes to a thriving, inclusive local economy. Prudential is proud to continue supporting this event and the people and businesses that make Halsey Street such an important part of Newark's future."

"United Airlines is pleased to support an event that brings residents, local organizations and visitors together while showcasing the energy of Halsey Street," said Monica Slater-Stokes, Managing Director of Corporate and Government Affairs at United Airlines. "As an airline, our business is all about connecting people and communities, and we're proud to support events like this that strengthen local relationships, celebrate Newark's vibrant culture and bring people together."

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.

SOURCE Newark Alliance