Best Things to Do in Newark – Events & Attractions

cherry blossoms in branch brook park in Newark
credit: ©istockphoto.com / andykazie / Cherry blossoms in Newark

Discover the best things to do in Newark, NJ!

From arts and entertainment to top-rated family-friendly attractions, this list covers Newark’s best events, festivals, restaurants, and outdoor activities, including visits to the Newark Museum of Art, concerts at NJPAC, hockey games at Prudential Center and the beautiful (cherry blossomed-filled) grounds of Essex County Branch Brook Park.

? Top AttractionsPrudential Center arena, NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center), Essex County Branch Brook Park, Newark Museum of Art, Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A
? Outdoor Adventures – Cherry blossoms at Essex County Branch Brook Park, ice skating at Newark Winter Village
? Upcoming Events – Seasonal festivals (Let’s Talk Women’s Wellness, North to Shore Festival), concerts, family-friendly activities

Whether you’re searching for “things to do in Newark this weekend,” kid-friendly activities or seasonal events, we’ve got you covered. Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings and plan your perfect Newark adventure!

Best Things to Do in Newark

North to Shore Festival Kicks Off This Weekend

Known as "The Festival Only Jersey Could Handle," the North to Shore Festival is gearing up for another statewide lineup of concerts, art exhibits,...

Find Out When To See The Cherry Blossoms at This New Jersey Park

New Jersey's cherry blossoms are in bloom. As of April 7, cherry blossoms are blooming  at Branch Brook Park, with peak bloom currently forecasted...

Peppa Pig is Putting On Her First Concert And She’s Coming to NJPAC

Get ready for giggles, snorts, and muddy puddles on stage. Peppa Pig is putting on her very first concert, and she's making a stop...

New Diagnostic Imaging Center Opens in Newark Ahead of Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness Symposium

A new diagnostic imaging center that will expand access to breast cancer detection and other advanced imaging services opened Friday in downtown Newark. Sheryl...

World Cup Fan Festivals Are Coming to 5 NJ Towns Ahead of MetLife Matches

As we get closer to the FIFA World Cup matches set for MetLife Stadium, five New Jersey cities and towns have been confirmed as...

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Is Coming Back to New Jersey

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is bringing its famous circus back to town with a stop in Newark.   Enter to win a family four-pack...

Three New Jersey Colleges Rank as The World’s Top Universities (2026), According to TIME Magazine

Can admission to top universities be both merit-based and economically inclusive? TIME magazine took on that question in developing a new ranking of the world's...

Historic Theaters in New Jersey: A Guide to the State’s Most Iconic Stages

Living across the river from Broadway has its perks, but you don’t have to cross the Hudson to see live theater in a spectacular...

Mickey’s Search Party, Disney on Ice’s New Show, Is Coming to NJ This Week

Kids will follow Mickey Mouse and his pals on a quest to find Tinker Bell using Captain Hook's treasure map during this week's Disney...

Conan O’Brien and Stephen Colbert Are Teaming Up for Montclair Film Fundraiser at NJPAC

Big comedy news! Conan O'Brien will join Stephen Colbert on stage this week at NJPAC in a fundraiser in support of Montclair Film. O'Brien is...

Make This Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Your Next Night Out

Speakeasies are having a moment, with semi-hidden entrances, dark, moody lighting and next-level craft cocktails combining for a unique night out. Now Fever, the...

New Jersey’s 10 Best Colleges and Universities for 2026, According to WalletHub

WalletHub’s new 2026 Best College & University Rankings are out and Princeton University is at the top of the national list once again. The...

These Are New Jersey’s Best Colleges For 2026, According to US News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report’s eagerly awaited 2026 rankings of the country's best universities is out and once again, New Jersey's Ivy League school...

What Are the Best Public Colleges in NJ? Money Magazine Says These Two Schools

Choosing an in-state public college can mean lower tuition and strong local job prospects—and two New Jersey schools just earned national praise for offering...

Monster Jam’s Massive Trucks Are Coming Back to Newark This Summer

Have a kid who's obsessed with mini monster trucks? This August, they can see them come to life at Monster Jam at Prudential Center...

This NJ University Ranks Among the World’s Best, Says U.S. News

U.S. News & World Report released its top universities around the world for 2025-2026, and 7 New Jersey higher institutions made the full list,...

Newark Calendar of Events

NJ Events Calendar

  • International Eats Trail

    International Eats Trail
    Various venues in Newark NJ

    From West African and Latin kitchens to Korean barbecue and global tea, the International Eats Trail celebrates the diverse culinary traditions that make this city one of the most flavorful […]

  • Family Day Out

    Family Day Out
    Various venues in Newark NJ

    Start with world-class art at the Newark Museum, treat the kids to something sweet, sit down for a Latin meal, and finish with a slice of Newark’s most legendary pie. […]

  • Bachata Meets Salsa

    Bachata Meets Salsa (FREE ENTRANCE AND CLASS)
    Lancers Restaurant and Bar 459 Ferry St, Newark, NJ, United States

    Bachata Heaven Social presents Bachata Meets Salsa, a black light party with fog machines. Music by DJ Carliita and JdaBachata. Salsa On 1 Class: 8 pm Sensual Bachata Class: 8:30 […]

    Free
  • Bachathursdays

    Bachathursdays (FREE SOCIAL)
    Lancers Restaurant and Bar 459 Ferry St, Newark, NJ, United States

    Every Thursday, learn bachata. The class starts at 8 pm, followed by a dance social at 9 pm. Open to beginners and advanced dancers. Music performed by JDABACHATA and DJ […]

    $10
  • Transform the Hustle’s Family Fun Fest

    Military Park 51 Park Pl, Newark, United States

    Transform the Hustle is hosting a Newark community event as part of the World Cup festivities. The afternoon includes soccer games and drills, relay races and team competitions, creative stations […]

    Free
  • Iliza Shlesinger at NJPAC

    NJPAC 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ, United States

    Iliza Shlesinger brings her acclaimed comedy tour to Prudential Hall at NJPAC on Saturday, June 27. With seven stand-up specials — including her latest Amazon Prime hit, A Different Animal, […]

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