Halsey Fest 2025: Where Newark’s Soul Took Center Stage

On Thursday, September 15, under a bright, cloudless sky, Halsey Fest 2025 transformed Newark, NJ’s historic Halsey Street corridor into a living celebration of the city. Hundreds of revelers came out to dance and soak in the energy of a city that knows how to show up.

The Main Stage buzzed from start to finish. Host Alexandra Bernard-Simmons kept the crowd engaged and energized, while local DJ collective bunkr. spun tracks that transformed the street of shops and cafes into a block party. Music pulsed through the corridor, drawing in festivalgoers with beats that carried through the afternoon.

Performances by rising stars added depth and soul. Monique the Starr stunned with vocals that mesmerized the crowd, while J.1.DA brought thoughtful, conscious lyrics that had heads nodding. Then, the action shifted—UniverSoul Circus acrobats burst onto the scene, drawing cheers and gasps as they flipped and flew across the stage. Festivalgoers sprinted forward, phones raised, not wanting to miss a single moment.

But Halsey Fest is about more than the stage; It’s about the people. Attendees wandered from booth to booth, discovering handcrafted goods from local entrepreneurs like Bklyn Bar Soap and Leila’s Plants, whose lush greenery and natural skincare added texture to the day’s vibe. Other festivalgoers tried their hand at boxing with Per Se Boxing, kicked around in Red Bull’s mini soccer pit, and joined in games with friends and strangers alike. Everywhere you turned, there was something to do and someone new to meet.

Then came a moment that stole everyone’s heart: during Karaoke on Halsey, a young girl stepped up to sing Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” As she sang through tears, the crowd joined her—lifting their voices in support and solidarity. The powerful, shared moment turned vulnerability into connection and reminded everyone why Halsey Fest feels like home.

From face painting and henna to spontaneous selfies with a UniverSoul stilt walker, the festival was a kaleidoscope of joy. Kids and adults alike mingled, played games, and soaked in the late-summer sunshine. “It was like every booth came with a new friend,” said one attendee. “You couldn’t help but feel connected.”

For nearly 15 years, Halsey Fest has celebrated the essence of Newark—its people, its creativity, and its unwavering sense of community. This year, it joined the lineup of Festivals United Newark (FUN), a citywide initiative that brings together Newark’s most iconic cultural moments. The festival didn’t just keep the tradition alive; it took it to the next level. FUN keeps Newark buzzing with energy, connection, and creativity, and Halsey Fest fits right in. When Newark shows up, it shows out.