Huge Latin Festival Returning To Newark: Music, Parking, Street Closures

NEWARK, NJ — A popular festival will be returning to Newark this weekend with a special mission: to shine a light on domestic violence prevention.

The city’s annual Latin Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 17. It’s scheduled from noon to 10 p.m. on Bloomfield Avenue between Lake Street and Clifton Avenue.

“Few events capture the vibrance of our city on such a large scale as the Latin Festival – and this year’s extravaganza promises to surpass them all,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

Here’s what to expect, according to an advisory from the mayor’s office:

“The day-long celebration will be headlined by three stellar musical show-stoppers. Milly Quezada, the ‘Queen of Merengue,’ music is a four-time Latin Grammy winner and recipient of the Premio Soberano, the genre’s highest award. She has released many popular merengue hits such as ‘Lo Tengo Todo’ and ‘Entre tu Cuerpo y el Mio.’ Miriam Cruz has enjoyed a four-decade merengue career that has earned her numerous awards, including Best Merengue Orchestra in 2013, and Merengue of the Year in 2014 at the illustrious Soberano Music Awards in the Dominican Republic. Gisselle is prominent Puerto Rican merengue singer and actress. She has released multiple platinum and gold releases, and was nominated for a Grammy. The festival will also showcase an abundance of local talent including Newark’s own DJ Reymo.”

The event will also include family-friendly activities such as face painting and a bounce house.

For event security, all bags and backpacks will be subject to search upon entry. Weapons, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, noise makers, drones of any type, glass containers, alcohol, coolers and all smoking devices are prohibited. Pets are not permitted during the event. Riding bikes or scooters is also prohibited on site, but attendees are encouraged to arrive and depart using Newark Go, the city’s scooter and bike share program. The rented e-bikes and scooters can be left on Clifton and Bloomfield Avenues, near the Latin Festival.

There will be additional car parking in Branch Brook Park.

“The annual Latin Festival is one of Newark’s most special and joyous events,” Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Quiles-Mercado said.

“Our Latino residents celebrate their incredible heritage, traditions, achievements, and culture every year, joining with international stars and local talent performing on our stage,” Quiles-Mercado said. “Newark welcomes families and people of all ages to come dance, eat, laugh, sing and soak up this joyful vibe!”

The city is still accepting sponsorships and vendors. Organizations and businesses interested in supporting or participating in the Latin Festival are encouraged to contact the Office of Community Engagement at 973-733-4310.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS

This year’s event will be an opportunity for city agencies to raise awareness for domestic violence prevention, with speakers sharing personal stories of transformation from the stage.

During the festival, the city’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery and Brick City Peace Collective will create a “centralized, family-friendly space focused on providing information and resources related to domestic violence prevention, crisis intervention and trauma recovery.”

Festival-goers will be able to access support services, receive referrals and learn about safe pathways out of abusive relationships. Bilingual staff will also circulate throughout the event to distribute materials, answer questions and connect individuals to real-time assistance in both English and Spanish.

“This year, we’re taking bold steps to confront domestic and sexual violence by providing dedicated spaces for education, resources and support,” Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Lakeesha Eure said.

“No matter your background or status, you deserve safety and healing,” Eure said. “Newark is united in breaking the silence, uplifting survivors, and building a city rooted in dignity and justice.”

• See Related: Federal Budget Cuts Devastate Domestic Violence Group In Newark
• See Related: NJ Volunteers Needed To Aid Domestic Violence Victims

STREET CLOSURES

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, several local roads will be closed for the duration of the festival.

The list includes:

Beginning from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Sunday, August 17, 2025

• Bloomfield Avenue between Clifton Avenue and Lake Street

The following streets will not be open to traffic headed toward Bloomfield Avenue:

• Highland Avenue between #131 / #142 Highland Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue
• Highland Avenue between Bloomfield Avenue and #179 / #180 Highland Avenue
• Ridge Street between #217 Ridge Street and Bloomfield Avenue
• Parker Street between #240 Parker Street and Bloomfield Avenue

Residents of the above-listed streets will be allowed to travel to their homes during the event. All other drivers are advised to plan alternate routes, police said.

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