Newark PorchFest Will Return For 2025: Music, Architecture, Art, Dance

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of a Patch Newark community member. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Newark PorchFest 2025, a community arts and music festival staged on porches, patios, and driveways of architectural landmarks in Newark’s stunning Forest Hill Historic District, will return for its sixth season on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (rain date Saturday, Sept. 27).

Organized by the Forest Hill Community Association this free event will showcase more than 50 musicians, visual artists, and dancers at more than 35 homes throughout the neighborhood. Attendees will have a wide range of styles and genres to enjoy, including pop, rock, R&B, Latin, world, DJs, fine art, crafts, and jewelry—with many visual artworks available for purchase.

Before PorchFest kicks off, families are invited to KidsFest from 11 a.m. to noon at 235 Delavan Avenue. Sponsored by the TD Charitable Foundation, KidsFest will feature a musical performance of the Troll and the Dinosaur by The New Jersey Symphony and narration by Forest Hill resident Crystal Gaynor. Other kid-friendly activities will also take place throughout the afternoon, including NJPAC’s Books on the Move and an interactive hula dancing lesson with performance.

Other highlights and must-sees for the 2025 event include the Spin City DJ station, where DJs will be spinning back-to-back danceable tunes all afternoon—complete with a photo booth and free PorchFest mock tails courtesy of Fever Tree and Da Silva Realty. Another must-stop is the Art Gallery at Sydenham House, where all of our visual artists will display their works gallery festival style, with musical performances occurring as a backdrop to the area – including some open mic time – to enjoy throughout the afternoon. The Essex County trolley will be available for navigating the neighborhood with ease and can be taken advantage of to participate in our first PorchFest scavenger hunt, with details and prizes to be announced soon on social media.

A variety of food trucks will also be available throughout the day, offering a delicious array of options to enjoy.

Guests can pick up an event guide and map at the Ballantine Gates (located at the intersection of Ballantine Parkway and Lake Street) or download a digital version from newarkporchfest.com.

Forest Hill is easily accessible via Newark Light Rail (Bloomfield Avenue, Davenport, and Branch Brook Park Stations) and the city bus line. Street parking available on neighborhood streets.

Newark PorchFest is made possible by the Forest Hill Community Association and the generous support of New Jersey State Council for the Arts, County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, Essex County Parks and the County of Essex, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr, The Da Silva Team Realty, Newark Teachers Union, Commercial District Services, Mt Prospect Partnership, The Turrell Fund, Nirvana Healthcare, Essex County Register Juan Rivera, North Ward Center, Lozada Landscaping, and Alpine Nursery.

For more information, visit newarkporchfest.com and be sure to follow Newark PorchFest on Facebook and Instagram: @newarkporchfest

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.