Weekend Traffic In Newark: UFC Event, Portugal Day Festival

NEWARK, NJ — A pair of highly-anticipated events are expected to impact traffic this weekend in Newark, authorities say.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will return to the Prudential Center on Saturday, June 7. Read More: UFC Event In New Jersey Generated $26M, Got Visit From Trump

Meanwhile, a popular Portugal Day Festival will return to Newark’s Ironbound District from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8. Read More: 2025 Portugal Day Festival In Newark Expected To Draw Big Crowd

Here are some weekend traffic alerts for both event from the Newark Department of Public Safety:

UFC MATCH

Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. announced that the following streets will be closed during the below designated hours for the UFC 316 event on Saturday, June 7.

Beginning 5 p.m. to midnight

• Columbia Street from Lafayette Street to Edison Place
• Edison Place from Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Blvd. to McCarter Highway
• Mulberry Street from Lafayette Street to Market Street

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the following rules will be enforced at the event’s exterior:

• No backpacks, bags, purses, or coolers are allowed within the area of the event location.
• All persons, bags, parcels, clothing, and other items may be subject to random screening/security checks.
• Law enforcement K-9 units will be positioned in the event area for the safety of all attendees

For the Prudential Center’s interior security policy, kindly visit their website at: https://www.prucenter.com/arena-policy.

Drivers are advised to anticipate delays, to plan alternate routes, and to limit traveling on Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Blvd. for the entirety of the event.

PORTUGAL FESTIVAL

Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. announced that the following streets will be closed during the below designated hours this weekend for the Portuguese Festival, Foot Race, and Parade:

Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 8 a.m. to 12 midnight

• Ferry Street between New Jersey Railroad Avenue and Jackson Street
• Edison Place between Raymond Plaza East and McWhorter Street
• Bruen Street between Hamilton Street and Edison Place
• Niagara Street between Ferry Street and Darcy Street

Sunday, June 8, 2025 - 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Ferry St. between New Jersey Railroad Avenue and St. Charles Street
• Wilson Avenue between Merchant Street and Darcy Street
• Patterson Street between Wilson Avenue and Niagara Street
• Hensler Street between Wilson Avenue and Niagara Street
• Alyea Street between Ferry Street and Darcy Street
• Wall Street between Ferry Street and Darcy Street

Sunday, June 8, 2025 – 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Edison Place between Raymond Plaza East and McWhorter Street
• Bruen Street between Hamilton Street and Edison Place
• Niagara Street between Ferry Street and Darcy Street
• Ferry Street between New Jersey Railroad Avenue Jackson Street

Foot Race Street Closures - Sunday, June 8, 2025 – 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Ferry Street between Peter Francisco Park to Charles Street
• New York Avenue from Lang Street to Jabez Street
• Rome Street to St. Charles Street

Parade Street Closures - Sunday, June 8, 2025 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Ferry Street between Merchant Street and Union Street (Parade Route – Ferry Street from Wilson Avenue to Peter Francisco Park)
• Wilson Avenue between Merchant Street and Darcy Street (Staging Area – Re-opens at 12:30 p.m.)

The parade begins at 3 p.m. and is expected to end at 5 p.m. Drivers are advised to anticipate delays and to plan alternate routes for all of these events.

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