Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 07/13/2025
Photo by Festivals United Newark
(NEWARK, NJ) -- AFROBEAT FEST (ABF), the largest celebration of the African diaspora in the state of New Jersey, returned on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Military Park. Cofounded by Newark's First Lady, Linda Baraka, ABF unites communities through cultural expression, brings awareness of the afrobeat inspiration, educates visitors on African traditions, and empowers the originality of local artists and entrepreneurs.
“AfroBeat Fest has become a beloved and iconic event in our city and state, embodying the vibrant culture and showcasing the immense talent within our community,” said Newark’s First Lady Linda Baraka and co-founder of the AfroBeat Fest. “It stands as a bridge connecting generations, offering a celebration of the African Diaspora's rich heritage while fostering unity and collaboration among Newark's residents and visitors. Powered by passionate volunteers and buoyed by Newark's commitment to cultural excellence, the festival has grown to become one of the city's most anticipated and cherished gatherings, bringing over 10,000 attendees together each year.”
The one-day festival showcased Art Installations including pieces from visual artist Andrew Nichols and African sculptures and fabrics sold by Oumarou Ouedraogo, hailing from West Africa’s Burkina Faso. Together they celebrated the creativity and vibrancy of African Art. Local fan-food favorites included Newark-based Salaam Ice Cream and the award-winning Afro Taco Food Truck.
AfroBeat Fest appealed to Newarkers, neighbors from surrounding towns and communities, and visitors from New York City seeking a free, quality, arts and culture-driven experience with events for the entire family.
Festival-goers and visitors utilized Via, Newark’s free weekend micro transit service to get around the city. Via offers easy, on-demand rides to key venues around Newark. The app-based shared ride service runs Fridays to Sundays, helping FUN patrons navigate Newark’s Arts and Education District without the hassle of finding parking.
The AfroBeat Fest featured:
* Live music and DJs (featuring DJ Kassava and Cina Soul)
* Lively dance performances and workshops courtesy of renowned Afro Afrique Dance Troupe
* African cuisine (e.g., jollof rice, yassa poulet)
* Drumming and dancing lessons
* Diaspora Marketplace: Vendors included Kwabs Couture, Zolani’s Lemon Lady, Jewelry by Che and Nas Boutique of Crafts
* Activations with local organizations to promote health, education, and civic engagement
Founded in 2017 with the assistance of Mrs. Linda Baraka, AfroBeat Fest is an annual one-day family festival in Newark, NJ occurring on the second Saturday of July to become Newark’s largest celebration of African Culture. The celebrated festival expands and continues the tradition of the former Africa Newark Street Festival (1988-2006). Powered by volunteers, the festival draws over 10,000 residents and visitors annually to commemorate one of the few New Jersey festivals with a Pan African Focus.
Funded through a $1.5 million grant awarded to the Newark Alliance from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Festivals United Newark (FUN) is a unique partnership of leading festival and event organizers in the City of Newark, NJ. For the first time, Newark’s major festival planners have come together to form a coalition of the city’s most beloved cultural events. Together under one umbrella, FUN members include AfroBeat Fest, Halsey Festival, Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark Arts Festival, Newark Pride, and Newark Winter Village, all in partnership with the Newark City Parks Foundation. FUN ensures a summer, fall, and winter filled with music, art, food and community. FUN is more than just a name – it’s a movement.
EVENT PREVIEWS
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Albert Music Hall's Bluegrass Fest on Saturday Celebrates Music and the Community Behind It
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Bluegrass is more than a style of music. It's a tradition built on storytelling, shared songs, and musicians gathering to play together. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Albert Music Hall will celebrate that heritage during its annual Bluegrass Fest, an evening that combines educational sessions, opportunities to experience the Hall's renowned Pickin' Shed, and three hours of live performances.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
