‘24 Hours Of Peace’ Will Return In Newark With Free Concerts: See 2026 Lineup

NEWARK, NJ — Get ready for another “24 Hours of Peace” in New Jersey’s largest city.

Newark will bring back the popular annual concert for 2026, which features a lineup of national and local talent. The event leverages the power of hip hop to push back against community violence and encourage conflict resolution.

This year’s event will start at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28 and continue until 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29. It takes place on Halsey and Market Streets in downtown Newark. Admission is free.

Here’s what the schedule looks like:

August 28

5:45 p.m. Opening Prayer
6 p.m. Opening Remarks
6 p.m. - 8:55 p.m. Local Favorites
9 p.m. La Rue
9:30 p.m. Doo Wop and Ron G
10:15 p.m. Brothers J/X Clan
10:40 p.m. Memphis Bleek
11 p.m. Freeway
11:20 p.m. MC Lyte
11:45 p.m. DMC
12:15 a.m. DJ Battle
12:30 a.m. House Music

August 29

7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Yoga
10 a.m. - noon Health and Wellness
10 a.m. - noon Gospel/Senior Breakfast
Noon - 1 p.m. Spoken Word Ensemble
1:10 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. Local Artist
3:30 p.m. Tzu Surf and Arsonal
4 p.m. DJ Lil Taj and Friends featuring Jenn Carter, Kyle Richh, Ta Ta, Zeddy Will and Coi Leray
5:30 p.m. Bunna B

Hip-hop artist Hakim Green, co-founder of the event, said that it “spotlights who Newarkers are – and what we stand for.”

“Music unites us and becomes an even deeper part of our city’s identity with this event each year – and I look forward to creating good vibes together and continuing to share that energy,” Mayor Ras Baraka agreed.

Past headliners include Newark’s Queen Latifah and Faith Evans, Ghostface Killah, Mýa, Da Baby, Rah Digga, Fat Joe, Sayvion Glover, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, and Treach from Naughty by Nature.

The event has also provided a springboard for local artists, including singer/songwriter/actress Leah Jene, K’Lynn Jackman, who went on to star in Broadway’s “The Lion King,” and child motivational speaker King Nahh.

The 24 Hours of Peace celebration is sponsored by the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR) and the Brick City Peace Collective (BCPC).

This year’s event comes as Newark continues to make significant public safety gains, city officials said.

According to data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the city recorded a 64.7 percent decline in homicides during the first half of 2026 from 17 to six – the steepest drop among 66 major U.S. law enforcement agencies.

>> RELATED: Newark’s Drop In Homicides Is Leading The Nation, New Data Shows

NEWARK PEACE WEEK

The 24 Hours of Peace event is the finale of Newark’s “Peace Week,” which features activities that focus on unity and caring for each other.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, the OVPTR will host “Love, Newark Movie Night — OVPTR Connection,” an outdoor 21+ event at 35 Treat Place, featuring the film Love Jones, with music, food, cocktails and interactive experiences.

Brick City Peace Collective director Jessiah Paul said the annual celebrations are more than just a seven-day occurrence – they represent the daily work happening across Newark to prevent violence, support healing and strengthen public safety.

“This event is a celebration of that collective work and a reminder of what is possible when our city remains committed to peace, prevention and trauma recovery,” Paul said.

• More: ‘24 Hours Of Peace’ Returns To Newark With Music, Unity, Love [2025 PHOTOS]

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