AfroBeat Fest Returning To Newark For 2025: See Event Details

NEWARK, NJ — The AfroBeat Fest is returning to Newark for 2025 with music, dance, food, fashion and more.

The free, family friendly festival will take place beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 12 at Military Park, 51 Park Place.

Here’s some background on the festival, according to a news release from organizers:

“AfroBeat Fest, founded in 2017 with the assistance of Mrs. Linda Baraka, 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.”

According to organizers, here are some highlights that attendees can expect to see this year:

• Live music and DJs, such as Afrobeat, Highlife, Amapiano
• Interactive dance performances and workshops showcasing the best of the African Diaspora
• African cuisine, e.g., jollof rice, yassa poulet
• Fashion shows and artisan markets
• Kids’ activities and storytelling
• 200+ local and regional vendors with food, crafts, books, and wellness products and services
• Diaspora Marketplace: Vendors include Ane Clothier, Kwabs Couture, AfroTaco Food Truck, and Salaam Ice Cream Parlor
• Activations with local organizations to promote health, education, and civic engagement

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