Newark PorchFest Will Return For 2026: Music, Food, Art, Dance, Family Activities

NEWARK, NJ — Newark PorchFest will return for 2026 to transform the patios, driveways and streets of the Forest Hill Historic District into stages and gathering places for live music, visual art, dance, family activities and food.

This year's celebration will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19. Admission is free. See a map of locations here, or view it below.

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Hosted by the Forest Hill Community Association, the festival will feature more than 37 musicians, visual artists and dancers at 32 Forest Hill homes. Visitors can enjoy pop, rock, R&B, Latin and world music; DJs and dance; and fine art, crafts and jewelry—many available for purchase directly from local creators.

The day will begin with KidsFest from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Delavan Avenue between Ridge Street and Clifton Avenue. There will be hands-on activities, youth entertainment and a special performance by the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players.

The main PorchFest celebration will run from noon to 6 p.m.

This year's Forest Hill FoodFest – located on Parker Street between Ballantine Parkway and Berkeley Avenue – will offer American, Caribbean, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, Latin and Portuguese cuisines, along with ice cream and desserts.

Other festival highlights include:

• Spin City DJ Station: Nonstop dance music and a photo booth
• Art Gallery at Sydenham House: A curated exhibition of participating visual artists, accompanied by live music and open-mic sessions
• Essex County Trolley: Transportation throughout Forest Hill connecting visitors with performances, art, food and the neighborhood's historic streetscapes

"Newark PorchFest is an example of what makes the Forest Hill neighborhood and the North Ward so special," North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. said. "It brings people out of their homes, fills our neighborhood with music and art, supports local artists and small businesses and gives families a chance to come together and enjoy everything our community has to offer."

New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz also gave the festival a big thumbs-up.

"Newark PorchFest is an annual celebration of community connection that highlights the incredible artistry and talent brimming right here in the Forest Hill neighborhood," Ruiz said. "It's always a day filled with delicious food, lively performances and family-friendly activities everyone can enjoy."

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