Newark’s Ironbound to Come Alive for “Taste of the City, Sounds of the City” on September 20

Following the tremendous success of Newark Fan Village, the city is keeping the momentum going with another celebration designed to put Newark on the map as a premier destination for food, culture, entertainment and community.

On Sunday, September 20, Councilman Michael Silva, with the support of the City of Newark, Mayor Ras Baraka, and the Ironbound Business Improvement District, will present “Taste of the City, Sounds of the City,” a celebration of food, music, culture and community in the heart of Newark’s iconic Ironbound neighborhood.

For the festival, a portion of Ferry Street will be closed to traffic, transforming one of Newark’s most vibrant commercial corridors into an outdoor destination where residents, families and visitors can experience the best of what the Ironbound has to offer. The event will feature live bands, DJs, outdoor seating, food trucks and the extraordinary culinary talent of the Ironbound, creating an energetic street-festival atmosphere that reflects the diversity, authenticity and character of Newark.

For the First Time, Food Trucks Join the Ironbound Celebration

For the first time, food trucks will be welcomed as part of Taste of the City, Sounds of the City, expanding the culinary experience beyond the Ironbound’s traditional restaurant corridor. Food trucks will be located at Peter Francisco Park, creating an additional gathering point where visitors can discover a variety of food offerings while enjoying the festivities. The addition will complement the participating Ironbound restaurants and provide visitors with even more opportunities to experience Newark’s diverse food culture.

From the World Cup to the World’s Table

The September 20 celebration comes on the heels of the extraordinary success of Newark Fan Village, which established Newark as a major soccer destination during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Newark Fan Village became the largest community-led soccer viewing party in the tri-state area and arguably one of the largest community-led viewing celebrations in the country, bringing residents and visitors together through the global language of soccer.

Now, Newark is turning that same energy toward another one of its greatest assets: food.

“Newark has shown the world that we can bring people together around soccer, and now we want to invite everyone to come together around the table,” said Councilman Michael Silva. “The Ironbound is one of the most authentic food destinations in the region. Taste of the City, Sounds of the City is an opportunity to celebrate that incredible food, our local talent and the people who make Newark such a special place.”

The festival also builds on Newark’s growing efforts to establish itself as a culinary destination. Savor Newark, a city-recognized initiative celebrating Newark’s food culture, has helped amplify the city’s culinary identity and its potential as a destination for food lovers from across New Jersey and beyond.

Together, these initiatives tell a larger story: Newark is a place to be. From world-class soccer experiences and internationally recognized cuisine to live music, culture and vibrant neighborhoods, Newark continues to demonstrate that it is not simply a place to pass through—it is a destination worth discovering.

Experience Newark. Taste Newark. Hear Newark.

The Ironbound has long been celebrated for its extraordinary culinary diversity, with restaurants and businesses representing cultures and traditions from around the world. “Taste of the City, Sounds of the City” will shine a spotlight on that authenticity while encouraging visitors to discover Newark as a world-class food and cultural destination.

The street closure will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience Ferry Street beyond the traditional restaurant setting, bringing dining, entertainment and community together in the heart of the Ironbound.

Local restaurants, culinary entrepreneurs, musicians, DJs and, for the first time, food trucks at Peter Francisco Park, will have an opportunity to participate and showcase the talent that contributes to Newark’s growing reputation as a destination city.

As Newark continues to attract visitors through major sporting, cultural and entertainment events, “Taste of the City, Sounds of the City” reinforces the city’s emerging identity as a place where people come not only to visit, but to eat, celebrate, discover and experience something authentic.

“Newark is thriving. Newark is happening. And there is no better way to experience the city than through its food, its music and its people,” organizers said. “On September 20, we invite everyone to come taste the city, hear the city and make it happen.”

EVENT DETAILS

Taste of the City, Sounds of the City
Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Ferry Street — Ironbound, Newark, New Jersey
- Food Trucks — Peter Francisco Park
- Live Bands & DJs throughout Ferry St
- Outdoor Dining & Local Food
- Food Trucks Welcome — First Year
- Family-Friendly Community Celebration

For additional information, participation opportunities and event updates, please contact the Office of East Ward Councilman Michael Silva at (973) 733-3665.

About the Ironbound

Newark’s Ironbound is one of the city’s most vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhoods, celebrated for its internationally renowned restaurants, independent businesses, rich immigrant heritage and dynamic community life. With its distinctive culinary traditions and welcoming atmosphere, the Ironbound continues to establish Newark as an authentic destination for food, culture and entertainment.