What’s your JOY?

At Newark Arts Festival 2025, we’re embracing JOY as a bold, creative force that sustains, uplifts, and sparks transformation. We invite artists to channel the power of joy to foster strength, harmony, and revolutionary change. Through art and ideas, we center JOY – the golden state of being that connects us to our humanity.

Looking for Inspiration?

We curated an eclectic playlist that captures JOY in all its forms. From quiet moments of peace to bold bursts of celebration, from revolutionary anthems to soft, reflective melodies—this is joy, in every shade and sound. Press play and let it inspire you. Updates bi-weekly.

Newark Arts Festival 2025 (NAF 2025) will turn the city into a canvas for art, music, and culture. We’re bringing JOY to life through bold exhibitions, live performances, thought-provoking talks, family friendly programming, and much more.

Whether you’re deep in the arts or simply curious, NAF2025 invites you to experience Newark in living color.

NAF 2025 will include:

Newark Arts Honors

The Gold Ball

Solo Exhibition at Newark ArtSpace @ Vermella Broad Street

NAF 2025 Group Exhibitions

Intimate Conversation + Performance with a Grammy-Nominated Artist

Art Night Out

NAF Kids 2025

Newark Arts Festival 2025 (NAF 2025) will turn the city into a canvas for art, music, and culture. We’re bringing JOY to life through bold exhibitions, live performances, thought-provoking talks, family friendly programming, and much more.

Whether you’re deep in the arts or simply curious, NAF2025 invites you to experience Newark in living color.

NAF 2025 will include:

Newark Arts Honors

Inspired by last year’s Pink Ball, The Gold Ball will transform The Newark Museum of Art into a radiant, interactive and inspiring Met gala-esque festival kick-off celebration.

The Gold Ball

Inspired by last year’s Pink Ball, The Gold Ball will transform The Newark Museum of Art into a radiant, interactive and inspiring Met gala-esque festival kick-off celebration.

Solo Exhibition at Newark ArtSpace @ Vermella Broad Street

Featuring a major new body of work by a nationally recognized contemporary artist.

NAF 2025 Group Exhibitions

Curated exhibitions and showcases highlighting diverse voices across visual and performance art.

Intimate Conversation + Performance with a Grammy-Nominated Artist

An intimate evening blending music, storytelling and connection.

Art Night Out

From gallery exhibitions and local murals to immersive public art and creative installations throughout the city, Art Night Out will highlight the city’s most exciting visual art offerings.

NAF Kids 2025

Interactive, hands-on programming designed to spark creativity in young minds.

…and so much more throughout the city.

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Be the first to hear about special guest curators, pop-ups, and ticket releases.

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Be the first to hear about special guest curators, pop-ups, and ticket releases.

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Be the first to hear about special guest curators, pop-ups, and ticket releases.

Take a look through the most iconic moments from the Newark Arts Festival

Visit

Be A Sponsor at Newark Arts Festival 2025

We invite you to become a sponsor of the Newark Arts Festival 2025

Fill Out Form

DONATE

Your donation to Newark Arts helps us bring our mission—“Powering the Arts to Transform Lives”—to fruition in powerful ways. The Newark Arts Festival is a prime example of how the arts fuel economic growth, foster cultural pride, and bring our community together. By supporting us, you play a vital role in shaping Newark’s future as a thriving cultural hub—join us in creating lasting impact through the transformative power of the arts!

Donate Today