Open Doors Info
About
Over one weekend, the 16th Annual Open Doors Citywide Arts Festival will explode with an awe-inspiring array of exhibits, screenings, workshops, artist talks, performances, readings, open houses and more! More than 8,000 participants, 200 artists and 45+ tours and exhibitions at 100 open studios will combine to showcase visual, performing, and literary art. Open Doors is a program of Newark Arts.
Newark Arts mission is powering the arts to transform the lives of those who work, live and play in the great city of Newark, New Jersey. Established in 1981, Newark Arts was created to advance and expand the resources and offerings of arts and cultural organizations in the great city of Newark, New Jersey. Newark Arts provides leadership, direction, and technical assistance through partnerships with Newark’s many artists, arts administrators, community organizations, community development corporations, planning groups, economic development agencies, and government agencies as well as the general public.
Festival Map
Clusters By Day:
Thursday, Oct 12: University Heights Cluster. 12-9 pm
Friday, Oct 13: Market Street Cluster, 12-9 pm
Saturday, Oct 14: Halsey Street Cluster, 12-9 pm
Sunday, Oct 15: Ironbound/Gateway Cluster, 12-9 pm
Download the official Open Doors Map here: Open Doors Complete Festival Map
Getting Here
Start your Open Doors experience at our Official Open Doors Reception Center headquartered at the Greater Newark Visitors and Convention Bureau.
OPEN DOORS RECEPTION CENTER
at the Greater Newark Visitors and Convention Bureau
58 Park Place
Newark, NJ 07102
HOURS
Wednesday, October 11th 10am-7pm
Thursday, October 12th 10am-7pm
Friday, October 13th 10am-7pm
Saturday, October 14th 10am-7pm
Sunday, October 15th 10am-3pm
DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH:
- I-95 S toward George Washington Br/Upper Level (Crossing into New Jersey).
- Merge onto I-95 S/New Jersey Tpke S (Portions toll)
- Merge onto I-280 W via EXIT 15W toward Newark/Kearny (Portions toll).
- Take the NJ-21 S exit, EXIT 15A, toward Newark/ARENA/IRONBOUND/Downtown ARTS.
- Turn left onto McCarter Hwy/NJ-21.
- Turn right onto Raymond Blvd.
- Take the 2nd right onto Park Place.
- Arrive at 58 Park Place, Newark, NJ.
DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH:
- Merge onto New Jersey Tpke N (Portions toll).
- Merge onto NJ-81 N via EXIT 13A toward Newark Airport/Elizabeth Seaport (Portions toll).
- NJ-81 N becomes US-1 (LOCAL) N/US-9 N/Pulaski Skwy N.
- Take McCarter Hwy/NJ-21 toward US-22/Newark/Downtown.
- Turn left onto Raymond Blvd.
- Take the 2nd right onto Park Place.
- Arrive at 58 Park Place, Newark, NJ.
MASS TRANSIT:
Hop in a taxi or ride share from Newark Penn Station to 58 Park Place.
By Bus
- Bolt Bus https://www.boltbus.com/
- Mega Bus https://us.megabus.com/
- Greyhound https://www.greyhound.com/
By Train
- NJ Transit http://www.njtransit.com
- PATH http://www.panynj.gov/path
- Amtrak https://www.amtrak.com
FAQ
Q: What are the dates and times of the Festival?
A: General Festival hours are each day from noon to 9pm, however check each exhibition listing for more detailed specifics. The Festival Reception Center hours are as follows:
Wednesday, October 11th 10am-7pm
Thursday, October 12th 10am-7pm
Friday, October 13th 10am-7pm
Saturday, October 14th 10am-7pm
Sunday, October 15th 10am-3pm
Q: What are Clusters?
A: The Clusters are different walkable districts that Open Doors is highlighting each day during the four-day Festival. Each Cluster offers multiple art exhibits to view, purchase, and experience, plus additional amenities such as eateries, performances, and other activities. There are five Clusters this year, University Heights, Market Street, Halsey Street North, Halsey Street South/Lincoln Park and Ironbound/Gateway. More to come in 2018!
Q: What day is what Cluster?
A. Thursday, October 12 is the University Heights Cluster.
Friday, October 13 is the Market Street Cluster.
Saturday, October 14 is the Halsey Street Cluster
Sunday, Oct 15 is Ironbound/Gateway Cluster.
Open Doors Complete Festival Map
Q: There are so many Exhibitions. Where do I start?
A: Start with the day you are attending and then review the coordinating Cluster and its wealth of exhibitions and activities. For instance, if you are attending on Friday, October 13, then Market Street is the Cluster that is being highlighted that day. Your best best is hopping around the galleries and art venues that are listed in each Cluster on that Cluster’s day.
Q: Are Exhibitions organized by Cluster?
A: Yes. Check out our list of Exhibitions, here.
Q: Is the Festival free?
A: Yes, with the exception of three Spotlight Events (M&T Bank Murals and Martinis™…and Music!, Glambassador Art/Bar Crawl Passport and Newark Arts presents “A Conversation With…”). For more information on Spotlight Events that are ticketed or require an RSVP, visit here.
Q: What do I get with my purchase of a Glambassador Art/Bar Crawl Passport?
A: Your wristband entitles you to a guided tour of 5 or 6 amazing art exhibits and bars/restaurants with special discounts or free stuff at each stop. Each night will be a different itinerary and highlight a different Cluster. Itineraries to be announced soon!
Q: Where should I park?
A: Visit Newark Parking Finder and input the date and hours you will be at the Festival for the best parking options.
Didn’t answer your question? Email us at opendoors@newarkarts.org or call 973-643-1625.
Where to Stay
Hotel Indigo Newark
810 Broad Street
Newark, NJ
973-242-0065
Marriott Courtyard Newark Downtown
858 Broad Street
Newark, NJ
973-848-0070
Best Western Plus Robert Treat Hotel
50 Park Place
Newark, NJ
973-622-1000
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Visit one of our other Greater Newark Area hotels.
Where to Eat
THURSDAY
October 12, 2017
University Heights
Restaurants
Munchies by Antonio
Intrinsic Café
Ramen Gami
Smash Burger at NJIT
Pizza Hut
FRIDAY
October 13, 2017
Market Street
Restaurants
Dinosaur BBQ
Mercato Tomato Pie
Redd’s Biergarten
Novelty Burger
Suite 304
Fafjr’s
Edison Ale House
Taste Venue
Famous Cocktail Lounge
The Ainsworth Newark
SATURDAY
October 14, 2017
Halsey Street End-to-End
Restaurants – Halsey North
Café Carol
27 Mix
Freetown Café
Burger Walla
Green Chic Pea
Harvest Table
Mocha Cafe Lounge
The Halal Guys
Qdoba
Blaze Pizza
Wok To Walk
Starbucks
Grabba Green
Fukurow
MiGente
Nizi Sushi
McGovern’s Tavern
Z Grill
Uptown Grill
Robert’s Pizza
La Cocina
Queens Pizza
Halsey Street Deli
Central Diner
Barcade
Deluxe Diner
Black Swan Expresso
Ono Grinds Poke
SATURDAY
October 14, 2017
Restaurants – Halsey South
Just Fish Cafe
Vonda’s Kitchen
La Rouge
Hobby’s
Gratto Bistro
Chateau Spain
Soul Food Chess House
Allure Lounge
Sugar Daddy’s
SUNDAY
October 15, 2017
Gateway/Ironbound
Restaurants
Ferry St
Jimenez Tobacco Lounge
Hell’s Kitchen
Burger Bound
McWhorter BBQ
Francesa’s Pizza & Pasta
Cotidiano Café
BURG
Maize Restaurant
100 Things To Do in Newark
100 Things to Do in Newark Before You Die is your personal tour guide to New Jersey’s largest city. Curated by Newark’s Glambassador, this comprehensive (and family-friendly) listing of 100 amazing ideas will immerse you in the best of Newark cuisine, art, history and culture. Soak up the sun and fun at Riverfront Park. Explore the breathtaking architecture of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Play, tinker and create in the MakerSPACE at the Newark Museum. Catch a Devils game at the Prudentia. 100 Things to Do in Newark Before You Die is your personal tour guide to New Jersey’s largest city. Curated by Newark’s Glambassador, this comprehensive (and family-friendly) listing of 100 amazil Center, and then head to the Ironbound for an unbelievable Brazilian burger. In Newark, the options are absolutely endless. So let’s get started, shall we? Get ready to experience the blueprint to the best of Brick City, right at your fingertips!