The wait is over for local arts enthusiasts and cultural champions. The Newark Arts Festival (NAF) has officially unveiled its full lineup for 25 Years. On Purpose., celebrating a quarter-century of elevating the city’s creative movement.
Taking place from Wednesday, October 7 through Sunday, October 11, 2026, the five-day festival spans exhibitions, live performances, panel discussions, and immersive neighborhood experiences hosted at cultural anchors across the city. Tickets and event registrations are now live.
Here is your complete guide to planning your NAF 2026 experience.
Wednesday, October 7: Festival Kickoff at Express Newark
- NAF Takes Over Express Newark (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM): The festival opens across three floors of Express Newark (54 Halsey St.) with open studios, live music, and interactive performances.
- On Purpose: The 25th Anniversary Exhibition (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Located on the 2nd floor of 54 Halsey Street, this flagship exhibition features 74 artists exploring the core intentions and purpose behind their work.
- Bisa Butler: On Purpose (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM): Renowned textile artist Bisa Butler joins Pulitzer Prize-winning scholar and writer Salamishah Tillet in the Express Newark Lecture Hall for an intimate dialogue on artistic practice and heritage.
Thursday, October 8: The Newark Arts Council Ball
- The NAC Ball (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM): Guests are invited to “dress to impress” at The Newark Museum of Art (49 Washington St.) for an evening merging fine art, fashion, music, and Newark culture.
Friday, October 9: Citywide Art Night Out & Makers Fest
- Art Night Out (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Downtown Newark transforms into an open-air gallery along Halsey Street, featuring pop-up exhibitions, live performances, and venue open houses.
- Newark Arts at NICO (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM): NICO at NJPAC (One Center St.) hosts the opening reception for a new group exhibition curated by the Newark Arts Council.
- Fall Night Fest (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Mulberry Commons hosts an evening makers market packed with local artisan vendors, music, food options, and hands-on creative activities.
Saturday, October 10: Youth Arts, Emerging Talent & Durand Bernarr
- NAF Kids (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Held at the Newark Vocational High School parking lot (301 W. Kinney St.), this family-focused event features live youth performances, creative workshops, and the Newark Public Schools Youth Art Exhibition.
- The Set List (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Express Newark hosts an intimate showcase spotlighting emerging independent musicians, spoken word poets, and performers.
- An Evening With Durand Bernarr (6:00 PM): Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr takes the stage at The Newark Museum of Art (49 Washington St.) for a special live performance and conversation.
Sunday, October 11: Open Doors Studio Tours
- Open Doors Studio Tours (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): The festival concludes with self-guided access into independent galleries, personal studios, and creative spaces across Newark, offering attendees direct interaction with local working artists.
