Festivals & Flavors, a season-long initiative designed to connect the energy of major cultural events and festivals to Newark’s thriving restaurant and nightlife scene officially launched.
The strategic campaign —Experience Newark — from Newark Alliance, Invest Newark and the City of Newark’s Arts and Education District features themed itineraries pairing performances and events with nearby dining options and specials, encouraging visitors and residents to have a well-rounded experience as they visit downtown for events.
“Experience Newark is an opportunity for our city to showcase its vibe and vibrance – all the more brilliant under the stage lights of this summer’s most exciting festivals including Prudential North to Shore Festival,” Mayor Ras J. Baraka said. “Those who travel here to see the headliners will be just as awed by our world-class venues and diverse global cuisine. Our retail landscape features treasures from every continent, and our residents welcome you with open arms. Come enjoy Newark, and make connections and memories to last a lifetime.”
Experience Newark includes a mobile digital passport, available all season long, featuring local bars and restaurants offering exclusive deals, discounts and rewards for users who check in to establishments and purchase. The digital pass, accessible on the Newark Happening website (www.newarkhappening.com/experiencenewark), and via QR code citywide, guides visitors through downtown Newark’s culinary districts — from the Arts and Education District and the Halsey Street corridor to the Ironbound — highlighting the best in cult coffee spots, upscale dining, craft cocktails and international cuisine.
“Experience Newark is part of our broader effort to build long-term visibility for Newark as a dynamic, must-visit city,” Ashley Mays, chief marketing officer of Newark Alliance and president of Newark Happening said. “By linking our hospitality assets with major cultural moments, we’re creating value for residents, local businesses and visitors while supporting economic growth in the process.”
Over 20 businesses are participating in Experience Newark, including The Yard, Black Swan Espresso, CoolVines Newark, Five Corners, Sihana Bistro, Taste of the Caribbean Restaurant & Catering, Sweet Jeans, Sabor Unido, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Newark Local Beer, Krug’s, La Cocina, Roberts Pizzeria, Just Delicious, Ramen Gami, Cornbread Newark, Konoz Restaurant, McGoverns Tavern, Casa d’Paco, TOSSSED NJ, The Good Eats Experience, Tainos Kitchen, Darios Tex Mex, Fruit House, A&J Caribbean Taste and Vivo Tapas Kitchen.
Businesses span a variety of cuisines and styles, including local staples and newer venues eager to capture the attention of visitors arriving for concerts, festivals and performances throughout the summer. Most of these are proudly owned by Newark-based entrepreneurs, demonstrating the city’s growing base of locally owned restaurants and venues.
“This initiative pairs visitors and residents attending events with restaurants and businesses they may want to visit,” Marcus Randolph, CEO of Invest Newark said. “By activating our districts during high-profile events, we create opportunities for entrepreneurs to shine and for visitors to truly experience what makes Newark unique.”
“Our goal is to activate the whole city through events like Prudential North to Shore Festival,” John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC, the anchor cultural institution for the City of Newark said. “We aim to give those coming to town for a performance a great reason to explore Newark’s neighborhoods, its galleries and restaurants, and to get a feel for the spirit of our incredible hometown.”
Additional components of Experience Newark include on-the-ground ambassadors stationed at major events and near key venues such as Prudential Center, providing information, tips and recommendations and guided walking tours connecting restaurants, bars and cultural landmarks, which included a “Don’t Leave” activation for the Tyler, The Creator tour at Prudential Center on Sunday, July 27th in partnership with newly opened Just Delicious restaurant on Market Street.
“Experience Newark will enable people to truly connect with our city,” Evan Weiss, CEO of Newark Alliance added. “Whether you’re here for a show or just exploring, we want every experience to be authentic and memorable.”
