Newark offers a range of unique experiences and attractions for residents and visitors interested in exploring the city’s diverse culture, arts, and history.
Makerhoods is one example of Newark’s creative communities, providing spaces for artists that include co-working areas, an event venue, apartments, maker shops, a greenhouse, and a commercial kitchen. Fern & Fossil caters to plant enthusiasts with its plant café and workshops on terrariums.
Nayah Beauty operates within Newark Makerhoods and offers handcrafted soaps and skincare products as well as hands-on classes in soap-making, lip balm creation, and candle making. Also located in Makerhoods is Undra Celeste New York, a brand focused on modern workwear for multicultural women.
Culinary options in Newark include private dumpling-making classes led by experts. For those interested in cigars, the city features a lounge where patrons can relax with live music or televised games. Fabyoulife Skincare provides body butters and oils at its studio in Newark Makerhoods.
All Points West Distillery in the Ironbound neighborhood hosts distillery tours and tastings featuring award-winning whiskey while educating guests about the history of whisky and gin.
Guided tours are available through Have You Met Newark!, offering opportunities to meet local chefs on food tours or explore historical sites such as Branch Brook Park—a park notable for having more than 4,000 cherry trees—and downtown Newark. Branch Brook Park is also recognized as the first county park established in the United States.
The Pillars in the Arts and Education District serves as a center for local businesses with experiential shopping options; HealHaus offers wellness programs while Pooka allows visitors to create custom scents. Tansy hosts popular plant workshops.
Festivals United Newark brings together major festivals downtown through coordination by Newark Alliance. Annual events include Afro Beat Fest, Halsey Festival, Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark Arts Festival, Newark LGBTQ Pride, and Newark Winter Village. Event listings can be found via Newark Happening’s website.
For those interested in state history, The New Jersey Historical Society presents exhibitions with guided tours of both displays and archival collections suitable for all ages.
Recreational activities extend to an indoor roller-skating rink within Branch Brook Park that features public skating events, lessons for all ages, and an arcade. Riverfront Park along the Passaic River provides green space with walking trails and fitness zones as well as hosting community events throughout the year.
The Newark Museum of Art stands out as New Jersey’s largest fine art museum housing over 300,000 works of art and artifacts while supporting public programming. GlassRoots invites participants to hands-on glass arts classes including jewelry making and glass blowing.
Inside the Newark Public Library, Made@NPL gives cardholders free access to equipment such as sewing machines along with audio-visual resources.
