Summer 2015: Best Events of July

NOTE: If you were mad you missed events in June, we suggest you download our summer guide to Newark events. We have it all and if you need weekly reminders sign-up for our weekly email.

There is so much going on in Newark it’s sometimes difficult to keep track of it all. Here’s our top event picks for July and almost all of it is FREE.

4th of JULY

If you’re planning on a staycation for the 4th of July Weekend – the Ironbound is serving up a variety of events daily. Friday (July 3) it’s House Night at the Riverfront Park. Then Saturday & Sunday, the Ironbound debuts a new festival called “Thank You America” with live music, carnival rides, games, bbq and more. Fireworks are planned on Saturday night at 9pm and Sunday a parade down Ferry from Penn Station. Sunday (July 5) you can check out the Riverfront Park for Praise on the Passaic for some Gospel Music or take a Boat Tour of the Port.

MUSIC

The theme for the month is MUSIC in a big way as outdoor concerts and festivals return. Enjoy lunchtime tunes on Thursdays with a brown bag lunch at the Newark Museum for Jazz in the Garden ($3 entry, free for members and children). And stick around Thursdays for NJPAC’s Sounds of the City kicking off on the 9th with the ever popular Felix Hernandez’s Rhythm Revue and serves up some funk with George Clinton (July 16) and The Family Stone (July 30). During the week, check out Tuesdays at Military Park for the Guard D’Avant music series with eclectic DJ’s and performers. The Lincoln Park Music Festival returns for its 10th summer providing a mix of Jazz, Gospel, House and Hip Hop for all (July 24-26).

PRIDE

With the Supreme Court declaring Same-Sex Marriage legal and the 10th Anniversary of Pride Fest (July 13-19), this year’s pride week festivities will definitely be turned up. Pride week festivities include art exhibits, dance party, concert, cook-out, and culminate with a parade and festival at Washington Park.

FILMS & MOVIES

If getting lost in a movie is what you enjoy The Newark Black Film Festival finishes off at the Newark Museum with a line-up of films that include: “Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People,” “Roots of My Heart” and “Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth.” The City also starts up a Classic Movie Night at Military Park.

FOR THE KIDS

Movies are a top hit for the kids as well and a way to stay cool. The Newark Black Film Festival has a youth component that offers films in July on Mondays at the Newark Public Library and Wednesdays at the Newark Museum. If you’re looking for more, CityPlex offers Free Summer Film Series with mainstream movies Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. And for interactive play, the NJPAC has their annual Family Fair with activities for the entire family on July 25.