We are doing things a bit differently this year. Although we're taking more precautions this year, it does not mean that the fun stops. Let's do so with a bit of social distance. Our city and state have sustained safety throughout turmoil and are ready to move into the next phase or new normality. Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced the opening of small concert venues, lounges, and clubs at 25% capacity or 150 people. Here are activities to help guide a safe Fall season in Newark, NJ.

Holiday Safely

As many people in the United States begin to plan for fall and winter holiday celebrations, CDC offers the following considerations to help protect individuals and their families, friends, and communities from COVID-19. These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which holiday gatherings must comply. When planning to host a holiday celebration, you should assess current COVID-19 levels in your community to determine whether to postpone, cancel, or limit the number of attendees... [CDC Holiday Celebration Guide]

Portraits of Six People Wearing Face Masks With Wear A Mask, Protect Others Text

Halloween                     Día de los Muertos                    Thanksgiving

City Advice:

Instead of trick or treating, residents can pick up Halloween candy with their children at one of these locations:

VIEW THE FULL GUIDE
CITY OF NEWARK HOLIDAY GATHERING SAFETY GUIDELINES

Newark vs COVID-19 - Halloween Attractions and Schedule

Below, Mayor Ras J. Baraka demonstrates how your family can get outside and have safe family outings, have fun, enjoy yourselves, and lessen the risk of spreading the coronavirus and save lives in our community.

COVID-19 is easily spread. Be smart and safe this fall.

State Advice:
  • Plan for a smaller table this year
  • Consider moving "Turkey Day" celebrations outside
  • Maybe gather around a fire pit or a patio heater
  • Do "the basics" — wear masks, frequent hand washing, avoid large gatherings

Thanksgiving weekend is a traditional time for travel — Be careful with that.

A COVID-19 Era Turkey of a Thanksgiving By Fred Snowflack | October 15, 2020

Apple / Pumpkin Picking + Fall Trails

Apple picking season begins in the second week of September. It is the perfect time and weather to take your kids out to pick their favorite and freshest fruit. An easy half-hour drive out of the city plans for a perfect Saturday. 

Wightman's Farm- Morristown

Wightman's Farm kicks off pumpkin season in mid-September, and the fun that awaits includes pumpkin picking, hayrides, mazes, a hay slide, and my kids' favorite, the corn sandbox. (Mommy Poppins*)

Family Fall Fun

Newark Moonlight Cinema

If you've never watched a movie while seated in your car, you can now do so. The on-going pandemic has challenged us in more ways than one, but it has enticed us to dive deeper into our innate creativity. And here we are with Newark Moonlight Cinema. Yes, the country's first Black-owned Drive-In Movie Theatre is housed in Newark, NJ. As the city phased out of the mandatory shut down, Newark Moonlight Cinema ushered in a much needed get-away from house-sitting. So far the theatre has offered up some classic films such as Set It Off, Creed I & 2, Hardball, and more. Tickets are priced at $15. The outside theatre includes a concession stand to feed your taste buds. 

Discover Instagram Ready Destinations with Newark Walks App

Walk for your health, for fun, and learn about the beauty of Newark. Discover landmarks, public art, and even monuments. You can turn your tour into Taking advantage of the last weeks of warm weather before the end of the year. 

Newark Black-Owned Business Guide

In Newark
Black Swan Espresso • 93 Halsey St

Blueberry Cafe • 547 Central Ave

Vonda's Kitchen • W. Kinney St

Salaam's Ice Cream Parlor • 1024 Bergen St

The Weekend Spot • 683 Springfield Ave

Bentleys Restaurant/Lounge • 71 Clay St
Near & Around
HLS Juice Bar and Grill • 1859 Springfield Ave., Maplewood

Cornbread • 1565 Springfield Ave, Maplewood

Papillion 25 • 25 Valley St, South Orange

Montclair Diner • 613 Valley Rd, Montclair

Taste of Flava • 1255 Stuyvesant, Union

Reddz Grill & Lounge • 7 Lincoln Ave, Orange

Lite & Soul Eatery • 64 4th Ave, East Orange

Montclair Brewery • 101 Walnut St, Montclair

Saveur Creole • 131 Grove St, Montclair

Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant • 515 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair

First Republic Lounge • 1204 E. Grand St, Elizabeth

Roy's Fish Fry • 1253 Springfield Ave, Irvington

Homemade Italian Cheeseburger

Traditional

Philadelphia has the cheesesteak; New Orleans has the po' boy; here in Newark we put the Italian Cheeseburger up against those staples any day! Chef Puff in Episode 2 of Palate House, "Italian Cheeseburger " featuring comedian Cee Jay Craxx!, walks us through the hometown favorite. Idea: Have a {virtual} family challenge and taste off!

Chef Puff Palate House Episode 2 "Italian Cheeseburger " featuring comedian Cee Jay Craxx!
Vegan Style

Meat, not your thing? 

Try an alternative thought up by our Manager of Digital Marketing, inspired by local favorites, The Walla & The Healthy Hippy

Editor's Recipe

Raw Spinach Wrap or Vegan Wrap of Choice

Vegan Cheese of Choice

Fried Peppers

Fries - 3 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes, Olive Oil, Sea Salt to taste, Fresh Pepper to taste

Vegan Ketchup (another home recipe – 2-Min Healthy Ketchup!)

Fried Onions (Optional/To Taste)

 

Drink Newark

Toast Newark Tuesdays is our weekly celebratory toast of the City of Newark, conceptualized with the intent to encourage, uplift, and honor its heroes, residents, visitors, businesses, organizations, and more, for their contributions and more, for their contributions during the pandemic. Join us each Tuesday at 2PM for a celebratory toast!

Use #ToastNewarkTuesdays to share your own!

Newark Classics

  • Learn Jump Rope
    • Jump Kids Health – www.jumpkidshealth.org
  • Spoken Word
    • People' Open Mic – www.facebook.com/PeoplesOpenMic
    • EvoluCulture – www.evoluculture.com
    • NJPAC's City Verses Poetry Workshop – www.njpac.org
    • Tracy K. Smith’s Address at Newark Public Library’s Philip Roth Lecture 2020 – https://youtu.be/Q9aU_MUcVME
  • 5 Great Reads for Leisure

Newark Happening's Made-in-Jersey Playlist

Have recommendations for our list? Follow & Share Your Favorites HERE

5 Socially Distancing Staycation Ideas

Bella Nails - Opulent, stylish salon for manicures & pedicures, plus facials, waxing & eyelash extensions.

My Chic Nails - Nail salon in the heart of the Halsey Arts Corridor.

European Wax Center - Reveal the most radiant you at European Wax Center where our waxing services and experts will have you walking in and strutting out.

Sojo Spa Club - SoJo Spa Club is a Korean bath house inspired spa and boutique hotel that brings together global spa traditions and cultures under one roof.

Home Spa Me - Inhome massages and spa services Established in 2014.

 

Our Business Newark

Fall Virtual Festivals