Weekend Events: Latin Festival Returns To Newark (See Street Closures)

NEWARK, NJ — A popular event is returning to the Brick City this weekend: Newark’s annual Latin Festival.

The 2024 festival will take place Sunday, Aug. 18 from 2 to 10 p.m. on Bloomfield Avenue (between Lake Street and Clifton Avenue).

The daylong celebration will be headlined by Ivy Queen, the “Queen of Reggaeton.” A Puerto Rican native, Ivy Queen is a singer, songwriter, actress, podcast host, and pioneer of the Reggaeton genre. Her 2007 “Calle 13” album gained her a Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Museum Album. She was nominated for another Latin Grammy in 2012 in the same category for her album “Musa.” She was recently recognized by the prestigious Billboard magazine as “Icon of the Year,” receiving recognition from her compatriot, Bad Bunny.

This year’s festival will also include an appearance from Fernando Villalona, one of the most-well-known merengue singers in the genre’s history. The Dominican native began his career in the early 1970s, and has recorded 24 albums. He participated in the Spanish recording of “We Are the World,” along with superstars Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Enrique Iglesias.

Planning to go? Here’s what else to know, organizers said:

“Coolers and pets are not permitted during the event. Riding bikes or scooters is also prohibited on site, but attendees are encouraged to arrive and depart using Newark Go, the city’s scooter and bike share program. The rented e-bikes and scooters can be left on Clifton and Bloomfield Avenues, near the Latin Festival. There will be additional car parking in Branch Brook Park.”

“No one can deny – or ignore – the special energy that our Latino residents and business owners infuse into our city life,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“For generations, they have combined their optimism, hope, and faith with their leadership, creativity and skill, to build strong families and communities, and enrich Newark on every level,” the mayor continued. “It is a joy to celebrate their contributions to the greatness of our city, and to honor their achievements and success.”

Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles-Mercado said it’s exciting to get the chance to bring two singing legends to Newark.

“It’s also thrilling to introduce the amazing assortment of local musical artists who generate as much dynamic energy as the headliners, Quiles-Mercado said. “With all its vibrancy each year, this festival is a fantastic opportunity for our Latino residents to come together, celebrate their culture, enjoy great entertainment, and obtain valuable resources about services available to empower their lives.”

STREET CLOSURES

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, the following streets will be closed during the Latin Festival. Drivers are advised to anticipate delays and to plan alternate routes.

Beginning from 12 a.m., Sunday, August 18 to 3 a.m., Monday, August 19

• Bloomfield Avenue between Highland Avenue and Lake Street

Beginning from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. – Sunday, August 18

• Bloomfield Avenue between Lake Street and Clifton Avenue
• Highland Avenue between Park Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue
• Parker Street between 2nd Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue
• Ridge Street between 2nd Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue

Alcohol is not permitted at the festival, police said. Backpacks, bags, coolers and carriages may be subject to search.

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