10 Things to Do in Newark, NJ This Fall

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1. Get Immersed in Art – Make the scene at the Newark Museum of Art. It’s New Jersey’s largest fine art museum and home to collections of more than 300,000 artworks and artifacts in science and natural history. This fall don’t miss exhibitions including Bony Ramirez: Cattleya, Animal Kingdom, Seeing America: 20th & 21st Centuries and more. Rather tap into your own creativity? Get to Glassroots – they offer classes designed for kids, teens and adults to make vibrant works of art with colorful glass.    

2. Ogle Architecture – When you think of important structures, does your mind immediately go to Europe? Well, leave the passports at home because you can lay eyes on the breathtaking Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart right in the heart of Newark. What began as a vision for the new diocese in 1859 was finally (FINALLY!) fully constructed and dedicated in 1954. Today, the public is welcome to visit this stunning example of French Gothic architecture with its imposing Vermont Rockport granite exterior showcasing two 232-foot-tall towers that were all nearly 100 years in the dreaming-and-making.

3. Cheer Out Loud – The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is proud to host both headlining entertainers in its venerable facility as well as free cultural events around the city. Highlights from the fall 2024 events calendar include Gladys Knight (September 27), Eddie Lizzard (October 11), Dodge Poetry Festival (October 17 – 19) and Morrissey (November 13).

4. Have a Devilishly Good Time – Get ready for the 2024/2025 NHL season when the New Jersey Devils take to the ice for home games at Prudential Center. With a record that includes three Stanley Cup Championship (1994/1995, 1999/2000 and 2002/2003) plus five conference championships and nine division championships wins, this professional hockey team is hungry for another glorious victory. 

5. Eat Global – International flavors spice up the culinary scene in the city’s Ironbound District. Foodies come from far and wide to tuck into enticing and exotic menus. Savor the tempting tastes for yourself at perennial favorite Fornos of Spain which has been featured in the prestigious Bon Appetit as well as the popular Eater NY website. 
    
6. Fest it Up – Planning a visit in October? You may want to hit the town on October 26, 2024 – that’s the date of the 4th Annual Newark Downtown District Fall Festival! This family-friendly event hosted in Military Park includes picture-perfect, memory-making activities such as pony rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a Halloween costume contest, a photo booth, games, live music and fabulous food. 
    
7. Peep Leaves – Renowned for its springtime cherry blossoms, Branch Brook Park also puts on a colorful display each autumn with some seriously impressive fall foliage. Not only will you spy all the vivid yellows, oranges and reds of the season, you’ll also claim bragging rights to visiting the nation’s first county park. Can’t get enough Garden State leaf peeping? Check out this page for even more prime viewing spots around New Jersey.
    
8. Go Green – Green spaces that is! In addition to Branch Brook Park for your urban leaf peeping, you can also stroll through the past with the historical landmarks in Military Park and run, jump, and swing the day away at two playgrounds in Riverfront Park. 
    
9. Lift Your Spirits – There was a time when immigrants from the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland and Britain founded distilleries and breweries in the area. Today, All Points West Distillery draws on their old-world techniques, married with a distinctively American approach, to produce award-winning spirits including whiskey, gin, vodka and a historic New Jersey harbor-style rum. All are available for your sipping pleasure in their cocktail lounge or during a tour & tasting (reservations required). 
    
10. See the Stars – If you’re seeking that of a constellatory variety, then sit back and take in one of the periodic showings at the Dreyfuss Planetarium. Rather get up close and personal with stars that can really rock a stage? Then, be sure to catch a live performance at Prudential Center. This fall, the stellar lineup includes Korn (September 23), Justin Timberlake (October 8), Iron Maiden (November 9) and many, many more world-class musical acts.

If you’re thinking to yourself, “Wow! This is waaaaaaay too much fall fun to fit into a single day.” Well, you’re right! So check out local overnight accommodations and make a getaway of it. Additional trip-planning tools include our free travel guide and monthly e-newsletter. As always, please visit the official websites or social media pages of your destinations before you hit the road for the latest need-to-know details.