Newark

About Festivals United Newark

Festivals United Newark is a coalition of Newark’s most beloved cultural events—Afro Beat Fest, Halsey Festival, Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark Arts Festival, Newark LGBTQ Pride, and Newark Winter Village—formed in partnership with the Newark City Parks Foundation. Together, we celebrate the richness, resilience, and creative spirit of our city.

Born from the belief that unity amplifies impact, Festivals United Newark brings together these signature events under one collaborative umbrella. By sharing resources, strategy, and vision, we’re able to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected Newark—year-round.

At our core, we believe in the power of intentional collaboration. When festivals come together, so do people—across cultures, identities, and generations. That’s the heart of Festivals United: one city, many stories, shared joy.

FUN is more than just a name – it’s a movement.

Meet The Team that makes up Festivals United Newark

Ashley Mays

Newark Alliance (Halsey Fest)

Chief Marketing Officer, Newark Alliance

President, Newark Happening

amays@newark-alliance.org

Linda Baraka

AfroBeat Fest and Newark Winter Village

Founding Partner

Newarkwintervillage@gmail.com

Anthony Smith

Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District

Executive Director

anthony@lpccd.org

Lauren LeBeaux Craig

Newark Arts

Executive Director

lauren.craig@newarkarts.org

Alonzo S. Balock

Newark Pride, Inc.

President

info@newarkpride.org

Marcy S. DePina

Newark City Parks

Executive Director

depinam@ci.newark.nj.us

marcy@newarkcityparks.org

Melissa Henry

Newark Alliance

Marketing and Communications Manager

melisssa@downtownnewark.com

Kim J. Ford

BRND Marketing Group LLC (for Lincoln Park Music Festival)

Founder | President & CEO
BRND Marketing Group LLC
Official Lead Agency for LPCCD

Festival Director
Lincoln Park Music Festival

kford@brand-whisperer.com

The Marketing and PR team

Partners: