Nutley, NJ, is an incredible community to be a part of, with so much going on all around us. Ollins Orthodontics holds our home base close to our heart—in fact, Dr. Bruce founded our practice back in 1979, with his son Dr. Gabriel joining the team in 2007. We’re going to celebrate Nutley and the surrounding Newark metro area by letting you know about our diverse roster of festivals and events for this year.
Nutley Indoor Winter Farmers Market
This special gathering of local vendors will take place on February 23rd, 2025, at Vincent United Methodist Church. This special collaboration between Greenutley and Nutley Farmers Market is a celebrated local event featuring a variety of local delicacies, homemade products, and live music. You can find the list of this year’s vendors here.
Newark Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade, New Jersey’s oldest of its kind, will celebrate its 90th anniversary on Friday, March 14, 2025, in downtown Newark. The parade will be led by Grand Marshal Sean F. McGovern, Esq. The procession begins at the corner of Mulberry Street and Raymond Boulevard and concludes on Washington Street. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant display of Irish heritage featuring marching bands, bagpipers, dancers, and various cultural and community groups.
The Essex County Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossom Festival
From April 7th-11th, 2025, you can experience this annual celebration of 5,300 Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom trees, the largest collection of its kind in the United States! The festival features a variety of events, including a bike race, 10K and one-mile runs, Family Day, and Bloomfest—a day filled with live performances, cultural exhibits, and food vendors. Visitors can also participate in guided historic and horticulture walking tours, volunteer opportunities, and the Adopt-A-Tree program to support the park’s preservation.
Nutley Summer Festival
Hosted by Commissioners Mauro G. Tucci and Alphonse Petracco, this June event (2025 dates TBA) brings live music, local food trucks, and family fun to Franklin Avenue. Attendees can enjoy delicious offerings from Emilio’s Wood Fire Pizza, Angry Archies, and classic festival treats like zeppole and kettle corn. Kids will have plenty to do with a gaming trailer, inflatable attractions, face painting, and more.
Portugal Day Festival
From June 6th-8th, 2025, Newark’s Ironbound district transforms into a vibrant hub of Portuguese culture as thousands gather for the Portugal Day Festival, a must-visit outdoor celebration. Over the course of three days, the streets come alive with authentic cuisine, traditional music, and artistic showcases that highlight Portugal’s rich heritage. A perfect starting point is Iberia, a local favorite known for its classic Portuguese dishes, where visitors can indulge in flavorful specialties. Whether you’re there for the food, the music, or the lively community spirit, this festival is an experience not to be missed!
150th Our Lady of Mount Carmel Festival
In Newark’s Ironbound District, from July 14-19th, 2025, you can find the longest-running Italian festival in America! Rooted in Catholic tradition and community, this multi-day festival blends religious devotion with vibrant cultural festivities, drawing locals and visitors alike. The event features a mass, a grand procession through the neighborhood, and lively street fairs filled with delicious Portuguese, Italian, and Latin American cuisine.
2025 Puerto Rican Day Parade
The Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade is an annual event held on the third Sunday of September to honor Puerto Rican heritage. Celebrating its 64th anniversary in 2025, the parade showcases Puerto Rican culture through art, music, literature, and civic engagement. The procession features colorful displays, traditional music, dance performances, and community groups. Following the parade, the Boricua Music Festival offers live entertainment, authentic cuisine, and cultural exhibits for locals and visitors alike.
Nutley’s Fall Festival in The Park
The Nutley Fall Festival, set for September 29, 2025, at the Nutley Park Oval, is a cherished community tradition that welcomes the autumn season with a day of fun, food, and entertainment. Visitors can explore local vendor stalls offering handmade crafts, art, and seasonal goods, while indulging in classic fair foods like apple cider donuts and warm spiced drinks. Family-friendly activities include pumpkin painting, hayrides, and a dedicated kids’ zone with games and face painting.
TD James Moody Jazz Festival
Throughout the month of November (2025 dates TBA), you can celebrate Newark’s rich jazz heritage with NJPAC. Named after legendary saxophonist James Moody, the festival features a diverse lineup of renowned jazz musicians, rising stars, and cross-genre collaborations. Each year, audiences enjoy a mix of live concerts, dance performances, spoken word events, and tributes to jazz icons. A highlight of the festival is the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition (Sassy Awards), which honors the legacy of Newark-born jazz legend Sarah Vaughan.
New Jersey’s Own
Whether you’ve been in the Nutley region for many years now, or you’re just joining us, there are so many events held every year that embrace and highlight community and diversity!
