Sat. June 21, 2025 is Make Music Day.
Newark, get ready to celebrate the universal language of music! On Saturday, June 21st, 2025, Make Music Day transforms our city into a stage with free, live performances across streets, sidewalks, and parks.
Join this global celebration where musicians of all ages, genres, and abilities – from indie rock to a cappella – are encouraged to share their talent.
Make Music Day – Newark aims to provide a platform for every music lover and to celebrate musical passion in our community. We welcome performers, attendees, and volunteers from Newark and beyond to be part of this vibrant day.
Make Music Day Newark 2025
Official List of Events
Kick off a day filled with rhythm and melody with Beat The Morning! at the Newark School of the Arts (89 Lincoln Park):
- 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM: Unleash Your Inner Beat with Bucket Drumming! No drum set? No problem! Join this high-energy workshop open to all ages and experience levels.
- 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM: Move to the Music! A fun and engaging workshop exploring music through movement, perfect for all ages and abilities.
Immerse yourself in the world of professional musicians at Lincoln Park with Meet the Musicians, presented by the renowned NJ Symphony (generously supported by Newark City Parks):
- 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM & 11:10 AM – 12:00 PM: Don’t miss these back-to-back mini-performances and interactive workshops! Get up close and personal with NJ Symphony musicians, learn about their lives and work, and even have the chance to touch and experiment with their instruments. A fantastic opportunity for music lovers of all ages!
Journey into the heart of cultural expression at STEAM Urban’s Healing Sanctuary (179 Broadway, North Ward – Open 9 AM – 1 PM):
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Craft & Groove: Sustainable African Percussion. Join STEAMUrban for a unique workshop exploring the creation of beautiful and resonant percussion instruments from reusable materials. Experience the power of community music making for collective healing. Enjoy complimentary lite bites and a family-friendly DJ throughout the morning!
The day continues with
As the day progresses, the energy shifts to ArtSpace at Vermella Broad Street:
- 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM: The Make Music Day Community Stage is Open! Calling all musicians! ArtSpace transforms into an open platform where you can share your musical gifts in a welcoming community space. Just sign up, pull up and play!
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Unlock Your Inner Songwriter: Workshop & Showcase. Delve into the art of songwriting with talented local artists in an intimate and accessible workshop. No prior experience necessary – just bring your creativity!
Celebrate the grand finale of Make Music Day – Newark at the official Afterparty @ Adega Grill, 130 Ferry Street.
- 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Rooftop Rhythms! Join us for a night of live music and a vibrant DJ set on the rooftop as we celebrate a day filled with music across Newark.
Want to Make Music?
To sign up for Make Music Day 2025 please visit our matchmaking platform: https://newark.makemusicday.org
Your City, Your Soundtrack: All Day Long!
Newark, the stage is yours! Make Music Day 2025 invites every resident to unleash their musical spirit in their own unique way. Imagine your porch as a concert venue, your living room echoing with original tunes, your block pulsating with a community jam session. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a budding artist, or simply love sharing great music, this is your moment to shine. Host an impromptu performance, organize a songwriting circle, curate a neighborhood playlist party – the possibilities are as diverse as our city. Let’s create a city-wide symphony of Newark’s own making! How will you join the chorus?
“Thank you for the
opportunity to let me
perform at Make
Music Day! It was my
first time performing
for the community and
I had so much fun.”
– K. Marquez, Make Music Day 2024 Participant
Make Music Day – Newark is a collaboration between Newark Arts, Arts Ed Newark, Newark City Parks Foundation, City of Newark, Newark Arts & Education District, TD Charitable Foundation, NJ Symphony, NJEDA and Equal Space. We are a member affiliate of the Make Music Alliance, a network of local organizations representing 80+ cities/towns in more than 30 states and several countries.
Take a sneak peak at last years Make Music Day Newark 2024.
