Newark is the largest city in New Jersey, but is overlooked by tourists and the GLBT community alike due to its proximity to New York City, and because its fortunes plummeted during the second half of the 20th century, even much more. than many other cities in the Northeast. It’s started to go back a bit in recent years, and the population actually grew slightly (1.3%) in the most recent census (now it’s 280,000), reversing a downward trend dating back to the 1930s.
The gay scene in Newark and surrounding Essex County is still miniscule for a metropolitan area of its size, but slowly this is also changing, for the past seven years the region has celebrated Newark Gay Pride. The event takes place in mid-July.
Events at Newark Pride
Events at Newark Pride begin Thursday, July 13, with an official launch of Pride Week and continue with several fun get-togethers throughout the week: a movie screening, a youth game show, a 5K run, a weekend meal, a dance party on Saturday nights and more.
On Sunday, July 16, the big event takes place: Pride in the Park Day runs from 1 to 8 p.m. in the city’s Washington Park (on Broad St. and Washington St.), beginning with a Community Service from the Church, continuing with the Newark Gay Pride Parade at 1pm, and then moving on to the Newark Pride Festival, which traditionally starts at 1am and features musicians and performers throughout the day.
The official host hotel for Newark Gay Pride is the city’s modern Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown, which occupies an elegant renovated building from 1912 and offers special rates during Pride. Just use the NGP code when calling (877-385-5766).
Newark Gay Travel Resources
For more information on Newark’s gay scene (and that of the surrounding area, visit OutinJersey.net). Also take a look at the LGBT visitor site produced by the city’s official tourism organization, the Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau.