By: Tracie Carter
For more than a decade, one of Newark’s most beloved traditions has brought families, friends, and neighbors together in the heart of the Ironbound. 
East Ward Councilman Michael Silva’s Fall Festival and Halloween Parade returns on October 31, 2025, at 4 p.m., promising another unforgettable evening of fun, food, and community spirit.
The parade will kick off at Peter Francisco Park (Ferry Street & Edison Place) and make its way through the neighborhood before ending at Ironbound Stadium on St. Charles Street, where the celebration continues with entertainment, activities, and plenty of treats.
Year after year, this fully escorted parade draws huge crowds, with businesses lining the streets to hand out candy and goodies to costumed children. 
Families from across Newark join in, making it a highlight of the season and one of the most anticipated events in the Ironbound.
“It’s just awesome to see the kids’ excitement, the families coming together, and the neighborhood lit up with energy,” residents often say. “This event is a real gift to the community.”
Thanks to Councilman Silva’s leadership and the support of local sponsors, the Fall Festival and Halloween Parade has grown into a tradition that defines the spirit of the East Ward—joyful, welcoming, and united.