Our long, dark, Omicron winter is over! Here are some events and stories to watch as we bask in Newark’s warm weather, blooming flowers and streets closed for badly needed pothole repair:

• The 2022 Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park is happening now! Be sure to catch the peak blooms and other festival activities taking place between April 2–10.
  
• Speaking of Branch Brook Park, check out the inaugural edition of So Fresh Fest, an outdoor health and wellness festival featuring yoga, portrait stations, sound healing, meditation, movement, healthy food and high vibe music from April 2-3.
  
• Get your petticoat, trousers, bow ties and waistcoats ready, The Newark Historical Renaissance Bike Ride is back on April 9th. You can find more details and registration information here.
  
• On April 14th, Vibes after Dark is teaming up with the Newark Museum of Art to bring you a night of “artmaking, multiple sound bath sessions, movement therapy with drummers and a live musical performance.” More information and tickets here.
  
• One of the biggest art events of the year is back! Gallery Aferro’s 13th annual benefit auction and party will be on April 23rd at 7 PM. Not only is this always a great time that supports one of downtown’s longest running independent galleries, but it’s a great chance to purchase some really great works at affordable prices.
  
• Chef Kevin Onyona is set to open a Newark location of his Swahili Village concept at One Theater Square soon. This is a welcome addition to a neighborhood that badly needs more upscale dine-in options.
  
• A little further down the line, acclaimed Harlem chef Melba Wilson has announced she will be opening a new restaurant downtown at 550 Broad Street. This is yet another sign of the emergence of amenities aimed at Newark’s Black middle-class consumers, rather than solely relying on the city’s commuter population. Speaking of restaurants aimed at upwardly mobile urban consumers with flagship locations in Harlem, when is Marcus B&P going back to full service mode?
  
• Barcade is expected to fully re-open this Spring. College students, returning office workers, late night drinkers and gamers rejoice!
  
• Bar Vanquish is open in the arena district. This is a real upgrade from the old noodle shop it replaced.
  
• Newark First Fridays is ramping back up with a full slate of programing for the Spring and Summer. For years, this has been the most consistent set of events showcasing Newark’s young creative scenes.
  
• Free Jazz (and free wine) is back at Clement’s Place Jazz Club. Follow their Facebook page for announcements about upcoming shows.
  

The Board of Editors
The Newarker

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