6th Annual Branch Brook Park Fest a Resounding Success

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 6th Annual Branch Brook Park Fest! First established in 2021 to support the community through art and wellness, the festival marked its 6th annual gathering on a beautiful autumn day at Prudential Grove in Branch Brook Park. Attendees connected with local wellness and community organizations, artists, and artisans. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed delicious food, created hands-on art, and danced to lively beats.

Wellness and community organizations were on site to connect directly with residents. The Essex County Mobile Health Clinic provided preventative healthcare services, while Walgreens offered free flu shots. Additionally, community organizations shared valuable information on maternal health, public library resources, voter registration, and opportunities to join programs like the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, the Sadie Nash Leadership Project, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. 

Platinum Sponsor Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield distributed workout towels to participants in the Zumba and Soul Line dancing sessions, which saw plenty of energetic engagement.

A variety of vendors offered handmade bath and body products, clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, and more. Local artists were prominently featured, with many creating, knitting, and painting live throughout the day. Joe Lepore, a Special Recognition winner in the 2026 Essex County #50YearsofBlooms Photo Contest, exhibited his stunning photography of Branch Brook Park, which featured his award-winning cherry blossom shot.

Guests were treated to poetry readings by students from Dodge Poetry in the Community and NJPAC Arts Education programs, including the acclaimed TD Jazz for Teens, alongside performers from Brick City Jam and Arts High School. The poets performed accompanied by a live jazz quintet sponsored by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Festive fall activities brought extra creativity to the park: attendees painted 250 pumpkins to take home, while others crafted marbled paper in an all-day art activation led by artists Amanda J. Thackray and Wendell Jefferies.

“Branch Brook Park Fest is about investing in the people and potential of our community. The festival reflects our belief that public parks can be powerful catalysts for economic opportunity, community connection, and a healthier, more vibrant city,” said Thomas B. Dougherty, Jr., President & CEO of the Branch Brook Park Alliance.

Thank you for making this year memorable, and we look forward to seeing you at the 7th Annual Branch Brook Park Fest in October 2027!

By Elle Hauschen 
Event Consultant, Branch Brook Park Alliance