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7th Annual Peace Festival: Celebrating Unity, Culture and Community

Hundreds of people came together on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Milton A. Votee Park in Teaneck for the 7th Annual Peace Festival, organized by Peace Islands Institute New Jersey in collaboration with 21 partner organizations. Under the theme “Unity, Culture and Community,” the festival welcomed people from diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds for a day of celebration, connection, and friendship.

Families, community and faith leaders, elected officials, performers, volunteers, and local residents joined throughout the afternoon, each adding to the festival’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Watch highlights from the 7th Annual Peace Festival.

Live music, cultural dance performances, international foods, and interactive activities gave visitors a chance to experience the traditions of their neighbors. The program included Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Turkish cultural performances, alongside African drumming. Turkish families and the Turkish Cultural Center also contributed regional folk dances, sharing traditions through movement and music.

A peace choir and a special performance by children brought further warmth to the program. Across generations and backgrounds, participants shared the stage and celebrated a common hope for peace.

: Cultural dance performances on the festival stage.

: Children share a traditional folk dance.

The festival’s 21 partner organizations played a central role throughout the day. Their representatives welcomed visitors, introduced their work, and shared resources and community initiatives. These conversations helped visitors learn about local organizations and explore new ways to work together.

Art for Peace, children’s activities, and community exhibits invited visitors to participate, while Bike & Walk for Peace brought people together around a shared purpose. Cultural foods and informal conversations added to an afternoon of meeting new neighbors and reconnecting with friends.

: Partner organizations welcomed visitors and shared resources throughout the day.

: Bike & Walk for Peace brought people together around a shared purpose.

One of the day’s most memorable moments came when participating groups, partners, and community members gathered for a shared family photo and sang “Universal Peace” together. The moment captured the spirit of the festival: people with different traditions and experiences standing together in friendship.

The festival also welcomed elected officials and civic and faith leaders. During the event, New Jersey State Senator Britnee N. Timberlake presented a $50,000 check to Peace Islands Institute, recognizing the organization’s work and supporting its continued efforts to serve and connect communities.

New Jersey State Senator Britnee N. Timberlake presents a $50,000 check to Peace Islands Institute.

Behind every performance, activity, and welcoming interaction were people who gave their time and energy to make the festival possible. Peace Islands Institute extends its heartfelt thanks to all partner organizations, performers, volunteers, participating families, and guests. Their collective effort shaped the day from beginning to end.

The 7th Annual Peace Festival turned introductions into conversations and conversations into friendships. As we turn toward next year, we look forward to strengthening these relationships and continuing this work together.