Annual Peace Festival

The Annual Peace Festival is Peace Islands Institute New Jersey’s signature community celebration in honor of the International Day of Peace, observed each year on September 21. What began as our annual “Pedal for Peace” Bike & Walk has grown into a free, family-friendly festival that brings together neighbors, cultural groups, faith communities, civic leaders, and partner organizations through music, dance, food, art, and a shared walk and ride for peace.

Our Peace Festivals

Performers, partners and community members gather for a group photo at the 7th Annual Peace Festival

2026

7th Annual Peace Festival

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Milton A. Votee Park, Teaneck

Under the theme “Unity, Culture and Community,” hundreds of people joined 21 partner organizations for cultural performances, Art for Peace, Bike & Walk for Peace, and a shared family photo. During the festival, New Jersey State Senator Britnee N. Timberlake presented a $50,000 check to Peace Islands Institute.

Read the recap → Event page →

Children and families at the 6th Annual Peace Festival

2025

6th Annual Peace Festival

September 21, 2025 · Milton A. Votee Park, Teaneck

Held on the International Day of Peace, whose 2025 theme was “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” the festival brought together hundreds of community members, families, and leaders for stage performances, cultural booths, food, and activities, with 23 partner organizations taking part.

Read the recap → Event page →

Peace Festival 2024 photo collage of the bike ride and walk

2024

5th Annual Peace Festival

September 8, 2024 · Riverside County Park South, North Arlington

Our traditional Bike & Walk grew into a full Peace Festival, pairing a 45-minute bike ride and walk with live stage performances, food, and a raffle. The 2024 International Day of Peace theme was “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”

Read more → Event page →

Bike and Walk 2023 photo collage

2023

4th Annual Bike & Walk: Pedal for Peace

October 8, 2023 · Saddle River County Park

After storms and flooding postponed the original September 30 date, more than 100 participants, including families, partners, sponsors, and guests, came together to bike, walk, and celebrate with food and live music.

Read the recap → The story behind the day →

2022

3rd Annual Bike & Walk: Pedal for Peace

September 2022 · Saddle River Park

Peace Islands Institute’s third annual “Pedal for Peace” Bike & Walk invited families and friends to ride and walk together in observance of the International Day of Peace, continuing a tradition that would grow into today’s Peace Festival.

Event announcement →

Be part of the next Peace Festival

Volunteers, performers, partner organizations, and sponsors make the festival possible every year.

Get Involved →