2026 Via Pal HOPEfest

Join us for the 2026 VIA PAL HOPEfest, formerly known as the Festival da Cultura Portuguesa.

VIA PAL is a New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Cancer Warriors and their families during treatment and recovery. Since 2011, our organization has raised and donated funds directly to families facing cancer, providing financial assistance during one of life’s most difficult battles.

100% of event proceeds go directly to help cancer patients and their families.

HOPEfest is open to everyone. While the event celebrates Portuguese culture, music, and traditions, it reflects the Portuguese-American community that helped establish and support VIA PAL from the beginning. Today, the festival welcomes people of all backgrounds to come together for a day of culture, food, music, and community while supporting a meaningful cause.

To learn more about our mission, please visit viapal.org.

A Celebration of Portuguese Culture & Community

HOPEfest is a premier summer festival celebrating the rich traditions of the Luso-American community. The event brings together Portuguese cultural organizations, families, and friends for a full day of music, food, and activities while supporting an important cause. Our goal is to strengthen community pride, celebrate Portuguese heritage, introduce audiences to emerging musical talent, and provide opportunities for youth to experience folklore, recreation, and traditions.

In Community Partnership with:

• PISC – Elizabeth
• Long Branch Portuguese Club
• South River Portuguese Club
• Portuguese Sporting Club – Perth Amboy
• Sport Clube Português – Newark
• Portuguese Cultural Association – Kearny
• CRC Portuguese American Community Center – Harrison
• Portuguese American Civic Association – Union

LIVE Entertainment:

Enjoy live performances throughout the day featuring:

• DJ Madeira
• DAVE ALEN BAND
• EDGE BAND
• Rancho Folclórico do Imaculado Coração de Maria - Danbury CT

…and more exciting surprises.

Activities for the Whole Family

There will be non-stop activities all day long, including:

• Bike Run
• Motorcycle Run
• Swimming
• Tennis & Volleyball
• Futebol Field
• Kids Activities and Arts & Crafts
• Face Painting
• Games and family activities

…and much more.

Fireworks Finale: End the evening with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 PM.

Taste the Flavors of Portugal

Experience the incredible food of Portugal, with festival vendors serving:

• Char-grilled meats and barbecue
• Traditional Portuguese dishes
• Authentic sweets and pastries
• Portuguese wines, beer and sangria

Ticket Information:

Advance Tickets: $20
Children 13 and under: FREE

Tickets at the door: $30

BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT, TICKET HOLDERS ASSUME ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATION IN EVENT ACTIVITIES. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, RISKS THAT MAY ARISE FROM PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES, EQUIPMENT, OR PROPERTY ASSOCIATED WITH THE EVENT. BY ENTERING THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS, ATTENDEES AGREE TO RELEASE VIA PAL AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS FROM LIABILITY RELATED TO PARTICIPATION IN EVENT ACTIVITIES.