Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced Monday that the city will kick off its Taste of Newark summer outdoor dining initiative Aug. 21.

The program, which will continue Sept. 4 and Sept. 19, will take place on Ferry Street from Wilson Avenue to Peter Francisco Park and on Mulberry Street from Market Street to Lafayette Street, including at Prudential’s Championship Plaza.

Those three Sundays, restaurants on Ferry and Mulberry streets will be allowed to extend outdoor dining into the street, which will be closed to traffic from noon to 9 p.m.

“Newark has a long history as a center for fine dining with nearly every culture and cuisine in the world here,” said Baraka. “And offering outdoor dining adds a more enjoyable atmosphere for customers and restaurants.”

Participating restaurants on Ferry Street must have an entrance on Ferry Street; those participating on Mulberry Street must have their main location on Edison Place between Broad Street and Mulberry Street or Market Street between Broad and Mulberry streets.

“Summertime is a time of celebration, gathering with friends and family, enjoying the weather, and of course, eating all of our favorite foods,” said Marcy DePina, executive director for Newark City Parks Foundation Inc. “The opportunity for open air dining will allow residents and visitors alike to safely enjoy all Newark has to offer this summer.”

“We want families and visitors alike to come out, enjoy outdoor dining during the summer, and experience everything the great City of Newark has to offer,” Baraka added.