Don’t let the clouds dampen your week. From the start of Restaurant Week to the grand opening of Rumba Cubana, check out picks for the best local things to do this week.
Restaurant Week kicks off (Monday)
Today marks the start of Hudson Restaurant Week in Jersey City, Hoboken, Edgewater, Weehawken, Fort Lee, Union City, and North Bergen. Participating restaurants will offer discounted lunch and dinner prix-fixe menus. You can check out our recs here. Hudson Restaurant Week lasts two weeks and ends Friday, August 3. In New York, Restaurant Week runs through August 17.
Rumba Cubana grand opening (Tuesday)
A taste of Havana lands at Hamilton Park today as Rumba Cubana officially opens for dinner. The opening is part of Park Francis’ ribbon cutting, which will include an opening ceremony by Mayor Fulop.
Music at the Fountain at Lincoln Park (Wednesday)
Music at the Fountain returns with a free performance by Winard Harper — a musician which the JazzTimes calls, “as tasteful a drummer as one could ask for.” The family-friendly event runs from 7pm to 9pm.
Full Moon party at Luna JC (Thursday)
Luna’s Full Moon Party includes an all-night happy hour with $6 drafts/wine, $8 cocktails, and select dinner items at $7. The restaurant will also dim the lights so diners can eat by candlelight and under the shine of the restaurant’s faux moon.
Jersey City Muralist Show (Thursday)
Downtown 234 Gallery is putting the spotlight on a handful of the city’s best muralists during its Jersey City Muralist Show. The exhibition runs through August 17.
Summer Dance Series at Exchange Place (Thursday)
The Kennedy Dancers will perform a free show as the 2018 Summer Dance Series returns for its third performance at the J. Owen Grundy Pier.
Kitty fundraiser at Frankie (Thursday)
Drink up for a good cause at Puss n’ Booze — a fundraiser to benefit Jersey Cats, a Jersey City-based non-profit that helps stray cats in the metro area. Admission is $20/pp and the night includes drink specials, a raffle, and more.
Mars at Opposition (Friday)
Mother Nature is adding a little geek to your week. On July 27, Mars will be the closest it’s ever been to Earth since 2003. (The event is called Mars opposition). Liberty Science Center is celebrating by breaking out its best telescopes so you can take a look at the Red Planet up close and personal. Purchase your tix ($20/pp) in advance as they’re likely to sell out.
Food Truck fest at Urby (Friday)
Kick off your weekend with your favorite local food trucks at the Jersey City Food Truck Festival. The event will include eats by Pizza Vita, Angry Archies, MozzArepas, Milk Sugar Love, and more. Note that there is a $5/pp charge for admission (kids under 12 enter free).
Zeppelin Hall spotlights food of Tulum (Friday)
Zeppelin Hall kicks off its international food tour today with the cuisine of Tulum, Mexico, which includes the iconic cochinito pibil (a marinated pork dish) and is also very seafood heavy. Stay tuned as Zeppelin releases its special menu, which will be available through August 18.
Wine and Street Food Fest at Eataly (Friday)
Eataly Downtown (inside the Oculus) is hosting a Wine, Beer, and Street Food Festival today from 6pm to 8pm. There will be 10 street food dishes and over 20 wines, beers, and cocktails. Tickets are $60/pp and get you unlimited eats for two hours.
(Photo: Zeppelin Hall)
