The Fourth of July is here and this year Jersey City is celebrating with a waterfront party headlined by Mr. 305 himself, Pitbull. But that’s not the only summer event happening this week. From a 5K race on Liberty Island to a 3-day carnival at Harborside — here’s the best of what’s happening during Fourth of July week.
Events
2019 Statue of Liberty 5K (Thursday)
Start your 4th of July with Lady Liberty herself during the 2019 Statue of Liberty 5K. Check in starts at 5am at Liberty State Park and then runners are ferried over to Liberty Island at 6:45am. The race begins at 7:15am and wraps up an hour later with an awards ceremony on Liberty Island. Proceeds from the race benefit the Special Olympics New Jersey. Admission to the race is $100/pp. It includes a $25 entry fee + a minimum $75 donation to the Special Olympics New Jersey.
Jersey City 50 Star Fire Show (Thursday)
The 50 Star Fire Show is an all-day 4th of July celebration held along the waterfront at Exchange Place. (You can check out a map of everything here). The festival runs from 12pm to 10pm and includes live music, activity zones, carnival rides for kids, food trucks, and a beer festival. Food vendors include: Angry Archie’s, Jersey & Co. Gelato, Kimchi Taco, and more. (Full list of food vendors is here). Headlining the show will be Pitbull (set to perform at 8pm) and Jersey City’s own Akon. The entire event will close off with a fireworks show (9:30pm) by Grucci.
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show (Thursday)
If the Fourth of July finds you on the opposite side of the Hudson, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show is New York’s premier Independence Day festival. This year, the action will happen along the Brooklyn Bridge, which means you’ll want to line up in lower Manhattan/Seaport, DUMBO, or Brooklyn Heights. The show includes live performances by Luke Bryan, Ciara, Brad Paisley, and more. Don’t feel like squishing into a tight space with the rest of the city? You can watch or stream all the action from home via NBC’s livestream.
Food & Drink
Backyard BBQ at The Kitchen Step (Thursday)
It’s BBQ season and The Kitchen Step is kicking off the Fourth of July with a southern style Backyard BBQ. Reservations are required and can be made anytime from 10am to 5pm.
Fourth of July Party at the Rooftop at Exchange (Thursday)
Enjoy a rooftop view of the Jersey City fireworks show at the Rooftop at Exchange Place. The Rooftop is hosting a 4th of July party complete with its own DJ and a front row seat to the fireworks show. Tickets are $20 for hotel guests or $40 for non-guests.
Bad & Bourgie BBQ at Mathews (Thursday)
Mathews is bringing back its Bad & Bourgie BBQ for 2019. This year’s menu hasn’t been announced, but last year they featured Habanero Peach BBQ Ribs, Wagyu Beef Hot Dogs, and Lobster Rock Shrimp Rolls.
Würstbar (Thursday)
Forget the crowds. Kick back with a cold one and Jersey City’s best sausages and dogs at Würstbar, which will be open regular hours on the Fourth of July.
Fourth of July Carnival at Harborside (Thursday – Saturday)
Harborside is taking its Fourth of July celebration straight into the weekend with its 4th of July Carnival. The 3-day event kicks off Thursday and runs from 12pm to 9pm each day through Saturday. (The rides/carnival will be on Hudson between Bay and 2nd Street). It’ll include rides, food, and activities for the whole family. Plus, District Kitchen will be open all three days along with The Lutze. All proceeds from the concessions will benefit veteran’s and children’s education programs.
$1 Oysters at Halifax Hoboken (Thursday)
Heads up, oyster fans. Halifax (Hoboken) will be shucking $1 oysters all day on the Fourth of July. Plus, the restaurant will offer its Halifax Burger or Halifax Veggie Burger (which is one of our favorite veggie burgers in the area) for $10. Frosés and draft beers will also be priced at $6 each.
