Pull out those Ray-Bans and slather on the sunblock, summer arrives in just a few hours. Below is our list of the best Jersey City summer events for June through September. From the annual Pride Festival to the Newport Half Marathon — here’s to al freso dining, summer staycations, and delicious street fairs.
Saturday/Sunday, June 22 & 23: Project Eats
Summer’s official kick off party, Project Eats is a weekend-long, outdoor food fest that will blanket City Hall Plaza (280 Grove) with over 60 food vendors. New food vendors this summer include Piggyback Bar, Ghost Truck Kitchen, and yes, Shake Shack will bring their food truck to Jersey City. Get there early, bring a blanket, and wear loose-fitting clothes because there’ll be plenty of food and drink for everyone.
Saturday, June 22: Yoga Fest & Veg Fest Jersey City
Cleanse your mind and body during Jersey City’s second annual Yoga Fest. The all-day event takes place along the Pedestrian Plaza with yoga/meditation classes from 7am till 6pm. There will also be multiple vegetarian/vegan food vendors — including a new vegan cookie from Bang Cookies.
Saturday, June 29: 3rd Annual Dogs Days of Summer Fest
Liberty Harbor’s Dog Days of Summer Festival is Jersey City’s premier party for dogs and dog lovers. The outdoor party is like a street fair for dogs with dog-centric games, photo booths, giveaways, and more. Plus, you’ll get to meet plenty of adoptable dogs from See Spot Rescued and Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs. Naturally, you’ll find food for yourself as well. Expect to see eats and drinks from nearby Zeppelin Hall.
Wednesday, July 4: 5th Annual Freedom and Fireworks Show
It’ll be hard to top last year’s Snoop Dogg concert, but Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is promising an even bigger Freedom and Fireworks Show this July 4. “Last year, we had 150,000 people join us for a full day of music and entertainment that culminated with the largest fireworks in the state and a free concert by two amazing artists, Snoop Dogg and Akon,” said Mayor Fulop in a written statement.
“This year, we’re expanding the all day entertainment and are officially announcing that our headline artists will be Pitbull (a.k.a. Mr. Worldwide), and I’m thankful Jersey City’s own Akon will be joining us again.” The all-day event (12pm to 10pm) will take place at Exchange Place and include live music, food, drinks, rides, a beer garden, and fireworks — all set against the New York skyline.
Monday, July 22 – Friday, August 2: Hudson Restaurant Week Summer Edition
Hudson Restaurant Week is the perfect time to explore new — and favorite — restaurants. For two weeks you’ll get to enjoy special entrees and discounted pricing at some of our favorite spots like Latham House (pictured), Hamilton Pork, The Kitchen Step, Talde, and more.
Saturday, July 27: Caribbean Carnival & Festival
For over-the-top, shed your inhibitions type of fun — there’s no party quite like the Jersey City Caribbean Carnival & Festival. Typically held at the waterfront/along Exchange Place, the island-style party includes music, dancing, and everything from curry goat to tropical Caribbean drinks.
Saturday, August 3: Bolivian Independence Day Parade
Jersey City has many parades, but few are as colorful and lively as the Bolivian Independence Day Parade. Yes, it can be deafeningly loud for a Saturday afternoon, but the annual bash is always a good time. Unfortunately, the parade — which marches through downtown and ends at City Hall — isn’t as publicized as it should be. However, Bolivia’s celebrates their independence day on Tuesday, August 6, which means Jersey City’s parade will likely occur on Saturday, August 3.
Tuesday, August 6 – Sunday August 11: Northern Trust at Liberty National
The Northern Trust is the first of three golf tournaments in the FedExCup Playoffs. This year the game will be played in the Liberty National Golf Club at Liberty State Park. Tickets range from $35 for single-day access to $395 for an all-inclusive package complete with private restrooms. It’s new to our Jersey City summer events guide.
Wednesday, August 14 – Sunday, August 18: La Festa Italiana
A Village tradition since 1902, La Festa Italiana began as a street festival in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Rocco. Today, it’s a 5-day extravaganza that attracts people from all over New Jersey. It’s also a foodie’s dream with plenty of old-school Italian eats like Italian sausages, fried rice balls, and zeppoles.
Saturday, August 24: 19th Annual Jersey City Pride Festival
The 19th Annual Jersey City Pride Festival is a celebration of love and diversity. The festival’s theme this year is “Honoring Our Past…Creating Our Future,” in recognition of the Stonewall 50 Commemoration and World Pride 2019. The all-day festival, which stretches from the Pedestrian Plaza to Jersey Avenue, runs from 1pm to 9pm with multiple after-parties at various bars and restaurants throughout downtown.
Saturday, September 14: New York Water Lantern Festival
Liberty State Park has some majestic views of the New York skyline. Add in a sunset and dozens of water lanterns and suddenly you’ve got the perfect Instagram shot. The New York Water Lantern Festival is coming back to Liberty State Park this summer. However, the festival is now taking place in September, rather than in July. (Which should make for a cooler event). Tickets — priced at $25 through June 20 — include a floating water lantern, wristband, and drawstring bag. It also covers the cost of cleanup after the event has finished.
Sunday, September 15: NYC Runs Newport Liberty Half Marathon
Good news, runners! The 2019 Newport Liberty Half Marathon will take place Sunday, September 15. This is the first time the race and the All About Downtown Fest are held on separate weekends. The 2019 race will be operated by NYC Runs, which is promising better amenities and course support. Runners will still get to tour downtown’s most iconic neighborhoods including Newport, Liberty State Park, Paulus Hook, and the waterfront. Admission is $70 through July 17.
Saturday, September 21: All About Downtown Street Fair
With over 40,000 attendants and 200+ vendors, the All About Downtown Street Fair is Jersey City’s premiere street and food fest. The festival sprawls from Grove Plaza to Coles Street. Now celebrating its 9th year, the fest includes vendors from New York and New Jersey selling food, jewelry, art, and more. It’s not only the perfect way to bid adieu to summer, but also the city’s biggest street fair.
