From Lo-Fi’s Music Fest in the Heights to a wine dinner at The Cliff — here’s our list of the best Jersey City events this weekend. Plus, indulge in our favorite New York food festivals, both of which are happening this weekend.
Friday Events
What: Spring Wine Dinner at The Cliff
When: Friday, May 17 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: 38 Congress Street
Food & Wine contributing editor Anthony Giglio is hosting a wine dinner at The Cliff. The 4-course dinner includes wines from The Maritime Republic. (You can check out the menu here). Admission is $75/pp.
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What: CoolVines Wine Tastings
When: Friday, May 17 from 6pm to 8pm
Where: 276 Grove & 350 Warren
CoolVines is hosting two different wine tastings tonight. The Grove Street shop will feature “Desert Island Wines” — 4 house wines that staffers would drink if stranded on a deserted island. Meanwhile, at Powerhouse, you can sample the shop’s best “orange” wines.
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Saturday Events
What: JC Fitness Fair
When: Saturday, May 18 from 10am to 1pm
Where: City Hall Plaza
The 4th Annual JC Fitness Fair is here. Get sample workouts of multiple Jersey City gyms and studios while getting your sweat on right outside City Hall Plaza. Studios participating include CKO Boxing, Ironbounde Performance Athletics, JC Barre Studio, Asana Soul Practice, JC Taekwondo & Boxing Academy, and more.
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What: Lo-Fi Takes the Streets Music Fest
When: Saturday, May 18 from 12pm to 9pm
Where: Ferry Street & Palisade Avenue
Lo-Fi Bar and the Riverview Neighborhood Association are throwing an all-day block party and everyone is invited. The outdoor party will include food from local restaurants/food trucks, drinks, and free live music. Bands performing throughout the day include Rye Coalition, The Milwaukees, The Brixton Riot, Hudson City Rats, and more.
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What: Pushing Up the Daisies Music Fest
When: Saturday, May 18 from 1pm
Where: Harsimus Cove Cemetery
The outdoor music festivals continue! The 7th Annual Pushing Up the Daisies Fest is an outdoor concert/fundraiser for the volunteer-run Harsimus Cemetery. There will be food, drinks, and live music from 1pm to 7:40pm. A $10 suggested donation is welcomed.
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What: Plates for Parks
When: Saturday, May 18 from 6pm to 8pm
Where: 119 Reservoir Avenue
Plates for Parks is a series of 3-course dinners held in public parks around Jersey City. The series kicks off at Reservoir #3 as Square 1 chef Mory Thomas prepares a 3-course dinner to be enjoyed al fresco. Tickets to the BYOB dinner are $40/pp. Proceeds will support the Jersey City Parks Coalition.
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Sunday Events
What: Jersey City Plant Exchange
When: Sunday, May 19 at 12pm
Where: ANDCO (201 Montgomery 2nd Fl.)
Kanibal & Co. and ANDCO are teaming up for Jersey City’s 2nd Annual Plant Exchange. Come to ANDCO’s co-working space on Sunday and bring one, two, or three plants to trade with others. Frankie will provide free botanical mocktails and plant-based bites. (There will also be a cash bar for those interested in organic wines). Admission is $40/pp and includes freebies, swag, and of course — plenty of plants.
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There are lots of Jersey City events this weekend, but here’s a taste of what’s happening across the Hudson.
In New York
What: Taste of Tribeca
When: Saturday, May 18 11:30am to 3pm
Where: Greenwich Street & Duane
There are street fairs and then there’s Taste of Tribeca — a foodie’s dream come true. This afternoon food festival highlights the restaurants of Tribeca. Plus, this year it will include Downtown Yogurt Tribeca. Tickets start at $45/pp (or $55 if purchased on-site) and that gets you six “tastes” from whichever six restaurants you desire. In addition to Jersey City’s Downtown Yogurt, personal favorites include Bubby’s, The Odeon, Takahachi, Billy’s Bakery, and more. Funds raised will benefit PS 150 and PS 234 in Tribeca.
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What: 9th Avenue International Food Festival
When: Saturday & Sunday from 10am to 6pm
Where: 9th Avenue from 42nd Street to 57th Street
The 9th Avenue Food Festival is one of New York’s oldest and largest food festivals showcasing the international eats of Hell’s Kitchen. Foodies will find all types of street food including Thai, Italian, Japanese, Argentinean, Korean, Mexican, Greek, and everything in between. (As a Hell’s Kitchen native — I’ve been attending this fest since before I could walk).
