From La Festa Italiana to the Puerto Rican Parade & Festival — here’s the best of what’s happening in Jersey City this weekend.
Friday Events
What: Jersey City Pierfest at Exchange Place
When: Friday, August 13 from 6pm to 9pm
Where: J. Owen Grundy Pier
Pierfest is a celebration of summer, music, and Jersey City. The free, outdoor festival will feature two stages of world-class Latin jazz, dance instruction, and food trucks. Pierfest will run every Friday in August from 6pm to 9pm. This Friday will feature The Gabriel Alegria Afro Peruvian Sextet.
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What: La Festa Italiana 2021
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: 344 6th Street (btwn Monmouth & Brunswick)
La Festa Italiana is back for 2021. The street/food festival will run through Sunday and feature food, crafts, and live music. The festival runs from 5pm till 11pm.
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What: Portuguese Dinner & Wine at Eira Cafe
When: Friday, August 13 at 6pm + 9pm
Where: 24 Mercer
Eira Cafe is hosting its first Portuguese dinner tonight. The dinner comes with a complimentary Portuguese wine pairing. There are limited seatings available at 6pm and 9pm. Eira supper club dinners will be held 2x per month. RSVPs are required (you can contact the cafe via their Instagram).
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What: Light-Up Pride Night Ride
When: Friday, August 13 from 7:30pm
Where: Grove Plaza
Bike JC is hosting a special Pride Night bike ride celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival. Riders are encouraged to decorate and light up their bikes in honor of the festivities. Riders will gather at 7:30 and roll out at sunset. A $5 donation is encouraged.
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What: Movies in the Park: Dora and the Lost City
When: Friday, August 13 at sunset
Where: Riverview Park
Movies in the Park returns this week with a free screening of Dora and the Lost City. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. The movie starts at sunset.
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Saturday Events
What: Puerto Rican Parade & Festival
When: Saturday & Sunday from 12pm to 9pm
Where: Columbus Drive (btwn Marin & Warren)
From Puerto Rican eats to Puerto Rican music, Jersey City will get a touch of the Caribbean this weekend during the city’s Annual Puerto Rican Parade & Festival. The 2-day festival will take place on Columbus Drive from Marin to Warren. It’ll include food, music, games, and more. On Sunday, there will be a parade (12pm) that will start at the Lincoln Statue on Kennedy Blvd and march down to City Hall.
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What: Smorgasburg Jersey City
When: Saturday, August 14 from 11am to 6pm
Where: 195 Hudson
Smorgasburg is back at Harborside for another weekend of eats. The outdoor market will offer food from numerous vendors including Big Mozz, Bisska, C Bao, Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria, D’Abruzzo, and Duck Season. The market will operate every Saturday through October. Admission is free and there will be various outdoor dining options throughout Harborside.
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What: The Cottage Weekend Jazz Trio
When: Saturdays & Sundays from 12pm to 3pm
Where: 136 Monticello Avenue
The Cottage Jersey City is hosting live musical performances every weekend. The socially distanced event is held in The Cottage’s outdoor patio. As a reminder, The Cottage is BYOB (and they offer killer pastries and brunch sandwiches).
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What: Silent Disco at Canco Park
When: Saturday, August 14 from 6pm to 9pm
Where: 47 Dey Street
Dance the evening away 70s style at the Canco Park Silent Disco. Don your headphones, pick the music/soundtrack you want (there will be three channels), and get dancing. There’s a $5 fee to rent the headphones.
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Sunday Events
What: Ball in the Park
When: Sunday, August 15 at 4pm to 8pm
Where: Lincoln Park
Ball in the Park is an outdoor party in honor of Jersey City/Hudson County Pride. There will be a live vogue battle along with pop-up drag and queer performances.
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What: Jersey City Summerfest
When: Sunday, August 15 from 6pm to 8pm
Where: North Cove Field at Liberty State Park
Jersey City Summerfest is back. Every Sunday evening (along with Tuesday evenings) a free concert will be held at LSP. The concerts will take place through August with performers specializing in Motown, jazz, blues, vintage/classic Rock, Cuban dance, and more. This Sunday will feature Valerie Adams & The Dimension Band.
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What: Movie Night at Dullboy
When: Sunday, August 15 at 8pm
Where: 364 Grove Street
Every Sunday night, Dullboy will be screening a movie in its heated patio. The first showing is at 6pm followed by a second showing at 8pm. Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram to find out what movie they’ll show.
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