Get ready for an event-filled weekend. From the debut of the Whealth Cafe at Journal Squared to the First Responders Charity Cook-Off at The Beacon — we’ve got this weekend’s best events for foodies, runners, and music lovers alike.
What: JC Fridays / Groove on Grove / Art Politic by Con Vivo Music
When: Friday, September 8 at 6pm and 8pm
Where: events held throughout Jersey City
JC Fridays — a quarterly, city-wide arts festival — is back for its fall season with various free art events throughout Jersey City. Events include the season 10 finale of Groove on Grove (at the Pedestrian Plaza) and Art Politic — a free concert by Con Vivo Music composed in response to sociopolitical issues, including the Attica Prison rebellion, murder rates in Chicago, the Iraq War, a letter by J.S. Bach to his city council, and what it means to be American.
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What: Whealth Cafe Journal Square Grand Opening
When: Friday, September 8 at 6pm and 8pm
Where: Whealth Cafe at Journal Squared
Start your weekend with a plateful of good eats at Whealth’s new Journal Square Cafe (located at the base of the Journal Squared tower). Guests will be treated to a 3-course, family-style, farm-to-table dinner. Tickets are $45/pp with seatings at 6pm and 8pm.
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What: 1st Annual Hudson West Folk Festival
When: Saturday, September 9 from 10am to 10pm
Where: Cathedral Hall at 380 Montgomery
Jersey City is debuting its first major folk festival at Cathedral Hall. The fest will feature 13 national and regional bands as well as musical workshops, arts & crafts vendors, and of course — food and drink (full bar). Tickets for the all-day event will cost $25/pp in advance or $30/pp at the door.
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What: Magnolia Landing Summer Series Season Finale
When: Saturday, September 9 from 11am to 4pm
Where: Corner of Magnolia & Summit
The Magnolia Landing Summer Series is back at JSQ for its season finale. The outdoor market includes 20+ artisan, vintage, and food vendors, live music from local bands, and a special “Neighborhood Row” section, which will spotlight local small businesses. Confirmed vendors for this Saturday include Koro Koro Rice Ball (JC-based gluten-free Japanese rice balls), Little Batch Candle Co. (natural soy candles hand poured in JC), O’Lala Empanadas (local Latin fusion food), and more.
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What: 2nd Annual Jersey City First Responders Charity Cook-Off
When: Saturday, September 9 from 11am to 4pm
Where: The Beacon at 20 Beacon Way
The ultimate foodie throwdown is upon us. Head to the Beacon to see Jersey City’s first responders battle it out for the title of “best cooks.” Sample the food, vote for your favorite, and enjoy the music and local food trucks at this all-day event. Tickets are $25/pp for adults and $10 for children under 12. For every ticket purchased, $5 will be donated to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The cook-off will also raise funds for the Jersey City Firefighters Family Assistance Fund, the Police Unity Tour, the Make A Wish Foundation, and Code Green.
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What: Lutze Rescue Bash
When: Saturday, September 9 from 11:30am to 11pm
Where: 3 Second Street
Find your new BFF at the Lutze Biergarten’s Rescue Bash. The all-day adoption event will feature local pups up for adoption, a pop-up dog park (set up right at the Lutze Biergarten), pet contests, raffles, all-day happy hour, and more. All proceeds will benefit local partners including the Liberty Humane Society, Second Chance Dog Rescue, and Hounds in Pounds, Inc.
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What: Jersey City Wine Festival
When: Saturday, September 9 from 6pm to 9:30pm
Where: Harborside Atrium
Sip, taste, and enjoy your favorite wines at the annual Jersey City Wine Festival. The indoor event includes unlimited tastings as well as live music, local food vendors, and glorious views of the New York skyline. Use coupon code “JCUPFRONT” to take $20 off general admission (final price: $50/pp).
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What: Empty Sky Memorial 5K
When: Sunday, September 10 at from 8:30am
Where: Empty Sky Memorial at Liberty State Park
The Empty Sky 5K is a race/fundraiser for the NJ 9/11 Memorial Foundation, a 501 C3 non-profit organization. Proceeds from the race will be used to care for and preserve the Empty Sky monument at Liberty State Park. Registration opens at 8:30am, Memorial Remembrance is at 9:45am, and the race begins at 10am. You can pay by cash or check the morning of the race (on-site registration starts at 8:30am).
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What: Annual Summer City Block Party
When: Sunday, September 10 from 12pm to 3pm
Where: 255 Brunswick Street
The Shuster Group and Hamilton House are teaming up for a free, end-of-summer block party for all Jersey City kids and parents. The afternoon event will include music, food, a bounce house for kids, and a local basketball competition, among many other activities.
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