Jersey City really comes alive as summer hits its stride this week. Outdoor markets, cultural festivals, concerts—there’s something for just about everyone. This week’s lineup mixes free and ticketed events, showing off the city’s creative side, great food, and that tight-knit community vibe you only find here.
With the July 4th holiday on the horizon, the energy feels even more electric. Local spots and parks have put together some pretty cool happenings that highlight what makes Jersey City, well, Jersey City. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re just in town for a few days, these picks offer a real taste of the city’s personality.
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1) Attend the Golden Door International Film Festival
The Golden Door International Film Festival wraps up on June 28, 2025, so you’ve got one last weekend to catch this cinematic showcase. Now in its 14th year, the festival brings together indie films and up-and-coming talent from all over.
Screenings happen at different venues around the city. You can buy tickets for a single film or go all-in with a festival pass.
One standout is the East Coast premiere of “The Ladder” on Saturday—part of a pretty stacked lineup. The full schedule’s in their digital program guide.
If you’re into film, this is your chance to see some powerful stories and maybe even chat with the filmmakers. A lot of the screenings end with Q&As.
While the main festival ends June 28, sometimes they throw in encore screenings Sunday, June 29. Check their website for any last-minute tickets or schedule updates.
2) Join Friday Senior’s Chair Exercise at Miller Branch Library
Need a gentle way to stay active? The Miller Branch Library hosts chair exercise sessions for seniors every Friday morning.
These classes focus on simple moves to help with flexibility, strength, and balance—all while you’re seated. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, so everyone feels welcome.
You’ll find the library at 489 Bergen Ave. Doors open at 9:00 am, and the class usually lasts about an hour.
Chair exercises for seniors are a great way to keep both body and mind engaged. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about building community, too.
No sign-up needed, and it’s completely free. Just show up a bit early to grab a seat. Bring water and wear something comfy.
3) Explore the Jersey City Waterfront for Manhattan skyline views
The Jersey City waterfront has some of the best views of Manhattan—honestly, maybe even better than Brooklyn. There’s a 2.5-mile path along the Hudson River, so you can take your time and just soak it all in.
Start at Exchange Place, where the open plaza is perfect for snapping photos. It’s usually less crowded than NYC’s big observation spots, so you can actually enjoy the view.
Head north along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and you’ll pass parks, piers, and get different angles on the skyline as you go.
Sunset is magic here—the buildings light up gold, and after dark, Manhattan turns into a sea of lights. Photographers love this spot for a reason.
Liberty State Park gives you another wide-open place to take it all in. Bring a picnic, kick back, and just enjoy the backdrop.
There are waterfront restaurants with outdoor seating, too—usually more affordable than Manhattan’s. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
4) Visit Liberty State Park for outdoor concerts and events
Liberty State Park really shines in summer, and this week’s no exception. The Summer in the City concert series keeps rolling with shows on Sunday, June 29, and Tuesday, July 1.
Sunday brings a singles event in the parking lot area—could be a fun way to meet people while hanging out in the park.
On Saturday, July 5, the park hosts “George Washington Takes Command: The Journey Through Jersey, 1775”, which brings Revolutionary War history to life. If you’re into history, this one’s worth a look.
You get amazing skyline views as a backdrop for all this. Arrive early if you want to check out the old Central Railroad Terminal or stroll the waterfront promenade.
Most events and concerts here are free. Bring a blanket or chair, plus snacks and water. Parking’s available but fills up fast for big events—public transit might save you some hassle.
5) Shop at the VINYL RECORDS Jersey City Record Riot on Grove Street PATH Plaza
Vinyl fans, clear your Sunday: the Jersey City Record Riot is back on June 29 at Grove Street PATH Plaza. The outdoor market runs 9 AM to 5 PM and it’s totally free to browse.
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Over 50 tables are loaded with vinyl—more than 15,000 LPs to dig through. The market also has CDs, 45s, and all sorts of vintage finds for collectors.
Iris Records usually sets up shop with new releases and CDs, and you’ll see dealers from as far as Virginia. There’s always music playing, which keeps things lively.
This event pops up a few times a year and draws everyone from hardcore collectors to casual browsers. You never know what you’ll find—sometimes it’s dollar-bin gems, sometimes rare pressings. Bring cash and be ready to flip through crates.
6) Enjoy live performances at Groove on Grove music series
Groove on Grove is back for another summer, running through August 27, 2025. This free music series happens every Wednesday from 6-9pm in Historic Downtown.
This week brings a mix of local musicians playing all sorts of genres. It’s relaxed, family-friendly, and a favorite for both residents and visitors.
There’s more than just music—food vendors and drinks keep the street festival vibe going. Being right by the Grove Street PATH makes it easy to get to, whether you’re coming from Manhattan or elsewhere in Jersey City.
The lineup changes each week, always keeping things fresh and showing off the city’s creative spirit. No need for tickets—just show up, maybe bring a chair or blanket, and settle in.
7) Take a ferry ride from Liberty State Park to Manhattan
Want a scenic trip into Manhattan? Hop on the Liberty Landing Ferry from Jersey City—it’s quick, easy, and the views are unbeatable.
The ferry leaves from Liberty State Park, so you can pair your ride with a stroll in the park. You’ll pass the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and get a killer look at the skyline.
It’s about a 10-minute ride, which beats sitting in traffic or squeezing onto the PATH. Ferries run all day on a regular schedule.
There’s a quick security check before boarding (think airport-lite), so show up a few minutes early.
Tickets are affordable and you can buy them at the terminal. The first ferry leaves at 9:30am and the last one back from Manhattan is around 5:00-5:15pm.
Bikes and strollers are welcome, so bring the whole crew. The park’s walkways are great for stretching your legs before or after your ride.
8) Play games at The Ultimate Game Night Vol.4 at Hight Society Ink Lounge
If you’re in the mood for some friendly competition, Ultimate Game Night Vol.4 lands at The Hight Society Ink Lounge on Saturday, June 28.
From 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, you can dive into board games, card games, and group challenges. The spot at 15 Wilkinson Avenue is laid-back and perfect for meeting new people.
This is the fourth event in the series, and it’s built a bit of a following. The Smoakn Collective LLC puts it together and they know how to run a smooth night.
You’ll need a ticket, so grab one ahead of time on Eventbrite. Food and drinks are for sale at the venue.
Try to get there on time if you want to play everything—these nights fill up fast.
9) Stroll Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza and experience local culture
The Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza is one of the city’s liveliest spots. This car-free stretch between Grove Street and Jersey Avenue is a welcome break from the usual city bustle.
A recent $7 million makeover brought green-painted streets, new seating, umbrellas, and planters. The whole area feels safer and more inviting now.
Evenings are when the plaza really shines—locals fill the outdoor tables, and you can pick from Italian, Asian fusion, and more. There’s always something going on.
Street performers often show up, especially on weekends. You might catch musicians, dancers, or the occasional pop-up art show.
The section between Barrow Street and Jersey Avenue is the newer part of the plaza, finished in 2018, but it blends right in.
If you’re into food deals, Restaurant Week runs through July 5. Plenty of places along the plaza have special menus and prices.
10) Attend Heritage & Harmony: Caribbean Cultural Showcase
Cap off your week with the Heritage & Harmony Caribbean Cultural Showcase at 902 Brewing in Jersey City on July 5.
There’ll be live music—both traditional and modern Caribbean styles. Expect a lot of rhythm and energy. It’s hard not to move when the bands get going.
Professional dancers will perform, showing off everything from merengue to reggae-inspired moves.
Food’s a big part of the night. Vendors serve up Caribbean classics like jerk chicken and fried plantains, and you’ll get to learn a little about the stories behind the dishes.
It’s family-friendly and interactive, too. You might even get pulled in for a quick dance lesson or a cultural demo.
The event runs 6 PM to 10 PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for kids, and the money goes to local cultural education programs.
Getting Around Jersey City
Getting around Jersey City isn’t too tough. Public transit, ferries, and parking options make it pretty manageable—just takes a little planning, and you’ll save yourself some headaches.
Public Transportation Options
The Light Rail costs $2.25 per ride and connects most major attractions, including the waterfront and Liberty State Park. If you want to skip traffic and head north or south, it’s a solid bet.
PATH trains run 24/7 between Jersey City, Manhattan, and Hoboken. A trip costs $2.75, and honestly, you can’t beat the convenience for late-night rides back from New York.
NJ Transit buses fill in the gaps where the Light Rail doesn’t go. Routes 80, 87, and 119 are handy if you’re heading inland or checking out less touristy neighborhoods.
Ferries leave from Liberty State Park and reach Manhattan in about 15 minutes. You get those classic skyline views, and the fare is $7 one-way. Not the cheapest, but it’s an experience.
Citibike stations dot downtown, so grabbing a bike for $3.50 per 30 minutes or $15 for a day pass is easy. Not a bad way to explore if you don’t mind a little exercise.
Parking and Accessibility Tips
Street parking downtown is tough and the rules are enforced until 9 PM. Most meters take cards and the ParkMobile app, but expect to pay $4-5 per hour with a two-hour limit in busy spots.
Parking garages near Grove Street and Exchange Place usually run $20-30 for a full day. On weekends, you might find rates drop to $15-25.
Free parking pops up in residential neighborhoods outside downtown, though you’ll want to keep an eye on street cleaning signs—tickets are a real risk.
ADA-accessible stations include Exchange Place, Newport, and Journal Square. All Light Rail trains have level boarding, which is a relief if you’re dealing with strollers or mobility issues.
Traffic congestion hits hardest on weekdays from 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM, especially near the Holland Tunnel. If you can, avoid those windows.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are everywhere. In central areas, you’ll usually wait 3-7 minutes, sometimes less.
What to Know Before Your Week in Jersey City
Jersey City weather is a bit unpredictable in early July, and a few big events will shake up transportation and venue schedules this holiday week.
Weather and Packing Essentials
Expect temperatures between 75-88°F in early July, with humidity hovering around 65-70%. Afternoon thunderstorms? Yeah, they’re pretty common, especially July 2-3 if forecasts hold.
Here’s what you’ll want to pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes (figure on 5+ miles a day if you’re out and about)
- Lightweight rain jacket or a small umbrella
- Refillable water bottle (there are filling stations all over downtown)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen
PATH trains and ferries can get stuffy during rush hour, so dressing in layers is smart if you’ll be on public transit a lot.
Evenings can dip into the high 60s, especially along the waterfront where the breeze picks up. If you’re planning to eat outside or stay out late, bring a light sweater or jacket—better safe than sorry.
Upcoming Local Events and Closures
The 4th of July Freedom Festival shuts down Liberty State Park to vehicle traffic from 2-11pm on July 4th. If you’re planning to go, hop on the light rail or just get there before noon—otherwise, good luck finding parking.
City Hall and most government offices take the day off Friday, July 4th. Downtown restaurants? Some stick with holiday hours (usually 11am-8pm), others just close up shop.
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Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza turns into a street performance zone June 30-July 5, and they’ll block cars from 10am-10pm every day. Could be fun—or a hassle if you’re driving.
Liberty Science Center runs longer summer hours (9am-7pm) this week. The planetarium shows? They’re packed. If you don’t grab tickets ahead, you might end up waiting over 90 minutes.
Holland Tunnel’s still closing westbound lanes overnight (11pm-5am) through July 2nd. If you’re heading back from NYC late, maybe just take the Lincoln Tunnel instead.
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
