Jersey City’s calendar always feels packed, with parks, galleries, and neighborhoods buzzing in their own ways. If you’re into outdoor strolls, art, or just want to see what’s happening around town, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here’s a quick-hit guide to some of the best things going on in Jersey City from September 21 to 27, 2025.
You’ll jump from waterfront walks and art shows to festivals and live music, with just enough info to help you figure out what sounds good. Each section paints a picture—so you can pick and choose what fits your mood.
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1) Visit Liberty State Park for scenic waterfront views
Take a walk along the two-mile Liberty Walk promenade, which links picnic spots, playgrounds, and the old CRRNJ Terminal. The path gives you steady views of Manhattan, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. It’s a simple way to soak up the waterfront without leaving Jersey City.
If you’re feeling active, try the 2.9-mile loop trail. It’s flat, easy, and works for both casual walkers and families. Benches line the way if you want to stop and just take it all in.
The Liberty Science Center sits right at the edge of the park—great for interactive exhibits, especially with kids in tow. Keep in mind, weekends get busy.
You can get there by light rail or even hop a ferry from Manhattan. Parking’s available, but it fills up fast during peak times, so showing up on the early side helps. The park’s open space and city access make it a solid pick for the week.
2) Explore Mana Contemporary art exhibitions
Mana Contemporary is worth a visit if you’re into art that’s a little off the beaten path. It’s set inside a former tobacco warehouse near Journal Square, which gives it a cool, industrial vibe that’s totally different from the art itself.
Right now, you can catch Martin Brouillette’s After Beacon – From Memory show, running through September 30, 2025. It’s all about painting and memory, and you’ll get a peek at how a resident artist’s work grows over time. Details are on the Mana Contemporary Jersey City page.
Public tours usually happen Tuesday to Friday at 3 p.m., and you can swing by on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are both free, so it’s easy to drop in. Check their visitor info to confirm hours.
If you’re looking for a buzzier vibe, their Fall Open Studios later in the season lets you meet artists and see projects mid-process. For now, the current exhibition is a chill, focused way to dip into Jersey City’s art scene.
3) Attend the Poster Stellars Exhibition at Lemmerman Gallery
Stop by the Harold B. Lemmerman Gallery at NJCU to see the Poster Stellars Exhibition—open from September 17 to October 21, 2025. You’ll find poster designs from all over the world, with artists from different backgrounds and styles.
The gallery’s tucked inside Hepburn Hall, which is easy to reach if you’re around Journal Square. Admission’s free, so you can just wander in.
Visiting early in the week usually means fewer people, so you’ll have more space to really look around. The posters range in technique and subject, offering a snapshot of what’s trending in international design.
This annual competition gives artists a chance to show off their work. For the schedule, check the NJCU Galleries website.
The vibe is more academic than festive—so if you like design or just want a slower-paced stop, this one’s a good bet.
4) Join the Teen Advisory Board meeting at Five Corners Branch Library
Curious about how teens shape the local library? Drop in on the Teen Advisory Board meeting at the Five Corners Branch. These sessions let young people pitch ideas and give feedback on programs.
The next meeting’s in the William J. Timney Room at Five Corners Branch. The library calendar lists dates, with some coming up this fall. Details are on the Teen Advisory Board event listing.
You don’t have to be a teen to sit in, though only young adults get to participate. It’s a window into how the library listens to youth for event planning and book picks.
The branch sits in Journal Square, so it’s easy to reach by PATH or bus. Meetings usually run late afternoon and last about an hour.
This isn’t a flashy event, but it’s a neat way to see how Jersey City’s libraries keep in touch with their community.
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5) Experience Music on the Porch at Barrow Mansion
Every Thursday evening, Barrow Mansion hosts Music on the Porch—a free, relaxed event where musicians play from the front porch while folks gather outside. You can stop by for a song or stay for the whole set.
The lineup changes weekly, mixing local and visiting artists. Past shows have featured jazz, opera, folk, and community groups. It’s always a bit of a surprise.
Barrow Mansion itself is a local landmark and community spot. For upcoming acts, check the Barrow Mansion website or their Facebook page.
If you like structured seating or indoor venues, this might feel a little too casual. But for a laid-back, neighborhood night out, Music on the Porch is hard to beat.
6) Enjoy the Fall Carnival at Pershing Field
The Fall Carnival at Pershing Field runs through September 28, 2025, at 201 Central Avenue. It’s easy to get to from most parts of Jersey City.
You’ll find rides, games, and plenty of food stands. Admission’s free, and a $35 wristband covers unlimited rides (details on the official event listing).
Weekdays run 5 to 10 PM, weekends open at 1 PM. You can fit it in after work or bring the family on a free afternoon.
It’s lively but geared toward families. Crowds pick up Friday and Saturday nights, so expect lines if you go late.
If you’re close by, walking or taking the bus is usually easier than driving—parking’s tight.
The carnival feels like a classic fall fair, right in your own backyard.
7) Stroll through India Square and Newark Avenue plaza
Take a walk through India Square (aka Little India) along Newark Avenue. The area’s packed with grocery shops, sari stores, and restaurants serving all kinds of Indian dishes. It’s usually buzzing, especially around dinner.
If you’re hungry, you’ll find thalis, dosas, curries, and sweets like jalebi and rasgulla—all at pretty reasonable prices. Portions are generous, too.
A few blocks east, the Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza often hosts events, live music, and weekend markets. There’s outdoor seating, so you can sit and people-watch.
It does get crowded and noisy during peak hours. For a quieter vibe, go earlier in the day. For event updates, check Jersey City Connects or NJ Family’s guide.
This mix of food and open-air gathering gives you a real taste of Jersey City’s daily life.
8) Discover local brews at Jersey City breweries and beer gardens
If you’re into craft beer, Jersey City’s got options. Zeppelin Hall and Hudson Hall both offer big communal tables—great for groups—and serve food with their beer lists, so you can make a night of it.
For something cozier, try Würstbar or Departed Soles. Würstbar’s known for sausages and rotating taps, while Departed Soles has gluten-free brews along with the usual fare.
If you want to sit outside, the Oculus Beer Garden is right by transit, handy if you’re bouncing between Manhattan and Jersey City.
Local breweries like 902 Brewing often roll out special fall releases this time of year.
Weekends get crowded, so for a more laid-back experience, try a weekday evening. Staff usually have more time to chat about what’s on tap, too.
9) Participate in nature programs at Liberty State Park
Guided walks and talks at Liberty State Park, led by park naturalists, are a great way to learn about local wildlife and plants. Programs are open to both kids and adults, so families can join in.
You’ll need to pre-register—spots fill up fast. Check the New Jersey State Park Service calendar for what’s coming up. Topics range from birdwatching to butterfly migration.
The Nature Center is the main hub and is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you have questions, call 201-915-3400 x501 (info on the official park page).
These programs are a hands-on way to see the park in a new light and to talk directly with staff who really know the area.
10) Catch a concert or festival via Fever events
Fever lists concerts, festivals, and pop-up performances all over Jersey City. It’s a handy way to spot both big events and smaller local shows—just browse Fever events.
One of the standouts is the Candlelight Concert series, where you can hear classical or contemporary music in candlelit, often historic spaces. It’s a different way to see familiar buildings.
Fever also highlights outdoor festivals that mix music, food, and community. Weather can be unpredictable, so dress for anything.
Tickets are easy to buy online, but popular events sometimes sell out. If you’re set on something, book early.
Not every listing will be your thing, so it’s worth scanning the details to find what matches your style and schedule.
Getting Around Jersey City
Getting around Jersey City isn’t too tricky—public transit connects you to NYC and nearby towns, and you can drive if you’re patient about parking. Just be ready: in busy neighborhoods, finding a spot can test your luck.
Public Transportation Options
You can get to most of Jersey City by hopping on the PATH train, which zips right into Manhattan in just a few minutes. Stations like Journal Square, Grove Street, and Exchange Place make it simple to move between business spots and neighborhoods.
The Light Rail covers the waterfront, Liberty State Park, and Hoboken. Trains come pretty often during the day, but the schedule thins out at night. If you’re out late, it’s worth double-checking times so you’re not stuck waiting around.
NJ Transit buses connect Jersey City with Hudson County and Newark. They’re a solid choice for commuters, though traffic can slow things down compared to the train. Ferries run from Paulus Hook and Harborside to lower Manhattan—less crowded and scenic, but you’ll pay a bit more for the ride.
For quick hops around town, Citi Bike stations are scattered throughout downtown and along the waterfront. Rideshare apps are everywhere, though traffic near the Holland Tunnel can seriously slow down trips into Manhattan.
Parking Tips for Visitors
Street parking is tough to find, especially downtown or by the waterfront. Most spots need a residential permit, so check the signs closely or risk a ticket. Time limits are pretty strictly enforced, and meters take coins or mobile apps.
Public garages are usually your best bet. The ones near Grove Street PATH and Newport Centre Mall are popular. Prices jump near transit stops or big events, so budget accordingly.
If Liberty State Park is on your list, the park has its own lots with a flat daily fee. Those fill up fast on weekends—getting there early is definitely smart. For overnight visits, ask your hotel about parking. Many charge extra, and you don’t want a surprise on your bill.
Weather and What to Bring
September in Jersey City is mostly mild, with evenings that can get a little chilly and a mix of sun and clouds. It’s a good idea to pack for comfortable days but keep an eye out for quick weather changes.
Typical September Weather
Afternoon highs usually sit between 72°F and 78°F (22°C to 26°C). Nights drop to around 58°F to 64°F (14°C to 18°C). It’s great walking weather, though you’ll want a light jacket if you’re planning to be near the water after sunset.
Rain can happen—expect 3 to 4 inches over the month, usually in short but sometimes heavy bursts. Bringing a small umbrella isn’t a bad idea. Humidity isn’t too bad, but on warmer days, it can feel a bit muggy if you’re walking a lot.
Winds change things up, especially by the Hudson River. Breezes pick up later in the day, so it can feel a lot cooler than inland. Ferries and Liberty State Park get gusty, so maybe toss a windbreaker in your bag just in case.
Recommended Attire and Essentials
Pack layers you can swap out on the fly. Maybe start with a short-sleeve shirt, then toss on a light sweater or jacket if it cools off. Evenings? Yeah, they can get chilly, especially if you end up eating outside.
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Honestly, comfortable walking shoes are a must. You’ll probably spend more time on your feet than you expect—between paved streets, grassy parks, or just wandering around.
Don’t forget a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket. Showers can sneak up on you. Sunglasses and sunscreen are still worth bringing along; September sun isn’t exactly weak.
A small daypack makes life easier—throw in water, snacks, maybe an extra layer. Planning to catch an outdoor event? Grab a foldable blanket for sitting and a reusable water bottle. Trust me, staying hydrated matters more than you think.
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
