Jersey City’s energy ramps up as summer officially rolls in. From lively street festivals to music by the water, the city’s got something for just about everyone—families, friends, or anyone just passing through. You really don’t have to look hard for things to do this June, whether you’re chasing carnival rides, art, or just a laid-back afternoon.
Father’s Day weekend brings a little extra spark. Some spots stay open later, and you’ll find deals or even free entry at a few events. The weather usually plays nice, which makes being outside a no-brainer.
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1) Jersey City Jazz Festival on the Hudson River waterfront
The Jersey City Jazz Festival is back on the Hudson River waterfront Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31, 2025. Jazz fans from all over NJ and NYC flock here for two days of music with killer Manhattan views.
This year, the festival stretches over five days from May 27 through May 31, with more than 30 performances popping up at venues all over town. It’s a full-on jazz takeover.
The main weekend brings three stages of nonstop music. Food trucks and bars keep the crowd fueled and happy.
Want to upgrade your experience? Grab a VIP pass for nicer amenities and the best views. There’s also a community zone and a parade, so it’s a good pick for families too.
Even though it lands just before this week’s main events, tickets go fast. If you’re thinking about going, don’t wait.
2) Groove on Grove free summer music series
Groove on Grove, the city’s free weekly music series, keeps the vibes rolling this Wednesday, June 18 from 6-9 PM at Grove Street PATH Plaza. You’ll catch live sets from local musicians—sometimes it’s jazz, sometimes indie rock, sometimes something totally unexpected.
The 2025 season kicked off May 7 and runs all summer. Every week, a new band or artist takes the stage, so you never really know what you’ll get, but that’s half the fun.
Besides the music, there are food vendors and little shops scattered around. The plaza’s got a genuine neighborhood feel and a relaxed crowd.
No tickets, no reservations—just show up and hang out. If you’re on a budget but still want some live music, this is a solid pick. Super easy to reach by PATH, too.
3) Awaken Jersey City Open Mic at Sip Avenue
Craving a dose of local creativity? The Awaken Jersey City Open Mic is happening Saturday, June 21, 2025, at VIP Diner, 175 Sip Avenue.
This bi-weekly open mic has carved out its own little niche in the arts scene. Things get rolling at 10:00 PM, and you’ll see a mix—musicians, poets, comics, spoken word, maybe even something you’ve never seen before.
The vibe’s laid-back, and everyone’s welcome, whether you’re performing or just along for the ride. Grab a bite or a drink and support the local talent.
Thinking of getting up on stage? Show up early—sign-up fills up fast. If you just want to listen, you’ll have a good time too. Entry’s affordable, and the show usually goes till midnight.
Parking’s not too bad in the area, or just hop off at Journal Square PATH and walk over.
4) Cube of Truth demonstration at Newark Avenue
If animal rights are your thing, swing by Newark Avenue this weekend for the Cube of Truth demonstration. The event goes down Saturday, June 7 at 6:00 PM in front of Two Boots Pizza.
Anonymous for the Voiceless puts this on. Volunteers form a square, don those Guy Fawkes masks, and hold screens showing footage about animal agriculture. It’s peaceful, and you can either watch or chat with the outreach team—they’re happy to talk veganism or answer questions.
The event runs until 9:00 PM, so you’ve got time to swing by if you’re in the area. If you can’t make it, there’s another Cube of Truth happening June 8 at the same spot, same time. These pop up pretty regularly in Jersey City.
5) Stroll along the Jersey City waterfront for Manhattan views
The Jersey City waterfront’s got some of the best Manhattan views you’ll find anywhere. The walkway runs about 2.5 miles along the Hudson, giving you endless cityscapes.
Early mornings? The light’s crisp and the air’s fresh. Evenings? The skyline glows as the lights come up. It’s a whole different vibe depending on when you go.
The path is smooth and easy for everyone. Benches line the way, so you can stop and just watch the world go by.
Parks break up the walkway, offering green spots to chill. The path links up neighborhoods, so you can turn a stroll into a real exploration.
Seriously, the skyline views are unbeatable. Bring your camera—sunset shots here are next-level.
If you want the most dramatic views, try between Exchange Place and Newport. And if crowds aren’t your thing, go on a weekday evening.
6) Visit Liberty Science Center for interactive exhibits
Liberty Science Center is a hands-on playground for anyone curious, no matter your age. Right here in Jersey City, the museum’s got over 100 animal species in the Wild About Animals exhibition.
They’ve updated several exhibits for summer 2025, so there’s always something new to poke, prod, or play with. It’s not just for kids—teens and adults will find plenty to geek out over.
Don’t miss the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium. It’s the biggest and most high-tech dome in the Western Hemisphere. The shows are genuinely impressive.
Check the schedule when you arrive—shows like “Latest Webb Telescope Wonders” and “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” rotate all week.
Heads up: the food court is just okay, and prices are on the high side (more here). Might be worth eating beforehand or bringing snacks.
Give yourself at least three or four hours if you want to see everything (exhibits and all).
7) Explore the Colgate Clock landmark
The Colgate Clock downtown is one of those Jersey City icons you can’t miss. At 50 feet wide, it’s hard to overlook—and it’s more than just a giant watch.
Sitting right on the waterfront, the clock’s a perfect spot to snap a photo with the Manhattan skyline. You’ll see plenty of people stopping there during their walk along the promenade.
There’s some real history here, too. The clock’s a throwback to the days when Colgate ran factories in the area, and locals still feel a connection to it.
Photographers love the spot, especially at sunset or after dark when the clock lights up. The combo of city lights and the old-school clock face? Pretty memorable.
Definitely worth a stop if you’re already exploring the waterfront. No ticket needed, just wander over.
8) Catch a play at Hamilton Park
Hamilton Park turns into an outdoor theater this weekend, thanks to the Jersey City Theater Company’s summer series. The five-acre park’s got an old-school charm that makes for a cool backdrop under the stars.
They’re putting on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Saturday at 7 PM, with local actors and some creative staging that uses the park itself.
Bring a blanket or chair if you want a comfy seat. The show’s set up near the gazebo on the north side, but most spots have a decent view.
Admission’s free, though they suggest a $10 donation to help fund future shows. If you want a good spot, get there about half an hour early—these Hamilton Park shows usually draw a crowd.
Food trucks roll in at 5 PM, so you can grab something before the curtain rises or during intermission.
If it rains, the play moves inside to the community center next to the park. Check the theater company’s social media for last-minute updates.
9) Attend Fourth of July Fireworks celebrations
July 4th isn’t quite here yet, but Jersey City’s already hyping its annual fireworks bash. It’s one of the region’s biggest shows—if you’re into fireworks, you’ll want to plan ahead.
Liberty State Park is a top pick for watching the fireworks, with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. There’s tons of space for groups, so bring friends or family.
If you’re up for a short trip, Atlantic City’s got two free shows: one June 28 at North Beach, and another July 4. Both are visible from the beach and casino areas.
Jersey City’s rooftop bars and restaurants are already taking reservations for July 4th viewing parties. These fill up fast every year, so don’t wait too long.
The city usually runs free shuttles to the main viewing spots, making parking less of a nightmare. Keep an eye on the official site for the latest transportation details and any last-minute changes.
10) Juneteenth events and cultural activities
Jersey City’s gearing up for a bunch of Juneteenth celebrations next week. If you want something low-key, the Jersey City Public Library’s Live Virtual Reading happens Friday, June 17, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Just log in from wherever you are—no need to RSVP or anything.
If you’re up for a little adventure beyond city lines, North Jersey’s got options. Over at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, they’ll run “Juneteenth Is the American Dream” all day on June 19. Think music, food, art, and a real celebration of Black culture and community. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., so you can drop in whenever.
Montclair’s not far either, and on June 20, Art is Bond hosts a Juneteenth Cocktail Party Fundraiser. They’re highlighting three important sites on the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. It’s a good excuse to dress up and support a cause.
If Gloucester Township’s on your radar, their Juneteenth Celebration is Saturday, June 21, from 1-4pm at Veterans’ Park. Expect local vendors, food, live music, a cultural marketplace, and plenty for families to do.
Getting Around Jersey City
Jersey City’s got plenty of ways to get around. Whether you’re visiting or you’ve lived here forever, you’ll find it’s pretty easy to hop between neighborhoods and even dip into Manhattan.
Public Transit Tips
The PATH train’s usually your best bet for getting between Jersey City and Manhattan. It runs all day, every day, with trains every 5-10 minutes during busy times, and about every 15-20 minutes otherwise. Each ride costs $2.75.
For getting around locally, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail covers downtown, the waterfront, and a bunch of outlying neighborhoods. Day passes are $7, which gets you unlimited rides from 5am to 1am on weekdays.
City buses fill in the gaps where trains don’t go. You can use the NJ Transit app to check arrival times and buy tickets without fumbling for change.
If you just need to get across town, Citi Bike is everywhere downtown and along the waterfront. It’s $15 for a day pass, and the stations are easy to spot.
Parking and Accessibility
Parking on the street can be a headache, especially near tourist spots. Most streets have meters or require permits, and you’ll usually get two hours max. The ParkMobile app makes paying a little less painful.
If you don’t want to circle for a spot, try a public garage:
- Liberty State Park: $7 flat weekday rate
- Newport Mall: $4/hour if you get your ticket validated
- Exchange Place: $18 tops for the day
For this weekend’s events in Hoboken and Jersey City, you’ll probably want to stick with public transit—parking gets even trickier when there’s something big going on.
Most PATH stations and light rail stops have elevators, so accessibility’s decent, but it’s always smart to double-check with event organizers about venue accommodations.
Seasonal Events and Local Culture
Mid-June is when Jersey City’s cultural scene really comes alive. You’ll notice the vibe shift as outdoor events and festivals take over, and the weather’s a big part of that.
June Weather and What to Wear
June here usually means warm days—think 65 to 85°F—with a bit of humidity. Honestly, you’ll want to stick with light, breathable clothes and sneakers or sandals you can walk in all day.
Afternoon showers sneak up on you, so toss a small umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag. It’s just easier than getting caught in a downpour.
Evenings by the water can get breezy. If you’re heading to something like the Saint Aloysius Parish Carnival on June 13, bring a light sweater or jacket—you’ll thank yourself later.
Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Daytime festivals and Liberty State Park can get sunny, and nobody likes a sunburn.
Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs
Jersey City thrives on its mix of cultures, and you’ll definitely notice how that shapes local customs. If you find yourself at a community event, people appreciate it when you pay attention during performances and clap at the right moments—it’s just good manners.
The art scene here? It’s buzzing. When you visit galleries, folks expect you to keep your voice down and, of course, not touch the artwork. Seems obvious, but you’d be surprised.
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The Jersey City Pride Bar Crawl is coming up on June 21. If you go, join in the fun, but keep it respectful—locals take a lot of pride in making everyone feel welcome.
Most people rely on public transportation. On escalators, stand to the right so others can pass, and if you see someone who needs a seat on the PATH train, offer yours. It’s just the decent thing to do.
Tipping is part of the deal here—aim for 18-20% at restaurants, and about 15-20% for taxis. While most places take cards, it doesn’t hurt to have a little cash on you for smaller spots.
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
