Jersey City’s energy is cranked up for summer, and honestly, the lineup of things happening this week (June 22-28) is kind of wild. Locals, visitors, whoever—there’s a lot to dive into, whether you’re after a family outing, something cultural, or maybe you just want to eat your way through a few neighborhoods. Jersey City’s got you.
This city’s always evolving, and it shows. Outdoor concerts, food tours, pop-up art—there’s a little of everything going on. Local businesses and cultural spots keep things fresh, and you’ll find events for just about any age or interest.
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1) Groove on Grove Free Summer Music Series
Groove on Grove is back this Wednesday, June 25, at the Grove Street PATH Plaza. It’s free, it’s outside, and it runs 6:00–9:00 pm, which is perfect if you want something to do after work.
Expect a mix of local indie bands and a jazz group this week—there’s always something new in the lineup. The vibe is super relaxed. People wander between the stage and nearby restaurants, and it’s as easy to bring your kids as it is to meet up with friends.
You’ll see lots of folks grabbing takeout from nearby spots to eat during the show. The plaza’s location puts you close to a ton of dining options, so you won’t go hungry.
Locals love how this event brings everyone together. There’s a real mix of longtime residents and newcomers, and that’s kind of the point.
If you want a good spot near the stage, aim to arrive a little early. It gets crowded, especially if the weather’s nice.
2) Cube of Truth Demonstration at 133 Newark Ave
If you’re in the mood for something that’ll make you think, the Cube of Truth demonstration is happening Saturday, June 21st at 6:00 PM, right in front of Two Boots Pizza at 133 Newark Ave.
It’s a peaceful street activism event run by Anonymous for the Voiceless, an animal rights group. Volunteers stand in a cube formation wearing Guy Fawkes masks, showing footage about animal agriculture. It’s not confrontational—people can walk up and chat with outreach volunteers if they’re interested.
If you like street debates or just want to see what’s up, it’s worth stopping by. The area is packed with restaurants, so you can easily grab dinner before or after.
Want to see the setup? Show up a bit early. The event usually lasts about three hours, so you can fit it into your evening plans.
3) Juneteenth Literacy Carnival
Jersey City’s Juneteenth Literacy Carnival keeps the celebration rolling past June 19th. Hosted by the Urban League of Hudson County, it’s a mix of fun and education.
There’ll be interactive book displays, storytelling, and games that connect African American history with literacy for all ages. Kids can get their faces painted and play games, and adults can browse a marketplace full of local Black-owned businesses and authors.
It’s happening Saturday, June 22nd, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. There’s no admission fee, so it’s family-friendly and budget-friendly.
Food vendors will be serving up soul food and Caribbean dishes, so come hungry. Parking’s a bit tight, so public transit might be your best bet. Expect a crowd, especially after lunch.
4) Jersey City Black Comic Con
The Jersey City Black Comic Con 2025 is back on Sunday, June 22, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at 140 Martin Luther King Dr. It lines up with Juneteenth celebrations and is all about comics, cosplay, art, and community.
You’ll meet artists, writers, and creators, and there are panels, workshops, and special guests. It’s only the second year for this event, but last year’s run at the Bethune Center was a hit.
Tickets are affordable, and the venue’s easy to reach by public transit. Buying ahead online saves you from waiting in line.
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Wear comfy shoes—you’ll be on your feet checking out vendors and exhibits. Bring some cash, since not every artist accepts cards.
5) Summer Solstice Moving Meditation
Meagan Woods’ Summer Solstice Moving Meditation keeps the solstice vibes going, even though the official date was June 20. It’s part of her //bridge piece\ project, co-produced by SMUSH Gallery and supported by the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund.
Expect a blend of movement, ritual, and sound healing to help you tap into that summer energy. There’s meditation, journaling, a candle-lit ritual, and then some guided movement and breathwork. No experience needed—just show up in comfy clothes and bring a water bottle and journal if you have one.
Arrive 15 minutes early if you want a spot, since these events fill up fast.
6) Jersey City Birds Art Show
The Jersey City Birds Art Show opens today at The Barrow Mansion and runs through Sunday, June 22. It’s a three-day showcase of local artists and photographers who love birds.
Friday’s opening runs 7:00–10:00 PM, and Saturday’s hours are 10:30 AM–5:00 PM. The Barrow Mansion at 83 Wayne Street is a cool, historic spot for this kind of show.
You’ll see everything from realistic paintings to abstract takes on local birdlife. Some artists are well-known, others are just starting out. It’s a good chance to meet fellow nature fans and support local art.
7) Visit Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center is always a solid pick, especially if you’ve got curious kids or just love hands-on stuff. It’s in Liberty State Park and covers a ton of space—seriously, you could spend hours there.
This week, check out their regular exhibits and see if there’s any special programming. There’s always something interactive happening, and kids especially love the hands-on science activities.
Before you go, peek at their events calendar for any one-off shows. The center’s at 222 Jersey City Boulevard, and if you need details, just call (201) 200-1000.
Weekdays are less crowded, so if you can swing it, you’ll have more time at each exhibit.
8) Stroll Along Jersey City Waterfront
If you haven’t walked the Jersey City waterfront yet, you’re missing out. The views of Manhattan are unreal, especially at sunrise or sunset.
The pathways go for miles, so you can make your walk as long or short as you want. Start at J. Owen Grundy Park, then head north or south along the landscaped walkway.
Bring water and wear decent shoes—it’s a good stretch. There are benches if you want to stop and just take it all in.
Parking’s around, but it fills up fast on weekends. The light rail to Exchange Place is usually easier. And don’t forget your camera—sunset shots here are next-level.
9) Ferry Ride to Manhattan from Liberty State Park
Need a change of scenery? Hop on the Liberty Landing Ferry for a quick trip to Manhattan. The views of the skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island are hard to beat.
It’s about a 15-minute ride from Liberty State Park’s historic Central Railroad Terminal, and it’s often faster than driving or the PATH during rush hour.
Bring your bike or stroller if you want—ferries allow both. Check the schedule ahead of time since departure times change by day. Usually, the last ferry back is around 7:30 PM on weekdays, but double-check before you go.
10) Explore Hamilton Park Theater Productions
This week, Hamilton Park turns into an outdoor theater hub. Local groups set up in the park’s 5.4 acres and put on shows under the evening sky.
The Jersey City Theater Company is running their summer Shakespeare series Thursday through Sunday at 7PM, near the park’s east side. Bring a blanket or folding chair for comfort. Admission’s technically free, but a $10 donation helps keep these shows going.
They’re doing a modern “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” this week, with Jersey City landmarks mixed into the story. It’s about 90 minutes, no intermission.
For families, there’s a Saturday puppet show at 2PM—about 30 minutes, and always a hit with kids. These fill up, so getting there early is smart.
Weather can mess with the schedule, so check the Hamilton Park board or social media before heading out.
Getting the Most From Your Jersey City Visit
Jersey City’s way more fun if you plan ahead—especially when it comes to getting around and dealing with parking.
Transportation and Parking Tips
The PATH train is your best bet for hopping between Jersey City and Manhattan. Stations at Exchange Place, Grove Street, and Journal Square make it easy, and it’s just $2.75 a ride.
For getting around Jersey City itself, the Light Rail is $2.25 per ride and stops at most major spots like the waterfront and Liberty State Park. Citibike stations are everywhere downtown if you’d rather pedal.
Driving? Just know street parking’s tight. Garages run $15-25 a day, but the Liberty State Park lot is only $7. On Sundays, a lot of metered spots are free—worth remembering if you’re planning a weekend trip.
Planning for Weather in June
June in Jersey City usually means warm temps, anywhere from 70–85°F (21–29°C). You’ll want light, breathable clothes and shoes that won’t kill your feet for those long strolls along the waterfront paths.
Afternoon thunderstorms pop up pretty often, so toss a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag. Even on warm days, the wind on the waterfront can surprise you—a light jacket really comes in handy.
Sunscreen? Absolutely. Especially at Liberty State Park, where you’ll be hard-pressed to find much shade. June’s packed with outdoor events, so it’s smart to check the weather before you lock in your plans.
Humidity sometimes gets intense, so don’t forget to drink water. Most parks have fountains, but honestly, it’s just easier to carry a refillable bottle, especially if you’re wandering around Historic Downtown.
Insider Tips for Local Events
Getting the most out of Jersey City events takes a bit of local savvy. If you want to blend in and really connect, a few tricks can make a world of difference.
How to Secure Event Tickets Early
Popular events here? They sell out fast. Sign up for email alerts from spots like White Eagle Hall or Loew’s Jersey Theatre to snag pre-sale codes.
The JCFUN app’s handy for notifications about ticket drops for festivals and concerts. Some venues roll out “early bird” pricing—sometimes you’ll save 15–30% if you buy at least two weeks ahead.
If you’re a regular, joining loyalty programs at theaters and performance spaces pays off. The Jersey City Theater Center, for example, gives members first dibs on tickets three days before everyone else.
Keep an eye on Jersey City’s official social media, too. Occasionally, they’ll drop a small batch of tickets for sold-out events on Instagram stories—blink and you’ll miss it.
Connecting With Jersey City’s Community Groups
Jersey City’s vibrant arts scene really comes alive thanks to its local organizations. If you want a heads-up on what’s happening, the Jersey City Arts Council puts out a free monthly newsletter—worth signing up for if you ask me. It’s packed with event invites and chances to meet people who care about the arts.
City Hall hosts weekly community board meetings every Tuesday. They’re usually a good place to catch wind of cool events before everyone else hears about them.
The Jersey City Free Public Library gets in on the action too. Their Newark Avenue branch holds community meet-ups on Monday nights, and local organizers often swing by to talk about what’s coming up.
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If you’re more into digital connections, try the NextDoor app and jump into your neighborhood group. Folks there love to post about block parties, pop-up happenings, and those quirky events that never seem to hit the big listings.
And hey, don’t sleep on the old-school bulletin boards at coffee shops like ModCup and The Grind Shop. Flyers for grassroots events and neighborhood gatherings pop up there all the time—sometimes that’s where the real gems are hiding.
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
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Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
