Jersey City’s calendar is packed this week—festivals, food, culture, and plenty of outdoor stuff. If you’re looking for an excuse to get out, you’ll find more than a few. Here’s a quick guide to what’s happening around town from September 14–20, 2025.
There’s something for just about everyone. Parks, cultural events, great eats, and local markets—it’s all here. Dive in wherever your mood takes you.
Easy booking across hundreds of accommodations from luxury high-rises to unearthed brownstone treasures.
Browse Accommodations Now
1) Explore Liberty State Park and enjoy skyline views
Start your week with a walk through Liberty State Park. This massive stretch along the Hudson River gives you front-row views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. On clear mornings or late afternoons, the skyline looks especially sharp.
With over 1,200 acres, you’ve got room to wander. Walking and biking paths connect the waterfront to open lawns and picnic spots. If you’re short on time, stick to the Liberty Walk, a paved route linking the best viewpoints.
History buffs might want to check out the old Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. The restored building is open for visitors, and you can pick up some neat stories about immigration and travel from the displays.
Families usually pause at the playgrounds or the Liberty Science Center nearby. If you’re looking for a quieter moment, drift down to the southern end—fewer people, more space. Want a deeper look? The Liberty State Park travel guide has you covered.
2) Attend the Hamilton Park BBQ Festival
The Hamilton Park BBQ Festival is the kind of event where you’ll probably leave a little fuller than planned. It runs from noon into the evening at Hamilton Park and McWilliams Place, drawing local pitmasters, restaurants, and food vendors.
Ribs, brisket, regional specialties—you’ll find a mix. Most places sell by the portion, so you can sample around. Lines get long, so if you’re impatient (who isn’t when hungry?), come early.
It’s not just about the food. Live bands play throughout the day, and there’s stuff for kids, too. The park’s layout makes it easy to float between the barbecue and the music.
Curious about details or vendors? The Hamilton Park BBQ Festival listing has more info.
3) Visit the Marketplace JC for local crafts and food
Marketplace JC is a weekend market packed with local vendors and makers. You’ll see handmade crafts, vintage treasures, and small-batch goods—basically, a snapshot of Jersey City’s creative side.
Food stands are a big draw. Grab something quick, or hang out and snack with friends. The crowd is a mix—families, students, longtime locals. It can get busy, especially at the popular food stalls, so showing up early pays off.
Marketplace JC helps small businesses that don’t have their own shops. Shopping here gives local entrepreneurs a boost. If you want to know who’s setting up shop this week, check the Marketplace JC Facebook page.
4) Experience the Navratri Festival celebrations
Navratri in India Square is one of Jersey City’s biggest cultural events. Streets close to traffic and fill with music, food stalls, and nightly Garba dancing. Thousands turn out, and it’s busy—but in a good way.
Dandiya Raas, the group dance with sticks, is a highlight. If you’re new, just watch a round or two, or jump into a slower group. The open-air setup makes it easy to wander between dancing and food.
The festival runs across multiple weekends in late September and early October. This year, events are happening along Newark Avenue every night. For schedules and special programs, check Navratri events in Jersey City.
Parking is rough, so take the Journal Square PATH if you can. Want to get a feel for the scale? IndiaSquare Navratri celebrations show off the street-wide dancing.
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
5) Catch a live show of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter fans, here’s your chance—the North American tour of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is making stops nearby. Jersey City residents can easily catch shows in New York or Washington, D.C.
The play picks up years after the original series. It’s a live show, so every performance feels a little different. Tickets are up on the official U.S. tour site and Ticketmaster. Prices jump on weekends, so book early if you can.
You can reach New York or D.C. by train—easy day trips or maybe make a weekend out of it. The show runs longer than most plays, so leave yourself plenty of time. If you love theater or just want to see the wizarding world live, this is a solid pick.
6) Join the All About Downtown Street Fair
On Saturday, September 20, Newark Avenue transforms for the All About Downtown Street Fair. From noon to 8 PM, the stretch from Grove Street to Coles Street fills up with hundreds of vendors and a sea of people.
Local businesses, handmade crafts, vintage goods—you name it. Food trucks and dessert stands line the streets, and nearby restaurants usually stay open late. There are kid zones, live music, entertainment stages, and a couple of beer gardens for grown-ups.
Parking is a headache, so walk or use public transit if you can. With more than 200 vendors and thousands of visitors, it’s easily one of the city’s biggest events. For more info, the All About Downtown Street Fair page has updates.
7) Taste offerings at Smorgasburg Jersey City
Smorgasburg Jersey City is an outdoor food market on the Hudson, and it’s a feast for anyone who likes to snack their way through an afternoon. Over 30 vendors show up with everything from local bites to international street food.
You’ll see comfort classics and some more adventurous options. Some stalls stick to quick snacks; others serve full plates. Prices are pretty average for a food market, but sampling a bunch adds up if you’re not careful.
The spot at 195 Hudson Street gives you river and skyline views while you eat. Seating is limited, so be ready to stand or stroll with your food. Want it quieter? Come early.
Smorgasburg started in Brooklyn and has been a Jersey City staple since 2021. Check Smorgasburg Jersey City on Yelp for vendor updates or peek at must-try foods at Smorgasburg for inspiration.
8) Visit Red Hook Winery for tastings
Take a quick trip over to Red Hook, Brooklyn, and visit one of New York’s working urban wineries. Red Hook Winery sits on Pier 41 and pours wines made from New York State grapes.
You can try curated flights, glasses, or bottles in the tasting room. For a deeper dive, book a private tasting or barrel room tour—just know you’ll need a reservation.
They focus on local sourcing and sustainable practices. It’s a good spot to learn how New York’s wine regions shape their bottles, and you’ll taste the difference across varietals.
The Brooklyn waterfront is right there, so after your tasting, wander the piers or check out Red Hook’s quirky shops and restaurants. If you end up loving their wines, the wine club offers quarterly shipments and deals.
9) Enjoy family time at Jersey City Zoo
The Jersey City Zoo is a small, manageable spot—perfect for a relaxed family afternoon. You’ll see both local and exotic animals, and the scale is just right for young kids who might tire out at bigger zoos.
Shaded paths, picnic spots, and viewing areas make it easy to take your time. It’s more of a half-day outing than something that’ll eat up your whole schedule.
They run educational programs and seasonal events, too. If your kids like hands-on stuff, check the schedule for feeding times or guided talks. These let children connect with animals beyond just watching.
Weekdays are quieter, while weekends can get busy, especially during special events. Visit during off-peak hours if you want more space. Want to plan a full day? Here are more kid-friendly activities in Jersey City.
10) Participate in outdoor yoga sessions in local parks
Outdoor yoga in Jersey City parks is a laid-back way to move and meet people. Classes usually run on weekends and welcome all levels. Most are free, with optional donations supporting local programs.
Practicing outside beats a studio on a nice day. You’ll find sessions in spots like Jersey City Heights, where instructors lead groups through relaxed flows on the grass. Schedules pop up on boards or sites like Meetup or Eventbrite.
People chat before and after, so it’s easy to make new friends. According to Meraki Yogini, local organizations often sponsor these, so you’re supporting the community just by showing up.
Bring a mat, water, and sunscreen—shade isn’t guaranteed. Weather can be a wildcard, so check for updates the morning of. If you like smaller groups, arrive early or pick a quieter park.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Week in Jersey City
Crowds, transit, timing—they make all the difference. Knowing when to go and how to get around saves you hassle.
Best Times to Visit Popular Spots
Liberty State Park is busiest on weekends, especially near the ferry. Show up before 10 a.m. for quieter walks and better skyline views. Weekdays after 4 p.m. are also pretty calm.
Downtown dining—think Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza—fills up fast after 6 p.m. For shorter waits, go for an early dinner around 5. Brunch on weekends is a madhouse, so try weekday mornings if you want a chill meal.
Cultural spots like Mana Contemporary and the Liberty Science Center often have school groups. Visit after 2 p.m. on weekdays or later in the evening if they’re open late. You’ll have more space and less waiting.
Transportation and Parking Guidance
PATH trains zip between Jersey City and Manhattan in less than 15 minutes. They’re pretty reliable and run often, but rush hours (7–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.) can get packed. Want a seat? Try to travel just before or after those busy windows. NJ Transit buses handle local routes, though they slow down a lot when traffic gets heavy.
Parking downtown isn’t cheap—garages usually run $10–$20 per day. Street parking? Tough to find, and most spots need a resident permit. If you’re driving, you might want to park near Journal Square or along the waterfront, then walk or hop on the light rail to get where you’re going.
The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail works well for short rides between neighborhoods. It stops at big spots like Liberty Science Center and Exchange Place. Grabbing a prepaid card helps—buying single tickets every time is a hassle nobody needs.
Local Events and Cultural Highlights
Jersey City’s got a lively culture, and you’ll see it in neighborhood gatherings, seasonal festivals, and a creative arts scene. This week, you’ll bump into public celebrations and get a chance to check out exhibitions and performances that show off local talent.
Seasonal Festivals and Community Gatherings
Summer’s winding down, but you’ll still find outdoor events bringing people together. The Hamilton Park Farmers Market pops up every Wednesday with local produce, baked treats, and small-batch vendors. It’s a friendly spot if you’re after fresh food or just a laid-back neighborhood vibe.
Community groups put on family-friendly stuff, too. The JCFamilies calendar lists weekend happenings like story time for kids and outdoor craft workshops. Most of these take place in public parks—no ticket needed, just show up.
Looking for something bigger? Take a peek at Eventbrite’s Jersey City page. You’ll find block parties, cultural fairs, maybe even a food festival or two. Most events are free or pretty cheap, though sometimes you’ll need to register online.
Art Exhibitions and Live Performances
Jersey City’s arts scene is always in motion, with new exhibitions and live shows popping up all the time. Over at Mana Contemporary, you’ll usually find contemporary art, photography, and installations—sometimes a little offbeat, but that’s half the fun. Entry’s free more often than not, but their hours can be a bit unpredictable, so it’s worth double-checking before heading out.
The Office of Cultural Affairs calendar is honestly a lifesaver if you’re trying to keep up. You’ll spot everything from outdoor jazz at Exchange Place to small theater performances tucked into local parks.
Find the perfect hotel or vacation rental. Instant booking, no fees!
View Top Stays
If you’re leaning toward nightlife, AllEvents listings have a decent roundup of live music in smaller venues. Grove Street bars tend to book local bands—sometimes you’ll stumble onto a gem. Liberty Science Center even throws in the occasional evening program with live demos, which is a nice curveball.
You don’t have to trek far to tap into Jersey City’s creative pulse; it’s all right here, if you know where to look.
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
