Cameras, lights, and Hollywood actors are becoming a common occurrence on the streets of Bayonne, Hoboken, and Jersey City lately. Just this spring, award-winning actor Timothée Chalamet was spotted shooting the upcoming biopic all around the Garden State. Hudson County residents could soon see an increase in feature films shooting in our neighborhoods. In May 2024, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board designated 1888 Studios in Bayonne as a Film-Lease Partner Facility. Let’s dive into what that means for Bayonne and how it impacts the rest of Hudson County, New Jersey.
Photo Credit: 1888 Studios
About 1888 Studios
The project that will eventually be the home of 1888 Studios is being developed by Togus Urban Renewal, LLC, as a film and television studio facility. The space takes up almost 60 acres of land in Bayonne, plus 20 acres in Newark Bay. In a press release, plans for the development reportedly include 23 mega-powered smart sound stages, more than 350,000 square feet of production support space, office spaces, lighting and grip facilities, a parking garage, and other things. Plus, the public will be able to enjoy a waterfront park and promenade, according to the press release. It’s slated to open in 2026.
Read More: What’s Filming in Hoboken + Jersey City? An Ongoing List of Movies + TV Shows
It’s supposed to be the largest studio in the Northeast, making Bayonne almost like the Hollywood of the East Coast. Okay, Hudson County might not have a Walk of Fame, but Governor Phil Murphy says it will help create jobs, support local businesses, and create more opportunities for filming in New Jersey.
“The increase in film studio development in New Jersey is a testament to the state’s best-in-the-region incentives and wealth of local talent, helping transition the Garden State into the northeastern capital of film and entertainment,” Governor Murphy said in a press release.
The Details
The exciting news of becoming a Film-Lease Partner Facility commits the developer, Togus Urban Renewal, to occupy the facility for at least five years. It then grants future tenants the eligibility to apply for increased tax credits for projects filmed at the 1888 Studios facility, according to a press release from the NJEDA.
Photo Credit: 1888 Studios
It falls under the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program in New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy reinstated the program in 2018 and it provides different tax credits for different aspects of the film process for projects shot in New Jersey.
Production companies can qualify for these tax credits if they occupy space at a film-lease partner facility, like 1888 Studios, and film at least half of the total project shoot days in New Jersey. Of that part of filming, at least half of those shoot days have to be done at the designated facility.
Photo Credit: 1888 Studios
“As a Film-Lease Partner Facility, future tenants of 1888 Studios will have the opportunity to access some of the most competitive filming incentives in the nation, ensuring that the Garden State stays at the forefront of movie and television production,” Jon Crowley, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission executive director, said in a press release.
More Film Studios in New Jersey
1888 Studios won’t be the only film studio in New Jersey. In April 2024, the West Orange Township Council approved plans for a new film studio in Essex County. Our sister site, The Montclair Girl, previously reported the film studio would be built on 12.2 acres of land near the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in Downtown West Orange. It’s planned to have three to six production stages along with office and parking spaces. The project aims to create 300 to 600 new jobs when fully operational. The NJEDA previously designated the area as a Film Ready Community, meaning the West Orange community is allowed to promote itself as a filming destination.
See More: 12 Movies + TV Shows Filmed in Essex County
We’ll be sure to share the details here as they unfold. For now, be sure to follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok for the latest news, and click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter that shares all of the top stories to your inbox.
Your Ultimate Hudson County Bucket List for 2025
In Hudson County there are tons opportunities to have fun and explore. From catching a Red Bulls game at the Red Bulls Arena in Harrison to making it to one of Hoboken's most well-known restaurants, and historical monuments, there are plenty of must-do activities in the area. Keep reading for your ultimate Hudson County bucket list.
Bayonne
Snap a pic of the Bayonne Bridge — it connects Bayonne with Staten Island and is one of the longest-arched steel bridges in the world.
Visit the Robbins Reef Light Station — it is a lighthouse that was built in 1839 and can only be viewed from a distance, as it is not open to the public.
Go see the "Tear of Grief" monument, located in Harbor View Park in Bayonne.
Take a walk along the portion of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Bayonne and snap some great skyline photos.
Shop along Broadway Avenue, the city's main street, and spot the life-like statues and painted utility boxes.
Read More: 36 Hours in Hoboken: Here’s How to Spend Your Time
Harrison/Kearny
Catch a soccer match at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, home of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer and NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women's Soccer League.
A neighborhood bar that serves up some seriously delicious Portuguese-meets-American dishes is Vinnie's in Harrison. A trip there is worth adding to your list in the new year.
For more things to do in Harrison, we have a list here.
Hoboken
Indulge in the roast beef special on Thursdays or Saturdays at the world-famous Fiore's Italian Deli.
The Annual Hoboken Mutz Fest, which takes place in April, is a must-do to try some of the best mutz in the area.
Indulge in zeppoles and fried Oreos at St. Ann's Feast in Hoboken, which happens every July.
Celebrate Pride Month during Hoboken's annual Pride celebrations.
Pay a visit to one of Hoboken's nationally recognized restaurants: Antique Bar + Bakery, Benny Tudino's, La Isla, Dino + Harry's, or Piccolo's, just to name a few. Here's a list of nationally recognized restaurants throughout Hudson County.
Visit Elysian Cafe — Hoboken's oldest continually operated bar/restaurant.
Take a ride on the NY Waterway Ferry to NYC and back to snap some seriously Instagram-worthy photos during the ride (plus, it's fun to be a tourist in your own neighborhood).
Take a self-guided Frank Sinatra walking tour around Hoboken to see the Mile Square through his eyes — and don’t forget to stop at the statue along the waterfront.
Visit the Hoboken Cove Boathouse in the summer to go kayaking for free on the Hudson River.
Take a walk along the Hoboken waterfront for breathtaking views of NYC (stop at Blue Eyes for equally good food with a view). Or check our list of restaurants located by the waterfront here.
Spend a summer afternoon or evening at Pier 13 (don’t forget to try one of the many delicious food trucks there, too).
Marvel at the gorgeous Gothic-style architecture at the Our Lady of Grace Church at 4th and Willow.
Watch a show at the Mile Square Theatre on Clinton Street, aptly named as it functions as Hoboken's performing arts center and theatre.
Visit the Hoboken Historical Museum for a chance to dive into the City's history.
Go indoor rock climbing at Gravity Vault, Hoboken's 25,000-square-foot rock-climbing center.
Take in the view and sit on the waterfront on Pier C, the manmade pier that juts out over the waterfront. This local spot provides amazing views of the Empire State Building and the Freedom Tower.
Hoboken is home to the most bars and restaurants per capita — so, go on a cocktail tour.
Walk uptown to downtown to experience Hoboken in all its glory.
Pick up a sweet treat from Lepore's Chocolates in Hoboken.
Visit the Hoboken Terminal and spot the Beaux-Arts architecture style that was part of the building’s original design.
Spend a day perusing the shops and businesses inside the Monroe Center for the Arts.
During the summer, watch your favorite flicks at "Movies Under the Stars" at Pier A.
For lovers of baseball (and history buffs), pay a visit to Elysian Park — this is the spot where the first baseball game was ever played in America.
Take a few "Fitness in the Park" classes in the summer in Hoboken. These are free classes provided by local fitness studios all summer long.
Shop local vendors and listen to live music at the Hoboken Arts + Music Festival — it happens every spring and fall.
Do a food tour of Hoboken. Try out the best chicken parm, eat bagels, indulge in pizza, grab brunch, go for a coffee date, and check out the best Italian restaurants in town.
Take an experimental cooking class at Hudson Table.
Design your own shoes at Hoboken Shoedio.
Take yourself on a self-guided thrifting and vintage tour.
For a more in-depth Hoboken bucket list, see here.
Jersey City
Explore Jersey City's different neighborhoods — the Heights, Bergen-Lafayette, Journal Square, Paulus Hook, and Hamilton Park.
Go to the HDSID Farmer's Market in downtown Jersey City.
Pay your respects at the Empty Sky 911 Memorial.
Sunbathe in the grass or have a picnic in Liberty State Park.
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during Jersey City's annual Pride celebrations in August.
Pay a visit to one of Jersey City's nationally recognized restaurants: Bread + Salt, Battello, Porta, Korai Kitchen, Razza, and Hamilton Pork, to name a few.
Take an unofficial 'speakeasy' tour of Jersey City — hitting up all of the local 'underground' spots (including dullboy and The Archer, to name a few).
Nerd out at the Liberty Science Center. Plus, be sure to add the LSC After Dark events to your calendar (these events are all 21+ and a guaranteed fun time).
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Hop on one of the NYC Cycleboats that launch out of Jersey City during the warmer months.
Catch a live performance at JC's well-known White Eagle Hall.
For golf lovers, pay a visit to Skyway Golf Course.
Swing by the Riverview Farmer's Market on the last Sunday in October for the Dia De Los Muertos festival.
Take an evening in the summer to visit Groove on Grove to catch live music.
Enjoy an authentic + delicious Italian dinner at Laico's Restaurant. It's way off the beaten path and almost looks like a house, but trust us, you won't be disappointed.
Make a reservation at Italian restaurant 15 Fox Place — we promise the years long wait is worth it.
Head to White Mana for an unforgettable burger — the circular building was built as a pavilion for the 1939 World’s Fair.
Take a quick day trip to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum from Liberty State Park. Although not technically Hudson County, it's a great place to visit to get a glimpse into the rich history of the area and the U.S.
Pretend you're in Night at the Museum and spend an evening at the Mana Contemporary Art Museum. This local museum has five floors of art exhibitions that are sure to keep you occupied for a few hours, minimum.
Indulge in some more amazing local art during the Jersey City Art + Studio Tour (JCAST), which happens annually in October.
Head to the All About Downtown Street Fair in September — it features tons of local vendors and more.
Visit the MORA Museum in Paulus Hook.
Design your own designer-quality handbag at Youssoufiani.
Explore all of the thrift and vintage stores Jersey City has to offer.
Go ice skating at Newport Skates this winter.
For a more in-depth Jersey City bucket list, see here.
Union City/Weehawken
Head to Charrito's in Weehawken and enjoy some seriously delicious Mexican food with a great view of the NYC skyline.
Fans of Hamilton, history buffs, and beyond — visit the Dueling Grounds. This historic spot is where Alexander Hamilton met his fate in his infamous duel with Aaron Burr.
In the summer, enjoy a meal on the outdoor deck at Molo's Restaurant.
Try the top-notch cocktails at the NoHu Bar, located inside the Envue Hotel in Weehawken.
Have a delicious meal at Chart House in Weehawken.
See More: The ULTIMATE Montclair Bucket List
West New York/North Bergen/Secaucus
Take the trip to Snake Hill, an igneous rock intrusion jutting up from the floor of the Meadowlands at a bend in the Hackensack River.
Pay a visit to NJ Beer Co. and sample some local craft-brewed beer, located at 201 Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen.
Visit Uncle Gordon's honey farm, a hidden backyard honey farm in North Bergen for some fresh, local honey.
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Visit the nationally-recognized Trattoria La Sorrentina in North Bergen.
Grab a bite to eat at Natoli’s Deli — a long-standing neighborhood deli in Secaucus.
Enjoy Jazz Brunch at Harry's Food + Drink in North Bergen.
