In recent years, Hoboken + Jersey City have become lovely places for stargazing — and by stargazing, we mean celebrity spotting, of course. With increased state efforts to establish New Jersey as a prominent filming hub comes increased appearances from even more prominent A-listers. This year alone, Hoboken + Jersey City have welcomed Jennifer Lopez, Timothée Chalamet, and Blake Lively. Yes, we know: not everyone cares about pop culture. But for those who do, we’ve created a running list of all the celebrities seen in Hoboken + Jersey City this year (so far). Keep reading for a comprehensive list of celebrities spotted in Hoboken + Jersey City in 2024.
Jeremy Allen White
Photo Credit: @muppet.horror
Just as the Bruce Springsteen biopic officially starts production, Jeremy Allen White — who’s portraying The Boss — stopped in Hoboken for a little book shopping. The actor, known for his roles as Lip in Shameless and Carmy in The Bear, paid a visit to Little City Books on Sunday, October 27th.
The following week was marked by frequent JAW sightings — including at local coffee shops Mojo and bwè kafe. You can read more about that here.
Matt Damon + Steve Yeun
Photo Credit: @iwantmoni
Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting, The Talented Mr. Ripley) + Steve Yeun (Beef) dined at Dear Maud in Hoboken on Wednesday, October 16th. This comes just seven months after Jennifer Lopez’s Mile Square visit, which could mean nothing (IYKYK).
Claire Danes
Photo Credit: @jjeniac
Film crews were spotted across from Van Vorst Park in Jersey City on the afternoon of October 10th for a forthcoming Netflix series called The Beast in Me, starring none other than Claire Danes (Fleishman Is in Trouble, Homeland). Claire is also serving as an executive producer for the project.
Billie Eilish (Rumored)
On October 9th, Hoboken locals noted what looked to be a tour bus parked outside of the W Hotel. It’s rumored that the bus might belong to megastar Billie Eilish, since she performed at Prudential Center that same night as part of her “Hit Me Hard and Soft World Tour.” Then again, Travis Scott also held his “One Night Only in Utopia” concert at Metlife Stadium on October 9th, so the tour bus mystery remains unsolved. Whose do you think it was?
Sarah Haines
Sarah Haines, daytime host of The View, was seen on the Hoboken waterfront near Blue Eyes filming a segment for ABC’s “What Would You Do?” series.
Brittany Snow + Gabriel Basso
Britanny Snow has appeared in far too many quotable movies to choose just one, but the Pitch Perfect, John Tucker Must Die, and Hairspray star was seen at the W Hotel in Hoboken in September 2024. It’s rumored that actor Gabriel Basso was in town, too, which would add up: the two are co-starring in season two of The Night Agent.
Read More: Leonardo DiCaprio Rumored to Play Frank Sinatra in Biopic Directed by Martin Scorsese
Shailene Woodley
Photo Credit: Noa Dar
The second celeb to dine at Elysian Cafe (more on that in a sec), Big Little Lies star Shailene Woodley was seen at the Hoboken restaurant on July 21st, 2024. Later that week, another HG reader ran into the actress treating herself to a pedicure at Nailed It and grabbing lunch at La Boheme. Presumably, Shailene was in town for her new movie Motor City, which was filmed in the North Jersey area this spring.
Ben Foster
Co-starring Shailene in Motor City, Ben Foster was seen taking in Hoboken’s waterfront views in September 2024, spotted at the W Hotel by an HG team member.
Al Harrington
Photo Credit: JMartinVisuals
Hoboken locals can expect to see Al Harrington a lot more frequently in the coming months — the NBA veteran and Orange, NJ native opened a new dispensary on Washington Street this September. Al + his team celebrated the official grand opening on Friday, September 20th.
Wyclef Jean + Fat Joe
Does a scheduled performance count as a celebrity sighting? We think so. This year, Wyclef Jean headlined the annual Jersey City 4th of July Festival + Fireworks, preceded by a performance by fellow early 2000s chart-topper Fat Joe.
Timothée Chalamet
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Where wasn’t Timothée Chalamet this spring? From March 25th to May 28th, the Dune II star and internet boyfriend was routinely seen throughout Hoboken + Jersey City filming the soon-to-be-released Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.
Jennifer Lopez
Pre-Bennifer’s divorce announcement (but probably during their separation), J Lo spent some time in New Jersey prepping her latest project Kiss of the Spider Woman, a film adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name. On March 26th, 2024, Jenny from the Block made her way to the block of 10th + Washington Streets, stopping by Elysian Cafe for a quick bite to eat.
Eric Roberts
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On March 26th, 2024, Eric Roberts (father of Emma Roberts, brother to Julia Roberts) took to Instagram to gush over Basile’s Pizza in Jersey City: “Most assuredly my favorite pizza (& people) anywhere ever!” The first try was posted upside down — how he managed that is unclear to us — but sentiments in the follow-up remained the same: “Best Pizza Ever.”
Paul Mescal + Josh O’Connor
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The internet’s resident “hot rodent boyfriends” — Paul Mescal + Josh O’Connor — were in Hoboken earlier this year filming for their upcoming period drama The History of Sound. On March 6, 2024, the two heartthrobs were spotted near 10th + Willow, where much of the movie was filmed.
Bam Margera
Fans of the MTV stunt reality series Jackass are likely familiar with Brandon Cole “Bam” Margera, who made a name for himself in the early 2000s as a pro skateboarder. The thrill seeker visited Hoboken on February 28, 2024, for an Us Weekly interview, and documented the trip on his Instagram.
See More: New Film Studio in West Orange Approved: What to Know
Rob McElhenney
Photo Credit: Hoboken Shop Rite
It might be Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but that didn’t keep Rob McElhenny away from Hoboken. McElhenny, who portrays Ronald “Mac” McDonald on the FX/FXX comedy series, appeared at The Ainsworth to promote his whiskey brand — Four Walls Whiskey — on February 27, 2024. Before the event, he made a pitstop at the Hoboken ShopRite, posing with staff for a photo.
Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Justin Baldoni
Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and co-star Justin Baldoni rang in the New Year at the Newport Waterfront, where they were seen filming the Colleen Hoover novel-turned-movie It Ends with Us on January 5, 2024.
Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Even though Hudson County is known for its incredible nightlife scene, sometimes a person needs to mix it up. With many people exploring the sober-curious lifestyle, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite alcohol-free activities to enjoy in Hoboken and Jersey City. From learning a new skill to trying out an adventurous hobby, there are plenty of choices for a fun way to spend the day or evening. Read on for some of the best alcohol-free activities in Hoboken and Jersey City, NJ.
Make Coffee an Event
Bwè kafe has coffee and so much more. The Hoboken Ukulele Appreciation Society meets every Thursday at 7:30PM in the Bwe Kafe at Washington and 10th. With a donation of $20, beginners can borrow an uke and join in the circle. “Cheaper than therapy, more fun than going to the gym,” says Dave Lambert who organizes these happy events. All kinds of pursuits — be they intellectual, athletic, or social — are way more satisfying when amped up on copious amounts of caffeine. Finding your fit for a coffee home is easy in a place where ambiance abounds. The signature sparkling espresso drinks at Sober Shot will definitely fire up neurons, motivate, and inspire.
Try an Only-Safe-When-Sober Skill
Some activities — such as rock climbing at Gravity Vault, go-kart racing at RPM Raceway, Jet-Skiing with New York Harbor Jet Ski, and archery at Aerow Archery are not advisable inebriated. Beginners and experienced rock climbers can stretch their limits at the Gravity Vault in Hoboken. At Jersey City’s RPM Raceway, thrill seekers can go fast and furious on 3,000 feet of lightning-fast straightaways and 90-degree hairpin and spiraling ramps. While jet skiing, you'll cruise up and down the Hudson River, around Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, with the potential for a full loop around Manhattan. Aerow Archery delivers a unique and healthy way to move your body in an 8,000-square-foot open loft space that features 24 lanes of tournament-style targets ranging from 11 to 22 meters.
Read More: 9 Team-Building Activities to Try in Northern New Jersey
Do Something New
Patrons can book a virtual cooking class with a chef at Tony Baloney’s or an in-person cooking class at Hudson Table. Or, learn to box for fun and fitness. Budding artists can take a painting class at Urban Arts at Monroe Center. Collect some friends for an open studio sewing session at Galastella Studio in Hoboken, or if you're into fashion, visit Youssoufiani in Hoboken — a leather craftsmanship studio that lets you create your own designer bag. Workshops at Blue Sky Pottery are ninety minutes of stress-free, messy fun with a take-home prize to be proud of. Despite the name, Tipsy Tie Dye, doesn’t serve alcohol and is BYOB for those who want to participate tipsy. The ticketed events — private party sessions are available — include tie-dying sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies, towels, baby onesies, dog outfits, you name it. Painting does not require sipping at Art Mango in Jersey City.
Learn All About the Area
The constant calendar of events at the Hoboken Historical Museum runs a vast gamut between regionally reflective artists, film showings, lecture series, and exhibitions that tell stories of the Mile Square City in more ways than there are residents. The Jersey City Free Public Library’s New Jersey Room holds a trove of documents, artifacts, and new and old tomes telling tales of regional history for the history curious. A search for information about the former homeowners of a property can become a romantic mystery for current-day residents wondering what those walls have seen.
A Hoboken Food Crawl
With all of the tasty treats in Hoboken, one could easily organize a different food tour each weekend. Salty, sweet, or savory could each be the theme. Maybe the crew missed the summertime MutzFest — just pick a handful of Hoboken’s fantastic delis and compare the mutz. Perhaps mortadella or meatballs is more your speed. There are easily a dozen spots in Hoboken and Jersey City to do an ‘around the world’ style taste test. Or organize your own pizza tour, comparing slices from all around town.
The sweet tooths of the group aren’t left out of the fun. Hoboken is home to New Jersey’s top-rated chocolate chip cookie at Baking Mama. Pick up competitors from other local bakeries like Chip City or Dolce + Salato to see how they stack up. And if you’re one of the people who thinks ice cream is a year-round treat (let’s be honest, it is), Hoboken and Jersey City are lucky enough to have several top-tier ice cream shops. From il Laboratorio del Gelato and Morelia Ice Cream Paletas in Hoboken to the classic Jersey City shop Torico, the choices are anything but bland.
Photo Credit: Morelia Gourmet Paletas
Why not roll from one easily walkable great food location to another with a taste-testing mission? Fresh mozzarella aficionados will attest to the superiority of one mild velvety ball over another. What could be more delightful than a great sober date themed around a tour di mutz stopping at Fiore's, Vito's, Biancamano's, Lisa's, and Luca Brasi's? Try one shared plate from each to tally which is creamy but firm, milky sweet, and most irresistible. Or compare sizes — the bocconcini slightly smaller egg-sized balls versus ciliegine slightly smaller cherry-sized bites. If that’s too much dairy, you and yours might center an eating outing on shared cupcakes. Pit delicious bites of moist vanilla bean lusciousness at Baking Mama, Annie + Em’s, and Carlo’s Bakery against one another. Everyone wins.
There are actually professional foodies ready to take the crowd on a walking tour showcasing four or five of the best and most unique restaurants in town. Beyond the Plate seats walking tour groups around a table, to chat with chefs and owners and hear delicious stories about the local food scene.
Jersey City Art Crawl
Jersey City has a serious art scene. What could be more uplifting than gathering a group of besties to discover contemporary art by regional artists? The best-laid plan for art enthusiasts is to jump on any JC Friday or attend the popular JCAST, Jersey City Artist + Studio Tour, when nearly 150 art spaces provide a weekend of performances, installations, studio tours, and art exhibitions.
Catch a Show
Jersey City Theater Center boasts two adjacent professional theatrical venues that host an impressive lineup of local and regional artists and performers for a fun ticketed night out. Snagging a seat at a local production set in the black box theater of Mile Square Theatre is not particularly difficult, but very rewarding. The global music, vibrant regional theater productions, and raw and innovative dance acts at Nimbus Arts Center are way more memorable than barstool antics. Shows are typically similar in cost to a movie.
Pursue a Challenge
Free pickleball or very affordable ice skating at Newport Skates in the winter is a great reason to hang out in Jersey City’s Newport area near the Hudson River waterfront. Push your limits by joining a local run club and elevate your fitness routine.
Play Well with Others
From billiards to board games, Play! Hoboken is a great place to have fun with friends. Symposia Bookstore has so much going on that a general theme is impossible to pin down. Open mic nights, trivia, philosophy discussions, book groups, craft-making events, and you name it — Symposia will host it.
Treat Yourself
We all need a little help taking care of ourselves. Everybody loves a luxury treatment experience and a spa day with friends is a terrific treat for celebrating healthy living. Facial treatments, massages, and sand and pumice stone full-body exfoliation are the rewards we all deserve. Some spas to check out are Zahara Day Spa, Mia Spa, and of course, the growing list of medspas in the area — Evolve, Attain, Aspen Prime, Hello Hydration, and more. We also have a list of spas in Northern New Jersey Jersey here.
See More: A List of Fun Outdoor Activities in New Jersey
Explore Your Home Sweet Home
A group photo walk may be just the thing for exploring our picturesque city streets. Capture the beauty of cozy corner cafes and stately architecture and document the fact that Hoboken and Jersey City are home to stunning landscapes and vibrant cityscapes. Bowling in the basement of the Barrow Mansion or a trip to historic Harsimus Cemetery are very cool ways to experience local splendor. Planning for a picnic party in a stunning setting is always a great activity, too.
Take a Nature Bath
Hoboken and Jersey City hold many unique park corners and green nooks to restore and refresh among the trees. There are also a few excellent locations for full nature immersion. For tips on how to get the most eco-explorative experience of Liberty State Park, it’s best to start at the Nature Center at Liberty State Park. The year-round center features exhibits focusing on the natural history and ecology of the Hudson River Estuary and has all kinds of cool programs for exploring and learning. Lincoln Park West is home to a wonderful preserved natural habitat for birds. Jersey City Reservoir No. 3, a decommissioned reservoir atop Bergen Hill in the Heights of Jersey City just south of Pershing Field, is another great place for finding the peace that only comes in nature.
