When it comes to festivals, summertime + New Jersey makes the perfect combination. The Garden State has no shortage of activities to do during this time of year and there’s something for everyone—music, food, balloons and more. We’ve rounded up New Jersey festivals of all sorts to fill your summer with long-lasting fun. Here’s a list of summer festivals happening in and around Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond for 2018.
New Jersey State Fair—June 21-July 8 {Meadowlands}
Go big or go home should be the motto of the NJ State Fair as it’s the largest carnival in the state and has something for everyone. Taking place over approximately 2.5 weeks starting June 21st, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the fun. Snack on classics like cotton candy, popcorn, and pretzels or find thrill in the rides and games before football takes over MetLife Stadium again.
Project Eats—June 23-24 {City Hall, Jersey City}
No need to hit the Garden State Parkway because The Jersey City Project is bringing the beach to Hudson County. Stop by the front of City Hall for a beach party with over 40 vendors, live music and entertainment for the whole family. Stuff your face and soak up the sun all weekend long.
Groove on Grove Street—Wednesdays from 6-9pm {Jersey City}
Nothing screams “You’ve made it over Hump Day” quite like a weekly festival to celebrate the fact that the second half of the week has arrived. Just off the Grove St. PATH stop, Grove on Grove is a weekly festival complete with live music and street vendors.
READ: Movies Under the Stars in Hoboken: Summer 2018 Schedule
Jersey City Egyptian Festival—Saturday, June 30 {Jersey City}
The Journal Square Pedestrian Plaza will be honoring Egyptian Culture from 12:00PM-8:00PM. Bring your entire family to experience the rich culture through food, music, and fun while also learning about the various resources the community has to offer.
Bastille Day Jersey City—Saturday, July 14 {Jersey City}
Join the French-American Academy for a celebration of all things French. With Bastille Day being a global symbol of Freedom, it’s only right that we commemorate the occasion next to our symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty. From 11:00AM-6:00PM, there will be fun for all ages including food vendors, live performances {think: mime}, and games. Check out their Eventbrite Page for VIP tickets that include packages for wine, beer and chocolate specialties.
Dog Days of Summer Fest—July 21 {Jersey City}
Calling all dog lovers! This one is for you and your favorite furry friend. Stop by Regent Street {right next to Zeppelin Hall} for an afternoon filled with dog-centric vendors and activities. Your pup’s tail is sure to be wagging with loads of activities and food for you both to enjoy.
St. Ann’s Feast + Festival—July 21-26 {Hoboken}
A true Hoboken tradition, the St. Ann’s Feast and Festival has been charming crowds for 106 years. With Italian culinary staples like zeppoles, sausage and peppers + cannolis, you will come for the food but stay for the fun. The streets are lined with traditional carnival games and rides as well as musical performances.
36th Annual QuikCheck Festival of Ballooning—July 27-29 {Reddington}
The largest hot-air balloon festival in North America is back for more fun and games. Celebrating its 36th Anniversary, this festival has been an NJ staple for generations. Complete with over 100 balloons to fill the sky, a firework show, activities for kids and food. You can even book private hot-air balloon rides for a romantic date night or for crossing-off buck list items.
Lincoln Park Festival–July 27-August 4 {Newark}
Join the more than 50,000 spectators that come to check out the region’s largest music and food festival. The entire weekend will be packed with soulful sounds from Jazz and Gospel artists as well as music you can move to during their House Music and Hip-Hop Culture celebrations. The best part: admission is free.
See More: Battello Planning to Reopen This Summer in Jersey City
81st Annual Warren County Farmers Fair & Balloon Fest {Phillipsburg}
If you can’t make it to the QuickCheck Festival, hop over to Phillipsburg for another chance to see dozens of hot-air balloons fill the sky. With more than 30 balloons slated to take off, you and your family be entertained while strolling through the Traditional Arts Building learning about the art of lattice-making, quilting and more.
Sounds of the City—Thursdays in July & August {Newark}
If you are looking for something to do on Thursday evenings, we’ve found just that. Head over to NJPAC on Thursdays at 5:00PM for sounds from local African-American and Hispanic musicians. Enjoy the exploration of culture through song and dance for free.
Jersey City Pride—August 25 {Jersey City}
One of the largest PRIDE celebrations in New Jersey is held right here in Hudson County. Taking place between Newark Ave., the festival is conveniently located between the Grove St PATH Station and is accessible by many bus routes. Join about 14,000 attendees to celebrate the strength and growth of the LGBT community as well as allies in the Hudson County and NYC areas. Also, be sure to check out our list of Pride Month events going on {here}.
Famous Food Market—Every Saturday and Sunday through October 28, 2018 {Jersey City}
From the makers from Famous Food Festival, Famous Food Market is a weekly gathering of over 30 food vendors sharing the tastes of local culinary experts and craft aficionados. Take a stroll around the locale to discover cuisine from around the world {without leaving Hudson County}. They also have a beer and wine garden!
Any festivals we should add to the list? Remember to tag us on Insta in your adventures @HobokenGirlBlog or #HobokenGirl. xo
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