With all the fresh produce and goods the Uptown Farmers’ Market provides, it has become a beloved gem of the Hoboken community. The market, which occurs on Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM during the spring and fall months, is currently located under the 14th Street Viaduct. In November, Hoboken residents expressed concerns regarding the future of this market at its 14th Street location. Some are worried that the Uptown Farmers’ Market would be forced to move for the 2025 season due to the installation of pickleball courts. Now, we know that both the Uptown Farmers’ Market, pickleball courts, and futsal court will coexist under the 14th Street Viaduct. Read on for the latest updates on the Uptown Farmers’ Market in Hoboken, New Jersey.
About The Uptown Farmers’ Market
Hoboken is home to the Uptown Farmers’ Market, which is located at the 14th Street Viaduct in Uptown Hoboken. This market — which is loved by the community — features local vendors serving food, baked goods, produce, and more.
This market is intended to provide a space for small New Jersey-based farmers and provide fresh produce to Hoboken residents. “The Hoboken Farmers’ Markets serve as a gathering place for the community,” shared the City of Hoboken’s official government website.
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The Status as of 12/11
Per a press release sent out by Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, an agreement between Hudson County and the City of Hoboken will keep the Uptown Farmers’ Market, pickleball court, and futsal court at Viaduct Park.
County Executive Guy held a series of meetings and conversations with Board of County Commissioners Chairman Anthony Romano, County Parks Director Jonathan DeFilippo, Hoboken 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, and Hoboken Councilwoman-At-Large Emily Jabbour to discuss maintenance and custodial issues in the park and how the County and City could best work together to keep Viaduct Park a space for all community members. The Uptown Farmers’ Market, pickleball court, and futsal court will all remain in operation at Viaduct Park.
Hudson County also recently invested $43,000 to resurface and develop the pickleball courts, and over $105,000 for concrete restoration at the park.
“Viaduct Park is a gem in our Hudson County parks system, and I’m excited that we were able to reach this compromise,” County Executive Guy said in the press release. “Over the past weeks I have listened to the concerns of park users and community members and this agreement allows Viaduct Park to continue to be both a community gathering place and athletic recreation area.”
“The way communities come together to enjoy games of pickleball and walks through farmers markets is truly indelible to the very soul of Hudson County. Thanks to Craig Guy, our Hudson County Executive, and the leading efforts of his administration, Viaduct Park and the people of Hoboken will see improvements to the space for the benefit and enjoyment of all members of the community!” Chairman Romano said in the press release.
“Hudson County understands the importance of exercise and we are always working to update our facilities to meet public demand,” Director DeFilippo said in the press release. “We have taken proactive steps to develop pickleball courts throughout Hudson County, including the installation of a permanent court at Viaduct Park. We will continue to work with Hoboken Recreation to maintain clear lines of communication and ensure Viaduct Park continues to be a go-to spot for recreation and community gatherings.”
“I would like to thank County Executive Guy for bringing together County and City leaders to discuss this important issue,” Councilwoman Jabbour said in the press release. “Coordination between Hudson County and Hoboken is vital to making sure the needs of our community are met.”
“Under the viaduct is an incredible public space, and I’m thrilled to see County Executive Craig Guy and our county leaders make investments in and ensure it continues to serve the diverse needs of our community. After speaking with leaders of Hoboken’s pickleball community, the organizers and vendors of the Uptown Market, and residents, it was important to me that their interests were represented and had a seat at the table in shaping this outcome,” said Councilwoman Fisher said in the press release.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla shared with The Hoboken Girl “I’m glad we were able to reach a compromise that accommodates the tradition of the Uptown Farmers Market while also addressing the recreational needs of our community. This balanced approach ensures our residents can take full advantage of the benefits this space provides. Thank you to Hudson County Executive Craig Guy for his thoughtful collaboration in helping us achieve this positive outcome.”
The Status as of 11/18
The 14th Street Viaduct in Uptown Hoboken is a multi-purpose space most commonly used for the Uptown Farmers’ Market, artisan markets, holiday markets, and other community events — including the coveted Main Street Pops Sunday markets. Tracy Gavant, co-founder of Main Street Pops, shared with The Hoboken Girl that the market is “currently considering other spaces in Hoboken for the monthly market due to this development.”
In August 2023, the City of Hoboken and Hudson County were considering using either the Viaduct or the Resiliency Park at 800 Monroe Street for additional pickleball courts in Hoboken. Many residents were concerned about the future of the Uptown Hoboken Farmers’ Market, which has been located at the Viaduct space since 2020.
A City of Hoboken spokesperson told The Hoboken Girl in August 2023 that the initial proposal was to construct a “flexible pickleball court with moveable fencing [in the uptown Viaduct space].” This would allow all community events, including the Uptown Farmers’ Market, to occur as scheduled, as the pickleball equipment could be “removed and stored at an alternate location.”
However, discourse surrounding this issue has recently resurfaced in Hoboken. Emily Jabbour, Hoboken Councilmember-at-Large, shared via her newsletter that some residents are under the impression that Hudson County will prohibit the Uptown Farmers’ Market from continuing under the 14th Street Viaduct due to the installation of pickleball courts. Other City Council members have received similar inquiries, with residents asking if the Uptown Farmers’ Market location will be moved for the 2025 season.
In response, signs advocating for preserving the Uptown Farmers’ Market at its current location were displayed throughout the market during the weekend of November 16th and 17th.
The City of Hoboken and the Quality of Life Coalition (QLC) manage the farmers’ markets in Hoboken. However, the area under the 14th Street viaduct is owned by Hudson County, meaning that large-scale events must be requested via a permit from the county. Regarding the Uptown Farmers’ Market, Hoboken must apply for a permit each season.
As of this writing, the City has not submitted its application for the permits to continue the Uptown Farmers’ Market at the 14th Street location for 2025, which may be where the rumors stem from.
However, Jabbour assured the HG team that this is not because the City of Hoboken wishes for the market to be moved but rather because the City was not planning to submit its permit until 2025. “The City of Hoboken would like the Uptown [Farmers’] Market to remain under the viaduct where it has been, which I also agree with,” Jabbour said.
In addition, Marilyn Baer, Communications Manager for the City of Hoboken, has confirmed that “the City has no desire to relocate the Uptown Farmers’ Market, which continues to provide the community with delicious produce, baked goods, and more.”
Baer also shared that Mayor Bhalla and the City have already provided applications for vendors for 2025.
Per an email sent out by Phil Cohen, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy also commented on the situation. “WE ARE NOT MOVING FARMERS MARKET period full stop,” Guy said.
Jabbour shared with The Hoboken Girl that Anthony Romano, the County Commissioner for Hoboken, and Guy support the farmers’ market continuing under the 14th Street Viaduct. However, the two have raised concerns with Jabbour regarding how the surfacing on the pickleball courts and equipment are being treated due to the Uptown Farmers’ Market.
Executive Guy shared with HG “Both pickleball and the Uptown Farmers’ Market are important staples of the Hoboken community. As County Executive I’m committed to listening to my constituents. I plan to hold a meeting with advocates for both the pickleball courts and the Uptown Farmers’ Market to get insight into this issue.”
Commissioner Romano shared with HG that Hudson County and the City of Hoboken are going to do everything they can to make both the farmers’ market and pickleball courts work in the same spot — and are in the process of scheduling a meeting about how to do so. He mentioned that since hosting the market at this location, an ongoing issue has been remnants of food products left over after the event — making it harder for the County to upkeep the pickleball courts. Commissioner Romano emphasized that the County is going to “make it work for everybody.”
This post will be updated with meeting details as they become available.
Hoboken Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher told HG “I think it is looking at ensuring the space is used optimally,” echoing Guy’s statement above.
Due to concerns expressed by the Hoboken community and government officials, Jabbour is organizing a meeting between the City of Hoboken, Hudson County, and QLC to discuss how the Uptown Farmers’ Market can effectively continue operating at the 14th Street Viaduct for the 2025 season, while also respecting the location’s use for pickleball. (The date for the meeting has yet to be announced, but this post will be updated when we know more information.)
“I’m optimistic that we can all come to a solution here and get on the same page,” Jabbour said.
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Things to Do in Hoboken + JC Instead of Scrolling TikTok (If It Gets Banned)
While the country patiently awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on whether to ban TikTok on January 19th, we Hoboken + Jersey City residents will have plenty to do to replace all of that scroll time and unplug. Here at The Hoboken Girl, we’re thinking positively and embracing the pending change to use this as a time to reconnect with ourselves, our hobbies, our passions, and even our community — something the world could use a little more of right now. Keep reading for an extensive list of what to do with all your time in Hoboken and Jersey City if TikTok gets banned.
For Self-Care Gurus
Book a spa service (like a facial or massage) at Woodhouse Spa, Salvation Wellness, Alivio Wellness, Gaia’s Cavern, Skin by EC, Studio 17, or SoJo Spa.
Try a sensory deprivation float tank experience or Scalar Lightwave Therapy at Om. Life Wellness.
Try cryotherapy, compression therapy, LED light therapy, and more at Zen Om Studio.
Listen to a guided meditation or inspiring podcast while getting a mani-pedi at one of your favorite local salons.
Visit Chrissy The Crystal Indigo for healing work, an aura reading, or a tarot reading. Plus shop around for amazing metaphysical items.
Get an IV Drip for an extra boost at Hoboken Drip Lounge.
Try acupuncture for an overall wellness boost.
Visit a local dispensary for a little extra relaxation.
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For Foodies
Take a cooking class at Hudson Table.
Explore dozens of mocktail creations at local eateries.
Get your handmade chocolate fix at Lepore’s or Lee Sims.
Go on a self-guided hot chocolate tour.
Make your own sushi at Saku.
Visit Van Hook for a gourmet grilled cheese or decadent, customized charcuterie board.
Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and go on a self-guided coffee tour. (Yes, we have a spot for each stop!)
For Creatives
Work with your hands by taking a pottery class at Blue Skies, Clay Studio, or Betty’s Ceramics Club.
Design your own colorful creation at Tipsy Tie Dye.
Learn the art of shoemaking and design your very own pair of shoes at Hoboken Shoedio.
Tap into your inner fashion designer and sew your own clothes at Galastella Studio.
Craft a designer-quality handbag Youssoufiani.
Try a paint and sip or woodworking class from our local activities guide.
Visit Dirty Hippie Studio to stock up on affordable art supplies and shop creations from local artists.
For Readers
Shop around a local bookstore like WORD, Symposia, or Little City Books to find some new reads.
Visit one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s public library branches and grab a library card. (Check out the New Jersey Room at the Priscilla Gardner Library in Jersey City + the Library of Things at the Hoboken Library Main Branch.)
Participate in the Completely Booked Book Swap on January 30th.
Cozy up in a local coffee shop with your next read.
Join a local book club.
For Fitness Lovers
Unwind with a yoga or meditation class.
Let it all out and go axe-throwing with friends.
Mix things up with a unique workout class. (Think rowing, dancing, kickboxing, and more.)
Sign up and begin training for the next Jersey City Marathon happening on April 13th, 2025.
For Fashionistas
Shop small at one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s many boutiques.
Go on a self-guided vintage/thrift shopping tour.
Grab a fresh magazine like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and more at Davis Stationery. (You can even use it for vision boarding when you’re done!)
Check out new stores that joined the neighborhood.
For Lovers of the Arts
Attend a show at White Eagle Hall.
Grab a ticket for an upcoming show at Jersey City Theater Center or Mile Square Theatre.
Visit the Liberty Science Center, Hoboken Museum, or MORA Art Museum.
Catch a movie at your local movie theater.
Do a self-guided art crawl to admire the many murals of Hoboken + Jersey City.
Visit a local art gallery.
For Adventurers
Take a Top Rope Belay Certification class at The Gravity Vault.
Go on a self-guided walking tour of Hoboken. (Bonus: try our Frank Sinatra walking tour).
Go on a self-guided tour of one of Jersey City’s many neighborhoods such as Jersey City Heights, Paulus Hook, or Journal Square.
Walk along the waterfront and take photos of your findings.
Take the ferry to NYC for a waterfront adventure.
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For Social Butterflies
Check our events guides for hundreds (yes, hundreds) of things to do every week.
Invite visitors to town and show them around to remind yourself of all the reasons to love Hoboken + Jersey City.
Join a co-working space to mix up your day-to-day or hone in on a creative project.
Get involved in local volunteer opportunities.
Seek out local networking opportunities.
Join Hive Athletic or Volo Sports for some group sports fun.
Post in our Hoboken + Jersey City Insiders FB Group for local meetups.
