Say hello to the weekend! Sadly, this is the final weekend of September {side note: HOW?} but fear not, as there are still tons of activities to do, especially with this gorgeous weather we’re having. Whether you’re looking to get caught up in some fun live music at a battle of the bands’ event or want to relax in a yoga class — there’s something for everyone happening this weekend. Here are all the events happening in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond this weekend {September 26th-September 29th, 2019}:
{Photo credit: @danodeee}
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Local Weather This Weekend:
Local weather courtesy of weather.com.
Upcoming Featured Events
Indoor ’80s Block Party at Orale — Sunday, September 29thh from 12:00PM-4:00PM
Orale {1426 Willow Avenue, Hoboken} will be hosting an epic Indoor ’80s Block party, which will include a guac station, a taco station, a DJ playing ’80s hits, and more. Get more info and tickets here.
The Catholic Community of Saints Peter + Paul’s Oktoberfest in Hoboken — Friday, September 27th from 6:00PM-10:00PM and Saturday, September 28th from 12:00PM-10:00PM
Join the Catholic Community of Saints Peter + Paul for their Oktoberfest event happening on Hudson Street between 4th and 5th. The event is free to attend and will celebrate with seasonal beer, food, and more. Get more information here.
Annual Oktoberfest Beer Tasting at Satis Bistro — Thursday, September 26th at 7:30PM
Join Satis Bistro {212 Washington Street, Jersey City} for its annual Oktoberfest beer tasting event. Tickets cost $55 per person and include a four-course authentic beer tasting with classic Oktoberfest hors d’oeuvres. Get more information and tickets here.
Sunday Tea Party at Dully Boy — Sunday, September 29th from 3:00PM-6:00PM
Dullboy {364 Grove Street, Jersey City} will be hosting a tea party with food + punch for just $45 per person. Get more info and RSVP here.
Coditum Coding Open House at Coditum Coding Studio — Saturday, September 28th from 10:00AM-3:00PM
Join Coditum for an open house this weekend at the Coditum Coding Studio {720 Monroe Street, Hoboken} to meet the founders, learn more about the classes offered, and more. Get more info and register here.
Prime Cycle Hoboken’s 5th Anniversary — All Weekend
Prime Cycle Hoboken {70 Hudson Street, Hoboken} is celebrating its fifth anniversary by offering five classes for $50 deal. Get more info and book your class here.
UPCOMING!
HG Find a Friend Social at Alfalfa — Thursday, October 3rd from 7:30PM-9:30PM
Our next Hoboken Girl Find-A-Friend Social is happening at Alfalfa {1110 Washington Street, Hoboken} on October 3rd. Ladies can enjoy Alfalfa’s special fall menu of food and drink samples, giveaways, and the chance to mingle with other local ladies and make some new friends. Get more information and purchase your tickets here.
Want to be a featured event like the above? Email [email protected]!
More Weekend Events in the Area
Pipeline at the Mile Square Theatre — Wednesday, September 25th through Sunday, October 6th, Multiple Dates
The Mile Square Theatre {1400 Clinton Street, Hoboken} will be putting on evening and matinée showings of Pipline through October 6th. Get more info and tickets here.
A Night of Local Music at Asana Soul Practice — Thursday, September 26th from 8:15PM-10:00PM
Enjoy an evening of live music over at Asana Soul Practice {124 1st Street, Jersey City}. Get more info and reserve your spot here.
Hudson Chamber Event: Hola New Jersey Conference and Business Expo at Maritime Park — Thursday, September 26th from 4:00PM-8:30PM
Participate in the Hola New Jersey Conference and Business Expo over at Maritime Park {84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City}. Find out more info and register here.
Voices: International Theater Festival Showing of Watch Now at Merseles Studios — Thursday, September 26th at 7:30PM
The Voices International Theater Festival will present a showing of Watch Now this Thursday at the Merseles Studio {339 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}. Get more info and tickets here.
Crystal Healing Yoga Class at Athleta Hoboken with Neurotic Mommy— Friday, September 27th at 6:30PM
Kick-off your weekend on a relaxed + mindful note during a crystal healing yoga class with Neurotic Mommy at Athleta Hoboken {316 Washington Street, Hoboken}. Get more info here.
Shoott Photoshoot at Pier 13 — Friday, September 27th from 10:00AM-5:30PM
Enjoy a 30-minute personal photoshoot with Shoott over at Pier 13 {1301 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken}. Get more info and book here.
Voices: International Theater Festival Showing of Truth at Merseles Studios — Friday, September 27th at 7:30PM
The Voices International Theater Festival will present a showing of Truth the Merseles Studio {339 Newark Avenue, Jersey City}. Get more info and tickets here.
Character Day at bwè kafe — Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 28th at 6:3PM
Join bwè kafe in Jersey City {140 River Drive South, Jersey City} on Friday and bwè kafe in Hoboken {1002 Washington Street, Hoboken} on Saturday for special film screenings in honor of their Character Day event. Get more info here.
Battle of the Bands at FM — Saturday, September 28th from 7:00PM-12:00AM
Join FM {340 3rd Street, Jersey City} for the third annual Battle of the Bands event with JC Studios. Find out more info here.
Community Block Party on Van Wagenen Avenue — Saturday, September 28th from 12:00PM-5:00PM
Have fun at a community block party along Van Wagenen Avenue in Jersey City with food, games, music, and more. Find out more info here.
Free Class at CrossFit Hoboken — Saturday, September 28th at 10:00AM
Head over to Hoboken CrossFit {38 Jackson Street, Hoboken} for a free workout class. Get more info and sign up here.
Bark in the Park at Church Square Park — Saturday, September 28th from 12:00PM-4:00PM
Join the Liberty Humane Society for their Bark in the Park event this Saturday in Church Square Park {401 Willow Avenue, Hoboken}. Get more info here.
Corgi Comedy Club at Corgi Spirits — Saturday, September 28th from 7:30PM-11:00PM
Corgi Spirits {1 Distillery Drive, Jersey City} will be hosting a stand-up comedy show this weekend. Get more info and tickets here.
5th Annual JC Education Fair in Hamilton Park — Saturday, September 28th from 10:00AM-2:00PM
JC Families will be hosting its fifth annual JC Education Fair in Hamilton Park {Jersey City}. Get more information here.
8th Annual 1Day Hoboken at Hoboken Grace Community Church — Saturday, September 28th at 9:30AM
Join Hoboken Grace Community and volunteers for their annual service day, 1Day Hoboken. The event will begin at Hoboken Grace Community Church {301 Garden Street, Hoboken}. Get more info here.
Shoott Photoshoot in Jersey City at Paulus Hook — Saturday, September 28th from 10:00AM-5:30PM
Snap some great photos with a 30-minute personal photoshoot with Shoott this Sunday in Jersey City. Get more info and book here.
Riverview Farmers Market at Riverview-Fisk Park — Sunday, September 29th from 10:00AM-3:00PM
Pick up fresh fruits and vegetables over at the Riverview Farmers Market at Riverview-Fisk Park {498 Palisades Avenue, Jersey City}. Find out more info here.
Hoboken Fall Arts + Music Festival in Hoboken — Sunday, September 29th from 11:00AM-6:00PM
Join the Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs for the Hoboken Fall Arts + Music Festival along Washington Street between Observer Highway and 7th Street. Get more information here.
#SundayFunday at Birch — Sunday, September 29th at 11:00AM
Indulge in all things football this Sunday over at Birch {92 River Street, Hoboken} with their epic #SundayFunday celebration. Find out more information + reserve your spot here.
Shoott Photoshoot at the Jersey City Waterfront — Sunday, September 29th from 10:00AM-5:30PM
Get a great shot of you and your loved ones with a photoshoot with Shoott this Sunday along the Jersey City waterfront. Get more info and book your shoot here.
Kid-Focused Events
Penny’s Storytime at the Museum at the Hoboken Historical Museum —Friday, September 27th from 10:00AM-10:30AM
Take your little ones to a fun storytime over at the Hoboken Historical Museum {1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken}. Get more info here.
Kids Pop Classes at Bucket + Bay — Saturday, September 28th from 11:00AM-12:00PM
Take your little one to a fun gelato pop making class at Bucket + Bay {150 Bay Street, Jersey City}. Find out more information and sign up here.
Storytime at the Fire Department Museum — Sunday, September 29th from 1:30PM-2:00PM
Bring your kids to the Fire Department Museum {213 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken} for a fun storytime. Find out more info here.
Greater NJ / NYC Events
Good as Hell: A Lizzo Party at Baby’s All Right — Saturday, September 28th from 11:00PM-2:00AM
Sing at the tops of lungs to Lizzo tunes at the Good As Hell: A Lizzo Party happening at Baby’s All Right {146 Broadway, Brooklyn}. Get more info here.
New York: Conversations in Central Park — Saturday, September 28th from 3:00PM-6:00PM
Head over to Central Park {between 74th and 75th Streets, New York} to discuss a variety of topics with I Am Perspective {IAP}. Find out more info here.
Paint and Sip at Bohoyoga — Saturday, September 28th from 6:00PM-9:00PM
Bohoyoga {174 Broadway, Bayonne} will be hosting a fun paint and sip. Get more information here.
Marine Science Festival at Hudson River Park — Saturday, September 28th from 11:00AM-4:00PM
Indulge in all things marine + science-related at the Marine Science Festival over at Hudson River Park {12th Avenue, New York}. Get more info here.
The Power of Crystals at Rock My World — Sunday, September 29th at 3:00PM
Swing by Rock My World {9100 Tonnelle Avenue, North Bergen} for a free Power of Crystals event. Get more info and register to attend here.
Upcoming Weekday Events
Monday, September 30th — The Hoboken Comedy Festival begins this Monday and will run through October 3rd.
Tuesday, October 1st — Urban Souls will be hosting a Shamanic Sound Journey event. Get more information here.
Tuesday, October 1st — Little ones can enjoy a Pre-K arts and crafts program at the Hoboken Historical Museum. Get more information here.
Tuesday, October 1st — Indulge in some lunchtime yoga at the Hoboken Historical Museum. Get more information here.
Wednesday, October 2nd — Enjoy tai chi with Pieter Sommen at the Hoboken Historical Museum. Get more information here.
It’s time to get planning — happy weekend!
Remember to tag us on Instagram in your adventures @HobokenGirlBlog or #HobokenGirl for a potential repost. xo
To submit an event for our community guide, please fill out our events form here OR email [email protected] with event info and relevant links. We cannot confirm anything sent to us by DM on Instagram.
MLK Day Events + Volunteer Opportunities in Hudson County and Beyond for 2025
MLK Jr. Day, the holiday where American citizens reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings and contributions to the civil rights movement, is typically observed on the third Monday of January. For 2025, MLK Day falls on January 20th. A large component of this holiday also encompasses The Day of Service, which encourages people to volunteer to improve their communities. From marches to coat drives, there are a plethora of opportunities to get involved and honor MLK in New Jersey. Read on for a brief history of MLK, his local ties to Hudson County, and events happening in Northern New Jersey + beyond for 2025.
The History
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known as a Baptist minister and social activist who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. His leadership was fundamental to ending the legal segregation of African Americans in the South and other parts of the country. MLK rose to national prominence as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which promoted nonviolent tactics. Undoubtedly the most popular and influential movement was the massive March on Washington in 1963, where Dr. King gave his infamous "I Have a Dream" speech. The Civil Rights Act was passed a year later in 1964 and Dr. King was then awarded the Nobel Peace Prize shortly after. He is considered one of the greatest orators of modern times, and his speeches still inspire many to this day.
Read More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round
Did You Know?
- King's birth name was Michael, not Martin.
- King entered college at the age of 15.
- King received his doctorate in Systematic Theology.
- King’s "I Have a Dream" speech was not his first at the Lincoln Memorial.
- King was imprisoned nearly 30 times.
- George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Cesar Chavez are the only other Americans with birthdays observed as a National Holiday.
- MLK was the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
- There are over 730 streets in the United States named after Martin Luther King, Jr.
- He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal + the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
MLK’s Ties to Hudson County
According to CityofJerseyCity.org, Dr. King spoke at least twice in Jersey City in the 1960s. On September 21st, 1965, he received an honorary Doctor of Law from St. Peter’s College. Upon his reception, he gave a speech called “The American Dream” to over 500 people during the annual Michaelmas Convocation — a heavily photographed event and even televised, as Dr. King spoke out against segregation and for equality. Unfortunately, the MLK Jr. Papers Project at Stanford reported it doesn’t have a transcription of the speech, but there are many historical references to its occurrence, including a photo. From first and second-hand accounts, it was noted that he said, “The time is always now,” and postured that legislation is an important part of the civil rights battle. He was also quoted saying that “although legislation could not change a person’s ideas, it could regulate his behavior and restrain the heartlessness.” Citing his own non-violent forms of resistance, he condemned the violence and said it created more problems than it solved, foreseeing a world in which “there will be a symphony of brotherhood.” A world, “where all of god’s children, white and black, Protestant and Catholic, Jew and Gentile, will be free at last.”
The second time Dr. King came to Hudson County was Wednesday, March 27th, 1968 which was less than seven days before his assassination. At this visit, he spoke in front of over 2,000 people at Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. In another noteworthy instance in D.C., King was photographed with Jersey City police officer Charles Jackson during a speech. Officer Jackson was hired as a security coordinator to assist with the event in our nation’s capital. Today, there stands a large bust of Dr. King on MLK Boulevard in Jersey City.
MLK Day Events in Northern New Jersey + New York
38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast at St. Paul Baptist Church | 119 Elm Street, Montclair
January 18th | 9AM-12PM
The community breakfast at St. Paul Baptist Church, hosted by Montclair's Eta Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, has returned for its 38th year. The hosts of this event have announced that Reverend Ronald Slaughter, a leader, preacher, and social justice advocate, will be this year's guest speaker. Guests can look forward to a morning filled with reflecting on Dr. King's visions, tributes, and messages of peace, love, and equality. Learn more about this event here.
Dr. Martin Luther King March of Resistance | 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark
January 18th | 12PM
The Martin Luther King Jr. March of Resistance is sponsored by People's Organization for Progress, a Newark-based social justice organization. This march, which has been endorsed by over 250 organizations, has occurred annually for over 35 years. Participants will meet at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard prior to the march. Learn more about this event here.
Portrait Painting Family Workshop: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Jersey City Free Public Library: Cunningham Branch | 275 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City
January 18th | 1PM-2:30PM
Hudson County residents are invited to paint a portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this family-friendly event. This community gathering will take place at the Cunningham Branch of the Jersey City Free Public Library. All kinds of painting supplies will be provided to guests. While registration is currently full, locals can sign up for the waitlist here.
MLK Day Celebration Unity Run + Walk at Nishuane Park | High Street, Montclair
January 19th | 9AM-12PM
Fleet Feet Montclair, Black Men Run Northern New Jersey Chapter, and Brooks will host a 5k Unity Run + Walk in honor of MLK Jr. + Coretta Scott King. This run + walk will begin at Nishuane Park, near the Kings Monument. In addition, hosts will collect toiletries for Toni’s Kitchen at this event. Locals can drop off their donations at the park between 8AM and 9AM. Donations will also be accepted at Fleet Feet Montclair from January 17th through January 19th. Click here for more details about this event.
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Brooklyn Children's Museum | 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
January 19th + January 20th | 10AM-5PM
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Brooklyn Children's Museum will provide its guests with interactive shadow puppetry performances, protest marches, community art programs, and volunteer projects on January 19th + January 20th. The museum will also partner with Repair the World Brooklyn, a Jewish nonprofit organization, on the second day of this event for a volunteer service project committed to bettering the Brooklyn community. See more details here.
Care of the Park in Branch Brook Park | 115 Clifton Avenue, Newark
January 20th | 10AM-2PM
Essex County locals who want to get involved on MLK Jr. Day can attend this Jersey Cares event to beautify Branch Brook Park in Newark. Attendees will help remove the invasive Phragmitie plant from different areas of the park. This project runs from January 15th to February 27th, so those who cannot attend on January 20th can also volunteer on any of the other dates. Register for this park clean-up event here.
Community Day Martin Luther King Jr: Stronger Together at The Newark Museum of Art | 49 Washington Street, Newark
January 20th | 12PM-5PM
The Newark Museum of Art will host an MLK Jr. event on January 20th. The theme of this gathering is Stronger Together, which reflects the museum's "shared commitment to working hand in hand across communities through service, where love triumphs over hate, peace over conflict, and unity over division," according to its website. This event is free but tickets are required. Learn more about this event here and get tickets here.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance, Volunteer Fair, and Luminary Lighting at Columbia High School | 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood
January 20th | 2PM
This annual event, hosted by Community Coalition on Race, an organization based in South Orange + Maplewood, includes an MLK observance, volunteer fair, and luminary lighting. This year’s theme is “Upholding Dr. King’s Legacy in Challenging Times.” Guests can look forward to interfaith readings, music, dances, and two keynote speakers: Dr. Saladin Ambar, senior scholar at Eagleton’s Center on the American Governor and political science professor at Rutgers, and Ibi Zoboi, New York Times bestselling author and editor of Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America. See more about this event here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund Breakfast at Montclair High School | 141 Park Street, Montclair
January 20th | 7:30AM-9:30AM
Every year, the Annual Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by The Township of Montclair and the Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund, raises money for seniors at Montclair High School headed for college. January 20th will be the event's 36th year running. This event will take place at the Atrium in the George Inness Annex of Montclair High School, where the guest speaker is Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville. See more about this breakfast here.
Jersey Cares Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service — "I Have A Dream" Walk at Millburn High School Track | 462 Millburn Avenue, Millburn
January 20th | 10AM-12PM
Join Jersey Cares for its annual "I Have A Dream" Walk on January 15th in Millburn. Guests have the choice to either walk two miles or run a 5K. 50% of all funds raised at this event will go towards the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. Registration for this event is free. See More information here.
MLK Day of Service: Kit Assembly | Multiple Locations
January 20th | Various Times
At this Jersey Cares event, locals can volunteer to make a variety of kits to support children in need, as well as local nonprofits and schools all over the state. The kits include Grief Sensory Kits, Sensory Kits, Adopt A Dog Kits, Veteran Support Dog Kits, Children's Literacy Kits, and Adult Literacy Kits. These events will take place in Parsippany, Princeton, and Woodbridge on January 20th. Times for these events vary. See more information here.
MLK Jr. Day Happy Hour at The Shannon Rose | 8 Kingsland Road, Clifton + 1200 NJ-17, Ramsey
January 20th | 11AM
The Shannon Rose in Clifton and Ramsey will host an MLK Jr. Day happy hour on January 20th. Customers can look forward to various menu specials and $2 off beer, liquor, wine, and mocktails. This happy hour will start at 11AM.
MLK Illuminary Lighting + Canned Food Drive at Meadowland Park | 5 Mead Street, South Orange
January 20th | 2PM-5PM
Locals can see the largest display of MLK Jr. Day luminaries in the South Orange + Maplewood area at Meadowland Park on MLK Jr. Day. In collaboration with the Community Coalition on Race, the park will be filled with light from the luminaries and special lighting + video installations at 5PM. This event will also consist of a canned food drive at 2PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring all sorts of non-perishable canned items. Learn more about this event here.
2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Annual Memorial at the Culinary Conference Center | 161 Newkirk Street, Jersey City
January 28th | 10:30AM-12PM
Hudson County locals are invited to join Hudson County Community College on January 28th to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of civil rights icon Malcolm X, will speak at this annual event. The memorial will also feature the opening reception of the HCCC's Civil Rights exhibition in the Benjamin J. Dineen + Dennis C. Hull Gallery at the Gabert Library, which is located on the Sixth Floor of the college. Register for this event here.
30th Annual Martin Luther King Oratory Contest 2025 at City Hall Council Chambers | 280 Grove Street, 2nd Floor, Jersey City
February 3rd-February 5th | 3:30PM-7:30PM + 3:30PM-6PM
The annual MLK oratory contest, organized by Jersey City's Office of Cultural Affairs, has returned for 2025. To celebrate Black History Month, elementary and middle school students will perform one of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s writings or speeches in front of a panel of judges. Grades three to five will perform on February 3rd from 3:30PM to 7:30PM. Grades six to eight will perform on February 4th from 3:30PM to 7:30PM. The final competition will take place on February 5th from 3:30PM to 6PM. See more information here.
Volunteer Opportunities
MLK Day of Service Weekend Snack Pack at Community Baptist Church of Englewood | 224 1st Street, Englewood
January 18th | 12PM-3PM
This MLK Day of Service event, hosted by the Center for Food Action, invites volunteers to help create 2,000 snack packs for children in need. According to its website, this will "[help] fill the gap for children at risk of hunger by providing healthy, kid-friendly, and easy-to-prepare foods." Get tickets for this event here.
Coat Sorting with Jersey Cares | Multiple Locations
January 19th | 12PM-4PM
Volunteers will have the opportunity to sort through coat donations in person at Jersey Cares' container sites the day before MLK Day. While some sites are closed for registration as of this writing, there are multiple locations available, including the Branchburg, Cherry Hill, Garfield, Livingston, and Morristown sites. Registration is free and the project is suitable for people aged 14 and older. Register for this event here.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Food Drive at Chatham United Methodist Church | 464 Main Street, Chatham
January 20th | 9:30AM-12PM
The Chatham United Methodist Church will host a food drive in observance of MLK Day 2025 on January 20th. Suggested donations include pasta, rice, canned fruits + vegetables, peanut butter, and other non-perishable canned or boxed items. From 11:30AM to 12PM, attendees can partake in a prayer service while reflecting on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
See More: Remembering MLK + His Visit to Montclair High School
Martin Luther King Day of Service at JCC of Central New Jersey | 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains
January 20th | 10AM-5PM
Those interested in getting involved on this historic day can volunteer and donate through Scotch Plains + Fanwood's MLK Day of Service Event. This event at JCC of Central New Jersey will start at 10AM. From 11AM to 5PM, families can partake in online + in-person volunteer opportunities.
In the spirit of MLK Day, there are also many ways to give back right here in Hoboken + Jersey City. Check out our round-up of local non-profits to donate to year-round here.
