The Hoboken Arts and Music Festival is offered annually, in both the Spring and again in the Fall…read more It is one of largest and most interesting street fairs in the area. There is a huge number of vendors spanning from artwork to jewelry, décor, clothing, soaps, candles, gourmet foods, and more, as well as a load of local food vendors. There are also stages at either end of the 8 block fest with various musicians playing decently long sets throughout the day. You could even take a break from the festivities to sit outside at one of the many bars and restaurants on Washington and simply people-watch. It really is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon! I would recommend checking it out, but, if you are not based in the area, be sure to take the train or Path into town, as the station is right near the festival, and parking can be even more scarce than usual.

A good number of local artists, vendors, and businesses lined the length of this event, with stages…read moreflanking each end and a stage near the center in the kid's area. We initially came for the music, but a last minute decision to bring four kids with us meant we were now overruled by beings who couldn't sit still for live music. We managed to get two-and-a-half songs in from a Latin-style band with a female lead. There was plenty to see and do and EAT! This was the perfect location! The area had a good amount of small businesses, as well as the stuff we're all familiar with. A combination of these businesses and festival food filled our bellies, excessively...gluttonously. The vast choices of unique art, crafts, and jewelry allowed each kid to pick out something special for mommy for Mother's Day. But I couldn't find the Yelp booth!

I have never stood on a line that long for zeppoles, but I 100% would do so again. Bring cash for…read morethe zeppoles and the fried seafood stand, I'm looking forward to trying clams strips next time! I stopped by during the day and it wasn't too bad crowd wise, but that sun was rough! I also tried a mini cannoli and some pasta, both were fine. Come for the zeppoles and stay for the vibes!

Good Feast. Great food. Nice vendors. Celebrating Feast of St Ann. Good neighborhood community.read more

This festival was awesome, off Palisades Ave in Washington Park (right on the boarder of JC). Not…read moresure how long it was around for, but I went the night of 9/14. There were lots of people enjoying the rides and food, and a good police presence as well. Rides: Farris Wheel, bumper cars, loop roller coaster, starship spiny ride, another spiny ride, a ride where you sit in a swing and fly in the air in a circle. There was also a little kid ride section with 3-4 different rides for toddlers. And a petting zoo with ponies and lamas. Food options were an Italian and fried food station, a Spanish food station, and an Asian meet on a stick station. I did not see any alcohol sold. There was also a candy apple and cotton candy station. Carney games were cool too, there was a rifle target game that was impossible to win, a water gun game, and 4 or 5 other booths. I rocked the shuffle board game on my first shot! Had such a good time at this festival, quality of rides and entertainment was better than similar fairs I have been to in Jersey City. Will definitely be looking out for this fair's return next September!

(Attended 09/12/2026 SA @ 6:00pm): Italians in Hoboken and surrounding areas unite for a festival…read morefor the Madonna Dei Martiri! In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, my friend and her friends recommended the 100th Annual Hoboken Italian Festival (September 10-13, 2026) that celebrated the tradition of the Madonna Dei Martiri for those raised in the Roman Catholic religion.The festival was derived from one in Italy that was hundreds of years old, usually took place the weekend after Labor Day, and the highlight of the feast was the day-long procession through the streets of Hoboken that included a reenactment of the "Blessing of the Fleet" in the Hudson River. This year, a drone show was added for the first time. Did Hoboken do its Italians proud at this festival!? PURCHASE(S) Admission (N/A): This was a free community family event, so you brought your curiosity, hunger, walking shoes, and your wallet to hopefully patronage the many vendor booths. Italian Hot Sausage & Peppers Sandwich ($16.00): Spicy, thick, a decent amount of onions and peppers, and a general sloppy mess on a lightly-toasted roll, this was the best food deal at the event! Sprite Lemon-Lime Soda 12floz Can ($3.00): One of my caffeine-free soda pop go-tos! Jersey Pickles Whole Pickle w/Chamoy ($5.00): A fat juicy pickle topped with some sour spicy sweetness was a complete revelation! Jersey Pickles Hot & Spicy Mixed Olives 12oz Container ($12.00): I ate these as a snack over several days; I wanted more! Birra Moretti L'Autentica Ricetta Originale Pale Lager Beer 4.6% ABV 16floz Draft ($10.35): Amber honey color, honey malt aroma, low body, light bready malt flavor, clean effervescent finish, and a light malty sweet aftertaste. Cannoli ($6.00): Plain and possibly went bad as it had a slight tang flavor which shouldn't be there. Samuel Adams Summer Ale Wheat Beer 5.3% ABV 12floz Can ($10.35): Amber color, lemony malty aroma, light body, lemony malty flavor, clean smooth finish, and lemony malty watery aftertaste. Fiddlehead IPA Beer 6.2% ABV 12floz Can ($10.35): Hazy rich amber color, citrusy dank hoppy aroma, light body, citrusy hoppy flavor, clean dry finish, and smooth citrusy hoppy aftertaste. Krazy Kan Carnival Game 2 Bean Bags ($3.00): I won a prize! Various Credit Card Fees 3.00%-3.30% ($2.06): C'est la vie... Various Alcohol Automatic Gratuity Fees 20.00% ($6.21): This kind of sucked, but what could you do!? SERVICE All vendors I dealt with were efficient and friendly. I also noticed workers who handled the various trash bins and possibly a few hired security personnel to keep the peace. Everything was calm, safe, and welcoming - thank you! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance): This was a moot point since we walked the slightly flat-to-downhill leisure 30-minute distance from my friend's place. Additionally, because the main drag of Sinatra Dr. along the waterfront, and adjacent side streets were all closed to vehicular traffic, parking was extremely limited and generally pushed to the periphery of the event area - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A decent swath of grass along the waterfront with views of the city and passing boats/ships along the Hudson in the background, you came across a ton of vendors who sold everything from handcrafted candles, clothes, food, and jewelry to local businesses who promoted their services, carnival games, and of course food. There were also plenty of kid-friendly activities such as face-painting and inflatable slides, while for the adults there was a beer garden and live performances on a stage. Plenty of natural lighting since you were outdoors the entire time while a ton of electric street lights and from those hung on the vendor booths filled in the rest once the sun went down. There were no TVs while the sounds of consumerism, conversations, kids, live bands, and off-in-the-not-so-distant vehicular traffic could be constantly heard in the background. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL The 100th Annual Hoboken Italian Festival was a cool experience, and I would consider it again if I were in town. My biggest recommendation was for this event to be more Italian-focused (especially the food). And, the event was very pet-friendly as long as you picked up after them. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $83.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, the vendors I spent money on accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

We expected a show last Sunday at the Hoboken Italian Festival - Moroccan Sheepherders. I drove…read morefrom Pennsylvania. My friend also came a long way. No one told us it was cancelled. At 430P I asked the stagehands what was happening and learned. I had invited two of my coworkers and two nieces, described how great the band is, glad they couldn't make it, it would have been a super letdown. There was no flooding it was dry as a bone. It was also terribly hot and sunny. In the old location there was shade from the apartment high-rises and trees. People naturally walked there - more foot traffic - whereas this was an outpost on the pier. No one wanted to hang out in the hot sun. Terrible organization.

I'll travel for food. I went to Jersey City for a outdoor food festival with all foods under $7…read more It's a perfect place to chill with friends or on a date. It's 21 and over event. They had a DJ and a silent party at an additional cost at the end. It was located at 902 Brewing at a brewery which had indoor and outdoor games, beers, seating and a Photo Booth. I enjoyed my empanada, the passionfruit ice cream from Anhelado was yummy, the Oh K dog was good but a bit to much dough for me.The alcoholic gummy bears from Dilena's Dolcini were the truth; the strongest one was the Tequila, we also tried the mojito and rum punch. We had a beer inside and the DJ was on point. Definitely follow @midnightmarketevents on IG to see their next event. #foodfestival #jerseycity #fun #eats #girlsnightout #902brewing #beer #eatingwithetienne #yummy #midnightmarketjc #kdog #explore #reels #jerseyeats

Midnight Markets vary in size and the schedule feels arbitrary, but the July 4th fest is impressive…read moreto stand on its own regardless of music or fireworks. I'm not a World Cup guy but they've set up a delightful event on Magnolia Ave. with big screens and no pressure to buy anything. With four dinner-type vendors plus some desserts it's no Smorgasburg but of course four dinners is enough for most folks. The Super Savage Burger at Savage Burgers was a rare one-and-done for me so I didn't get to try the Going Bananas banana flight.

(Attended 09/20/2025 SA @ 12:00pm - 8:00pm): Literally... it was all about downtown Jersey City at…read morethis street fair! In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes and things to do throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, my friend and her friends recommended the 14th Annual All About Downtown Street Fair that celebrated and promoted downtown Jersey City before I left town. I always loved a street fair, and since I worked in event management and all-things marketing, it was always fun for me to see how other events (big or small) were handled... and maybe there might be some good practices I can take with me to implement at another event I'm associated with. Promoted and executed by the Historic Downtown Jersey City Special Improvement District, the main purpose of this event was to highlight the downtown area and its businesses with hopes that patrons would visit these establishments and spread the word. Did I learn all about Jersey City's downtown area during this one-day street fair!? PURCHASE(S) Admission (N/A): This was a free community family event, so you brought your curiosity, hunger, walking shoes, and your wallet to hopefully patronage the many vendor booths. Pina Colada - Fresh Pineapple & Rum Shot ($20.00 + $5.00): Purchased from Ma & Pa's Tex-Mex BBQ Food Truck, I'll cover this with more details in a separate review. BBQ Pork Isaw Skewer + BBQ Chicken Skewers 2pc ($4.00 + $15.00): Purchased from Kanto Filipino Street Food Truck, I'll cover this with more details in a separate review. SERVICE With the exception of the friendly greetings and services you received at every single vendor booth, you really didn't deal with anyone else. I believed I saw some city workers who handled the various trash bins and possibly a few hired security personnel to keep the peace. Everything was calm, safe, and welcoming - thank you! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance): This was a moot point since we walked the slightly flat-to-downhill leisure 20-minute distance from my friend's place. Additionally, because the main drags of Newark Ave. and Grove St., respectively, and adjacent side streets were all closed to vehicular traffic, parking was extremely limited and generally pushed to the periphery of the event area - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A relatively small walkable area on Newark Ave. between Grove St. and Coles St. in downtown Jersey City, you came across a ton of vendors who sold everything from handcrafted candles, clothes, food, and jewelry to local businesses who promoted their services. There were also plenty of kid-friendly activities such as face-painting and rides, while for the adults there was a beer garden and live performances on a stage. Plenty of natural lighting since you were outdoors the entire time while a ton of electric street lights and from those hung on the vendor booths filled in the rest once the sun went down. There were no TVs while the sounds of consumerism, conversations, kids, and off-in-the-not-so-distant vehicular traffic could be constantly heard in the background. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I had a blast at Jersey City's 14th Annual All About Downtown Street Fair, and I would definitely attend it again if I were in town (every September). I respect and highly recommend every city and neighborhood to organize such events to bring more people into the fold and hopefully generate some revenue. Building a community was always a positive thing with this type of event. I appreciated the assortment of vendors, but I felt it may've been a touch heavy on the handcraft variety and not enough actual support from brick-and-mortar businesses who have a real stake in increasing their profile. And, the event was very pet-friendly as long as you picked up after them. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $44.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, the vendors I spent money on accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

Per Soul Asylum, nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd. Popularity draws more vendors who attract a…read morebigger audience, etc., and Newark Ave. may not feel navigable. But you can head straight to Jersey Ave. for several culinary options. Yes you may miss your chance to sign up for Green Mountain Energy. Today I learned about Petite Ile, a great purveyor of Mauritian samosas. I got all six for $12.75, with lamb as the favorite. It was also my Cardosos debut. I enjoyed the Cuban sandwich. While I only got the half I wouldn't call it small as it was loaded up with pork, and sauce enthusiasts should get on the PATH now for that mojo aioli.

Groove on Grove has got it all. Funky live tunes, delish food vendors, shopping and most…read moreimportantly, an authentic local feel and a strong sense of community. This happens every Wednesday night and is right outside of my apartment. If I'm around you can bet that I'll be there. Every week they feature a different local act and from what I've heard so far, talent is always in full force. I like that the bands will take some time to cover old and familiar songs, it's always fun to sing along and rock out. I haven't tried any of the food yet, but the empanadas look killer. The line is always pretty long, but I'm sure it's worth the wait. Sometimes Orale has a taco stand set up as well. Everyone has a smile on their face and the mood is always relaxed and upbeat. What's not to love about a warm summer night filled with food, music and community lovin!

I mean how can you not love Groove on Grove? Great music weekly. Amazing local vendors to choose…read morefrom and a community spirit that makes you love Jersey City even more. Amazing. Once a month or so they have Barcade and Hard Grove out there selling some beers and mixed drinks making the event even more awesome since, c'mon now, who doesn't like an adult beverage outside in the Grove St. area square listening to some home grown Jersey bands or visitors from across the Hudson. The selection of people range from JC hipsters to families with small children to the older community. What a great cross - section of JC life. This weekly community event is a great part of downtown Jersey City and adds a lot of fun and spirit to the area, I highly suggest checking it out (especially on booze days) and just enjoy being outside with some other great locals!

Beer, Bourborn, and BBQ 2012 - what the hell happened last night?…read more Good God, exactly how much booze did I drink last night? I honestly don't even remember leaving or saying goodbye to anyone. My bad, but when one is presented with a ridiculously unlimited amount of good craft beers and terrific bourbons your mind kinda gets erased. My hangover has finally subsided and the JACKHAMMER has been removed from my brain. I do have to say right off the bat that I think they oversold the event a bit this year. Sure, it was packed, and very crowded, but not so much so that you could not get a glass of beer or bourbon quickly throught the venue. Our group drank A LOT before we even decided to get some grub in our bellies. We even hit up a bourbon tasting class where one who shall remain nameless pretty much spilled everything onto her crotch. I even bought a viking helmet hat to wear. Drunken fun times! The food lines were another story - ridiculously long and slow moving. Sure, I had some decent pulled pork from one stand right out of a pig carcass, but the best was from the Kloby's BBQ booth where the line was the longest. Gotta give it to Monique R for holding her ground on that long line amid some drunken fools and line cutters to secure a few plates of amazingly tasty hush puppies, pulled pork and coleslaw sandwiches, and pork rib wings. Worth the wait even though it cut into our drinking time, but we needed to eat something to help soak up all the alcohol. Our group had a great time. There were so many terrific beers and bourbons on hand. Many of the staff would even fill your tasting glass to the brim. All you could consume for four hours - wonderful or insanity - it's all how you look at it. So worth it when paying half price, 2 for 1 tickets, or discounted tickets. You have to be a noob to pay full price for any of these events as there are always offers on different websites with big discounts. But to charge $3 for the coat check is kind of a money grab, even though it was nice to ditch our heavy winter gear. We came, we drank, we ate pork, we pillaged and plundered. Looking forward to doing it all over again next year. Oh, and kids, here's a tip for you all. When you are totally blasted outta your mind on bourbon and beer it's not really a great time for an Italian-Norwegian to fight with your Russian-Polish fiance' out on the street. There is just too much stubborn hard headedness in that combination for any good to come out of it.

Gluttony, thy name is BBBQ!…read more At the urging of our resident over-consumer Phil H., a bunch of us got tickets for this (third?) annual festival. I am allergic to beer, addicted to bourbon, and will be smited for eating pork, so to me this was a no brainer. The entrance line was massive, but I fortunately only waited for a few minutes thanks to Yelp teamwork. Despite some other lines when you walked in (coat check, drinking glass), it really wasn't too bad a start. The selection of consumables was incredible. La Venue is huge and there were beer stalls (and to a lesser extent, bourbon) as far as the eye could see. All the drinks were free, and considering the crowd, the pours were generous. The food selection was a little less spectacular. Although there were ostensibly many options, there was only one line in the whole place that was consistently less than 30 minutes long. This meant that I used all three of my tickets on the same plate of shredded pork and beans. Delicious as they were, I would have liked to try something else. Also, the sight of a large man in camouflage sticking his rubber-gloved hands directly into a pig's stomach to serve me dinner will stay with me for some time. In addition to the many stalls, there were several workshops, classes, and seminars where you could learn more about the products and enjoy additional tastings. It was the four shots of bourbon at such a seminar that would come to define how I felt for the rest of the night. As a standalone event and for the $85 that some people paid, the lines and food selection might be a turnoff. For the ~$55 that I paid for this ticket (and the company I was with), this was a great evening.