A Roundup of the MOST FUN Things to do in Jersey City this Summer

Want to make the most of the summer? Me too!

As the days get longer I’m looking forward to spending more time outside exploring Jersey City. (You read that right- I recently moved across the Hudson!) There are so many fun things to do in Jersey City so I created my summer bucket list which I’m sharing with you today. Keep checking back…I plan to add to it as I hear about other events! Am I missing something fun? Please share it in the comments- I’d love to learn about it!

Alright, bring on the sunshine! It’s time to start adventuring again.

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A Roundup of the MOST FUN Things to do in Jersey City this Summer

1. Smorgasburg Jersey City

Williamsburg’s iconic food market is opening a Jersey City location for the first time ever! This outdoor festival brings together tons of the area’s best food carts + trucks. As of now, opening dates haven’t been announced for the NYC outposts but the new Jersey City expansion is set to start on May 29. Details are still being finalized, but each Saturday from 11am-6pm, 30+ vendors will fill a parking lot in Harborside and visitors can bring their treats to the waterfront seating areas.

A few of the already announced vendors joining Smorgasburg Jersey City are:

• Bisska
• Carlito’s BBQ Taqueria
• The Good Batch
• Wood Fired Edibles

2. Jersey City Farmers Markets

What’s better than spending a sunny summer morning or afternoon strolling through a farmers market? Browse these markets for fresh produce, artisanal bread, fresh-cut flowers and more!

• Historic Downtown Jersey City Farmers Market – from April-December, every Monday and Thursday from 4-8pm in the Grove Path Plaza
• Van Vorst Farmers Market – from May-December, every Saturday from 9am-2pm in Van Vorst Park
• Paulus Hook Farmer’s Market– from April-December, every Saturday from 10am-4pm in the Morris Canal State Park next to the Korean War Memorial

3. Take a Scenic Ferry Trip

NY Waterways recently restarted its weekend ferry service from Paulus Hook to Brookfield Place. What does that mean for you? Weekend day trips on the water! This trip costs $6, so more than double the cost of a PATH ticket. But if you turn this into a fun summer outing it would be worth it!

Once you are in Downtown Manhattan, explore FiDi or South Street Seaport. Or hop on another ferry at The Battery Maritime Building to Governors Island. (Governors Island Ferry tickets are free on Saturdays and Sundays before noon).

4. Cool Down with Some Ice Cream

What is more synonymous with summer than ice cream? Almost nothing! Jersey City has some great options for frozen treats. I’m still working my way through this list but so many of these places have caught my eye on walks around the neighborhood.

• Ample Hills
• Stack Creamery
• Downtown Yogurt
• Milk & Cream Cereal Bar
• Torico Ice Cream
• Milk Sugar Love

5. Go for a Picnic in Liberty State Park

This sprawling 1,200-acre park sits on the banks of the Hudson River and offers an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Pack a picnic, bring a frisbee and head here for a relaxed summer afternoon. You can also rent a Citi Bike and ride along the park’s 2-mile riverside promenade.

6. Sip Drinks Outside

If you’re looking for a place to sit outside and enjoy a drink, Jersey City has you covered. Take a walk through downtown and you’ll see tons of bars and eateries with patios and sidewalk tables.

• Pet Shop
• The Archer
• Departed Soles Brewing Company
• Frankie
• Hudson Hall
• Corgi Spirits Distillery
• Dullboy
• White Star Bar
• Wurstbar

Prefer coffee instead? Check out the Lackawanna Coffee at 295 Grove St. This location has a beautiful backyard patio complete with picnic tables and a ping pong table.

7. Jersey City Mural Festival

The Mural Festival is a celebration of the impressive murals and artists found throughout Jersey City. The festival, which is scheduled for June 5-6, 2021, will incorporate more than 50 walls and a ton of entertainment options. Visitors can expect to hear from industry experts + enjoy refreshments from food trucks and beer gardens. Check out the DJs and live entertainment line up here.

8. Artist & Maker Market

Shop for locally-made goods and listen to live music at the Artist & Maker Market. You’ll find everything from handmade earrings to vintage fashion pieces. This outdoor bazaar is held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from May – September in the Grove St. Path Plaza.

9. Groove on Grove

Speaking of live music- Groove on the Grove is a free weekly outdoor concert held at the Grove St. Path Plaza. Bring some snacks and find a spot to sit and enjoy the local artists. The festival is held on Wednesdays from 6-9pm from June 6-August 25, 2021.

10. All About Downtown

On September 18, 2021 the downtown street fair returns to Jersey City. This event is held along Newark Street between Grove Street and Coles Street. You’ll find local vendors selling handmade goods, fair rides, beer gardens, live music and more!

11. Take a Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Tour

Want to spend the summer on the water? Check out Urban Paddle. This company offers guided kayaking trips, SUP lessons and SUP yoga classes on the Hudson River. After you take a tour, you are eligible to rent a kayak or SUP board on your own.

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Ready to make the most of your summer in Jersey City? I hope this list of the most fun things to do in Jersey City gave you some inspiration!

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