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coming up
Summer in Hoboken + Jersey City is full of exciting and welcoming community events. It’s a great opportunity to be a part of the community and support local organizations while enjoying some local eats + drinks. The Hoboken Girl put together a guide of all the summer festivals happening in our corner of Hudson County. Read on for a look at all the festivals coming to Hoboken + Jersey City for summer 2026.
Hoboken Spring Arts + Music Festival | May 17, 2026 | Washington Street, Hoboken
This festival started in 1994 with about 100 vendors, and has since grown to one of the biggest annual events in Hoboken. Expect plenty of live music and local vendors lining Washington Street from Observer Highway to Seventh Street this May. This street festival features over 300 artists, local food vendors, and live music stages spanning multiple blocks. Entry is free to this family-friendly festival.
Jersey City Jazz Festival | May 27–31 | Exchange Place Plaza, Jersey City
The massive multi-day festival takes over the Jersey City waterfront with over 200 musicians, mixing national and local talent. It’s one of the biggest jazz events in the Tri-State area. Most of the shows are free for all those looking to enjoy live music with scenic views of Manhattan in the background. For those looking to check out shows at the Jazz Alley stage location, tickets must be purchased online.
Main Street Pops Artisan Market Series | May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13 | Hoboken Waterfront + Pier A
This popular open-air market features local makers, vintage finds, food vendors, and live entertainment, giving perfect weekend browsing vibes. Expect to see some cool handmade jewelry, art, photography, home goods, and yummy treats. It’s free to attend and runs monthly from May to September in Hoboken.
Jersey City Food + Wine Walk | June 6 | Downtown Jersey City
This new festival could be the perfect activity for Jersey City foodies. From 1PM to 5PM on Saturday, June 6th, attendees will sample bites and sip on wine samples from local restaurants, like Franklin Social, Meximodo, and The Ashford, while exploring the neighborhood. Tickets can be purchased online, ranging from $64.62 to $85.82 per person.
Access JC Fridays | June 5 | Jersey City
This citywide arts festival features free performances, gallery exhibits, and pop-ups highlighting Jersey City’s creative scene. It’s held four times a year at the start of every season. All events are free and open to the public. It’s an opportunity for artists to share their work in an accessible way in all Jersey City neighborhoods.
Jersey City Comedy Festival | June 9–13 | Jersey City
This festival brings stand-up comedians from across the country to multiple Jersey City venues for a week of giggles and goofs. It started in 2018 and has grown into a major festival, featuring well-known headliners and up-and-coming acts. The festival is centered around several showcases where selected comedians compete for the “Best of the Fest” title. These comedians will perform 4-minute sets in front of industry judges and live audiences. Both the audience and the judges’ votes determine the winners. Tickets can be purchased online.
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Jersey City Black Comic Con | June 13–14 | Jersey City
Jersey City Black Comic Con is a celebration of Black creators in comics, animation, and pop culture. The free event is designed to empower diverse voices and promote representation in the pop culture and comic communities. It also celebrates Juneteenth. The con features panel discussions, artist exhibitions, cosplay contests, and gaming tournaments. More information can be found online.
Taste of Hoboken | June 9 | Hoboken
This annual event is a beloved local tasting where restaurants showcase signature bites, all benefiting the Hoboken Community Center’s affordable housing and food pantry programs. Restaurants that have participated in the past include Alessio’s Cafe, Antique Bar + Bakery, Halifax, Napoli’s, Otok Bakery, and more. It’s a great way to try a lot of Hoboken’s food scene in one night. Tickets can be purchased online, starting at $135.23 per person.
St. Ann’s Italian Festival | July 22–26 | St. Ann’s Church, Hoboken
This summer festival is one of Hoboken’s longest-running traditions, with mouth-watering zeppoles, Italian food, a beer garden, live music, some rides for the kids, and games. The five-day celebration starts with nine days of prayer that lead up to a Feast Day Mass. There’s also a procession where the statue of St. Ann is carried through the streets of Hoboken. The event is free to the public.
La Festa Italiana | August 5–9 | Downtown Jersey City
This Italian festival runs for five days in Jersey City, featuring rides, food stands, and live music. There is plenty of Italian food, from sausage and peppers to zeppoles to Arancini. The festival is a fundraiser for Holy Rosary Church, the first Italian church in New Jersey. The festival is free to attend and typically runs from 5PM to 11PM on weeknights, with an earlier start time on weekends.
Summer Blockfest Hip-Hop Festival | August 22 | Hoboken
Get ready for Hoboken’s annual celebration of hip-hop culture with live performances, DJs, street art, food trucks, and more. The festival showcases emerging talent from Hudson County, providing a platform for artists to perform for their neighbors. It was founded by What Hoboken Sounds Like, a non-profit that showcases the music, culture, and untold stories of Hoboken. The event is free and open to the public.
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All About Downtown Street Fair | September 19 | Downtown Jersey City
This is one of Jersey City’s biggest street fairs, featuring hundreds of vendors, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. It highlights local businesses, crafts, and culture in Downtown Jersey City. It stretches from Grove Street to the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza to Monmouth Street. Expect to see live music performances from local bands, themed beer gardens, tons of goods crafted by local artisans, and plenty of good eats. It’s free to attend.
Hoboken Italian Festival (Madonna Dei Martiri) | September 2026 | Sinatra Park, Hoboken
The Hoboken Italian Festival honors the Madonna Dei Martiri, a revered Byzantine-style icon of the Virgin Mary, with a waterfront procession. 2026 marks 100 years of this free celebration in Hoboken. There are plenty of vendors lining the waterfront along Sinatra Drive serving up Italian food. Expect live music, rides, and fireworks celebrating Hoboken’s Italian heritage.
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