Things To Do in August In and Around Jersey City
With the sun shining brightly for the days to come, there are a plethora of enjoyable activities to do and events to attend with the family, such as having lunch at Jersey City’s ideal outdoor dining options, going for a picnic, taking in nature’s beauty on a hiking trip, petting zoos, drive-thru zoos, checking out sunflower fields and so much more.
With so many events to attend in August, it will be one busy month. The best part is that you can involve the whole family in most of these events, and it also affords a fun and free way to keep the kids active and engaged during the school break.
Groove On Grove
Every Wednesday from 6 pm to 9 pm
Hands up if you’re ready to Groove! Join HDSID for homegrown live music at the Grove PATH Plaza every Wednesday.
Groove on Grove is a free summer weekly music series featuring a wide variety of musicians and performers! This is a family-friendly event that brings our community together to celebrate Jersey City and its diversity.
When: Wednesdays, May 6th to Aug 26th, 2026
Where: Grove Street, PATH Plaza
Star Gaze
The Amateur Astronomers Association will provide telescopes for stargazing at the High Line. Have some nighttime observation fun.
The AAA returns with stargazing opportunities in and around NYC. Join the AAA for Stargazing Tuesdays at the High Line! The meeting will be at the crossroads of Little West 12th and Washington Streets, just south of the Standard Hotel. They have several other locations. Check the schedule here.
La Festa Italiana
Join Hudson County’s oldest Italian Festival held right here in historic Downtown Jersey City. features an incredible, robust selection of premium food and drink vendors, perfectly catering to passion-driven foodies and culture seekers alike. It is a legendary celebration of flavor and community, offering authentic Italian dishes, street food staples, and refreshing summer drinks that visitors return for year after year.
When: August 5 to August 9, 2026
Where: Downtown Jersey City
Jersey City Birds Art Show
For the third year in a row, join for a weekend of celebrating the birds of Jersey City through the work of talented local artists and photographers at the Jersey City Birds Art Show. Browse original artwork, meet the artists, and connect with fellow nature lovers throughout the weekend. We’ll also have bird-themed merchandise, information about local bird conservation, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the wildlife that makes our city so special.
When: Aug 7: 7:00–10:00pm, Aug 8: 10:30am–4:30pm, Aug 9: 11:00am–3:00pm
Where: 83 Wayne St, Jersey City
Berry Lane Music Fest
Join us at Berry Lane Park every Thursday from July 9 through August 13 for the Berry Lane Music Fest, part of Jersey City’s Summer in the City series.
Enjoy six evenings of free live music featuring everything from Latin and salsa to jazz, soul, R&B, Afro fusion, and more.
Bring your friends, family, lawn chairs, or a blanket and spend your Thursday evenings enjoying great music right here in the heart of Jersey City.
When: August 6 & 13, Thursdays 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Where: Berry Lane Park, Jersey City
Hudson County West Indian Family Funday
Come out and enjoy a full day of West Indian vibes, music, food, and fun for the whole family. This is the 14th Annual Funday.
When: 15 August 2026, 11 am – 7 pm
Where: Lincoln Park, Jersey City
Hoboken Green Fair
Come and join the Hoboken Green Fair where you can connect with local environmental organizations, discover sustainable products and services, and learn practical ways to live greener while helping protect our community and planet.
When: August 15, 2026, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Church Square Park, 400 Garden Street, Hoboken
Jersey City Summer Half, 10K, and 5K
Here’s an opportunity for all the marathon runners out there. Jersey City Summer Half, 10K, and 5K offer three fantastic race distances: a challenging Half Marathon featuring four loops, a scenic 10K with two loops, and a spirited 5K with one loop, ensuring there’s a perfect option for everyone from seasoned runners to families and beginners. The park will transform into a vibrant hub of activity, supporting the wonderful non-profit organization JCFamilies.
When: Sun 16th August 2026, 8:00 AM EDT
Where: Lincoln Park, Jersey City
Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade
Get ready for the 66th Annual Jersey City Puerto Rican Parade & Festival — one of the largest and most vibrant cultural celebrations in our city! The festival is on August 15 & 16, 2026, whereas the parade is on August 16, 2026.
When: August 15 & 16, 2026, 12 pm-10 pm
Salsa on Grove
Brought to you by Daniel Rivera Charitable Foundation, Salsa on Grove includes five sizzling nights of dance, music, and cigars. This is a free event. Enjoy this event on Saturdays at 6 pm.
Salsa on the Grove is more than just a dance party; it is a vital part of the culture of Downtown Jersey City. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a beginner, this is a space for everyone to connect and celebrate.
When: Aug 15, Sep 19, 2026
Where: 344 Grove St., Jersey City
Fourth Annual Summer Block Fest
The Fourth Annual Summer Block Fest is officially happening.
You can expect:
Live performances safe from some of the best of Hoboken, Jersey City, and more
Food trucks serving up your favorites
Streetwear, art, vinyl, and local vendors
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026,
Where: 770 Jackson Street, Hoboken (Rain Date: August 29th)
Symphony in the Stacks
Jersey City Free Public Library, in partnership with the New Jersey Symphony, is bringing the magic of live chamber music to library branches across Jersey City this summer. Symphony in the Stacks is here! From interactive family performances and musical storytelling to global traditions and classical favorites, this free concert series offers something for music lovers of all ages.
All programs are free, but registration is required. Visit jclibrary.org to learn more and reserve your spot.
When: Various dates – July 22, 29, Aug 5,6,8,10,12,13,22, 2026
Where: Different Branches of JCFPL
Summer’s Concert Series
Museum of Jersey City History presents Summer’s Concert Series, which brings to you live music, local history, and a chance to get the community together. This is a community awareness series supporting our local urban green spaces and history. Come and join this free community program on Thursdays.
When: July 23, Aug 6, 20, Sep 3, 17, 25. 6 pm – 7 pm
Where: Museum of Jersey City History
Summer on the Hudson
Summer on the Hudson events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled. More information here.
August, with its summery warmth, offers the opportunity to make the most of the sunny days. Apart from all the events going on in and around Jersey City, there are so many more things one can do. The welcoming outdoors include parks, safaris, wineries, farms, and more.
Head to the Beach and Boardwalk
Who doesn’t love to go to the beach, especially on a warm summer day? Luckily, New Jersey has many beaches you can drive to from Jersey City with the family for the day. You can also eat and enjoy other activities on boardwalks, which would be a perfect weekend. We have a complete list of beaches now open near Jersey City.
Take Your Kids to A Sprinker Park
Kids will love to run in a sprinkler park on a hot summer day to cool off! This is a perfect and free activity for kids. Check out a local sprinkler park if you don’t want to go too far and still have a fun day. We have gathered a list of the Sprinkler Parks in Jersey City.
Head To A Local Winery
Who doesn’t love a glass of wine or a bottle, especially when the weather is so beautiful? Luckily, there are some fantastic wineries and vineyards near Jersey City that you can go to over the weekend. Check out our guide for the ten best wineries this summer.
Go Shopping
Looking for a gift for a loved one or want to go out and treat yourself? As summer is upon us, refresh your closet with fun spring and summer pieces. Jersey City and Hoboken have many local shops to shop for some fantastic things. So shop local and check out this complete guide here.
Enjoy A Meal Outdoors
Enjoying a nice glass of wine and a delicious meal sounds perfect as the weather gets nicer. Luckily, all the fantastic Jersey City restaurants ensure a lovely outdoor seating experience in the summer! A lot of them have opened their patios and backyards. Check this list out to find one.
Check Out A Local Park
Although Jersey City is one of the most populated cities in the US, it boasts dozens of parks and playgrounds for all ages. These parks offer oases of peace in the middle of the busy, fast-paced city but also offer numerous activities. Please look at our guide to Jersey City parks and playgrounds and find the one (or more) that suits you best.
Get Fresh Produce At A Local Farmers Market
The farmers’ market around Jersey City is opening as the weather improves. Check out a local market for your fresh produce and other local products. We have created a guide of 10 farmers’ markets in Jersey City here.
Go On A Hike
As the temperature gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to grab your family and camera and capture these unforgettable moments! Hiking is a great way to enjoy all that nature offers while spending quality time with loved ones. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic workout! To help you find the perfect trail, we’ve created a list of the Best Hiking Trails for Families Near Jersey City here.
Take The Kids To A Playground
Jersey City has amazing playgrounds and parks for children of all ages. So step out and enjoy the sunshine with the little ones.
Watch A Movie At A Local Drive-In Movie Theatre
Drive-in movies have become a real hot spot since the pandemic. This is a fun activity with the family and a safe way to enjoy another movie to get you and the kids out of the house. Luckily, a few drive-in movies near Jersey City continue to play your favorite movies! Here is a complete guide to them.
Experience A Drive-thru Safari Experience
As the weather improves, we know it is critical to keep the kids busy and venture out to do different activities with the entire family. If you are interested in a fun activity for the kiddos, drive-thru zoos are a must-go. The kids will enjoy this animal-filled experience. Check this guide out on our website.
Have Fun With Farm Animals
If you have small children who love animals or you’re interested in having an animal-filled experience to remember, a petting zoo or pony ride might be the perfect place to take your little ones! You will create unforgettable memories of feeding and learning about all types of animals. Then, have fun with farm animals by checking this guide.
Take Your Furry Friend To The Park
As the weather changes, our furry friends need fresh air. So take your pup to a local dog park.
Check Out A Garden Near Jersey City
Are you looking for an activity where you can connect with nature this summer? Near Jersey City, gorgeous and luscious gardens are open to the public. We have created a complete guide on it here.
Head to Governors Island
We know that families are always looking for new, fun, exciting places to visit during summertime. Governors Island, New York, is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise. So if you want to escape the daily city life without going too far, check out Governors Island, New York. With a ton of exciting activities for the family, beautiful views, good food, and so much more, you can have a perfect weekend here. More information here.
Get Some Baked Goodies From A Local Bakery
When it comes to fresh baked goods or the most delicious desserts, Jersey City bakeries do not disappoint! One great thing about a city as vibrant as Jersey City is that within each neighborhood, there’s a great bakery filled with an array of bread and pastries. Therefore, we have created this list of the best bakeries you have to check out.
Check Out A Local Zoo or Aquarium
You don’t have to travel very far to find educational and fun activities near Jersey City; there are many great zoos and aquariums nearby to keep your family entertained all season long. Check out our list of some of the best ones to spend quality time with your family while also learning about wildlife!
Check Out A Beer Garden
Sometimes there is nothing like sitting outside, drinking a beer, and enjoying a fantastic view on a warm summer day or evening. Luckily, we have several Beer Gardens in Jersey City to choose from. Each has some great beer and delicious food; most are kid- and family-friendly! Check the list here.
Visit A Beautiful Lake
We know how much families want to enjoy the beautiful outdoors as the weather gets warmer. Luckily, there are endless opportunities to make unforgettable memories and experiences. New Jersey has some of the best lakes and clean water for swimming, sailing, fishing, paddle boarding, and even kayaking. Check out the list we’ve created for you of New Jersey’s most beautiful lakes.
Play Mini Golf
Nothing screams summer like mini-golf! It is the perfect activity to do with the family and kids. Luckily, there are a ton of mini-golf places that you can visit near Jersey City. Make a full day out of it, as most businesses have lots of other activities like swings, games, vending machines, food, and some with gorgeous views. Pick one from our guide here.
Visit Furry Alpacas
There is nothing cuter than going and visiting these furry, adorable alpacas with the kids. There are many petting zoos and zoos around Jersey City, but if you want to meet these beautiful creatures, check out these farms. We have created this guide of the alpaca farms to visit near Jersey City.
Visit a Waterpark
There are heaps of indoor and outdoor water parks around Jersey City. But did you know that an hour or two of driving will land you in some fabulous water park getaways? We have a complete guide here.
Ride A Carousel
There are many exciting things for kids to do, like mini-golf, thrill rides at amusement parks, and waterparks, but there is something unique and magical when you hop on a pretend pony and ride a carousel. Even babies love an excellent merry-go-round! The Jersey City/New Jersey area offers some of the dreamiest carousels.
Go Camping
There are a lot of reasons to go camping. The most important one is to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city but also to get a break from your wired devices to enjoy nature. A perfect activity to enjoy with your family or friends, there are many places to go camping near Jersey City that would make it an ideal exercise in June. We have a complete guide here.
Watch A Movie In The Park
Movies in the parks are back in Jersey City and Hoboken. So enjoy a movie under the stars curled up in a blanket and enjoy a movie with the family. We have the complete guide to filming in the park here.
Treat Yourself To Ice Cream
Jersey City is filled with yummy ice cream spots you can check out after an activity-filled day. There are many ice cream places to choose from in Jersey City, and each shop offers something a bit different in taste, flavor, and shop atmosphere. Check this list here.
Visit Little Island At Pier 55, New York
Little Island in New York City is a new, accessible public Park pier within the larger Hudson River Park. It opened to the public on May 21, 2021. It is a 2.4-acre public park in Hudson River Park on the West Side of Manhattan. Components of the pier, nestled among more than 350 species of flowers, trees, and shrubs, include a 687-seat amphitheater, an intimate stage and lawn space, and dazzling views of other portions of Hudson River Park, New York City, and the Hudson River.
Visit Lavender Fields
With summer comes lavender season too. Once June hits, Lavender fields are filled with beautiful and luscious-smelling lavender. Lavender farms are a must-visit; luckily, there are a few in New Jersey that you can check out with the family. There are many other activities at these farms, which would make it a great day for the whole family! Check out this list of all the Lavender fields near Jersey City.
Go Strawberry Picking
If you are looking for a fun and active way to get the whole family outside in the summer sun, give strawberry picking a try! There are plenty of strawberry-picking farms around Jersey City, NJ, so you have no shortage of options. We have a complete guide of farms to visit for strawberry picking near Jersey City.
Go Blueberry Picking
If you are looking for a fun and active way to get outside, blueberry picking can be a perfect way! There is a ton of blueberry picking and fruit picking around Jersey City. We have a complete guide listed here.
Pick Your Own Fruits and Vegetables
Summer is officially here, and picking your own fruits is a big part! Pick-Your-Own fruit is a fun activity to get the whole family outside and some fresh produce for your house.
Go on a Boat Ride/Cruise With Your Child
When summer hits, parents always look for unique and fun activities for kids. Cruise rides for kids are a different and memorable experience. Boat rides and cruises are not just for adults. Make an adventure out of the day with the little ones, and get on board for some unlimited fun! Check the guide out here.
Go Pick Some Delicious Peaches
Just like our posts about picking your own blueberries and strawberries around Jersey City, there is an abundance of farms to pick your own peaches as well. As we are entering the peach season, the fruits are super sweet, juicy, and fresh. So to ensure you are getting the freshest peaches possible, we suggest you take out the family and pick your own. Check out the guide here.
Visit a Sunflower Farm
Sunflowers are the happiest flowers on Earth, and they are gorgeous, especially an entire field of them. So before the peak season of sunflowers ends, make sure to visit a local farm! Not only are they beautiful to look at, but you can also get the most stunning photos and create memories with your loved ones. Some of these farms are doing tours, and some are offering pick-your-own. Check out this complete list of all the sunflower farms near Jersey City.
Go Glamping
We have all heard of camping, but have you ever gone glamping? Glamping is the more luxurious way of camping! Why sleep on the ground when you can snuggle beneath a comfy blanket under the stars in a queen-size bed? Glamping is the perfect getaway to enjoy the experience of camping but with a bit of added ease. Lucky for you, there are some great spots near Jersey City where you can go glamping. Check out the guide here.
Thankfully, Jersey City is filled with infinite possibilities for what to do, places to see, and foods to eat. If you feel like learning about the history of winemaking and how wine is made, consider a one- or two-hour excursion to one of the wineries in New Jersey. Then, capture the summertime vibe by planning a trip to a lavender farm or sunflower fields and bring home fresh lavender, sunflowers, and handmade products. Looking to stay close to home? Explore one of the many parks or dine at top restaurants in the state’s most diverse city, Jersey City.
Updated 28 July 2026
