Issue 10 | July 2021 |
Hudson County takes its outdoor fun seriously, from can’t-beat flavors at bustling food-truck parks to lively music and dazzling crafts at its many markets and street fairs. These long-awaited events fill the county calendar from spring through fall. Locals and tourists alike flock for the food, shop for arts and crafts, and find themselves dancing into the night as talented local musicians impress with tune after tune.
If Hudson County’s open-air experiences sound up your alley, we have your guide to join in the fun. From cuisine to crafts, here’s how to enjoy the best of Hudson County’s open-air events.
Hudson County’s Top Food Trucks, Markets, and Street Fairs
Hudson County Food Trucks
Smorgasburg Jersey City | 200 Greene Street, Jersey City, Open Saturdays
Let’s start with one of the most exciting new venues to grace the Hudson County waterfront: Smorgasburg Jersey City! This foodie haven, with dozens of stands and trucks, made a name for itself in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where it started over 10 years ago. The food market expanded to Lower Manhattan (near the World Trade Center), Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, and Los Angeles, and now, it’s treating food lovers in Hudson County’s bustling Harborside JC, a waterfront outdoor space at Exchange Place North. Smorgasburg Jersey City features 30 fan-favorite food vendors, including Oyster Party, Mav’s Top Buns, the SmoKING of Meats, and Parish Po’ Boys.
Pier 13 | 1301 Sinatra Drive North, Hoboken, Open Daily
Warm weather brings energy, food, and craft beer to Hoboken’s Pier 13, an open-air venue along the Hudson River waterfront. The pier, just steps from the NY Waterway’s Hoboken 14th Street ferry, features rows of New Jersey’s top food trucks, including Thai Elephant, Cubano Express, Mozz Arepas, Dark Side of the Moo, and Amanda’s Bananas for a healthy, frozen-banana dessert. Pier 13 isn’t just delicious, it’s dog friendly, and diners can take their food to-go for dining in the Pier 13 beer garden, or anywhere along the scenic Hoboken waterfront.
Hudson County Outdoor Markets
Pacific Flea | 149 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City, Open Second Saturdays April – October
Come for the food trucks, stay for the handmade crafts. This trendy Jersey City open-air market, Pacific Flea, is filled with local finds that draw visitors from far and wide. Shop for vintage goods and handmade crafts, or enjoy live music and curated art shows. Plus, with the market’s rotating lineup of food trucks, we promise you won’t leave hungry. If you’re in the mood for even more farm-fresh Jersey City fare, stop by the year-round Downtown Jersey City Farmers Market on Mondays and Thursdays.
Hoboken Uptown Market | 1401 Grand Street, Hoboken, Open Saturdays May through December
Learn what “Jersey Fresh” really means at the open-air Hoboken Uptown Market, nestled under the 14th Street viaduct. Here, rows of fresh New Jersey produce draw locals, while food stands with pastries, coffee, and handmade crafts attract shoppers from across the county. While the Hoboken Uptown Market runs each Saturday, the monthly Main Street Pops Artisan Market, running on the third Sunday of each month under the viaduct, promises even more handmade goods, including home décor, handmade jewelry, pet gear, fashion, and—you guessed it—mouthwatering and fresh Hudson County fare.
Bayonne Farmers’ Market | West 23rd Street, Bayonne, Open June through November
Another can’t-miss Hudson County outdoor market is the Bayonne Farmer’s Market, on West 23rd between Broadway and Del Monte Drive in Bayonne. This popular market is packed with fresh food—think empanadas and high-end kettle corn—to handmade pastas, fresh-from-the-oven baked goods, and home accents, such as handmade candles.
Hudson County Street Fairs
All About Downtown Street Fair | Newark Avenue, between Grove Street and Coles Street, September
All About Downtown is the ultimate Jersey City street fair. Local vendors show off their best hand-crafted pieces, from home goods to jewelry, while culinary masters dish out fresh food and bakers sell delicious sweets and treats that draw visitors from all over. The All About Downtown Street Fair is a perfect family outing, with kids rides, face painting, and live music on a cool September day.
Hoboken Arts & Music Festival | Washington Street, between Observer Highway and 7th Streets, Spring and Fall
The renowned Hoboken Arts & Music Festival engages all five senses, from wafts of fresh and diverse food, such as Greek and Cajun, to festive music, colorful children’s activities, and eye-popping handmade crafts. The festival fills Hoboken’s Washington Street with energy, and New Jersey’s most creative artisans dazzle with décor, artwork, pottery, metalwork, and more. One things for certain: You won’t leave Washington Street empty handed (or hungry)!
Of course, these are just a few of the many open-air attractions and events to enjoy in Hudson County. Peruse our full lineup of fun—from Pride Events to Hoboken’s famed St. Ann’s Italian Festival—on the Hudson County Events Calendar!