| Photo via Jersey City Mayor’s Office
JERSEY CITY, NJ – This year, Jersey City will host the annual Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks, a family-friendly event along the Hudson River waterfront promoting local small businesses and fostering community in celebration of the nation’s independence.
Eighty-eight local vendors and food trucks, three separate stages of DJ entertainment curated by Lovelisa Dizon of Jersey City-based Chilltown Collective, a U.S. Army flight simulator, and activations by the New York Red Bulls and New Jersey Devils. The festival is capped off by Grucci fireworks launching from two barges on the Hudson River to produce an unparalleled fireworks display framed by the New York City skyline.
As in recent years, the celebration is a way of bringing the community together for a day filled with entertainment, food, and fund.
“This year, we also want to highlight our local small businesses and restaurants and encourage attendees to explore what makes Jersey City so unique with a wide range of food trucks, artisan vendors, activations, and more,” said Mayor Steven M. Fulop.
Fulop revived Jersey City’s independence day celebration in 2013.
One of the three stages will be a Tribute to Hip Hop sponsored by 94.7 The Block, where they will be broadcasting live all day from Jersey City. The City is partnering once again with JC Night Market by MMFB Productions to host the street festival from noon to 9 p.m. along Montgomery Street with activations, bounce houses, and other entertainment on surrounding streets.
Vendors that participated in this annual event have expressed their excitement and gratitude as it helped grow their business throughout the area. “For me personally, the event has become a celebration of our nation and also our business as we reach countless first-time customers who have since become loyal repeat customers,” said Gidget Terry, founder and owner of Empanadas by Lady in Jersey City.
“We are excited for this year’s big event with so many food and artisan vendors, entertainment, DJ performances on every block, and of course, Grucci’s fireworks never disappoints,” said Christine Goodman, Director of Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
For a full list of road closures, please visit the City’s website here. To minimize traffic congestion, transportation options are being added in Jersey City, including:
- Additional Via Jersey City services.
- Rideshare drop-off points at City Hall.
- Bike JC valet at Warren and Montgomery Streets.
- Exchange Place PATH services every 10 minutes, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The mayor’s office has advised that parking restrictions in the area begin at 6 p.m. on July 3, 2023. For a full list of parking restrictions and road closures, please visit the City’s website here. All temporary parking and road restrictions will be lifted at 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 2023.
In addition, any bags or backpacks brought into the festival area are subject to search by law enforcement authorities. Attendees are encouraged to pack belongings in clear bags. Coolers are not allowed in the festival area.
–-With Ricky Rillera/PDM
