For the past week, Hoboken has undergone construction and paving on the North end of town, closing Park Avenue to mill and pave, and causing much traffic commotion throughout the uptown area. The goal was to help with the paving of the street. However, not on the agenda was paving over drains in front of homes in the area — which is exactly what happened, and right before a Tropical Storm is coming to the area.
^ Park Avenue in Hoboken
Hoboken is prone to flooding, so many residents, who shared their concerns on various forums and Facebook groups, are concerned.
A Nixle went out earlier on Tuesday, August 6th, sharing ways to prepare for the storm, including avoiding flood-prone areas.
“Intense rainfall of greater than 0.8 inch per hour could result in flooding in low-lying areas. Barricades have been deployed near flood-prone intersections. Do not walk or drive around barricades or through flooded areas,” it stated. The OEM asks all residents to report flooded intersections and clogged drain inlets by calling the NHSA Hotline at (866) 689-3970.
But, how can one report a clogged drain when it’s virtually //gone//? Many took to forums to share their frustrations.
In one such local Facebook group, Councilwoman Emily Jabbour shared, “Not only did the County Contractor pave over the drains, they also paved over the curbs in several places, so the people who live in the garden level apartments now have to worry about rainwater washing directly from the street into their homes. If anyone is impacted by these issues, please please please contact Commissioner Anthony Romano who represents Hoboken to the County. The County, thus far, has not taken these concerns seriously (in my opinion), has not fixed these issues since they were flagged last week, and push back on the City and Councilmembers who have reached out.”
Patch also previously reported that the city notified the county of the paving issue, and they are working on a resolution, according to a Hudson County spokesperson.
Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher shared in an email with The Hoboken Girl team on Tuesday evening, “just confirmed with Commissioner Romano [who asked County Engineer Malvasi while we are on the phone]. The county will resolve tomorrow – not in time for tonight’s storm.”
Councilwoman Jabbour also emailed with The Hoboken Girl team directly, sharing imagery, noting she has been in contact with County representatives multiple times, yet “while they have taken my calls, the repairs that the City and I have requested have not been addressed — which is even more concerning given the storm we are about to experience. The contractors conducting the paving project need to fix two major issues that have been flagged:
- Drains from sump pumps that flush onto the street were blocked completely
- The curbs are non-existent in multiple places, which means rainwater will run from the street directly into garden level apartments. See attached photo that I shared with the County last week.”
The images she shared via email:
Commissioner Romano’s office can be reached here.
We also reached out to Hoboken City Hall and Commissioner Romano for comment, but have not received a response by the time of publication.
Beyond Tuesday/Wednesday’s storm, Tropical Storm Debby is expected to bring much rainfall and flooding to the already flood-prone Hoboken area.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy released a statement about the situation on August 7th:
“As County Executive my administration has prioritized making critical infrastructure improvements to our County,
and that includes our county streets. Throughout July and into August, the County has worked with the City of Hoboken and a hired contractor to repave parts of Park Avenue in Hoboken. This project was much needed, and crews worked throughout the day, often in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, to complete this project. But let me be clear: any mistakes made by the county contractor have been – and are being – remedied. County staff has been available to address all community concerns and will continue to work with local officials to resolve any issues.
Additionally, any comment suggesting that the County is not responsive is unfounded and dishonest. We have provided timely updates to local officials since the start of this project and these local officials were made fully aware of the scope of the project.”
Mayor Bhalla wrote to Hudson County Executive Craig Guy about the situation on August 7th. See the message below:
Today Mayor @RaviBhalla wrote to County Executive Craig Guy regarding the urgent infrastructure issues related to Hudson County’s Park Avenue Repaving Project. pic.twitter.com/fARy9yVOan
— City of Hoboken (@CityofHoboken) August 7, 2024
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy provided an update about the situation later in the day on August 7th:
“Leading up to the recent Hoboken road paving projects, Hudson County officials met with Hoboken officials on seven separate occasions over the last two months to finalize details of the project. These officials worked collaboratively to determine the scope of work and finalize the project’s timeline. We have been – and continue to be – in frequent contact with municipal officials regarding this project.
I want to make clear that this project is two years in the making. We accommodated the city by waiting to start the project until after a water main project was completed along Park Avenue. City officials had two years to raise concerns and have been invited to every discussion along the way.
Hudson County officials first received notice of two clogged sump drains on Park Avenue on Friday, August 2; this issue was resolved by Monday, August 6. On Sunday, August 5, we received reports of one clogged sump drain, and this issue was resolved on the same day. Today, August 7, County staff and contractors cleaned out all the catch basins on Park Avenue, removing debris and contractor’s millings. We received reports about flushed curbs at certain locations on the project site and we are working with the contractor to rectify these issues. From day one of the project, the County’s project manager has been on location providing constant inspection and guidance.
Today, I visited the site and spoke with residents who were impacted by this project. They were thankful for the County’s immediate response and efforts to address their concerns.
Mayor Bhalla’s assertion that our County staff does not have appropriate inspection protocols in place is again unfounded and dishonest. Should the mayor wish to see all the communications and meetings regarding this project, we will be happy to share this information with him.
If residents have any concerns or questions regarding this project, please contact Hudson County’s Division of Engineering at 201-369-4340 and we will work to resolve the issue in a prompt and timely manner.”
Hudson County Board of County Commissioners Chairperson Anthony Romano released the following statement on Tuesday, August 13th about the ongoing work:
“Hudson County has recently undertaken a pavement project on Park Avenue in Hoboken, which runs from Observer Highway to 15th Street. If anyone has any issues with this project, please feel free to contact me, either by email at [email protected] or by phone at 201-390-2162.
The Hudson County Executive’s Office, the County’s Division of Roads and Bridges, and the project’s contractors are on the ground everyday rectifying any issues that may have occurred during the initial paving. As Hoboken’s representative on the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners, I assure you that all residents’ concerns are taken seriously by both me and county staff and everyone has worked and will continue to work diligently to resolve any problems.”
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40 Annual Events That All Hoboken + Jersey City Residents Should Know About
There's always something fun to do in Hoboken and Jersey City — which is just one of the many reasons we love to call this little North Jersey nook home. As our readers know, each week we round up hundreds (yes, hundreds) of events and things to do around town, but there are some recurring annual events that we at The Hoboken Girl consider "need-to-knows." So, keep this list in your back pocket to reference all year long whether you have guests coming to town, or are just looking to participate in some community fun. Read on for our list of need-to-know events in Hoboken + Jersey City, New Jersey.
Hoboken
Fall + Spring Arts + Music Festival
The Fall and Spring Arts + Music Festival are two of the Mile Square's most anticipated events. The festivals showcase local businesses including artists, food vendors, crafters, and more along Washington Street in Hoboken. This event typically takes place around September or October in the fall, and around May in the spring — this year's festival will take place on May 18th.
Read More: First-Ever Foodie Fest for Autism Awareness Happening in Hoboken on 4/5
Artists' Studio Tour
The Artists' Studio Tour is part of Hoboken's Art Month every year. This self-guided Artists’ Studio Tour features dozens of local galleries, artists’ studios, murals, and group exhibitions, featuring artwork by talented artists. 2025 dates have yet to be announced. This event typically takes place around October or November.
Black Jubilee at Hoboken Museum
For the last two years, Mile Square Mommies and the Hoboken Historical Museum have joined forces for a joyous celebration of Black History called Black Jubilee. The event typically features arts and crafts, spoken word, dance, and special performances. While the 2025 event has already passed, 2026 event details are TBD.
Farmers' Markets
Hoboken is home to three farmers' markets every year including the Downtown Farmers' Market (June-November), Midtown Farmers' Market (June-November) and Uptown Farmers' Market (May-December). The markets feature local produce and treats from local farmers and businesses.
Hoboken Harvest Festival
The Hoboken Harvest Festival is a family-friendly festival that showcases several small businesses, and community organizations. The fall-themed event often has festive activities, food, and shopping to celebrate autumn. This event typically takes place in October.
Halloween Ragamuffin Parade
The Ragamuffin Parade is a long-time tradition dates back to the late 1870s. Now, the event lives on right here in Hoboken. Every Halloween, the Ragamuffin Parade commences and features a line-up of spooky festivities including a parade down Washington Street, costume contests, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Hoboken Italian Festival
The Hoboken Italian Festival (aka the Feast if the Madonna Dei Martiri) is an Italian street fair with delicious eats, entertainment, fireworks and more. The festival typically takes place in September on the Hoboken waterfront.
Hoboken Mac + Cheese Festival
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The Hoboken Mac + Cheese Festival is a favorite among foodies. This year will mark the 6th annual celebration that will take place on April 5th, 2025. The event is presented by Hoboken Happy Hours and includes an elite line up of Hoboken restaurants showing off their best mac + cheese dishes.
Hoboken Summer Fun Programming — Fitness In The Park, Dancing + Concerts In The Park, + Movies Under The Stars
The Hoboken Summer Fun series hosted by the City of Hoboken encompasses several warm-weather events for locals each year, including Fitness In The Park, Dancing + Concerts In The Park, and Movies Under The Stars. 2025 dates have yet to be announced.
Hoboken Pepper Fest
Spice lovers, this one is for you. Hoboken non-profit Computers 4 People hosts the Hoboken Pepper Fest each year with several fun-filled activities. The Pepper Fest includes spicy pepper eating contests, chili eating contents, and more. The event typically takes place in October.
Hoboken Mutzfest
Mutzfest is organized by the Hoboken Family Alliance, one of the oldest Hoboken non-profits. The tasty mozzarella-centric event is packed with family-friendly activities including a cannoli eating contest, and a Sinatra Sing-A-Long. Proceeds from the event will fund Hoboken Family Alliance's numerous local community initiatives. The event typically takes place in the spring.
Santacon
Love it or hate it, Santacon is one of Hoboken's most iconic holiday celebrations. Every December, thousands of locals dress in their holiday best to hop around some of Hoboken's most popular bars.
St. Ann's Italian Festival
St. Ann's Italian Festival in Hoboken is a long-time tradition of over 114 years. The food and fun-focused features out-of-this-world Italian eats (including the infamous zeppoles), kiddie rides, music, and more. The event typically takes place in July.
Summer Blockfest
Summer Blockfest is Hoboken's first hip-hop and R+B music festival that has been taking place for the last two years. The event presented by What Hoboken Sounds Like, a local nonprofit, shines a light on local talent for a fun-filled day of music, food, and culture. 2025 dates at TBD but the event typically takes place in August.
Wing + A Prayer
Wing + A Prayer is a chicken wing contest hosted by St. Francis Church to benefit Fr. Michael Food Pantry. After a five-year hiatus, the competition returned in early February of 2025 while 11 restaurants from the Mile Square competed for the title of "King of Wings." Stay tuned for next year's contest announcement.
Jersey City
14C Art Fair
Photo Credit: Andrew Nicolas + Art Fair 14C
The 14C Art Fair is one of Jersey City's most anticipated art events and is expected to pick back up this spring. The art crawl features gallery showcases around town to highlight the work of local artists.
9/11 Annual Memorial Ceremony
Every year on September 11th, the City of Jersey City hosts a memorial ceremony on the Hudson River waterfront to honor those lost during the tragic attacks in 2001.
All About Downtown Street Fair
Photo Credit: HDSID
HDSID's All About Downtown Street Fair in Jersey City is a premier event featuring dozens of local vendors. Locals can find jewelry, handmade gifts, snacks, face painting, and more for the whole family. This year's festivities will commence on September 20th, 2025.
Ghost of Uncle Joe's
Ghost of Uncle Joe's is an annual masquerade fundraising ball to benefit the preservation of the historical Harsimus Cemetery in Jersey City. The event features live performances from local musicians, food trucks, dancing, and festive Halloween fun. This event takes place in October.
Goatchella
Goatchella is one of the many innovative Harsimus Cemetery fundraisers to help maintain the grounds. The furry-friend festival typically takes place in the summer at Harsimus Cemetery where bands play and goats graze.
Groove on Grove
Photo Credit: HDSID
Groove on Grove is a weekly summer music series hosted by HDSID at the Grove Street Path Plaza. The free event features local performers and is a family-friendly hangout. This year performances will take place from May to August 2025 on Wednesdays from 6PM-9PM.
HDSID Farmers' Market
Photo Credit: HDSID
The HDSID Farmers' Market has been a staple in downtown Jersey City for over a decade. The markets occur in the winter from January 16th-April 24th from 4PM-6PM and in the spring, fall, and summer from April 28th-December 22nd from 3PM-7PM.
HDSID's Halloween Family Bash
Photo Credit: HDSID
The HDSID Halloween Family Bash is a fun-filled event with games, corn mazes, face painting, pumpkins, bouncy houses, candy, and more. This year's festivities will occur on October 31st, 2025 from 3PM-8PM.
Handmade Market + Handmade Happy Holiday Market
The HDSID Handmade Market features goods from talented local artists and makers. This spring and summer the Handmade Market will take place from May 7th-September 17th. In addition, the Handmade Happy Holiday Market will occur in December 2025 from 12PM-6PM at Grove PATH Plaza and at The Ashford Rooftop.
Holi Hai
Holi Hai is a colorful celebration that takes place each spring in Jersey City. The Hindu celebration kicks off the welcoming of spring and includes exciting food, dancing, activities, and more.
Hudson Pride Center's LBGTQ+ Prom
Every year, Hudson Pride Center hosts an LBGTQ+ Prom at White Eagle Hall to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. Proceeds from the event benefit the Hudson Pride Center's daily operations, programs, and services. This event typically takes place in June in honor of Pride Month. 2025 details are TBD.
Hudson Pride Center Crosswalk Painting
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Every year, the Pride flag on the corner Newark Avenue and JFK Boulevard in Jersey City gets a fresh layer of paint with the helping hands of the community. Join in on the fun or stop by to support. 2025 details are TBD, though the event typically occurs in June or July.
Jersey City Marathon
The Jersey City Marathon will take place on April 13th, 2025. The third annual event will operate on a double-loop system giving runners a full tour of the many neighborhoods of Jersey City. Runners have the option to participate in a full marathon or half marathon and can register here.
Jersey City Pizza Fest
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The first-ever Jersey City Pizza Fest will take place on Saturday, March 29th 2025 from 1PM-5PM to kick off the start of the spring season. The event is presented by Jersey City Happy Hours, and tickets are already on sale.
Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage Arts + Culture Festival
The Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage + Culture Festival is an exciting celebration of Puerto Rican heritage in Jersey City. Food and live music set the scene for lively, family-friendly fun. The series of events typically takes place over a weekend in August. 2025 dates are TBD.
Jersey City Jazz Festival
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Jersey City's 12th Annual Jazz Festival will take place from May 30th-31st this year at Exchange Place Plaza. Over 200 musicians will show off their skills as locals enjoy vendors, music, and more.
Jersey City Day of Fashion
Last year, Jersey City celebrated its 2nd Annual Day of Fashion. While info is still TBD for 2025, last year's events were filled with local talent, collaboration, and inspiring panels with local leaders and fashion industry icons. The event typically takes place in September.
La Festa Italiana
Photo Credit: La Festa Italiana
La Festa Italiana is Jersey City's Italian Festival taking place Wednesday, August 13th-Sunday, August, 17th, 2025. The street fair is filled with unbeatable eats, vendors, and more in downtown Jersey City.
MLK Oratory Contest
Photo Credit: Office of Cultural Affairs
The annual Martin Luther King Oratory Contest is hosted by Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs. In this contest, over 100 students from grades three to eight compete for the best-memorized oration of one of Dr. King’s writings or speeches. While the 2025 event has already passed, the event typically takes place in January. 2026 details are TBD.
Movies in The Park
Movies in The Park is a summer film series presented by the Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association. The outdoor movie showings welcome residents to sit outside and enjoy a film during the warm, summer months. 2025 details are TBD.
Movies on The Pier
Every summer, The Exchange Place Alliance hosts Movies on The Pier, with a family-friendly movie screening for locals. 2025 details are TBD.
Mural Festival
Back in 2021 Mayor Fulop, Mana Public Arts, the Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Jersey City Mural Arts Program (JCMAP) announced the first annual Jersey City Mural Festival. Now, the event aims to celebrate the vibrant public art, foster community, and benefit local small businesses affected by the pandemic. 2025 event details are TBD.
Record Riot
Record Riot is a music lovers' paradise. Starting on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 the Grove Street PATH Plaza will be filled with music-related vendors from all over the country with records, LPs, CDs, 45s, and more. This event will take place on April 5th, May 4th, June 28th, July 26th, September 27th, and November 1st, 2025.
Riverview Farmers' Market
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Riverview Farmers' Market is a staple in Jersey City Heights with dozens of local vendors. The Farmers' Market typically runs from May through November (rain or shine) and is located at 498 Palisade Avenue.
See More: First-Ever Montclair Porchfest Happening in May 2025
Whole Spectrum Autism Gala
For nearly 10 years, Whole Spectrum Autism has hosted an annual gala with a night of sensory-friendly entertainment and fun. The event provides families on the spectrum with an elegant evening that includes dancing, music, food + drinks, a silent auction, photo booths, guest speakers, and more. This year's event will take place on June 20th, 2025 at 76 Audrey Zapp Drive in Jersey City. All donations go directly to supporting Whole Spectrum Autism’s mission.
