This article is sponsored by Pilsener Haus & Biergarten.
Hoboken’s Pilsener Haus & Biergarten continues its Annual Oktoberfest this weekend from October 22nd to 24th. This month-long series of events will feature food, special cocktails, beer, and an outdoor music festival lasting through the weekend, including FAMILY entertainment on Sunday, October 24th. Oktoberfest is a 200-year-old Bavarian traditional festival of food and drink that is taken very seriously in Hoboken, with live music to top it all off. Keep reading for the lineup of live entertainment and a sneak peek at the special menu.
The Venue
Pilsener Haus & Biergarten was Hoboken’s first and remains its only, classic beer hall featuring large open spaces spread out over more than 10,000 square feet of space filled with communal tables and a long bar along the wall of the main hall. Guests can choose from more than 50 beers from around the world including brews from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, and Germany, in addition to several small-batch American brewers.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
The Live Music + Entertainment
“The kickoff weekend was incredible, and everyone had a great time,” Vince Crysler, CEO of Pilsener Haus & Biergarten told Hoboken Girl. “We knew we had to do it again, and this time, we’re especially proud to feature a whole day of family-focused entertainment with kid-friendly shows and bands. We’re still a Biergarten, so while you’re here, there will be plenty of everything: food, drinks, live music, and more.”
The music event will take place over three days, Friday, October 22nd, Saturday, October 23rd, and Sunday, October 24th. Guests can enter the event on Grand Street at 15th Street in uptown Hoboken.
The live music schedule for the kickoff weekend of Oktoberfest includes a variety of artists, DJs, and bands, including family-focused entertainment on Sunday, October 24th.
Friday, October 22nd
6:00PM to 7:00PM – DJ King Shameek
7:00PM to 9:45PM – Royals
Saturday, October 23rd
2:00PM to 4:00PM – Questa
4:00PM to 5:00PM – DJ King Shameek
5:00PM to 5:45PM – Jonathan Ayaz
5:45PM to 6:45PM – DJ King Shameek
6:45PM to 9:45PM – Arena Live
Sunday, October 24th
Family Entertainment Day with kid-friendly bands and shows.
12:30PM to 1:15PM – Michael Napolitano of Rockness Music
2:00PM to 3:30PM – Fuzzy Lemons
4:15PM to 5:00PM – School of Rock Kids
5:30PM to 6:30PM – Puppetonia
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
The Food + Drinks
“We are rolling out some exciting new menu items that embrace the Oktoberfest tradition, along with some delicious new Fall cocktails, and of course, plenty of beer, including some special brews designed specifically for Oktoberfest,” Vince said.
Oktoberfest will feature a full menu of brasserie-style food including beer hall staples like mussels, oversized pretzels, pickle jars, pierogies, and a variety of smoked sausages.
A few of the special Oktoberfest items are Cheesy Haus Spaetzle, Warm Chicken Paprikash, Smoked Kielbasa Kabobs, and Bavarian-style Crispy Pork Shanks. If these specialties are popular enough, they may become fixtures on the permanent menu.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
Pilsener Haus has always been a hot spot to find a great variety of beer. During Oktoberfest, the team turns up the volume with fresh new fall cocktails and Oktoberfest beer specials. A few of the newly featured cocktails are:
The Old Clove
Jack Daniels Apple, Red wine float, clove syrup, and lemon juice
The Ginger Paloma
Teremana tequila, Domaine de Canton, and grapefruit juice
The First Class
Makers Mark, sweet vermouth, Aperol, and fig syrup
And more to come! You can follow Pilsener Haus on Instagram for updates throughout the month.
The VIP Treatment
As if Oktoberfest couldn’t get any better, guests can elevate the experience with the VIP package. This gets one person a four-hour block of free food and free beer from the truck. Food, drink, and shot tickets are also being pre-sold, so you can arrive at the concert knowing you’ll have everything you need to celebrate right away.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
How to Celebrate Oktoberfest During a Pandemic
Pilsener Haus & Biergarten will be following all COVID-19 safety regulations during the outdoor festival. In order to comply with local guidelines, all guests will be socially distanced and all staff and servers will be wearing masks.
Concert admission is FREE. Food and drink tickets and special four-hour VIP packages are on sale at the event or available for pre-order online. You can follow along via Instagram and receive updates throughout the month or call 201-683-5465 with questions.
15 Unique Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in the Hoboken + Jersey City Area
Since February is such a love-filled month (as in we'd love for it to be spring so we can get outdoors more), it’s a good time to plan a fun and romantic date night — or extended weekend — with your partner or pals. While local places have lots of Valentine’s Day specials, we've rounded up some of the unique date spots and ideas in our area, in addition to a few other venues if you want to think outside the box this year. Read on for fifteen unique date ideas for Valentine's Day in the Hoboken + Jersey City area.
Aerow Archery | 98 Forrest Street, Jersey City
Aerow is perfect for archers of all levels and a great option for a fun Valentine's Day date night. The spot delivers a unique and healthy way to move your body and features 24 lanes of tournament-style targets — ranging from 11 to 22 meters. If your Valentine is the adventurous type, this is the spot to go.
Bowling at Hudson Lanes | 1 Garfield Avenue. Jersey City
A long-standing bowling alley in Jersey City, Hudson Lanes is a staple. Three group packages are available, with the basic package starting with five people per lane for two hours of bowling and shoe rental. Higher-priced deals include food and soda. For more information, check out the website or call 201-432-5900.
Read More: Restaurants With the Coolest Interiors in Hoboken + Jersey City
Café Archetypus | 266 Old River Road, Edgewater
This one-of-a-kind eatery in Edgewater is set up with several private dining “caves” carved into the wall, perfect for an intimate night out. Featuring casual dinner fares like quesadillas, French bread pizzas, and salad bowls, the major draw here is dessert, with a whole page of ice cream, cheesecake, and Ghirardelli brownie sundaes to choose from. With sundaes like the Coyopa — banana and vanilla ice cream with fudge, caramel, and crushed potato chips — get two or more varieties and share. HG pro tip: this restaurant is a BYOB so you be sure to bring your honey’s favorite beverage.
Comedy Show at Dorrian's Red Hand | 555 Washington Boulevard
View this post on Instagram
Dorrian's is a local staple for those in search of a good weekend laugh. The Laugh Tour Comedy Club has shows every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, featuring a different lineup of talented comedians each week — and it's the perfect option for a couple who loves comedy. You can find tickets here.
dineDK Private Dining
View this post on Instagram
This boutique private dining company uses seasonal, on-trend menus and Michelin-star chefs to create food for anything from a large dining event at a venue to a charming dinner party for two right in your own home. Picks off the seasonal winter sample menu include items like tuna carpaccio, American waygu short rib, crispy rosemary polenta, and maple soufflé — check out the website here for more info on how to book your next date-night dinner.
Gaia's Cavern | 140 Wayne Street, Jersey City
Gaia's Cavern is an all-natural day spa in the heart of Jersey City. While Gaia's may be best known for it's recurring win for Best Facial in Jersey City from 2019-2023, the spa also has a Signature Blue Moon Foot Bath for couples (or solo). The Blue Moon Foot Bath features Butterfly Pea tea, Ylang Ylang, lavender, and neroli essential oils. Plus, it's paired with a relaxing hand, arm, and foot massage. To reserve a spot for Valentine's Day click here.
Gravity Vault | 1423 Clinton Street, Hoboken
Gravity Vault in Hoboken is hosting a Parents Night Out on Friday, February 14th from 5PM-8PM, allowing parents to drop off their kiddos (ages 5-13) for rock climbing, games, and pizza. Parents can enjoy a date night out, climb child-free, or truly whatever their hearts desire.
Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street, Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
While this studio primarily sells handcrafted goods for the home, Ivy Mane Studio also hosts creative workshops for those interested in unlocking their creative sides. Experiences like Create Your Own ‘Drip Plant Pot’ and ‘Booty Planter’ — yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like — are always on the schedule at this local studio. Gift cards are also available and can be used towards a workshop or handcrafted goods.
Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street, Hoboken
Going out to eat is one thing, but preparing the entire meal together is an entirely different experience. Taking a cooking class at Hudson Table in uptown Hoboken is an interactive and fun date night. Upcoming events include a handmade pasta class on 2/7, an Italian desserts class on 2/11, and more.
Lokal | 2 2nd Street, Jersey City
City views, gourmet dining, and live music? Yes, please. This Valentine's Day Lokal in Jersey City is hosting a special five-course-prix-fixe menu with optional wine pairings. To learn more about the menu or make a reservation click here.
Maddy Rose at Liberty House Restaurant | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive Floor 1, Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
This elegant venue along the Hudson always guarantees a good meal and fine dining. Maddy Rose Restaurant at Liberty House will also have a three-course Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for $90+ per guest. Some of the menu choices include tuna tartare, steak tartare, and of course, flourless chocolate cake. Also, for a post-Valentine's Day fun, there will be a "Boozy Brunch" event on February 22nd. It will feature a four-course brunch menu, with each course paired with a specialty cocktail. Purchase tickets here.
Painting Classes at ArteVino | 720 Monroe Street Suite C408, Hoboken
View this post on Instagram
This Hoboken paint + sip studio is constantly providing unique painting options at its Monroe Center studio. Painters can bring their own beverages and snacks, making it a customizable experience and you’ll get to bring home your artwork so you’ll have a memento of a great night.
See More: Valentine's Day Date Ideas in Montclair That Aren't Dinner
Tipsy Tie Dye | 155 First Street
View this post on Instagram
For the creative couple, Tipsy Tie Dye provides all of the essentials you’ll need to create your own tie-dyed goods. With a wide variety of dyeable merch including sweatshirts + pants, cropped hoodies, Turkish towels, scrunchies, onesies, dog outfits + more, this local spot is the perfect gift-able experience for that special someone on February 14th.
Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place, Jersey City
Featuring a retractable glass roof and an awesome view of the skyline, Rooftop XP is located right in the heart of the Exchange Place area of Jersey City along the waterfront. Check out the tempting cocktails and menu selections like charcuterie, burgers, and tacos — as well as brunch selections, and enjoy occasional live music for beautiful dining with ambiance.
RPM Raceway | 99 Caven Point Road, Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
Adventure seekers can experience a rush of speed and fun at RPM Raceway in Jersey City . The immersive raceway and entertainment center has go-carts, arcade games, VR, and more. RPM Raceway even has a special Valentine's Day package for couples. For more information visit the RPM Raceway website or call 201-333-7223.
