Whether you’re heading out or staying in, this week’s Hoboken + Jersey City (and beyond) events guide has got you covered with new farmers’ markets, virtual concerts, kid-friendly events, virtual + in-person runs/walks, and many more events. Check out this list of all the virtual and in-person events happening in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond this weekend (June 2nd – June 8th).
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Featured Events
Lightbridge Academy of Hoboken Willow Ave’s Grand Opening Event
Saturday, June 5th from 10:00AM-2:00PM | SCHEDULE A TOUR NOW
This Saturday from 10AM-2PM, Lightbridge Academy of Hoboken Willow Ave located at 1414 Willow Avenue, Hoboken, is hosting its grand opening event for all prospective students and families. The event will be held in the parking lot towards the back of the center on Clinton Avenue and will have fun games, entertainment, music, art and crafts, refreshments + an ice cream truck for all. Not to mention, Lightbridge Academy of Hoboken Willow Ave will also offer center tours for families and anyone who enrolls at the grand opening event will receive up to $500 off the first month’s tuition. Make sure you let them know Hoboken Girl sent you.
Click here to schedule a tour of the newly opened center and learn more about Lightbridge Academy of Hoboken Willow Ave.
MOJO Coffee’s 1st Birthday Celebration Event
Thursday, June 3rd | PLACE YOUR COFFEE ORDER NOW
This Thursday from 7AM-5:30PM, MOJO Coffee located at 230 Willow Avenue, Hoboken, is celebrating its 1st birthday in the Mile Square. The birthday celebrations will include treats and in-store giveaways all day at the local coffee shop. The team behind MOJO is nothing short of grateful to their customers, team, and the Hoboken community for their support this past year. Not to mention, MOJO Coffee currently offers delicious specialty flavored drinks such as Blackberry Mocha Latte, Coconut Cold Brew, Lavender Matcha, + many more. Be sure to let them know Hoboken Girl sent you.
Click here to download their app + place your order and click here to learn more about MOJO Coffee.
Engel & Völkers Opening Jersey City Location
Wednesday, June 9th at 4:00PM-7:00PM | MAKE AN APPOINTMENT NOW
With the success of its Hoboken location, the female-owned real estate firm Engel & Völkers is expanding into downtown Jersey City. On Wednesday, June 9th at 4PM there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 286 1st Street, Jersey City, and reception from 5PM-7PM to follow in the Hard Grove parklet in front to celebrate the location opening with the community. Not to mention, from June 10th to Labor Day Weekend, Engel & Völkers is offering free espresso for anyone who comes into the Jersey City location to discuss real estate. RSVP required to attend. Email [email protected] by Tuesday, June 8th for details and confirmed reservation.
Click here to make an appointment and learn more about Engel & Völkers.
In-Person Events
Outdoor Yoga Jam: DJ Yoga With Asana Soul Practice
Wednesday, June 2nd | 6:30PM-7:30PM | Every Wednesday through June 30th
Get your flow on with Asana Soul. It occurs every Wednesday from 6:30PM-7:30PM. This event is free to attend. The location is 210 Hudson Street, Jersey City. Learn more here.
Free Yoga Tai Chi Classes
Thursday, June 3rd + Monday, June 7th | 10AM | Every Thursday + Monday
Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi Classes will be held at 10AM every Monday and every Thursday during the summer for free in Mill Creek Point Park in Secaucus. Bring a mat or towel. Sign up here.
The HDSID Summer/Autumn Farmers’ Market
Thursday, June 3rd + Monday, June 7th | 4:00PM-8:00PM | Now-Monday, December 20th | Every Thursday + Monday
The HDSID Summer/Autumn Farmers’ Market will be at the Grove PATH Plaza every Monday and Thursday through December 20th from 4:00PM-8:00PM. With Covid precautions in place, and hand sanitizing stations set up throughout the plaza, customers have the opportunity to safely shop at a variety of local vendors including Stony Hill Farms, Hoboken Farms, Cake Jars, JC Fish Stand, Vesco Foods + many more. Not to mention, customers also have the opportunity to preorder and pick up from select vendors. Learn more here.
Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps’ 50th Service Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, June 3rd | 5:30PM-7PM
Community members are invited to the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps’ 50th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, June 3rd at 5:30PM.
Take Back the Summer! Community Lifestyle’s Annual Dinner + Fundraiser
Thursday, June 3rd | 6:00PM-9:00PM
Join Community Lifestyle‘s Executive Director and Board for a dinner to raise money to pay for a free summer camp for children in need in Hoboken. Even if you can’t attend, any amount that you might be able to donate to help to send a kid to camp will be very gratefully received. Sign up here.
Summer Paint Nights Presented by DT234 Gallery
Thursday, June 3rd | 6:00PM-8:00PM
Enjoy a fun painting session with DT234 Gallery & Art Studio as they guide you step by step in the creation of your masterpiece. All materials provided for each class. Tickets are $25. Sign up here.
Union City Latin Night Concert Featuring Mirtha Rico
Thursday, June 3rd | 7:00PM
Head over to War Memorial Plaza on Thursday, June 3rd for a free Latin Night concert featuring West New York singer, Mirtha Rico. Learn more here.
Trivia Thursdays at House of ‘Que
Thursday, June 3rd | 7:00PM-9:30PM
Head over to House of ‘Que for Trivia Thursdays where you can win prizes, gift cards, and more. Learn more here.
HDSID’s Artist + Maker Market
Friday, June 4th, Saturday, June 5th + Wednesday, June 9th | Every Friday + Wednesday from 3PM-9PM + Saturday, 12PM-6PM | Now-September
HDSID’s Artist + Maker Market (Grove Street PATH Plaza, Jersey City) is open-air bazaar featuring locally crafted fine art and hand-crafted goods from small businesses while connecting artists and artisans with the Jersey City and Metro NYC community. Learn more here.
Country Night at House of ‘Que
Friday, June 4th | 5PM-10PM
Head over to House of ‘Que for Country Night on Fridays, music by DJ Big Country. Learn more here.
Light Up the Loop! Night Ride
Friday, June 4th | 8PM
Cyclists in Jersey City and New York City will come together for a ride that will light up the night. The “Light Up The Loop!” bike ride is set for June 4th at 8PM. NY Waterway ferries will carry riders across the Hudson as they explore waterfront bike paths on both sides of the river during a safe, family friendly bike ride. Light of the Loop! is an annual tradition hosted by NY Waterway, Bike JC, Hudson County, VisitNJ, and The Hudson Loop. The ride is two hours in total. Learn more here.
Smorgasburg Food Festival
Saturday, June 5th | 11AM-6PM | Every Saturday
Smorgasburg brings its incredible foodie expertise to 195 Hudson Street in Jersey City. All COVID-19 protocols will be enforced in order to launch a safe program for the community. Free to attend. Guests may be required to pre-register to attend. Learn more here.
Hoboken PRIDE Flag Raising
Saturday, June 5th | 12:30PM
In celebration of World Pride Month, Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla invites Hoboken residents to join in the raising of the Pride Flag above Hoboken City Hall on Saturday, June 5th at 12:30 pm. The City will also repaint four crosswalks with Pride colors at Newark Street and Washington Street, with volunteers welcome to participate.
Domino Charity Tournament at 902 Brewing to Support Cerebal Palsy
Saturday, June 5th | 1PM-7PM
Head to 902 Brewing Co. for a domino tournament to raise funds for Cerebal Palsy. Learn more here.
Run Into Summer 5K to Benefit Hoboken Catholic Academy
Now-Saturday, June 5th | 2PM + 3PM
Join the Run into Summer 5k live and in-person on June 5th for the Hoboken Catholic Academy’s 11th Annual 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kids’ Run. Sign up here.
No Dogs Left Behind’s Yappy Hour at The Ale House
Now-Saturday, June 5th | 3PM
No Dogs Left Behind is partnering up with The Ale House in Hoboken to bring you Yappy Hour. A donation of $5 will get you access to the drink specials the bar will have and you will get a wristband. Learn more here.
First Annual Jersey City Mural Festival
Saturday, June 5th + Sunday, June 6th
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 will take place across Jersey City this June. The event aims to celebrate the vibrant public art, foster community, and benefit local small businesses affected by the pandemic. The weekend-long Jersey City Mural Festival kicks off the summer from June 5-6. The first annual festival will feature new works by more than 50 artists and will be anchored with a new large-scale mural by celebrated artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya. Learn more here.
Weekend Jazz at The Cottage
Saturday, June 5th + Sunday, June 6th | 2:30PM-6PM | Every Weekend
Head over to The Cottage for live jazz every Saturday + Sunday. The Cottage is located at 136 Monticello Avenue in Jersey City. Learn more here.
Love for India Charity Yoga + Meditation Event
Saturday, June 5th | 7PM
Urban Souls is teaming up with the Love for India campaign in a compassionate effort to raise funds for India’s dire COVID-19 crisis on Saturday, June 5th at 7PM at Pier A for a wonderful night of Yoga + Meditation led by Tam Terry, Radha Devi Om, Allie Vespa and Kylie Curtin in a round-robin format, with wine and treats to follow. If you can’t make the event please donate if you feel drawn to support this cause. Learn more here.
Dueling Pianos at House of ‘Que
Saturday, June 5th | 8PM | Every Saturday
Head over to House of ‘Que for their Dueling Pianos event, every Saturday. Learn more here.
Riverview Farmers Market
Sunday, June 6th | 10AM-2PM | Every Sunday
The Riverview Farmers Market has fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, and more every Sunday 10AM-2PM. Learn more here.
Food Truck Saturday: Angry Archie’s Food Truck at Liberty Science Center
Sunday, June 6th | 11:30AM
Head over to Liberty Science Center for some delicious grub from Angry Archie’s food truck. See the schedule + menu here.
Dance + Drum Classes with Segunda Quimbamba
Now-Sunday, June 6th | 2PM + 3PM
Join Segunda Quimbamba for in person or virtual drum + dance classes on Sundays. Segunda Quimbamba is a Jersey City-based percussion and dance ensemble that performs authentic Bomba and Plena, the drum music of Puerto Rico. Sign up here.
Mayweather vs Paul Match at House of Que
Sunday, June 6th | 9PM
Stop by House of Que on Sunday at 9M to watch the Mayweather vs Paul fight. For table reservations email [email protected]. Learn more here.
Hoboken Historical Museum’s Portraits of Essential Workers – Hoboken Hospital 2020 Exhibit
Now-Sunday, June 13th
Stop by the Hoboken Historical Museum’s upper gallery to view Essential Workers 2020, a portrait series to raise awareness about the efforts of essential workers in Hoboken by portrait photographer Gary Spector. Learn more here.
FaceTime Exhibit by Barbara Shelly Presented by Main Street Pops
Now-Wednesday, June 30th
Stop by Pilsener Haus & Biergarten for a new exhibit. This timely exhibit reflects current events through people in the performing arts and politics. A passion for the arts, admiration for today’s leaders, compassion for humanity, and hope for change emerge in each piece. Learn more here.
Flora + Fauna Exhibition Featuring Jersey City Art Teachers
Now-June 2021
SILVERMAN and The Majestic Theatre Condominium Association Present: Flora + Fauna featuring Jersey City Art Teachers. The artwork can be viewed in the lobby of The Majestic Theatre Condominium located at 222 Montgomery Street in Jersey City. Learn more here.
Implied Scale Community Celebration Hosted by Mana Contemporary
On view now-Wednesday, July 28th | 11AM-5PM
Join Mana Contemporary for a day of socially distanced public programs. Experience the newly opened exhibition, Implied Scale: Confronting the Enormity of Climate Change, and participate in engaging activities to expand your connection to art, climate change, and the environment. RSVP here.
Swimming in Jersey City
Ongoing
Do some laps at Pershing Field’s Aquatic Center in Jersey City. Learn more here.
Virtual Events
New Mental Health Groups Provided by Center for Specialized Psychology
Ongoing
The Center for Specialized Psychology will be running the following groups starting in May both virtually and in person: New Mom’s Process Group, Children of Divorced/Separated Parents, Teen Girls Self-esteem, Parents of Children that are Gender Non-conforming or Transgender, and Exploring My Substance Use (virtual only). Learn more here.
HER Drive Hudson County Hosted by Students In Action
Ongoing
Students In Action, a student-run mutual aid group based in Hudson County, is hosting a menstrual and hygiene product drive in order to help distribute donations to the Hudson County community in an effort to battle period poverty. They are collecting products for ALL menstruating people. All donations will go towards care packages for members of the community. Learn more here.
Hoboken Historical Museum’s Hoboken Talks Features Bob Drasheff
Thursday, June 3rd | 7PM-8PM | Every Thursday
The Hoboken Historical Museum has launched a new live-streamed program called Hoboken Talks. The weekly-on-Thursdays talks will be streamed live on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter and will feature numerous different guests from all walks of life including realtors, volunteers, photographers, writers, editors, and more. This week features Bob Drasheff, whose public service to the City of Hoboken spanned 25 years in multiple key roles under five separate administrations. Register here.
Can’t Cancel Pride Event Hosted by Hudson Pride Center
Friday, June 4th | 9PM
This virtual benefit will raise support and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community with special guests and performances. Learn more here.
Open Call for Artists: Creativity Corner Hosted By The Hoboken Public Library
Ongoing | 2PM-3PM
Showcase your artwork, poetry, and designs on The Hoboken Public Library’s social media pages. Learn more here.
“The Playbill Gallery (A Love Story)” – A New Podcast Play by Mile Square Theatre
Mile Square Theatre premieres their first podcast play, written and performed by MST playwright-in-residence, Joseph Gallo. Tickets are free. Reserve tickets here.
Kid-Friendly Events
Play! Hoboken Chess Kids’ Program
Thursday, June 3rd | 4PM-6PM | Every Monday, Wednesday + Thursday
Play Hoboken is offering a children’s chess program. The first session is free. Parents can sign up their kids on the website. Sign up here.
Kids Art Classes at the Hoboken Historical Museum
Thursday, June 3rd, Friday, June 4th + Tuesday, June 8th | 11AM-2PM
Kids are welcome to enjoy some painting at the museum. Supplies will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be accompanied by adults. Masks are required. Learn more here.
Liberty Science Center’s Junior Days
Thursday, June 3rd + Friday, June 4th
LSC’s Junior Days celebrates kids six and under every Thursday and Friday. Masks are required. Learn more here.
Mozart For Munchkins
Thursday, June 5th | 10:00AM
Kick off the weekend with a concert for the little ones. The concert includes a meet and greet with performers, plus goodie bags and fun for kids. Free to attend. Sign up here.
View our Montclair Girl Events Guide for the Weekend
— and for more events in Essex County, click here.
Greater NJ/NY Events
The Farmers’ Market at Hudson Yards
Thursday, June 3rd | 10AM-6PM | Thursdays + Tuesdays | Now-September 30th
Stop by the Hudson Yards’ Farmers’ Market every Tuesday + Thursday from 10AM to 6PM on the Public Square + Gardens (rain location: The Shops, Level 1 by Mercado Little Spain escalator) to shop local purveyors, foragers, producers, fisherman, and farmers serving up the crisp fruits and tasty veggies. Learn more here.
Good Bottle Refill Shop’s Zero Waste + Wellness Event
Friday, June 4th | 3PM-6PM
Head over to Good Bottle Refill Shop in Montlcair for a fun-filled day featuring Heather Thomson from Real Housewives of New York. Learn more here.
Annual GreekFest To-Go
Friday, June 4th + Saturday, June 5th | 4PM-9PM + 11AM-9PM
If you’re looking for some good homemade Greek food, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield is hosting their Annual GreekFest but it’s to go. Get some delicious take out on June 4th from 4PM-9PM and June 5th from 11AM – 9PM. Some of their specialties like Pasticcio, Souvlaki, Gyros and desserts like Baklava and Galatopuriko will be available to order on-line at https://www.njgreekfest.com/. Learn more here.
Dog Days of Summer Exhibit & Music on Main
Starting Friday, June 4th | 5PM-9PM | Every Friday
Dog Days of Summer kicks off June 4th, with a leash cutting in front of the Dog Days of Summer mural located at Church and Main Street at 5:30PM. The opening coincides with Boonton Main Street’s First Friday event Music on Main. Take in an amazing night of art, music, shopping at unique independent shops, and eclectic dining. Learn more here.
Music with Michaela: Outdoor Music Class for Little Ones
Saturday, June 5th | 11:15PM- 12PM | Every Saturday
Little ones will learn seasonal songs, play instruments, move their bodies + have fun with Michaela! The event will take place on the grassy area on the corner of Essex Street + Chestnut Street in Montclair. If there is a need for a rain date, you will be given a 3 hours notice prior to the start of class. Register here.
Family Roller Skating at Branch Brook Park
Saturday, June 5th | Multiple Times Available | Every Saturday
Head over to Branch Brook Park for some family roller skating every week. It’s open to all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sign up here.
Transcend: TGNCNB Youth Workshop
Now-Tuesday, June 15th | 4PM-5PM
This is a safe space to learn, grow, explore and have fun together with other young people (ages 13-24) who identify as transgender, gender-nonconforming or non-binary. Tickets are free. Sign up here.
Upcoming Weekday Events
Hoboken Historical Museum’s Let’s Play Together Kids’ Program
Monday, June 7th | 3PM-4PM | Every Monday
Artist Issa Sow will lead “Let’s Play Together,” a weekly creativity workshop for kids ages 3-11. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Held outside in the walkway by the Museum entrance, the program is designed to be inclusive of children around the entire neurodiversity spectrum, so they can learn to create art, music, and dance movement together. The program is open to all, with a suggested $5 donation. Learn more here.
Weekly Summer Series Hosted by JC Families
Monday, June 7th | 5PM-6:30PM | Every Monday
Stop by every Monday evening for a rotating series of family-friendly events that will include magic shows, puppet shows, music, and more. Events are free to attend. Learn more here.
Play! Hoboken Chess Kids’ Program
Monday, June 7th, Wednesday, June 9th + Thursday, June 10th | 4PM-6PM | Every Monday, Wednesday + Thursday
Play Hoboken is offering a children’s chess program on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The first session is free. Sign up here.
JC Local Market
Tuesday, June 8th | 3PM-7PM | Every Tuesday
Stop by this new, weekly market at Harborside – perfect for grabbing fresh produce on the way home from work. Expect a delicious variety of artisanal items, plus jewelry and more. Learn more here.
Saku Sushi-Making Class
Tuesday, June 8th | 6PM-7:30PM | Every Tuesday
Take a sushi-making class at Saku in Hoboken. In this hour and a half class, you will learn how to make 3 types of rolls and how to make the rice vinegar for your sushi rice. Saku is located at 936 Park Avenue in Hoboken. Learn more here.
The Wolf and the Woodsman Virtual Book Launch
Tuesday, June 8th | 8PM
Join Little City Books for a virtual debut book launch featuring local author, Ava Reid. Ava, who grew up in Hoboken, will be joined by beloved and bestselling fantasy authors Alix Harrow and RF Kuang to explore the question of nationalism in fantasy fiction. Learn more here.
Learn How to Play Chess at Play Hoboken
Wednesday, June 9th | 6PM | Every Wednesday
Learn how to play chess every Wednesday at Play Hoboken! The adult social chess night from 6-10PM is for all levels and basic instruction is available from 6PM-7PM. Food and beverages are available for purchase and it is a BYOB facility if anyone wishes to bring beer or wine. Learn more here.
Outdoor Yoga Jam: DJ Yoga With Asana Soul Practice
Wednesday, June 9th | 6:30PM-7:30PM | Every Wednesday through June 30th
Get your flow on with Asana Soul. It occurs every Wednesday from 6:30PM-7:30PM. The event is free to attend. The location is 210 Hudson Street, Jersey City. Learn more here.
Free Community Knitting Virtual Class
Wednesday, June 9th | 7PM-PM | Every Wednesday
Join a free community knitting virtual class every Wednesday. All fiber crafts are welcome. Register here.
Union City Latin Night Concert Featuring Mirtha Rico
Thursday, June 10th | 7PM
Head over to Jose Marti Steam Academy on Thursday, June 10th for a free Latin Night concert featuring West New York singer, Mirtha Rico. Learn more here.
Ways to Give Back Locally
Community Lifestyle
Community Lifestyle understands the importance of getting children and teens involved in after-school and weekend activities to provide opportunities to socialize, learn and grow in a positive environment. The organization’s values of stability, empathy, diversity, and connectedness can be seen through the programming provided throughout the year. Currently, the organization has opportunities for volunteers to get involved in numerous capacities. Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis for programs like T.A.L.E which provides teens with an insight into the business world as well as for the new Flag Football Program. Learn more here.
Hoboken Food Pantry
The Hoboken Food Pantry is always accepting individual donations including through their Wish List. Contactless donations can be made through The Food Pantry’s Amazon Wish List. Items ordered on The Wish List will be sent directly to The Food Pantry. More than 1,200 households are supported by the Hoboken Food Pantry, which is part of the Hoboken Community Center. Its pantry is only stocked and distributed through the support of the community. Learn more here.
Hoboken Family Alliance
One of the oldest non-profits in Hoboken, the Hoboken Family Alliance is a resource for children and families in the Mile Square. HFA typically puts on various events and provides opportunities for children to learn and play in a safe environment while providing families with various needs necessary resources. HFA has several opportunities for volunteering through its committees and sub-committees such as marketing, special needs, fundraising, and more. Learn more here.
The Hoboken Shelter
The Hoboken Shelter hosts 50 guests nightly and serves more than 1,000 meals throughout the week. As a full-service community partner, the Hoboken Shelter is a necessary resource within the neighborhood. The Shelter is always in need of donations and support to help keep its doors open and welcoming to its guests. To support, take a look at the list of 19 ways to support The Shelter during COVID-19 here.Learn more here.
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, a member of Feeding America®, is the leading anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization in the state. What started as a modest enterprise in the back of our founder Kathleen DiChiara’s station wagon in downtown Newark in 1975, became an incorporated non-profit in 1982 and has grown to two warehouse facilities in Hillside and Egg Harbor Township, the combined size of five football fields. Learn more here.
Partner Happenings
Hand + Stone Massage + Facial Spa in Hoboken: A Calm Oasis
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, located at 1400 Hudson Street, offer massages and facials at in Hoboken that are customized to meet the needs of the client, offering the best and most personalized spa experience. The team at Hand + Stone Spa aims to help you feel comfortable so you can relax the stress of life away.
Exclusive Offer: Mention Hoboken Girl when you book an appointment to receive 15% OFF all services until June 30th.
HDSID JC Fridays Return June 4th Alongside Groove on Grove
HDSID’s JC Fridays + Groove on Grove officially returns on June 4th. For the kickoff, there will be several performances by local musicians to watch. JC Fridays is a quarterly, city-wide arts festival presented by Art House Productions, a non-profit that has been in Jersey City since September 2001, with a goal to bring the community together through art after 9/11. JC Fridays began in the summer of 2006 and is a seasonal arts festival in Jersey City that curates art events that take place in restaurants, galleries, stores, and event spaces in almost every neighborhood of the city. All events are free and open to the public.
Articles to Help You Plan Your Weekend
A Guide to Hoboken Bars with Theme Nights, Games+ More
BYOB Candle Making Experience Comes to Jersey City
PRIDE Month Events in Hudson County + Beyond in 2021
Bistro La Source: French Cuisine in Jersey City
Remember to tag us on Instagram in your adventures @thehobokengirl or #HobokenGirl for a potential repost. xo
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Jersey City’s 30th Annual MLK Oratory Contest Happening on 2/3
While Martin Luther King Jr. Day has officially passed, honoring his work and legacy is a year-round commitment. Jersey City's Office of Cultural Affairs is putting that philosophy into practice with the return of the Annual Martin Luther King Oratory Contest, which takes place from February 3rd through February 5th, 2025. To celebrate Black History Month, over 100 elementary and middle school students throughout the City will perform a memorized oration of Dr. King's writings and speeches in front of a panel of judges. This event will occur at the City Hall Council Chambers in Jersey City, located on the 2nd floor at 280 Grove Street. Read on for what we know about the 30th Annual MLK Oratory Competition happening this February in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The Details
The annual Martin Luther King Oratory Contest, hosted by Jersey City's Office of Cultural Affairs, is returning for its 30th year this February. In this contest — which begins on February 3rd and ends on February 5th — over 100 students from grades three to eight will compete for the best-memorized oration of one of Dr. King's writings or speeches.
Photo Credit: Office of Cultural Affairs
Grades three to five will perform on February 3rd from 3:30PM to 7:30PM. Grades six to eight will perform on February 4th from 3:30PM to 7:30PM. The final competition featuring finalists from both groups will take place on February 5th from 3:30PM to 6PM, where Senator Angela McNight and Council President Joyce Watterman will present the awards. Trophies and checks for $500, $250, and $100 will be granted to the first, second, and third-place winners.
Read More: Hoboken’s 2025 Spring Arts + Music Festival Happening on 5/18
The students of McNair Academic High School will emcee this year's competition. In addition, attendees can look forward to welcoming remarks from Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop on the first day of the event. The participating judges include the JCPD Community Liaisons, the JC Poet Laureate, the Department of Recreation + the Deputy City Clerk, and Jersey City Council Members Richard Boggiano and Yousef J. Saleh.
This contest will be held at Jersey City's City Hall Council Chambers, at 280 Grove Street on the 2nd floor.
About the 30th Annual MLK Oratory Competition
Photo Credit: Office of Cultural Affairs
The Annual MLK Oratory Competition has stood as a celebration of Black History Month and a tribute to Dr. King's Legacy for the past 30 years. The longevity of this contest "speaks volumes about Jersey City’s dedication to [the] community," Migdalia Pagan Milano, Assistant Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, said in a press release.
Migdalia also shared with The Hoboken Girl that this contest, which provides a space for young people to share their voices, encourages community engagement and youth empowerment, as it "[allows] students from various grades to express their thoughts and ideas on social justice and community improvement."
See More: The Space in Montclair to Host a Celebration of Contemporary African Artists on 2/1
Jersey City locals are invited to celebrate this cherished tradition. A celebratory cake will also be available to all of those who attend.
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