Hot days and cool nights…
The Return of New York
New York City is back. After the U.S. Open ended the summer season, the VMAs, the Met Gala and Broadway’s opening night were Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, respectively, of the first week of Fall. Followed by Fashion week, the opening night of the ballet, the opening night of the Opera and the New York Film Festival. Well, well, well if you had to attend four events in a row of any of these overlapping, overjoyous, over (just feels that way) crowded events this week, I feel your pain. But it is grand, isn’t it? The city decided to vomit up the rainbows of glitter it’s been supressing for the last year and a half — in a few days’ time. Negative 120 to 500. Jersey City has been the escape borough of freedom (named Chilltown long before the pandemic) since March 2020. We were not prepared to reverse back so quickly to living most of our lives in NYC and being back in NJ mainly to sleep. But we will get up to speed of a hybrid life after that jolt.
Jersey City Jazz Festival
The Jersey City Jazz Festival returns in 2021 on Saturday, September 25th. Enjoy eight live bands from 2pm to 9pm in downtown Jersey City at 107 Morgan St. (entrance is at Warren between Morgan and Steuban). There will also be food trucks, drinks, a VIP experience option and more. Presented by Exchange Place Alliance and produced by Riverview Jazz.
All About Downtown Street Fair
The Annual All About Downtown Street Fair is back this year (after our lost pandemic year) on Saturday, September 18th from 12-8pm. What began in 2011 featuring over a hundred vendors selling all sorts of products ranging from handmade jewelry to one of a kind artwork, 10+ of the top Food Trucks in the tri-state area, and all sorts of fun for the family – has had years that witnessed 30,000 people in our downtown area. Newark Avenue between Grove Street and Coles Street.
Trying New Indoor Activities
I decided to try something new this fall for exercise: Lioness Aerial & Pole Dancing Classes. I went to the Union City location, close to my JC apt., but they also have a studio in Neptune. This beautifully-lit, top-floor warehouse space is warm and welcoming from its ambiance to the instructors to the friendly people who attend class. A really lovely way to unwind from the work day.
Jersey City Artists Studio Tour
The annual JCAST takes place the weekend of September 30th this year. The 3-day event features work from over 500 artists in 73 locations throughout Jersey City. Guided walking tours and bike tours are available, as well as free transportation between neighborhoods. Check out their website for more details.
Fo
otball
Football has made a full return. Best places to watch football in Jersey City? Depends on your vibe, because “Make it yours.” Here are some starting suggestions: Hudson Hall, White Star, New Park Tavern, Lucky 7’s, Lo-Fi, Zeppelin Hall, O’Hara’s… this town is many more square miles than you think it is. Please add to the list in the comments section.
Halloween Happenings
Have you seen our stoops this year? I love how residents are more into decorating their homes (over a month early, too) now that we’re home more. Even though we are technically home less with more freedom and flexibility. Halloween will be a little more exciting now that we can somewhat safely gather in groups. Trick or treating is back! And why not check out your neighborhood houses’ decorations? It’s a good motivator to get out for an evening walk.
Giving Back
Fall is a season of giving, with opportunities abound—back-to-school supplies, Thanksgiving food banks, coat drives, toy drives…there is a general feeling of extra-special consideration for others during this time of year. Of course, in our wired (wireless?) world, there are more opportunities than ever to give back at any time of year, no matter where you live or what you have to give. Here are some local places you can donate your time, money and extra items: New Jersey Cares, Students in Action Hudson County, House of Hope & House of Faith, Salt NJ. Please share your favorite local causes in the comments section.