Category Archives: Local Happenings

Small news items about things going on in Hudson County

Local Happenings

A Friend Remembers His Lifelong Friends on Memorial Day, May 25th, 2026

Joe Calamito

Pavers at Vietnam Veterans tribute in Pershing Field Jersey City

On Memorial Day, May 25th, 2026, as a Vietnam Era Veteran, I was proud to attend the 2026 Memorial Day event at Pershing Field in Jersey City, invited by a friend of 50 years, Thomas Murphy, the event , honored Vietnam Veterans who died in action and Veteran casualties who lost their lives from service -related illnesses after returning home from Vietnam.

This event was special to me because childhood friends of Murphy, were also my High school friends. Murphy worked diligently, to have their names added to the pavers.

Our friends being honored that day, John Whalen, Robert Postel, and Patrick Downes.

Their names were placed into the Hidden Casualties of War pavers that now reside with the name of Frances Dolan, another friend of ours which Murphy, placed years ago.

All four of their names, Dolan, Whalen, Postel and Downes sit across from The Jersey City Vietnam Veterans Memorial that also lists another of Murphy and my friends, Michael Majeski killed in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive.

The event was moving with Billy Joel’s song “Goodbye Saigon” playing on a loud- speaker, and roses being placed on the memorials by willing participants in attendance. There were speeches by Jersey City Mayor James Solomon , Former Freeholder Anthony Romano of Hoboken and Murphy, who fondly remembered our friends, and himself as the Hamilton Park Boys, Hamilton Park in downtown Jersey City, an area they frequented in their youth .

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee, President John Stanton acted as Master of Ceremonies to the event.

Local Events, Local Happenings

Events for May 22nd-May 24th, 2026 Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne and Secaucus

Local Events Graphic

Friday, May 22, 2026
Civic & Political Events
Memorial Day Flag Raising 2026
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Jersey City City Hall Chambers, 280 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ
Official civic remembrance ceremony and flag raising ahead of the holiday weekend.


Entertainment & Live Music
The Feelies 50th Anniversary Show
Doors usually open at 7:00 PM / Show evening
White Eagle Hall, 337 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ
High-energy alternative rock concert celebrating the legendary band’s 50th anniversary, performing The Good Earth and Crazy Rhythms.

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General, Local Happenings

Events Happening On Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 in Jersey City

Events a day ahead, so you know what you might be doing tomorrow

Jersey City Art exhibitions and studios

Colombo – Glass Paper Cloth: The Italian Educational & Cultural Center, also known as Casa Colombo, will feature its “Glass Paper Cloth” exhibition, open to the public.

“Street Symphony” Sticker Trade Event: Participate in a sticker trade event as part of the “Street Symphony” urban art exhibition.

Address: ART150 Gallery, 157A First Street.

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m..

Wildlife, Spirits, and Art Exhibition: This show features prominent wildlife artists.

Address: Art House Productions, 180 Morgan Street, C-101.

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m..

Atacama Clay Studio : A clay studio that welcomes beginners and advanced potters for an engaging experience.

Address: 273 New York Avenue.

Qua’s Creative Arts Center: A space for creating art and unique events.

Address: 758 Ocean Avenue.

City Swipes Fluid Art Experience Studio: Offers fluid art workshops for creating mixed media artwork.

Address: 78 Erie Street.

Record Riots: A festival for music lovers featuring new and vintage vinyl. The event is scheduled to take place at the Grove Street PATH Plaza. Grove Street PATH Plaza. 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m..IECC / Casa

Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs – Annual Toy Drive: The office will be collecting donations for its 29th Annual Toy Drive.

The Office of Cultural Affairs, 1004 Westside Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.. 

Outside Hudson County East Rutherford

Photos with Santa at American Dream Mall: “Photos with Santa” on Sunday, November 24th, 2025.

Bayonne News, Local Happenings

Grandmaster Austin Wright Sr. Celebrates 40 Years of Martial Arts Excellence in Hudson County

On September 26, 2025, at the Chandelier Catering Hall in Bayonne, New Jersey, UWA Team Wright hosted a grand banquet honoring Grandmaster Austin Wright for his 40th year of dedication and achievement in the martial arts. The celebration brought together city officials, community leaders, and martial arts practitioners from across Hudson County. Grandmaster Wright received numerous commendations from local organizations, including the Bayonne Branch VFW Post 226, presented by Commander Glenn Flora Sr., Councilman Juan Perez, Loyad Booker, and Waterfront Montessori from Jersey City, represented by Karen Westman. Official proclamations were read by Councilman Perez and Mr. Booker on behalf of Mayor Jimmy Davis, recognizing Grandmaster Wright for his four decades of contributions to the development, discipline, and giving back to the community of youth, teens, and adults. Mayor Davis proclaimed that September 26, 2025, is now to be observed as “Martial Arts Honorees’ Day.” We had the honor of receiving a tournament scholarship from Mr. Robert “Bob” Knapp, who is the director of the Hudson County Welfare Department as well.

During the ceremony, Grandmaster Wright presented honorary black belts to Councilman Juan Perez and Loyad Booker for their 25-plus years of service in law enforcement and public service to Hudson County. Special awards were also given to Head Grandmaster Dennis Wright for his 70 years of worldwide martial arts dedication, as well as to Master Eulices Mateo and Sensei Joseph Bizarrouque for their outstanding achievements and leadership. The evening further highlighted U.S. National Martial Arts Team member champions under the direction of Grandmaster Wright Sr., who serves as the U.S. National and New Jersey State Martial Arts Director.

Administrative Assistant; Benazir Sheikh served as Master of Ceremonies, introducing each distinguished guest and guiding the evening’s program. Councilman Perez and Mr. Booker delivered eloquent remarks praising Grandmaster Austin Wright’s lifelong commitment to excellence and community service. Sensei Priscilla Wright gave a heartfelt introduction for her father under the theme of “Legacy,” reflecting on his spiritual faith, resilience, and his warrior indomitable spirit in building a martial arts institution from the ground up. The event concluded with awards for Team Member Champions, student Rising Stars, and new black belt recipients—an inspiring celebration of honor for a man whose four decades of leadership have shaped generations of martial artists and community members alike.

Local Happenings

QDOBA MEXICAN EATS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING IN SECAUCUS, NJ ON AUGUST 29


Grand Opening to Include Ribbon Cutting with The Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce and Special Guests, and Free QDOBA for a Year for First 100 Guests with Purchase


QDOBA Mexican Eats, the fast-casual restaurant known for its bold flavors and fully customizable menu, is celebrating the grand opening of its newest location in Secaucus, New Jersey. Operated by franchise group TIG Corporation, the new restaurant will offer fan-favorite entrées like burrito bowls, quesadillas, and tacos—with no extra charge for premium toppings like hand-smashed guac and 3-cheese queso.

The festivities will kick off at 10:30 a.m., when the first 100 guests who make a purchase will score FREE QDOBA burritos or bowls every month for a year. Guests are encouraged to line up early to secure their spot.  The celebration will continue throughout the day with a DJ, prizes, games, and giveaways. At 10:15 a.m., the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening with special guests in attendance.


Friday, August 29

  • Festivities Begin: 10:30 a.m.
  • Ribbon Cutting: 10:15 a.m.


QDOBA Mexican Eats
200 Mill Creek Drive
Secaucus, NJ 07094

  • Pranav Desai, Executive, TIG Corporation
  • Representatives from Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce
  • Local officials and community members


This is the first QDOBA location in Secaucus and part of the brand’s continued expansion across the Northeast. The grand opening celebration highlights QDOBA’s dedication to bold flavors, community connection, and giving back.

General, Local Happenings

Hudson County Movies in the Park Last 2 Shows in August for the Season

TOY STORY AUGUST 19TH -MERCER PARK- JERSEY CITY

RAINDATE AUGUST 21ST

RATATOUILE APRIL 21ST COLUMBUS PARK HOBOKEN

RAINDATE AUGUST 28

Hudson County’s Movies in the Park is a highly anticipated annual event that brings the magic of cinema to the great outdoors. Set against the backdrop of the county’s picturesque parks, this unique film series offers residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of movies in a relaxed and family-friendly environment. With its captivating ambiance, community spirit, and diverse film selection, Movies in the Park has become a beloved tradition for cinephiles and families alike.

Movies in the Park is a collaborative effort between Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, the Board of County Commissioners and Hudson County’s Parks Department, and local businesses and organizations. The event aims to bring communities together, foster a sense of belonging, and provide accessible entertainment for all. The organizers carefully curate a selection of films that appeal to a broad audience, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

General, Local Happenings, REAL ESTATE PROFILES

Jersey City Breaks Ground on Historic Redevelopment Project with 80% Affordable and Workforce Housing

Most Affordable Housing of Any Private Mixed-income Community This Size in the Country

Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins state and local officials to officially break ground on the first building in the long-anticipated Bayfront Redevelopment Project on May 14, 2025, marking a historic milestone in Jersey City’s largest mixed-income community initiative to date.


80% of the units will be dedicated to affordable and workforce housing.

With the Fulop Administration’s stringent affordable housing requirements throughout the entire project, Bayfront will provide the most affordable housing of any private mixed-income community of this size in the country.

    10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025

 Bayfront Redevelopment Site

Kellogg Street & Society Hill Dr. N

Jersey City, NJ

 Mayor Steven Fulop, City Council Members, NJ Economic Development Authority, NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Jersey City Redevelopment Agency, Pennrose LLC, PATHS Development LLC, Jersey City Together, Bayfront Avisory Committee, Building Trades

American DreamWorks, General, Local Happenings

Kitty Spash Garden Opens at DreamWorks Water Park East Rutherford NJ

Photo Courtesy of American Dream Mall, East Rutherford, NJ

DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream in East Rutherford now houses the largest Splash Pad in North America when its Kitty Splash Garden opened on May 7th, 2025

Inspired by the hit preschool show, Gabby’s Doll House is designed just for toddlers and young children.

While the children take to the water, adults can enjoy a full menu of cocktails, beer, and frozen drinks. When the children get hungry, kid-friendly spots like Trolls Ice-Sing Cream, Beach Haven, where your family can enjoy a frozen treat, or a pizza.

Kitty Splash Garden is the newest addition to the 8.5-acre indoor water park—the largest in the U.S. DreamWorks Water Park features 40 water slides and 27 attractions, including:

Thrillagascar and Jungle Jammer (the world’s tallest indoor body slides). The colorful play area includes interactive features, character appearances, and many places for kids to splash, explore, and cool off.

Far Far A Bay Wavepool (the world’s largest indoor surfing wave pool)

DreamWorks DreamRunner (the world’s longest indoor hydromagnetic water coaster)

For more information, visit https://www.americandream.com/venue/dreamworks-water-park

Excerpts of this post appeared in the Bayonne Voice

Events, Jersey City News, Local Happenings

Fulop Administration & New Jersey Symphony Announce New Permanent Headquarters & Performance Hall Located in Jersey City for Premier Symphony Orchestra Fulop Administration

New 550+ Seat Venue in Jersey City to Focus on both Live Performances and Continued Inner City Youth Education

Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the New Jersey Symphony announced today the renowned Symphony’s relocation to a new state-of-the-art, 44,000-square-foot theater in Jersey City’s downtown Powerhouse Arts District. 

Today’s announcement marks an important new chapter for the Symphony and Jersey City, offering a dedicated permanent location that will serve the local community and contribute to the Symphony’s ongoing activities across the state.

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