Think farmers markets are for early mornings? Think again. Because 4 p.m. is the new 8 a.m. at Jersey City's bustling night market.
Held occasionally on Saturdays during the warmer months, this high-octane event defies traditional notions of the market, including reverse opening hours, international décor and a predominantly under-40 clientele.
And what about the products sold? It's as unconventional as the atmosphere. In the past, customers have been served Korean corn dogs, fried mushroom bao buns, and gourmet babka, to name a few.
For that and nine other events, be sure to join us for our Summer Outdoor Gourmet Event.
“I love the Jersey City Night Market,” said KC Gonzalez, owner of Tenmo Mirror Men. “There's a great energy and atmosphere, and it's a little non-traditional compared to other farmers markets I've been to.”
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Gonzalez is the chef at Nutley, known for its innovative Japanese and Filipino cuisine. He serves his locally acclaimed ramen bowls at several North Jersey food festivals and markets each year.
“I participate in several markets from Union County to here in Jersey City,” he said. “And the night market is definitely one of the best of all night markets, if not the best. The last night market we went to had over 6,000 people and no one We had a great time. All the vendors were great.”
For a truly unique evening, North Jersey residents gather under the lights to enjoy delicious food, craft drinks, and endless photo opportunities. The self-proclaimed “gourmet” is obsessed with the internet's most relevant culinary trends and enjoys the incongruity of buying fresh berries in the dark.
From sundown to sundown, Gonzalez says. “It's like a party all day long.”
10 must-see summer gourmet events
Does partying for hours at a Jersey City night market sound like fun? Or are you hungry for a more unconventional food event (aka an outdoor dining gathering that's not a farmers market)?
you've come to the right place. Because we at northjersey.com are almost a glossary of unique culinary happenings.
From Sussex County to Bargain, here are 10 foodie events you won't want to miss this summer.
Jersey City Night Market (Jersey City)
Join us for an unforgettable outdoor gourmet event featuring Jersey's top food vendors. On various nights throughout the summer (and early fall), Jersey City Night Market brings together chefs, artists, makers, and more for six hours of delicious food, a cool atmosphere, and sunset photos.
Date, time and location: June 1, August 3, and October 5 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at City Hall, 179 Montgomery St., Jersey City. Held on May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, and October 19 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Journal Square, 136 Magnolia Landing, Jersey City. will be done.
For more information, please visit jcnightmarket.com.
Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival.augusta
Rock 'n' roll music and top-notch barbecue are the highlights of this three-day Sussex County food festival. Over the weekend, 11 bands and his five BBQ pitmasters will join forces to provide guests with smoky, saucy meat and a show.
Date/Time/Location: June 28-30 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. 37 Plains Road, Augusta.
For more information, visit rockribsandridges.com.
Dream Food Fest, East Rutherford
Looking for North Jersey's largest food festival? Look no further than Dream Food Fest. The “ultimate gastronomic paradise” will feature more than 120 vendors onsite at American Dream Mall. The event brands itself as globally focused and includes cuisine from around the world, from ramen to cachapa, sandwiched between mochi donuts, tacos, and Filipino fried watermelon. Masu.
Date, time and location: American Dream Mall, Lot 26, 4pm to 10pm (July 12) and noon to 10pm (July 13 to 15). 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford.
For more information, visit dreamfoodfestival.com.
Big Dill Pickle Festival, Philadelphia
Now, we may not technically be in New Jersey, but just a short drive to Philadelphia, pickle lovers can gather to dine and socialize at the nation's largest pickle party. Dubbed Big Dill, this niche festival will include pickle-centric food trucks and vendors, a saltwater chugging challenge, outdoor activities, a mascot, a pickle slave, and more.
(As this is a family-friendly event, there is also a kids zone on the premises.)
Date/Time/Location: June 15 (noon to 7 p.m.), 110 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia.
For more information, visit bigdill.com/pages/philly.
Farm to Table Strawberry Pancake Breakfast, Alstead Farms (Chester)
Strawberries don't get any better than those picked straight from the vine at Alstede Farms. Except for the ones made into fresh pancakes, also from Alstede Farms. This June, the team will create hundreds of decadent, fruit-laden flapjacks to serve to guests (who are brought in on hay) in its rustic harvest hall.
After breakfast, stay for free and enjoy the farm's PYO fruit fields.
Date/Time/Location: June 2nd (8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. start times available) at 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester. Advance tickets are required.
For more information (and to purchase tickets), visit alstedefarms.com/farm-events-calendar.
Gourmet 5K, Woodbury
Would you like to run to get some pizza? How about some barbecue? Or maybe Mr. Softee's soft serve twisty cone? Now's the time to find out, because participants who complete this Woodbury-based Foodie 5K will get all three of these foods for free.
But don't worry if running (or distance) isn't your speed. A one-mile walk or a short kids race are also options.
Date/Time/Location: May 29th (start times: 6:15 a.m. Kids Race, 6:30 a.m. 5K, 6:35 a.m. 1 Mile Walk), Lot 323. 115 South Broad Street, Woodbury.
For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Woodbury/Foodie5K.
New Jersey State Fair, Augusta
State fairs are known for their abundance of outrageous food (especially the fried variety), and the annual New Jersey State Fair is no exception. Held at the spacious Sussex County Fairgrounds, the event features an array of greasy treats, from funnel cake to fried pickles.
So what about non-fried options? You can expect nachos, pierogi, and cannoli ice cream sundaes, to name a few.
Date/Time/Location: August 2-10 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. 37 Plains Road, Augusta.
For more information, visit sussexcountyfairgrounds.org.
Paramus Summer Food Truck Festival, Paramus
With food truck events going for as little as 10 cents in Jersey these days, it's often hard to know which events are worth going to. But with more than 20 trucks (including many favorites like Angry Arches Lobster) and a beer and sangria garden, Just Jersey's Paramus Festival is not to be missed.
Date, time and location: June 9th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Paramus Park Mall. 700 Paramus Park, Paramus.
For more information, visit justjerseyfest.com.
Hoboken Italian Festival (Hoboken)
Gourmet and Italian may rival the most New Jersey event we've ever heard of. So, what do you think, Garden State lovers? Be sure to check out the Hoboken Italian Festival this September. The four-day event features quality European cuisine, live music, and a large Saturday “feast” along the Hudson River.
Date, time and location: September 5-8 at Sinatra Drive in Hoboken (1st to 3rd Avenue blocks along the Hudson River).
For more information, visit hobokenitalianfestival.com.
Jersey Freeze Hot Dog Eating Contest, Freehold
Good news for those with a big appetite! You no longer need to go to Coney Island to participate in Nathan's Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest as Jersey Freeze is hosting its own Frankfurter Contest in its home state. The outdoor event, held in the store's parking lot in advance of the town's annual fireworks display (July 3), allows participants to crush as many hot dogs as possible in 10 minutes. The winner will receive a prize bag.
To participate, DM @jerseyfreeze1952 on Instagram.
When/Where: July 3 at approximately 7:30 p.m., about an hour before Freehold's annual fireworks start, at 120 Manalapan Avenue in Freehold.
For more information, visit instagram.com/jerseyfreeze1952.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her at Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably out running the mountain race courses. Find her on Instagram: @karanicolev and @northjerseyeats and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.