Jersey City Pride Festival 2025
- 23 August 2025
- Jersey City, NJ
The Jersey City lgbtq+Q+ Pride Festival has grown from a small community gathering into one of New Jersey’s largest and most vibrant Pride celebrations. Each August it transforms Newark Avenue and the Grove Street PATH Plaza into a rainbow-hued street party showcasing queer culture, activism and unity. Produced by Gayborhood Jersey City in partnership with the city, the festival recognises Jersey City’s diverse lgbtq+Q+ communities and honours their contributions to civic life. For many locals, Pride in Jersey City is not just a day but an entire month of events that include art exhibits, drag shows, film screenings and flag-raising ceremonies. The festival itself is the jewel of the season, drawing tens of thousands of participants and allies who come to celebrate love and equality.
The 2025 festival marks a historic milestone: it will be the 25th annual Jersey City lgbtq+Q+ Pride Festival, also known as the Silver Jubilee【546791641167308†L68-L74】. To celebrate twenty-five years of Pride, organisers have adopted the theme “Speak Up, Stand Firm, Stay Strong,” a rallying cry inspired by a speech from voting-rights advocate Stacey Abrams at the 2025 United States Association of Pride conference【546791641167308†L68-L84】. The theme underscores the importance of standing up against discrimination and remaining resilient in the face of political challenges. According to the local news site Hoboken Girl, the 2025 festival will take place on **Saturday, August 23rd from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM**【761244910896825†L71-L75】. The event spans Newark Avenue between Grove Street and Jersey Avenue as well as the adjacent Grove Street PATH Plaza【546791641167308†L86-L90】, making it easily accessible via the PATH train from New York City or light rail and bus routes from across New Jersey.
The Silver Jubilee will open with an **Equality March**, giving community members the chance to demonstrate their commitment to continuing the work of past activists【546791641167308†L93-L99】. Once the march ends, festival-goers will find a bustling street fair lined with local vendors, food trucks, community organisations and artisans selling handmade goods. Multiple stages will showcase live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening. Organisers have announced a stellar lineup featuring hip-hop duo **Nor Kin4Life**, singer **Jeff Buitrago**, pop vocalist **Giselle**, high-energy performer **Antonio Amor**, drag artist **Boxa Crayonz**, vocalist **Vanity LaVain**, and singer-composer **Andrew Barret Cox**, among others【761244910896825†L143-L145】. Expect drag queens, dance troupes and cultural performers representing Jersey City’s rich diversity. There will also be family zones with activities for children, making the festival a welcoming space for people of all ages.
Over the past twenty-five years, the Jersey City Pride Festival has helped transform Jersey City into one of the most lgbtq+Q+ friendly municipalities in the United States. The festival’s roots can be traced back to the mid-1990s, when a small group of activists organised a march to protest anti-lgbtq+Q legislation and celebrate newly passed domestic partnership laws. Since then the festival has evolved into a month-long series of events that highlight queer artists, entrepreneurs and nonprofits. The annual celebration has not only boosted local businesses but has also served as a platform for advocacy on issues such as transgender rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, racial justice and voting access. In 2024 the festival drew an estimated 25,000 participants【546791641167308†L73-L75】, and the 2025 Silver Jubilee is expected to attract even more visitors from across the region.
If you are planning to attend, consider arriving early to explore Jersey City’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Start in the **Historic Downtown**, where you can stroll along the Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza lined with cafes and boutiques before heading to the festival grounds. Take time to visit the **Hudson River Waterfront Walkway** for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Nearby attractions like the **Liberty Science Center** and **Liberty State Park** are ideal for families. Jersey City’s dining scene is also worth exploring; the city offers everything from Filipino fare along Newark Avenue to Italian eateries in **Hamilton Park** and Indian restaurants on **Newark Avenue’s Little India**. For nightlife, check out lgbtq+Q+ friendly bars like **Six26**, **Headroom Lounge**, and **The Royal** in neighbouring Hoboken.
Reaching the festival is straightforward. Attendees coming from Manhattan can take the PATH train to **Grove Street Station**; the festival entrance is just steps away. NJ Transit buses and the Hudson–Bergen Light Rail also serve the area. Parking can be limited, so using public transport or ride‑share services is recommended. If you require accessible accommodations, there are several hotels within walking distance, including the **Westin Jersey City Newport**, **Hyatt Regency Jersey City** and **Canopy by Hilton**. These properties provide inclusive service and easy transit connections to both the festival and Manhattan.
Looking ahead, Jersey City Pride organisers plan to continue expanding the festival’s programming in 2026 and beyond. While dates for 2026 have not yet been confirmed, the festival typically takes place on the fourth Saturday of August. Future themes will continue to emphasise community activism and resilience. To stay informed about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and sponsorship options, visit the official Jersey City Pride website and follow @jerseycitypride on social media. By participating or volunteering, you can help ensure that New Jersey’s largest Pride celebration remains a beacon of love and solidarity for decades to come.
Whether you are a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the 2025 Jersey City Pride Festival promises a day of celebration, activism and community connection. Join the Equality March, dance to live performances, support local vendors and speak up for the rights of lgbtq+Q+ people. On August 23rd the streets of Jersey City will pulse with music and solidarity. The Silver Jubilee invites you to stand firm against intolerance, stay strong in your advocacy and celebrate twenty-five years of Pride in one of America’s most diverse and welcoming cities.