Summer in Northern New Jersey is when these communities really come alive. The waterfront parks fill up, the farmers markets overflow with fresh produce, and street festivals turn ordinary blocks into celebrations. And this summer, we had a once-in-a-generation addition to the calendar: the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium with eight matches, including the championship final on July 19 — which capped a historic month for Northern NJ. Norway's stunning 2-1 upset of Brazil in the Round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice, was the highlight of MetLife's knockout stage, and the Championship Final brought the tournament to a dramatic close.
Whether you just moved here or you've lived in Bergen County your whole life, there's always something new to discover. Here's a curated rundown of the events worth putting on your calendar this season.
Happening This Week — August 7 through August 13, 2026
- The R&B Tour with Usher and Chris Brown — MetLife Stadium — Friday, August 7 at 8 p.m. A massive concert event drawing tens of thousands to East Rutherford. One of the biggest shows of the summer at the stadium.
- Summer Sounds at the Commons — Fort Lee — Friday, August 7, 6–8:30 p.m. Free outdoor concert at Fort Lee Commons Park. A beloved community tradition for live music on summer evenings.
- La Festa Italiana — Jersey City — Through Sunday August 9 at Holy Rosary Church, 344 6th Street, Historic Downtown Jersey City. The 124th annual edition of this beloved Italian street festival with live entertainment, authentic Italian foods, and community celebration. This weekend is your last chance!
- Saint Rocco's Feast — Fort Lee — Through Sunday August 9 (97th annual). Italian food, music, games, and fireworks on Main Street. Final weekend!
- Saint Rocco's Feast — Glen Rock — Through Tuesday August 11. A long-running community tradition in the heart of Glen Rock. Runs through Tuesday.
- Fort Lee Artisan Night Market — Saturday, August 8, 4–9 p.m. at Fort Lee Commons with local artisans, handcrafted goods, food vendors, and live entertainment. One of the highlights of Fort Lee's summer calendar.
- New Jersey Wine Festival at Demarest Farms — Saturday–Sunday, August 8–9 in Hillsdale. Wine tasting, food, and entertainment for ages 21+. One of Bergen County's premier wine events.
- Free Outdoor Movie: Van Saun County Park — Friday, August 7 at 8:30 p.m. Screening of 'The SpongeBob Movie: Search for the SquarePants' in Paramus. Free family entertainment.
- Hoboken Sinatra Sing-Off — Thursday, August 13 at Sinatra Park. A celebration of Hoboken's most famous son, with amateur vocalists competing in an open-air singing contest along the waterfront.
- Jersey City Puerto Rican Parade & Festival — Saturday-Sunday, August 15-16. The 66th annual celebration featuring a parade, food, live music, and cultural programming.
- Farmers markets — Englewood (Fridays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.), Hoboken (Saturdays & Thursdays), Teaneck (Thursdays, 1–7 p.m.), Fort Lee (Sundays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.), Cliffside Park (Sundays), Ridgewood (Sundays), and Jersey City (Mondays & Thursdays) are all in full swing with peak-season produce.
- Florida Amendment 3 Hearing — Concluded July 29 before Judge Angela Dempsey. Both sides asked the judge to decide the case without a trial. No ruling yet. If the measure passes, the homestead exemption could expand to $250,000, the most significant financial incentive on the table for NJ homeowners considering a Florida move.