City of Hoboken revives River City Fair

The City of Hoboken today announced it will revive the River City Fair this fall, bringing back one of the city's original waterfront festivals while continuing a tradition of celebrating music, arts, culture, and community.

The free, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26, along Sinatra Drive from First Street to Fifth Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., transforming Hoboken's waterfront into a destination for live entertainment, local artists and makers, local food vendors, community organizations from Hoboken and Hudson County, and activities for residents and visitors of all ages

The festival will feature two stages, one at Sinatra Park and one at Pier A. Pier A will provide much-needed space for attendees following the success of the Observer Highway stage during the Spring Arts & Music Festival, which drew over 3,000 concertgoers.

Headlining the River City Fair's main stage on Pier A will be Cherokee Social, the Colorado-based indie pop duo known for its energetic live performances and genre-blending sound that incorporates elements of indie rock, soul, and Indigenous musical influences. Cherokee Social will be preceded by a showcase of local bands.

Sinatra Park will be a dedicated kid's zone with youth bands performing an area for young vendors, bounce houses, and Dinosaurs Arise.

"The River City Fair was always about bringing people together to celebrate our waterfront, our arts community, our local businesses, and the people who make Hoboken so unique," said Mayor Emily B. Jabbour. "By bringing back the River City Fair, we're honoring an important part of Hoboken's history, including the community that worked to create a publicly accessible waterfront, while continuing to create opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy live music, discover local talent, and connect with one another."

The River City Fair was first established on Hoboken's waterfront during the 1970s, as the city and local advocates were transforming its shoreline and working waterfront into a destination for public recreation, cultural programming, and community events. Organized with support from the Hoboken Environment Committee, the festival brought residents and visitors to the waterfront for a combination of live entertainment, arts programming, environmental activities, local vendors, and family-friendly attractions.

During the 1970s and 1980s, visitors were invited to board vessels docked along the pier, including the historic Hudson River sloop Clearwater, while enjoying a crafts fair, flea market, food stands, and a fireworks display over the Hudson River. Entertainment included rock bands, jazz ensembles, old-time string bands, steel-drum calypso groups, and other performers representing a range of musical styles as well as dance performances.

As Hoboken's waterfront and public event programming evolved, the River City Fair transitioned into the Fall Arts & Music Festival in the mid-1990s. While the name and location changed, the event continued its mission of showcasing artists, musicians, businesses, and bringing neighbors together.

The return of the River City Fair will continue the tradition of using music, arts, and community programming to bring residents and visitors together while highlighting the city's waterfront, the Hudson River Estuary and ecology, as well as local businesses and cultural organizations.

Vendor applications for the River City Fair will launch in August. Additional details, including the full entertainment schedule, will be announced by the City in the coming weeks.

The River City Fair is organized by the Division of Cultural Affairs and sponsored by the Hoboken Business Alliance.