The city of Hoboken has scheduled a host of events this summer for residents and visitors who seek entertainment while wishing to save a buck.
The newest of the events, according to Director of Cultural Affairs Geri Fallo, is the “Sounds of Hoboken,” a free citywide music celebration Sunday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will be held at various locations around the city.
Locations include Guitar Bar, Ds Soul Full Café, Anastasia’s Accessories, Hoboken Hot House, Sinatra, Pier A, Pier C, Church Square Park, and much more.
For more information, call (201) 420-2207 or visit hobokennj.org.
Concerts and shows
The city will hold a variety of free concerts and shows in Sinatra Park, between Fourth and Fifth Streets, June 7, 8, 14, 21; July 12, 19, 26; Aug. 2, 9, 16, and 23. Shows begin at 7 p.m. and include performances by The Karyn Kuhl Band, Guitar Bar Allstars, Swingadelic, The Gordys, and many more. Visit the city website for a full list of performers.
June 14 is the date of the Sinatra Idol contest, an annual series featuring contestants competing in pure Frank Sinatra fashion. It will, of course, be held at Sinatra Park on the waterfront.
“I can’t wait. That’s one of my favorite events,” said Fallo. “That will be a lot of fun.”
Concerts will also be held every Wednesday night beginning June 27 in Church Square Park at Fifth and Park streets.
The city’s free “Movies Under the Stars” program will also continue at Pier A Park at First Street and Sinatra Drive, not far from the train terminal. June and July movies begin at 9 p.m. and August movies begin at 8 p.m. Dates are listed as June 13, 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; Aug. 1, 8, 15, and 22. The movies featured this year, in consecutive order, are: “Moneyball,” “Casablanca,” “Hugo,” “Bridesmaids,” “The Artist,” “The Help,” “The Muppets,” “Toy Story 3”, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” and the “Wizard of Oz.”
The Hoboken Public Library, at 500 Park Ave., will feature a live show and open mic performances every third Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. beginning Saturday, June 16. Signups to perform begin 15 minutes in advance.
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will perform in Pier A Park at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 28.
Fun for the kids
The city also has scheduled many kids’ events. Family fun nights in Shipyard Park, at 13th Street and Constitution Way, will be held the second, third, and fourth Tuesday of the month. Family fun nights will feature various acts, such as “Pre-School of Rock,” “The Fuzzy Lemons,” “Little Club Heads,” and more.
“It’s been going on for many years,” said Fallo, adding that the entertainment is geared toward children 5 and under. “We’ve got some fun bands for little kids.”
Fallo said that the event, which will feature free arts and crafts tables, is sponsored by Applied Housing, who recently funded the stage for the performers.
The Hoboken Public Library will begin their kids’ summer reading program on July 5. Children between first and fifth grade can sign up to read for prizes. Call (201) 420-2348, or attend the information session Thursday, June 21 at 3:15 p.m. within the library for more information.
Recreation events
The city’s recreation department will also hold various events for girls and boys. Online registration will begin for various recreation events. Proof of residency and a $25 fee is required. Visit www.hobokennj.org/register to register.
Ping Pong tables have recently been installed in the Multi-Service Center at 124 Grand St. No registration is required. All ages are welcome to play for free every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. all summer.
A baseball clinic will be held at the little league field at Fifth and Hudson Streets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from July 9 to Aug. 3. Ages 6 to 9 can attend a 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. clinic; ages 10 to 12, a 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. clinic.
A basketball clinic will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the Hoboken High School gym from July 9 to July 27. Ages 8 to 9 can attend a 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. clinic; ages 10 to 12, a 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. clinic.
A soccer clinic for 5 to 8-year-olds will be held at the little league field Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.; ages 9 to 12, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Boys & Girls Club, at 123 Jefferson St., will open a swimming pool for ages 5 to 12 Monday through Saturday from June 25 to Sept. 1.
A basketball league will be held from July to August at the basketball courts for 13 to 15-year-olds at 540 Marshall Drive Mondays and Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The league will also take place for 16 to 19-year-olds at Church Square Park Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Gymnastics will be held at the Multi-Service Center every Tuesday through Friday from July 10 to Aug. 3. Ages 5 to 12 are welcome to attend the four-week class, which is held 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The program is accepting 80 applicants.
Get fit
The city’s “Fitness in the Park” event will take place Mondays at Pier A Park from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. from June to August. Activities include kickboxing, yoga, boxing, dance instruction, aerobic instruction, and more.
Exclusive Yoga sessions will also be held in Pier A Park Tuesday’s from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., June 5, 12, 19, 26; July 10, 17, 24, 31; Aug. 14, 21, 28.
Health and Human Services Director Leo Pellegrini said that the city will participate in its first Olympic Day event, which will include a 5k race, and Olympic-themed games at Pier A Park. The event will commence June 23 and is open to all ages. For more information, email OlympicDay@usoc.org.
Other events
Another summer highlight is the Puerto Rican Flag Raising and Ceremony, which will take place Saturday, June 23 at 11 a.m. in front of City Hall at 94 Washington St.
Every third Sunday until the end of the year, the city will hold a monthly gallery walk from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for art enthusiasts to enjoy the exhibits of local, regional, and international artists. For more info, check the city website.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.