Wyclef Jean To Headline Free Jersey City 4th of July Festival With Grucci Fireworks

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Grammy Award-winning musician Wyclef Jean will headline a day of music, food, and fireworks in Jersey City on July 4. Fat Joe & Funk Flex will open for him.

Last year's annual Independence Day celebration lacked a major headliner, but this year's celebration will culminate in the Haitian artist's performance at 8 p.m.

Funk Flex will begin DJ'ing at 6 p.m. and Fat Joe will perform at 7.

See the Patch calendar listing here.

Fireworks After Macy's

Grucci Fireworks will begin at 9:25 p.m. over the Hudson River. That's more than an hour after the 8 p.m. starting time for the Macy's fireworks on the other side of the Hudson (see more about that here.)

Other musicians will perform, and people can purchase food and drink at food trucks or nearby restaurants.

See the city's full press release below.

July 4 Celebration

Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins City Council members, the Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Exchange Place Alliance to announce the Fourth of July celebration in Jersey City will feature a free concert headlined by Grammy winner Wyclef Jean at 8 p.m., preceded by a free performance from Fat Joe at 7 p.m. Funk Flex will return to DJ the July 4th event again this year, taking the stage at 6 p.m. The night will conclude with the legendary Fireworks by Grucci set to light up the sky over the Hudson River beginning at 9:25 p.m.

Mayor Fulop has grown Jersey City’s annual event into one of the most anticipated July 4th celebrations in the region. “Fat Joe, Funk Flex, and Wyclef Jean are music legends in their own right, and their performances will further elevate our Fourth of July festivities for an unforgettable day of family fun, music, and community spirit as we celebrate our nation's independence."

The day-long celebration starts at 12 p.m. with food vendors, family activities, and much more hosted by Jersey City Night Market along the Hudson River waterfront.

Local talent from Jersey City will take the concert stage ahead of the main performances to excite the crowds of 100,00 residents and visitors from all over the tri-state area.

Following Wyclef Jean’s headlining performance, Jersey City’s fireworks - conducted by Guinness World Record holder Fireworks by Grucci - will launch from two barges located in the middle of the Hudson River with a large viewing area along the waterfront. Spectators can watch the fireworks show along the Hudson River Walkway, from Grundy Pier to the Colgate Clock.

“We are incredibly proud to promote Jersey City artists who will get the unique chance to share the stage with such renowned musicians,” added Christine Goodman, Director of Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “After a day of good music, family fun, and lots of great food, Wyclef Jean's performance and Grucci fireworks will undoubtedly be the main highlights, offering our community and visitors an unforgettable experience as we come together to celebrate our nation’s independence.”

“The Exchange Place Alliance is proud to help host an event that brings together Jersey City’s diverse community for an unforgettable day of music, patriotism, and spectacular fireworks,” said Elizabeth Cain, Executive Director of the Exchange Place Alliance.

For the fourth consecutive year, Jersey City Night Market will host the dayside vendors lining Montgomery Street, offering a range of family-friendly activities and delicious food options.

Alysis Vasquez is the Owner MMFB Productions and Jersey City Night Market. “The City’s support of small, local businesses is tremendous, and it is an honor to represent our city and its diversity! Guests can expect incredible food ranging from Filipino BBQ to Brick oven Pizza to desserts like handcrafted macarons and chocolate-covered bacon! Local artisans and creators will also be on-site, so be prepared to discover new treasures.”

Fireworks by Grucci is a sixth-generation, family-owned and operated fireworks company with a prominent reputation, having performed at eight U.S. Presidential Inaugurations, Olympic Games, and the World’s Fair. Grucci also earned the Guinness World Record for “largest fireworks display” ever recorded.

Please visit the city’s website at July4thNJ.com for more information on the event, transportation, directions, and what to bring. Anyone attending the event is strongly encouraged to arrive by foot, bike, or public transportation, as parking will be extremely limited. Roads surrounding Montgomery Street along the waterfront will be closed for the duration of the event. Bike JC will also host a free bicycle valet at Exchange Place.