Tag Archives: Festival

Garden State Living, Scene & Heard

36th Annual Quick Chek Festival of Ballooning

Hip New Jersey attended the 36th Annual Quick Chek Festival of Ballooning that took place at Solberg Airport in Readington, N.J. from July 27-29. This festival featured a wide variety of vendors, food/drink options, attractions, live performances and of course, the balloon launches.

The event included various sponsors such as PNC Bank, Progressive, Lenovo and Playstation among others. Furthermore, many sponsors offered a wide variety of food and drink options throughout the event such as Pepsi, Snapple, Bimbo, Fairlife, Red Bull, Perdue and many more. There were also a wide variety of arts & crafts, non-profits and other vendors present as well.

In addition, the event offered a wide variety of amusement rides such as a ferris wheel, carousel and slides to name a few. Also, throughout the weekend human cannonballs joined the fun as well as a juggler and magician. The festival had live performances each day such as Chuck Schubert, Oasis as well as karaoke for guests.

The balloons started to launch at 6:30p.m. each day as well as at 6:30a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Throughout the course of the next hour, around 100 balloons ascended and filled the sky. Some of these balloons included: Wonder, RE/MAX, Garden Spot Village, PNC Bank, Captain America and Elvis. When the majority of the balloons had launched, they made for a very photogenic, nice backdrop against the summer skies.

Following the balloon launch, there was a concert and fireworks two of the three days. The big name artists included Andy Grammer, Lifehouse and Credence Clearwater Revisited and played for around an hour. Finally, the spectacular fireworks ended off the nights with around a half hour long firework display.

For more information on this year’s balloon festival, click here!

OZY FEST
Across the River

Ozy Fest 2018

OZY FEST

This July, Ozy fest 2018 is coming to Central Park in NYC!  Ozy Fest features today’s hottest music, laugh out loud comedy, global business leaders, best selling authors, cultural influencers, and award winning chefs who are ahead of their time and worthy of yours.

The New York Times describes it as “part music festival, part TED talk, part food fair,” and CNBC as “New York’s answer to SXSW.” Furthermore, Townsquare says, “Join the conversation. Hear from leading politicians, best-selling authors and outspoken activists as they debate some of the most profound challenges of our time, and predict where the world is headed.”

On Saturday, July 21st, doors open at 11a.m. and the show runs until 10p.m. The lineup includes: Young the Giant, Common, Hillary Clinton, Laurene Powell Jobs, Hasan Minhaj, Martha Stewart, Marcus Samuelsson, Salman Rushdie, Alex Rodriguez, Tony Gonzalez, Roxane Gay, Tim Brown, Tom Perez, Steven Pinker, Rep. Mark Sanford, Rose McGowan, Isaac Mizrahi, Christian Siriano, Grover Norquist, Ruth Zukerman, Robert Herjavec.

On Sunday, July 22nd, doors also open at 11a.m. The show runs until 6p.m. The lineup includes: Passion Pit, Grouplove, Chelsea Handler, Michelle Wolf, Malcolm Gladwell, Laverne Cox, Jemele Hill. In addition, Roy Choi, Sanaa Lathan, Tom Steyer, Scott Rogowsky, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will be in attendance.

“OZY FEST is something you experience — not something you just attend,” the Ozy Fest organizer says. “Experience show stopping performances from your favorite musicians and comedians. Taste global cuisines curated by celebrity chefs.”

The event takes place on July 21 and July 22. Doors open at 11 a.m. on both days, and consist of back to back entertainment.

Click here to get your tickets and secure your spot!

Garden State Living

July 4th 2018 Recap – Hip New Jersey

Another July 4th has come and gone!  Here is a list of some  unique Independence Day events around the state in #HipNJ! 

50 Star Fire Show Experience, Jersey City

Snoop Dogg was the headline performer for the Fifth Annual Jersey City 4th of July Experience. In addition, the festivity had a carnival, continuous entertainment, beer gardens, and food trucks. The show ended with the world-renowned fireworks company Grucci launching fireworks from multiple barges on the Hudson River.

Pier 13 Freestyle on the Hudson, Hoboken

Pier 13 Hoboken hosted the First Annual Freestyle on the Hudson. This event featured live Performances by TKA and George Lamond along with Musical Guests Anthony D, Anthony Pags and Anthony Dilauri.

Montclair 68th Annual July 4th Parade, Montclair

This year Montclair hosted its 68th annual July 4th parade with exciting performances and live entertainment. There was a parade followed by a Family Picnic in Edgemont Park and a fireworks display in the evening at Yogi Berra Stadium on the campus of Montclair State University.

Oceanfest, Long Branch

It is known as the biggest seasonal event on the Jersey Shore and regarded by some as the biggest in the entire state. Now on its 28th year, Oceanfest celebrated Independence Day with a wide variety of live performances, strolling entertainment and also magic shows. They ended off the night with another fireworks show that they claim is the best in all the Jersey Shore!

Morven Museum & Garden July 4th Jubilee, Princeton

In honor of Independence Day, Morven hosts an event to celebrate our American heritage. This year, the event included a meet and greet with George Washington and Annis Boudinot Stockton as well as demonstrations of early American domestic acts. In addition, people had a chance to create parade flags and pinwheels, listen to live bluegrass music and enjoy a variety of food trucks! 

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular – State Fair Meadowlands, East Rutherford

The State Fair Meadowlands had their Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at Met Life Stadium. They had a fireworks show visible from anywhere on the State Fair Midway. Live performances included The Steve Bayner Hypnotist show and the Extreme Illusions & Escapes. They also had pig racing, sea lions, a cycle circus, petting zoo and a variety of magic shows.

Summit’s 71st Annual Fourth of July Celebration, Summit

Summit’s Fourth of July celebrated 70 years with traditions including the Children’s Decorated Bicycle Parade and the Grand Fireworks Display. With the coming of another year, the Food Truck Festival was expanded and welcomed a variety of new vendors. Entertainment featured The Infernos on the main stage. Carnival rides and children’s entertainment also occurred into the night along with the opportunity to bounce all night long!

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, Wildwood

Wildwood had their annual Fireworks Spectacular yesterday on the Pine Avenue beach. Visible from almost anywhere on the Wildwoods Boardwalk, it was a great time to enjoy the rides, games and stores along the boardwalk in between the special fireworks display!

Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Morristown

Morristown had their annual reading of the Declaration of Independence on the historic Morristown Green. There was also a sing-a-long with Gordon Thomas Ward, a musket salute and guided tours of a Colonial-era graveyard. 

Livingston’s 82nd Annual July 4th Celebration, Livingston

Finally, Livingston’s Celebration took place around Memorial Oval on Robert Harp Drive in Livingston, NJ. It included an Auto Show, Swim Karnival, Pony Rides and CBS-FM Music & Prizes. In addition, there was Pickleball, Cricket Game & Exhibition and KidZone Rides. They also offered family food and live bands in their Beer & Wine Café. They ended the night with their fireworks display.