Pitbull set to headline Jersey City’s 6th annual 4th of July Festival, Akon set to return

“Mr. Worldwide” Pitbull is set to headline Jersey City’s 6th annual 4th of July Festival, with fellow rapper Akon, a Jersey City native, set to make his second consecutive appearance.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“We set the bar high last year bringing in Snoop Dogg as our headline performance, and we expect to impress, yet again, with this year’s entertainment lineup,” Mayor Steve Fulop said in a statement.

“The headline performance and fireworks conclude a day of fun for thousands of families and visitors who come from all over the tri-state area. As we show off all that Jersey City has to offer this Independence Day, I am confident this will continue to be one of the best celebrations in the nation.”

Last year, the event drew over 150,000 spectators from throughout the region.

The full day of festivities will take place from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Exchange Place Plaza. The free festival includes live entertainment with featured musicians starting at noon on the main stage leading up to Akon and Pitbull as the main event.

The grand finale will follow with New Jersey’s largest fireworks display launching from barges in the Hudson River with an unparalleled backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.

The daylong festival features designated zones for activities, including a carnival along Hudson Street, the “Love Beer Festival” on Columbus, and the concert stage at Exchange Place. Fun activations and additional food trucks and drinks can also be found along Montgomery Street.

The celebration will close with a grand finale featuring New Jersey’s largest fireworks display.

Grucci, who will operate the fireworks display, is a sixth-generation, family-owned and operated fireworks company that has developed a prominent reputation; having performed at eight U.S. Presidential Inaugurations, Olympic Games, World’s Fairs and earned the Guinness World Record for “largest fireworks display” ever recorded.

The city is encouraging attendees to use public transportation, bike or walk to the event, as street closures will make driving difficult.