Since launching in November 2016, the creators of Midnight Market — Perla Nieves and Alysis Vasquez — have brought signature pop-up nighttime marketplaces to Liberty Science Center, the Beacon, Magnolia Landing, and even a one-time event in Brooklyn. Next up for the Jersey City-based events company is the Garden State Public Market (GSPM), coming to Garden State Plaza beginning April 12.
According to a press release, GSPM will be “an experiential dining and shopping experience unlike any other.” Located in the former site of Pirch — a luxury appliance store that closed last fall — GSPM will transform the 20,000 sq. ft. commercial space into a foodie haven, featuring local food and art vendors and community events.
Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from April 12 to June 30, GSPM attendees can expect food from eight different vendors including Kimchi Smoke, Hold My Knots, El Lechon de Negron, and Brownie Bar. Special programming highlights include trivia on Thursdays, free jazz curated by Riverview Jazz, and yoga and brunch on Saturday mornings. Silent parties will be held on select nights (the first is scheduled for April 21), and the Jersey City Arts Council is curating an art gallery.
When Midnight Market founders Perla Nieves and Alysis Vasquez created the events company, they did not anticipate its instant success and are excited to bring a new concept to Garden State Plaza. Nieves and Vasquez say that Garden State Public Market creates a different homier vibe within the mall. “We wanted to bring a more community feel to the mall so that while you’re shopping you can get a quick bite but also enjoy live music,” explains Nieves.
“We really want to create a community space where we’ll have different programming,” adds Vasquez. One such event will be a three-day collaboration with Dumont-based Larkspur Botanicals over Mother’s Day Weekend. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn how to pot succulents and make floral arrangements.
Unlike Midnight Market events, which have been exclusively 21+, Garden State Public Market is open to all though a bar serving happy hour specials will be available. “It’ll be somewhere you can go with your friends and grab a drink after work,” says Vasquez, keeping in line with the company’s goal to create exciting and accessible events that don’t require venturing into Manhattan.
Experience the Garden State Public Market at Westfield Garden State Plaza from April 12 to June 30. More programming and pop-up vendors will be announced. For more information, follow GSPM on Instagram and Facebook.
