The 13th Annual OLG FunFest and NiteFest

Summer will officially arrive in Hoboken the weekend of June 2nd when the 13th Annual OLG FunFest kicks off the season in Hoboken’s Church Square Park and the surrounding area with fun for all ages.

"OLG's Funfest is one of Hoboken's best summer events — with activities for the whole family,” said Chris Gizzo, Funfest chair. "Every year, over 100 parishioners look forward to organizing the event and bringing the community together."

SPEND A “MAGICAL” EVENING UNDER THE STARS

The OLG NiteFest begins the excitement on Saturday, June 2, from 6 to 10 p.m.

What better way to spend a summer evening, than under the stars at The Thirsty Monk? The parking lot next to Our Lady of Grace Church, located at 400 Willow Ave., will be transformed into an outdoor biergarten, where visitors will enjoy craft beers, sangria, music by DJ Tim Nelson, a variety of food, a tricky-tray featuring Mets tickets, the used book sale with interesting finds and games of chance for the adults -- plus activities for the kids.

This year’s NiteFest special guest is “Magic by Vincent.” Magician Vincent Gigante will mesmerize all with his sleight of hand as he travels from table to table between 7 to 8:30 p.m.

To cap off the fun, the OLG Cornhole Tournament returns for a second year. Sponsored by popular Hoboken hotspot Willie McBride’s, the tournament begins at 6 p.m. Teams can register in advance by sending an email to olgcornhole@gmail.com. There is a $20 entry fee per team -- and participants must be 21 years old. The winner will receive the Willie’s Cup and a free happy hour at Willie McBride’s. Please check the website at http://www.olgfunfest.com/ for more details.

THE FUN CONTINUES INTO THE DAYTIME FESTIVAL

The OLG FunFest will continue Sunday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Church Square Park, between Fourth and Fifth streets on Willow Avenue.

Children will enjoy pony rides, face-painting, bouncy houses and an inflatable slide. Adults will want to check out the festival’s various vendors (selling art, jewelry and more), the Tricky Tray, used book sale and a 50/50 raffle.

The FunFest welcomes Caricaturist James Monaghan, who will give a different perspective on a personal portrait. Monaghan will be available from noon to 2 p.m.

Of course, refreshments, games of chance and music by DJ Nelson will keep going in The Thirsty Monk biergarten next to the church.

A CHANCE TO SEE INSIDE ONE OF HOBOKEN’S HISTORICAL TREASURES

Proceeds from the NiteFest and FunFest will go toward the restoration of Our Lady of Grace Church. Listed on the U.S. and N.J. Register of Historic Places, the church features paintings and vessels gifted by European royalty.

Tours at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. will give visitors a chance to experience the history and treasures of this restored spectacular 1876 German Gothic Cathedral-style church. The tours are not to be missed, as the church’s history involves not only the story of the structure itself, but also a bit about Hoboken in the mid-19th century.

Following each tour, a concert will be presented by Our Lady of Grace Music Director Kathleen McNally, who will be playing on the historic and majestic custom-built 1909 Wirsching Grand Organ.

The Funfest is held rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, the bouncy houses, face-painting and children’s activities will be held in Our Lady of Grace School, located next to the church.

Admission to both the NiteFest and FunFest is free. For more information, see the Our Lady of Grace FunFest website at: http://www.olgfunfest.com