RECAP: Loew's Jersey Theatre Holds Ribbon Cutting Ahead of Grand Re-Opening

Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 11/10/2026

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Loew's Jersey Theatre celebrated its next chapter on November 9, 2026 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and press conference, bringing civic leaders, community members, and the partners behind its restoration together inside the historic Journal Square landmark. Featuring special performances by the St. Peter's Prep Boys Choir, Winard Harper & Jeli Posse, and Conservatory of Fine Arts, the event set the stage for the Grand Re-Opening.

Trey Anastasio Band will kick off the Re-Opening on Friday, November 13, followed by The War On Drugs on Saturday, November 14. Together, both acts will mark the start of a new era of live entertainment in Journal Square nearly a century after the theatre welcomed its first audiences in 1929. One of the five original "Wonder Theatres," Loew's Jersey pairs the opulent detail of its movie-palace origins with modern production capabilities and room for approximately 2,600 seated guests or 4,000 standing, making it Jersey City's largest entertainment venue.

Mayor James Solomon opened the day with his remarks, celebrating the milestone re-opening of "The People's Palace" and the partnership between the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), the State of New Jersey/NJEDA and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) behind the historic revitalization. He also recognized the Friends of Loew's for their decades of preservation work.

Mayor James Solomon at the podium

The program continued with remarks from Jersey City Council President and JCRA Chairwoman Denise Ridley; Ward C Councilman Thomas Zuppa Jr.; Hudson County Executive Craig Guy; NJEDA Chief Tax Credit & Incentives Officer Paul Ceppi; Jersey City HEDC Director Annisia Cialone; and Hudson County Building Trade President Pat Kelleher. Performances by the St. Peter's Prep Boys Choir, Winard Harper & Jeli Posse, and Conservatory of Fine Arts brought music to the historic halls ahead of its first full concerts this weekend.

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Loew's Jersey Theatre General Manager and New Jersey native Bruce Wheeler reflected on the theatre's enduring place in the state's cultural life and the experience awaiting audiences.

"This theatre is part of the fabric of our state, and getting to help shape its next chapter has meant a lot to me personally," said Wheeler. "Walking into this room, you get a taste of the glamour audiences experienced when it opened in 1929. I can't wait for our guests to see it for themselves."

St. Peter’s Prep Boys Choir

He also previewed some of the theatre's favorite elements to return in 2027, including the front lobby chandelier, organ, and movie screens.

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy said in his remarks: "For nearly two decades, Hudson County has committed to bringing the historic Loew's Theatre back to life, investing $1.78 million through our Open Space Trust Fund to support critical safety improvements, historic preservation, and the restoration of its iconic facade." He continued "Today, we are seeing the results of those investments and years of collaboration as this landmark once again becomes a vibrant part of Journal Square. I am proud of the County's role in preserving this piece of our history for generations to come, and I look forward to attending future events and welcoming artists, performers, and audiences from across Hudson County and New Jersey to this iconic cultural destination."

Upcoming programming highlights include Jodeci on November 18, Derek Hough's Dance For The Holidays on December 8, Chelsea Handler's The High and Mighty Tour on December 12, and Nimbus Dance in Jersey Nutcracker on December 19.

Located directly across from the Journal Square PATH station, Loew's Jersey Theatre offers convenient access from New York City and throughout New Jersey. Tickets and the full schedule are available at LoewsJersey.com and Ticketmaster.com.

Originally opened in 1929 as one of five famed "Wonder Theatres," Loew's Jersey Theatre is a landmark live entertainment venue in Jersey City's Journal Square, celebrated for its grand scale, opulent detail and immersive experiences. After more than 40 years of limited use, the theatre has undergone a restoration to preserve its original character while transforming it into a versatile 21st-century venue. The historic revitalization is a collaboration between the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), the State of New Jersey/NJEDA and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE).