The community gathers for a parade on the Highline in New York City. Photo Credit: Processional Arts
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) has received a $500,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's (NJEDA) A.R.T. Phase II program to launch Illumination 250, a regional celebration of America's Semiquincentennial on October 3, 2026. Building around the Main Street Business Alliance's popular HACKENSACKtoberfest, the initiative will introduce a series of new arts, cultural, and community events across downtown Hackensack, creating a full-day regional festival experience.
HACPAC was one of 39 organizations awarded funding from the NJEDA's $15 million investment supporting arts and cultural programming throughout New Jersey.
The NJEDA A.R.T. Phase II grants will support the local economy of municipalities in New Jersey by funding arts and cultural organizations that boost foot traffic, promote small business growth, and enhance community revitalization efforts. This investment strengthens the economic resiliency of local municipalities, particularly those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, by leveraging the arts as a catalyst for change.
"This $500,000 grant enables us to present a regional celebration, Illumination 250, and bring people together through the arts. Illumination 250 is by the people and for the people—a chance to celebrate our community's diversity, break down barriers, and drive real economic growth on Main Street and beyond. We expect October 3 to significantly increase foot traffic, showcase our historic district, and demonstrate the transformative power of arts-led revitalization," said Lynne Algrant, president of HACPAC.
Illumination 250 is a collaborative celebration developed by Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC), Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF), Main Street Business Alliance (MSBA), Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA), and the City of Hackensack. The celebration will expand beyond the annual HACKENSACKtoberfest from Atlantic Street Park to multiple downtown locations—Anderson Street Park, Banta Place, Demarest Place, and the Courthouse Green—featuring live performances, cultural programming, and interactive art installations to celebrate the City of Hackensack's diverse communities and drive foot traffic to local businesses.
This year, a variety of activities will take place for the public to get involved with, co-create, and contribute to the celebration. A Community Info Gathering Session at Bergen Makerspace will allow the public to share their "American" and "Hackensack" stories, which the artists will use to inform their artworks. Hands-on community puppet-making workshops led by Processional Arts Workshop will happen at the Bergen Makerspace in August 2026. Opportunities will also be available for local artists to contribute their talent to the planned arts experiences.
Illumination 250 Highlights
The celebration will feature a diverse array of cultural performances, interactive experiences, and community-driven programming throughout downtown Hackensack, including:
* Giant Community Puppet Procession with Processional Arts and Local Artists. The internationally renowned Processional Arts Workshop (PAW) will lead community puppet-building workshops, culminating in a Revolution 250-themed parade, with local artists mentored by PAW professionals.
* Large-scale Projection and Immersive Light Installation. Leni Schwendinger Light Projects will create a large-scale digital projection on the historic Green, as the festival's finale.
* MP3 Experiment: Audio Flash-Mob. Improv Everywhere, a comedic group founded by theater director and comedian Carlie Todd, will stage a participatory flash-mob celebrating Hackensack's history.
* World Forum: Cultural Folk Artist Performances at Local Businesses. Folk artists will showcase their talents at the festival's "World Forum", with each collaborating with a local business owner who shares their cultural heritage to co-develop their performance or exhibition.
* Family Fun Day. Anderson Street Park will host live music, local cuisine, and family-friendly activities celebrating neighborhood diversity.
* Samples and Sips: Main Street Culinary Celebration. Participating restaurants, cafés, and quick serve eateries along Main Street will offer complimentary samples of their signature dishes and non-alcoholic beverages to drive foot traffic and showcase Hackensack's vibrant dining scene.
* American River Reflection. This site-specific performance in the puppet procession and at Demarest Place combines original music, singing, movement, and installation art to create an immersive experience connecting residents to the historical, cultural and environmental importance of the Hackensack River.
* Public art installation in Anderson Street Park celebrating the history of Anderson Street Historic District
* HACPAC Art Gallery Illumination 250 Exhibition.
Illumination 250 is a project of the Hackensack Performing Arts Center, in partnership with the Northern NJ Community Foundation's ArtsBergen, Hackensack Main Street Business Alliance, Greater Bergen Community Action, and the City of Hackensack, supported by funding through the NJEDA's A.R.T. – Phase II Grant Program.
Hackensack Performing Arts Center stands as Hackensack's cultural centerpiece, nurturing artists across disciplines. Its Performing Arts Center provides a platform for emerging and established talents, from Broadway stars to Grammy-winning musicians, and local talent. The organization celebrates creativity and offers a home for the next generation of performers.
Main Street Business Alliance is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit public/private partnership between the business community on Main Street and the City of Hackensack. The MSBA's mission is to improve the local economy and overall business climate.
Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, founded in 1998, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Hackensack that works with local governments, school districts, businesses, nonprofits, and citizen groups to improve community life through collaborative partnerships. The Foundation's ArtsBergen initiative advances creative placemaking and is the largest producer of community-relevant public art in Bergen County.
Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit Community Action Agency headquartered in Hackensack, New Jersey. Established in 1967, GBCA is Bergen County's federally designated anti-poverty agency serving Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. Its mission is to reduce poverty by addressing the causes and conditions of persistent economic instability through comprehensive, community-based programs.
City of Hackensack serves as the historic county seat of Bergen County, offering a unique blend of urban energy and suburban charm just seven miles west of Upper Manhattan. This diverse city of approximately 47,000 residents is currently undergoing a vibrant downtown revitalization.
