The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) has received a $500,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s A.R.T. Phase II program to launch Illumination 250, a celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial on Oct. 3.
The initiative builds around the Main Street Business Alliance’s HACKENSACKtoberfest and will introduce a series of arts, cultural, and community events across downtown Hackensack. 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 $500,000 grant enables us to present a regional celebration and bring people together through the arts,” said Lynne Algrant, president of HACPAC. “Illumination 250 is a chance to celebrate our community’s diversity, break down barriers, and drive real economic growth on Main Street and beyond. We expect Oct. 3 to significantly increase foot traffic, showcase our historic district, and demonstrate the transformative power of arts-led revitalization.”
Illumination 250 is a collaborative celebration developed by Hackensack Performing Arts Center, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, Main Street Business Alliance, Greater Bergen Community Action 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.
