HACKENSACK'S ILLUMINATION 250 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Join us for the Illumination 250 Celebration on October 3rd, when downtown Hackensack transforms into a vibrant hub of cultural expression. Experience live performances, interactive art installations, and community-driven activities that highlight the diverse stories of Hackensack residents.
Ways to Get Involved
Aug 14, 2026, 2:00 PM – Aug 19, 2026, 8:00 PMBergen Makerspace, 284 Hackensack Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USAHelp build giant puppets that will march down Main Street as part of Illumination 250. These free, hands-on workshops are led by Processional Arts, internationally acclaimed artists who specialize in large-scale community puppet builds. No experience needed!
Oct 03, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PMAnderson Street Park, 47 Anderson St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USAJoin the Giant Puppet Parade on October 3 and celebrate Hackensack’s 250th anniversary by marching alongside giant puppets, musicians, artists, and your neighbors. Sign up to march in the parade or become a Puppet Master and help bring one of the spectacular giant puppets to life!
Oct 03, 2026, 7:50 PM – 9:00 PMAtlantic Street Park, 102 State St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USADive into a wild sound adventure with the Hackensack MP3 Experiment lighting up your senses like never before. Put on your headphones and show up. That's all you need to know.
Oct 03, 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMAtlantic Street Park, 102 State St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USAJoin us for the Illumination 250 Celebration on October 3rd, when downtown Hackensack transforms into a vibrant hub of cultural expression. Experience live performances, interactive art installations, and community-driven activities that highlight the diverse stories of Hackensack residents.
THE STORY OF ILLUMINATION 250
Illumination 250 is a collaborative celebration of America's 250th Anniversary, designed to honor the cultural diversity of Hackensack. Developed by local organizations, this event encourages community involvement through storytelling, art-making workshops, and performances that reflect the rich heritage of our city.
Join us to create, connect, and celebrate!
OUR PARTNERS
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.
Together, we are dedicated to fostering community spirit through the arts.
