The 4th Annual Summer Blockfest took over 770 Jackson Street on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 12 to 7 PM. It drew the biggest vendor and attendee turnout in the festival's history. More than 70 vendors filled the block, including food trucks, streetwear, art, beauty, wellness, community organizations and local entrepreneurs.
Watch the recap
"This one means more to me than I can put into words," founder Victor Lopez Jr. said in the recap. "I live right here in Hoboken, just five blocks away. This is my community. These are my neighbors, my people, and the same streets I call home."
He also said there were moments behind the scenes when he wasn't sure the festival would happen. "Standing on that stage, looking out at that tremendous crowd, and seeing our community come together reminded me: nothing is impossible."
Started in prayer, ended in triumph
Like every year, Summer Blockfest opened in prayer. This year Victor dedicated it to his brother Carmelo. When Victor stepped back from the mic, Councilman Michael Russo, Councilman Ruben Ramos, host Ganja Killz and Justice Laquan Bates took the stage and kept the energy going.
Video by @always_loyal_.
Honoring legends and giving back
- Pamela Bates Foundation Awards: Justice Laquan Bates honored Hoboken legends through the 2nd annual Pamela Bates Foundation award segment.
- Book bags for local kids: The Hoboken Public School District and Superintendent Christine Johnson donated more than 75 book bags, and every one went to a local child.
The performers
Hosted by Ganja Killz, the Year 4 lineup featured Automatic Mula, Big Dart, @bribreesh_, Chaseland, Dope Boi Drew, Ezzo Da Don, Frank Knizza, Gunner Montana, H100 Da Holdin Crew (@cancundaheartofhoboken and @daicecreamman201), Ill Padill, ImKazual, King LVT, @mar.k8l, Mega Modd, Mobanga, MP14, Mr. Deranged, Peteyxkraze, Pootie, Ray Pearson, Rose Image, Ruga, RvySpitta, School of Rock Hoboken, Shadee Bugatti, The Original Concept and Young Taz.
DJs: DJ Takefive and DJ Shuffle, Mister Angel, Macho Time Cutz and WHSL's DJ BriPee, plus a live beat set from N3rdy McFly.
The vendors
Food and drink: Chicken and Waffles On Wheels, Magic Mike's Smoked Meats, Desi Me Rollin, Coco Bred, Kona Ice of Paramus, The Lomo Truck, La Braza, NellyCakess Bakery, Bros Kitchen, Lola's Lemonade, Chillmatic, Going Bananas, Superb Nosh, The Union Sourdough Co., Cozy Tea Loft and Jersey Pickles.
Jewelry and accessories: Ari & Co., K Jewelry, Bonded By Brazen Beauties, Eka Design, Royale Taji Accessories, Everloop Permanent Jewelry, Alini Jewelry and Sparkling Aura 3D.
Apparel and streetwear: Street Friends, 4L Brand, Chaseland Clothing, Vail Stones, Z's Hat Haus, Bintage NJ, Vintage Classics Apparel and Apiphany's Crocs.
Art: Addsumcolor, Sergei Beliakov, Brown Sugar Studio, Herb Weedhed, Tito Jay Draws and Abstractions by Aston.
Beauty, wellness and self-care: Signature Scents by Hand, EGAHSI, Chlorophyll & Chill, SW Essentials, AMAZ'D Body Butter, mason's jar., The Beard Dad, Nia Stylist Artist, Ivory Chic Cosmetics and Simply Henna.
Experiences and community: Forever Lasting Moments, The Amazing Truth Society, ABA Centers of New Jersey, Walk A Mile N Our Shoes and AT&T.
The Hoboken Girl stopped by as things kicked off and called it "such a great neighborhood event."
Thank you
Thank you to every attendee, vendor, artist, sponsor, volunteer and supporter; host Ganja Killz; the audio team at Two Floors Productions; and Tato With The Camera for documenting the day. Read more about the sponsors who made it possible.
Hip hop is very much alive in Hoboken. Until the next one, we keep pushing.
Follow @summerblockfest and @whathobokensoundslike on Instagram for more.