Downtown Hackensack

Downtown Hackensack is the vibrant core of the community, where commerce, culture, and connection unite. This dynamic area is a hub for both new and long-time residents and visitors, offering an array of retail, dining, government services, and inviting public spaces. Whether shopping, conducting business or enjoying a day in the park, Downtown Hackensack provides an inclusive setting that fosters social interaction and community engagement through diverse, well-maintained spaces and event programming.

Anchored by the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC), the downtown area draws visitors from across Bergen County. Signature events such as Hackensacktoberfest, which attracts nearly 5,000 attendees, highlight the area’s commitment to arts and culture with local cuisine, live performances, and more. Atlantic Street Park hosts concerts and exhibitions throughout the week, making Hackensack a popular destination for dining, entertainment, and socializing day and night.

Downtown Hackensack’s accessibility and walkability make it easy to explore on foot. Initiatives from the Main Street Business Alliance, such as the “Buy Local” campaign and storefront improvement programs, encourage economic growth and support the 375 businesses that call this area home. Hackensack’s streetscape program enhances the visitor experience, offering pet-friendly areas, benches, and well-tended greenery along Main Street.

Hackensack’s historic ambiance is preserved through Revolutionary War landmarks like The Green, General Enoch Poor’s statue, and Archibald Campbell’s Tavern, where George Washington once dined. These landmarks draw national visitors interested in America’s roots. Cultural spaces like the Art Gallery at HACPAC, seasonal programs at Atlantic Street Park, and Hackensack’s new “Art Alley” showcase local and nationally recognized artists, ensuring a lively atmosphere year-round.

The Main Street Business Alliance’s community-driven events, from “Dinner Under the Stars” jazz nights to small business meetups, connect locals and support economic development. Downtown Hackensack’s enduring vibrancy, welcoming atmosphere, and cultural depth make it a treasured gathering place, a vital part of the community, and worthy of being designated a “great downtown.”