Downtown Hackensack is once again turning sidewalks into stages as the Downtown Hackensack Main Street Business Alliance (MSBA) proudly announces the return of its popular Music on Main Busking Series for Summer 2026.
Following a standout inaugural season that filled Main Street with live music, community energy, and spontaneous moments of discovery, the expanded summer program returns beginning in June with live performances every Friday and Saturday throughout the season.
Part of MSBA’s growing Music on Main initiative, the Busking Series transforms Downtown Hackensack into a lively cultural destination where residents, visitors, and local businesses all become part of the experience. From acoustic guitarists and vocalists to jazz musicians and solo instrumentalists, performers will once again bring music directly into the heart of the downtown district.
“Music on Main is about creating moments that make Downtown Hackensack feel alive,” said John T. Peters, Executive Director of the MSBA. “When someone turns a corner and unexpectedly hears live music outside a café or library, it changes the energy of the entire street. The Busking Series helps create connection, supports local musicians, and gives people another reason to enjoy time exploring Main Street.”
Performances will take place at locations throughout Downtown Hackensack, including:
- Iconic Coffee
- Baires Café
- Johnson Public Library
- Colombia Bakery
Busking performances will follow the weekly schedule:
- Fridays: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturdays: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Designed to encourage foot traffic, support small businesses, and activate public gathering spaces, the Music on Main Busking Series has quickly become one of MSBA’s most engaging placemaking initiatives.
Whether visitors are stopping for coffee, dining outdoors, shopping at local businesses, or simply strolling through downtown, live music will once again become part of the everyday Downtown Hackensack experience this summer.
MSBA is currently inviting local musicians and performers to apply for available performance opportunities throughout the season. Amateur and semi-professional performers from Hackensack and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate.
Selected performers will also benefit from promotional support through MSBA’s social media and marketing channels, helping showcase local talent to thousands throughout the region.
“Programs like Music on Main help strengthen Downtown Hackensack not only as a business district, but as a true cultural destination,” said Eric Anderson, Chairman of the MSBA. “Live music creates atmosphere, encourages exploration, supports our restaurants and shops, and brings people together in a meaningful way. We’re excited to continue building on the momentum we saw last summer.”
Musicians interested in participating can apply online at: https://downtownhackensack.org/busking-form/
Performance schedules and additional information will be available at: https://downtownhackensack.org/busking-calendar/
MSBA also hinted that additional live music and entertainment announcements tied to the broader Music on Main initiative will be unveiled later this summer…stay tuned!
For more information, visit DowntownHackensack.org.
About MSBA:
The Main Street Business Alliance (MSBA) is a public/private partnership formed between the business community on Main Street and the city of Hackensack. The MSBA’s mission is to address the issues facing the business community on Main Street, with the goal of improving the local economy and the overall business climate. For more information, visit downtownhackensack.org.
