Summer Blockfest

Summer Blockfest was founded in 2023 by Victor M. Lopez Jr., creator of What Hoboken Sounds Like, to address a clear gap in Hoboken’s cultural landscape. Despite the city’s proximity to major music markets, there was no dedicated platform centered on hip hop where local artists could perform, connect, and be supported within their own community.

Inspired by the community-first model of J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival, Lopez—alongside his dedicated team of creatives, organizers, and community partners—built Summer Blockfest to remove barriers and create real opportunity. From the beginning, the festival has rejected pay-to-play models, focusing instead on providing access and visibility for artists from Hoboken, and as of 2025, expanding to include artists from Jersey City along with guest performers from beyond the region.

Since its founding, Summer Blockfest has grown into Hoboken’s first hip-hop-focused festival and an annual celebration of music, art, and community. The festival has been officially recognized by the City of Hoboken, which issued a proclamation honoring both the event and Lopez’s leadership in empowering artists and uplifting underserved communities through music, storytelling, and service.

Now entering its fourth year, Summer Blockfest reflects the collective effort behind it—uniting the city through culture, creative expression, and shared purpose while strengthening Hudson County’s presence within the regional hip hop landscape.