Riverbend District Festival Sat. 9/13/25 Music Crafts Food & Community

Harrison’s Riverbend District is gearing up for one of its most festive community celebrations of the year: the annual Block Party and Artisan Market, happening on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pocket Park, located at 1200 South 5th Street between The Cobalt Lofts apartment building and the Steelworks apartment building. All are welcome to join in a day filled with live music, dancing, food, and shopping.

Live Entertainment to Keep the Party Moving

The stage will come alive with performances that showcase the best of the region’s music scene. Brick City Collective kicks things off at 1 p.m. with a smooth blend of soul and R&B, while the evening heats up at 3:30 p.m. when Grupo K’Ndela brings irresistible salsa rhythms and high-energy beats.

For those ready to step into the spotlight themselves, Salsa Fever On2 will host a free salsa lesson at 3:30 p.m.—a chance for both seasoned dancers and beginners to get moving with the music.

Artisan Market and Local Flavor

As the sounds of music echo through the Riverview District, visitors can stroll through the artisan vendor market, a curated collection of creators offering unique, handcrafted goods. Expect to find art, photography, jewelry, fashion, home décor, beauty products, artisanal foods, and even pet accessories.

Food lovers will enjoy a lineup of food trucks serving diverse cuisines, alongside the debut of Keepers, a brand-new Riverbend District restaurant located on street level in The Wyldes apartment building. Keepers offers a stylish mix of dining, craft cocktails, and local beer selections that perfectly complement the artisan vibe of the day. The bar area itself is well worth a one-block walk down to the intersection of Peter Higgins Blvd. and Riverbend Drive.  It is the perfect spot for the after-party.

A Celebration of Community and Growth

The event is hosted by Advance Realty Investors, the developer behind the Riverbend District, and produced by Main Street Pops, a team known for creating vibrant community experiences. The Pocket Park significantly enhances the Riverbend Community.  Green spaces are important, and it's nice to realize that the principles of Advance Realty Investors have been incorporated into the Riverbend District. The Town of Harrison recently opened the Raymond J. McDonough Park along Cape May Street adjacent to the Riverbend District.  A planned park, community center, and PATH station turnaround and drop-off zone is at risk of not being built on the PSE&G property across from the Riverbend District. You can read more about the latter through this link.

The late Mayor Raymond McDonough and the Council's vision of transforming the southern end of the Town of Harrison into a vibrant residential neighborhood took over 26 years, but has come to fruition. Nestled along the Passaic River and just steps from the Harrison PATH Station, the Riverbend District is proof of how far Harrison has come in fulfilling Mayor McDonough’s vision.

Event Details at a Glance

• What: Riverbend District Block Party & Artisan Market
• When: Saturday, September 13, 2025, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Where: Pocket Park, 1200 South 5th Street, Harrison, NJ 

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