PRESS RELEASE: Atlantic City Arts Foundation's 48 Blocks Festival Returns ‘Right on Time’ September 19; Artists and Vendors Invited to Apply
PRESS RELEASE: Atlantic City Arts Foundation's 48 Blocks Festival Returns ‘Right on Time’ September 19; Artists and Vendors Invited to Apply
Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The Atlantic City Arts Foundation (ACAF) will host the second annual 48 Blocks Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 12–8 pm, at Uptown and Fisherman's Parks in the Atlantic City Inlet. Free and family-friendly, 48 Blocks Festival enriches the community with art, culture, and a place to connect artists to city residents and visitors. For long-time city residents and visitors alike, the 48 Blocks Festival is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the arts locally and see a different side of the city. Applications are now open for artists, vendors, community partners, and volunteers.
"48 Blocks Festival brings us all together to experience a shared reality that is vibrant, tactile, and real," said Tina Notaro, Program Manager, Atlantic City Arts Foundation. "That type of experience is exactly what people are searching for at the moment, and that is why we've chosen 'Right on Time' as this year's theme, as reassurance that everything leads us to where we have to be exactly when we need to be there. Turns out that’s September 19 in the Atlantic City Inlet!”
New for 2026, the festival expands its Melrose Avenue market to include more food vendors alongside local art and craft merchants. The update builds on the festival's 2025 debut, which drew 800 attendees and featured over 80 artists and performers. Arts Foundation has already received robust interest from performing and visual artists who look to return or join this year's festival to contribute to the grand display of Atlantic City's creativity. The 2026 festival will feature Jitney mural tour routes updated to include artworks being added to the city's public arts catalogue this summer. Throughout the festival, over a dozen performances are expected ranging from dance and live bands, to solo artists and DJ sets. Artist and vendor applications are open through July 5, 2026.
Atlantic City-area nonprofits and community organizations can register for free tabling space through July 15, 2026. Volunteer registration is open through September 9, 2026. Sponsorship opportunities are available; contact Michael Atkins at michael@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org to learn more.
48 Blocks Festival: Right on Time!
Saturday, September 19 (Rain Date: Sunday, September 20)
12–8 pm
Uptown & Fisherman’s Parks
420 Melrose Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
About the Atlantic City Arts Foundation
The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs and partnerships activate community pride and civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC and ARTeriors. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Learn more at www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/.
Media Contact
Michael Atkins
michael@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org
(609) 217-5569