HoopsFest 2025, Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament, will be held Saturday, July 19, in downtown Altoona. Hosted annually by Joshua House, the event brings together thousands from across the region for a day filled with high-energy basketball, family fun and a message of hope.

This year’s theme, “Forged,” is rooted in Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The message reflects how community, mentorship and shared challenges refine individuals and help build stronger, more unified relationships.

HoopsFest isn’t just about basketball competition — it’s about creating lasting impact. Each year, proceeds from the event support Christian nonprofits and community outreach projects throughout Altoona and Blair County.

HoopsFest Gives Back is a program that rewards school booster clubs for providing volunteers for HoopsFest. It takes a small army of over 200 volunteers to run HoopsFest, which in turn rewards school booster clubs $50 for every volunteer they provide.

There is still time to get involved.

Volunteer spots are open, and team registration remains available through July 16. Participants of all ages are encouraged to register early to secure their place in the tournament.

To register a team or sign up to volunteer, visit www.hoopsfest.net.

The event will kick off this year with the national anthem sung by Ethan Eckenroad, a recent contestant on “The Voice.”

At noon, Jim Kilmartin, founder of HoopsFest and senior pastor at Rock City Church in Baltimore, Md., will speak. A native of Tyrone, he has dedicated his life to youth outreach, local revitalization and spiritual transformation.

His message will focus on the power of being “forged” through life’s challenges and how true growth happens in relationships — with others sharpening and strengthening us along the way.

This year, HoopsFest will hold a slam dunk show.

Dominic Gonzales (known worldwide as @dom.dunks) is a 21-year-old professional dunker from California. At 19, he was the youngest dunker to win a FIBA 3×3 World Tour Dunk Contest (in Edmonton, Canada – 2023). Although only 5’8,” Gonzales uses his 48″ maximum vertical to crush electrifying dunks with both style and fluidity.

Gonzales (featured on ProDunker.com) will deliver a thrilling exhibition that’s sure to energize the crowd.

The Kids Zone will once again offer fun and engaging activities including face painting, hair wrapping, hover ball, inflatable obstacle course, rock wall, euro bungee and bungee run basketball.

A variety of food vendors will line the streets with offerings for every taste. This year’s confirmed food vendors include: Schumann’s Concessions, Simply The Best Kettle Korn, Tropic O Ice, Fred’s Flat Breads, Infused Studios, Come Have a Meltdown, R&A Cafe, Matty’s Subs, Children of the Cob, Red Bird Cafe, Pierogie Guy, MF Soul Food, Ultimate Stromboli, Scoops of Pure Joy, Provi and Parlor Doughnut.