The heart of Sea.Here.Now event are the people — a vibrant community of music lovers and artists coming together to celebrate. Photo by Ismael Quintanilla
As the warm summer breeze rolls in, New Jersey comes alive with the sounds of music under the open sky. From legendary venues, such as The Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park to charming small-town concert series like Moorestown’s summer performances, the Garden State offers a diverse lineup of outdoor entertainment. Whether you’re into rock, jazz, country, or classical music, there’s a perfect event for everyone.
This guide highlights the must-see summer concerts and outdoor performances across the state, showcasing iconic venues, free community series, and hidden gems where music lovers can gather, relax, and enjoy live performances under the stars. Get ready to plan your summer nights with unforgettable musical experiences.
Go All Weekend — Or Longer
Prudential North to Shore
Now through June 29, Asbury Park and Newark
Who is this festival for?
Simply put, Prudential North to Shore Festival is for everyone! When Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy came up with the idea for a statewide festival in New Jersey, it was abundantly clear to them that it had to have a talent and programming roster as expansive and diverse as its residents. Since its inaugural year, Prudential North to Shore has offered attendees a depth and breadth of talent unlike any other festival statewide. Whether you enjoy comedy, music, film, theater, art, thought leadership — you name it, we have it.
Come for the …
… exciting new lineup, featuring a strong mix of global headliners and local performers who call New Jersey home, said David Rodriguez, executive vice president and executive producer, NJPAC.
From now through June 29 in Asbury Park and Newark, festival attendees can enjoy performances by Bleachers; George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic; Gregory Porter; Jack’s Manequinn; Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, and Pete Davidson; Josh Johnson; Lawrence; Natalia Lafourcade; Slightly Stoopid; Stone Temple Pilots; Streetlight Manifesto; The String Cheese Incident; Third Eye Blind; Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and many others.
And for the first time, Prudential North to Shore will also feature LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells and HOT 97 Summer Jam, which are sure to bring the energy and impact of hip hop to Newark.
But you’ll remember the …
… significant impact you’ll have made for fellow New Jerseyans. A portion of all ticket sales directly benefit Growing Healthy Pantries, a partnership among several food banks across New Jersey. The group addresses food insecurity statewide and supports 1,000 food pantries across the state’s 21 counties to support New Jersey residents in need.
Pro-tips for having a great time?
In addition to an exciting lineup of performances, be sure to visit the Prudential Rock Lounge now through June 22, right on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, for family fun with games, prizes, and karaoke.
Also, don’t forget to fuel up before or after a show by visiting one or more of the many delicious restaurants and bars in our great host cities.
Keep in touch
Visit northtoshore.com and follow Prudential North to Shore on its social platforms: Instagram (@north2shore), Twitter (@NorthtoShore), TikTok (@north2shore), and Facebook (@North 2 Shore).
From soulful jams to high-energy performances, Beardfest brings an incredible lineup of artists and bands that will keep the music flowing. Photo by Tessa Tabor
Feel the magic at Beardfest, where music lovers, nature enthusiasts, and artists come together for an unforgettable celebration. Photo by Ron Adelberg
Beardfest
June 26 – 30, Hammonton
Headliners: Papadosio, Beardspace, Couch, Zion Marley (grandson of Bob Marley), Tauk, and many more!
Who is this festival for?
Lovers of live music, nature, and art. People who love to express themselves creatively!
Come for the …
Music, art, workshops, beautiful natural environment in the Pinelands Preserve
But you’ll remember the …
… amazing community of people.
Pro-tips for having a great time?
Forget about sitting back and passively observing — you’ll have way more fun the more you get up and join in. Jump right into yoga, collaborative mural-making, and community-run events like disc golf tournaments, late-night comedy shows, dog parades, and Tarot meetups.
Keep in touch
www.beardfest.net/, Facebook (@beardfestmusicfestival) & Instagram (@beardfestnj)
The Rock, Ribs and Ridges Festival is custom-tailored for foodies who crave excellent, world-class barbecue, while listening to legendary bands. Photos, above and below, courtesy of Promo One of NJ Inc.
The Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival is a must for southern and classic rock fans, serving up three epic days of music, mouthwatering barbecue, and nonstop good times.
Rock, Ribs, and Ridges Festival
June 27 – 29, Sussex County Fairgrounds
Who is this festival for?
This festival is custom-tailored for foodies who crave excellent, world-class barbecue, including ribs, pulled pork, chicken and brisket, while listening to legendary bands. It’s also designed for fans of southern and classic rock, including 11 bands over three days. Attendees can camp in RVs or at camping sites for those seeking an immersive weekend with family and friends. The festival is also for bikers who see a perfect destination in scenic Sussex County on a beautiful weekend in June, allowing them to enjoy all of the weekend’s fun activities.
Come for the …
… ribs, classic and Southern rock bands, cold beers and spirits, and camping.
But you’ll remember …
… seeing old friends and making new ones while listening to songs that bring you back to your youth, along with all the great memories that you experienced when you first enjoyed these hits. Get ready for tons of “wait, they did that?!” songs!
Pro-tips for having a great time:
Camp for the weekend in an RV or in a tent and take advantage of the Sussex County Fairgrounds’ excellent onsite amenities (including showers and electricity) as well as late night campers karaoke and complimentary coffee and donuts on Sunday morning.
Change things up this summer from your usual local restaurant options and come Friday night for a great outdoor barbecue dinner from five world-class ribbers, washed down with bespoke cocktails, while enjoying a live concert from Orleans and Atlanta Rhythm Section.
Keep in touch
https://rockribsandridges.com, Facebook & Instagram (@RockRibsandRidges)
Maplewoodstock welcomes neighbors near and far to enjoy amazing music, local artisans, incredible eats and much more.
Photos courtesy of Maplewoodstock
Maplewoodstock Music & Art Festival
July 12-13, Maplewood
Chairperson Susan Rogers said, “We are happy to continue to offer a terrific show of music along with local food and artisans. And, we’ll be offering a few new things to specifically celebrate our 20th festival that has become a summer Maplewood tradition.”
Who is this festival for?
This music and art festival has long been “OF and FOR” the community of Maplewood and South Orange — and they welcome other attendees from surrounding communities. It is a truly volunteer effort to present this festival.
Maplewoodstock’s Kids Zone is packed with fun activities to keep the youngest festival-goers smiling all weekend long.
Come for the …
… music. Relax on the grass and meet new friends. Buy a lobster roll or Pad Thai from the 20 food vendors. Purchase a necklace, tie dye skirt, or pottery vase from the 60 arts vendors. Relax in the Beer Garden. And let your kids run wild in the Kids Zone.
But you’ll remember the …
… terrific music: rock to reggae, R&B to jazz, grunge to Latin, and pop to Americana. And a super-chill atmosphere that’s free.
Pro-tips for having a great time:
This is a public park with no parking lots. There are a dozen streets surrounding the park, so just find street parking and plan to walk four to five blocks over to the event. Or get on the train, as the NJ Transit Maplewood Station is literally across the street from the festival.
Stay updated:
The best way to keep connected with Maplewoodstock is through maplewoodstock.com and Facebook (@maplewoodstock).
The Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival has hosted generations of musicians dedicated to Southern Appalachian music, bluegrass, and the other branches in their musical family tree. Photo courtesy of The Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival/DanTyminski
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 29 – 31, Salem County Fairgrounds
Headliners: Del McCoury Band, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage
Who is this festival for?
Fans of “roots” music and the artists who play it! Since 1972, when it became the first bluegrass festival in the Northeast, the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival has hosted generations of musicians dedicated to Southern Appalachian music, bluegrass, and the other branches in their musical family tree, including Cajun, Canadian, blues and traditional country acts.
Come for the …
… fabulous lineup of old-time music, camping, and Jam Central Station and the Wernick Method Bluegrass Jamming Class, where novices can get their first taste of jamming in a fun, low-pressure environment.
—but you’ll remember the …
… relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, and fantastic jamming at informal sessions all around the campgrounds.
Pro-tips for having a great time:
Check the weather and pack accordingly. Otherwise, get ready to relax and have fun!
Keep in touch
https://delawarevalleybluegrass.org/, Facebook (@DelValBG)
Fans gather at the 2024 Sea.Hear.Now festival in Asbury Park. Photo by Dusana Risovic
Sea. Hear. Now
Sept. 13-14, Asbury Park
Headliners: Hozier, Alabama Shakes, Blink-182, Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, Public Enemy
Who is this festival for?
Anyone who has ever enjoyed live music or ever will. The top-caliber acts are so diverse, you’re bound to find at least one band from your Spotify Wrapped on the lineup.
Come for the …
… stellar musical acts, the sight of Asbury Park at its busiest and best, and the social media opportunities.
–but you’ll remember the …
… souvenirs at the merch tables that become priceless treasures and the memories of musical artists at their absolute peak.
Pro-tips for having a great time:
Multiply shore traffic by festival traffic, and that gets you jammed streets out of a commuter’s nightmare. Skip the headache by parking in another town and taking the train to Asbury.
Keep in touch
Rocktoberfest is a music festival fundraiser. The event showcases more than 30 bands and solo artists playing on multiple stages. Photo courtesy of Rocktoberfest
One-Day Events
- SHADOW OF THE CITY: June 28, Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park
Get ready for an unforgettable season at The Stone Pony Summer Stage — packed with epic concerts, legendary bands, rising stars, and nonstop energy all summer long. Photo courtesy of North to Shore
Once called “New Jersey’s greatest little music festival,” Shadow of the City is the brainchild of Bleachers singer Jack Antonoff. The lineup this year includes Joyce Manor, Dora Jar, Mike Birbiglia, Ben Kweller, Skullcrusher, and Cassandra Coleman. See Facebook (@shadowofthecityfestival).
- ONE LOVE CARIBBBEAN MUSIC FEST: Aug. 2, Military Park, Newark
Caribbean and Latino artists join vendors, foodies, and thousands of music fans in a celebration of the islands. onelovefestnj.com.
- MORRISTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL: Aug. 16, Morristown Green
This free music festival runs from noon to 9:30 p.m. www.morristownjazzandblues.com/
- SUMMER OF LOVE – ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s Music Fest – Aug. 23, Haddon Ave., Haddon Township
Bands like AM Radio and Dancin’ Machine & The Priceless Band come out for a groovy festival. Recapture bygone years with a hula hoop contest, a “Name That Tune” challenge, and a Summer of Love Trivia Contest. shophaddon.com/
- OUTLAW MUSIC FEST: Sept. 12 (Camden) and Sept. 13 (Holmdel)
Willie Nelson & Bob Dylan bring their nationwide tour to two stops in New Jersey, bringing superstars like Sheryl Crow and Billy Strings along for the ride. outlawmusicfestive.com/
- MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL JAMBOREE: Sept. 13, Montclair
The largest free jazz festival in the wider New York City region, and one of the largest jazz festivals in the country, returns to Montclair. Check the website for dates of summer concerts and the grand finale. www.montclairjazzfestival.org/
- ROCKTOBERFEST: Sept. 13, Taylor Park, Millburn
Rocktoberfest is a music festival fundraiser featuring live music, food and drinks, shopping, and lots of fun activities for the entire family. The event showcases over 30 bands and solo artists playing on multiple stages throughout the day and into the night. Check out the kid’s zone, inclusivity zone, artisan village, and beer garden. www.rocktoberfest.millburnedfoundation.org/
Throughout the Summer
- Just Jersey Food Truck and Music Fests
- Each event includes over 20 food trucks, kids’ activities, and live music. Check out festivals in South Bound Brook, North Caldwell, Paramus Park, Rockaway, Bernardsville, Sewell, Atlantic Highlands, Lafayette, Red Bank, Chester, Voorhees, Hopatcong, and more. justjerseyfest.com
- Perkins Center for the Arts Summer Lawn Chair Series, Moorestown
- In partnership with Moorestown Park and Recreation and MoorArts, Perkins is proud to host the Summer Lawn Chair series, offering nine free concerts for the community each Monday. See details at perkins.org.
- Morris Museum’s Back Deck Series, Morristown
- The Back Deck concert series brings regional and international stars of jazz and classical music to the Morris Museum. Bring chairs and a picnic! morrismuseum.org/
Don’t see your town here? Many towns around New Jersey throw their own local summer concert series — like Camden Counhttps://morrismuseum.org/ty’s Summer Concert series.
“The summer concert series is highly anticipated and well-loved by the entire Camden County community,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Ed McDonnell. “Every summer, these concerts allow us to see world class performances, for free, right in our local parks. As always, the lineup is wonderful, and we cannot wait to kick off the summer right with the Summer Concert Series.”
The long lineup includes varied acts like New Orleans funk-fusion group Dumpstaphunk on July 28, and pop-rock legends Wheatus on Aug. 27.
Find other summer concert series as far north as the Kasschau Memorial Shell in Ridgewood, as far south as Rotary Park in Cape May, and as far west as Deer Path Park in Flemington. Each town has its own summer concert series — how about yours?
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
