As summer winds down, New Jersey is closing out August with one of the biggest event weekends of the season. From legends Oasis at MetLife to Asbury Park’s 50th annual Clearwater Festival, plus comedy shows, Broadway under the stars, and major arena concerts, the Garden State is packed with entertainment for every taste. Whether you’re into folk, country, classic rock, or theater, this week offers the perfect excuse to get out and explore.
Here’s your complete guide to what’s happening across New Jersey from Thursday, August 28 through Monday, September 1, 2025. For a full list of statewide happenings, check out the Explore New Jersey events calendar.
🎶 Major Festivals & Concerts
NJ Friends of Clearwater Festival
📍 Sunset Park, Asbury Park
📅 Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Friends of Clearwater Festival continues its legacy as one of New Jersey’s most beloved grassroots events. What began as a movement inspired by Pete Seeger’s environmental activism has grown into a full-day celebration of music, sustainability, and community.
Two stages will host performances from local and regional artists including festival founder Bob Killian and Jersey favorite Cranston Dean. Beyond the music, expect eco-friendly vendors, educational displays about protecting local waterways, and plenty of children’s activities. Best of all—it’s completely free.
Born to Run: A Jersey Shore Celebration Concert
Few announcements send shockwaves through the Garden State like the promise of a Springsteen-related concert. A “Jersey Shore Celebration Concert” is in the works, coinciding with the news that Bruce Springsteen will appear on Bon Jovi’s upcoming album. While official dates and locations haven’t been released, anticipation is already sky-high. Keep your eye on local updates—and the NJ events calendar—for more info.
Glenn Roberts Band at The Sandbox
📍 The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach, Highlands
📅 Friday, August 29, 2025 | 7 p.m.
New Jersey’s own Glenn Roberts Band brings their southern rock and country sound to the scenic Seastreak Beach. With the ocean as your backdrop, this is the kind of relaxed, boots-in-the-sand show that defines a Jersey Shore summer.
SuperSonic – A Tribute to Oasis
📍 Wonder Bar, Asbury Park
📅 Friday, August 29, 2025 | 8 p.m.
Before Oasis takes over MetLife Stadium at the end of the weekend, fans can warm up with SuperSonic, one of the best Oasis tribute acts touring today. Expect a setlist loaded with Britpop classics like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”
Coheed and Cambria & Taking Back Sunday
📍 PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
📅 Friday, August 29, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Two giants of alternative rock join forces for a co-headlining night at PNC Bank Arts Center. With Coheed and Cambria’s prog-influenced epics and Taking Back Sunday’s singalong anthems, this is one of the most anticipated summer rock shows in New Jersey.
James Taylor & His All-Star Band
📍 PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
📅 Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor returns to Holmdel for a night of timeless classics. Joined by special guests Tiny Habits, Taylor’s performance will deliver an evening of warmth and nostalgia at one of NJ’s premier outdoor venues.
Rilo Kiley Reunion Show
📍 The Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park
📅 Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 4:30 p.m.
Indie fans rejoice: Rilo Kiley is reuniting for a highly anticipated show at the Stone Pony Summer Stage. The band’s return promises a mix of their early underground favorites and later hits that defined the 2000s indie scene.
Dogs In A Pile
📍 Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park
📅 Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 4:30 p.m.
Closing out the month, jam band Dogs In A Pile bring their psychedelic improvisation and high-energy sound to Asbury Park. Their devoted following makes every show feel like a full-on musical celebration.
Oasis – Live ’25 Tour
📍 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
📅 Sunday, August 31 & Monday, September 1, 2025
Yes, you read that right—Oasis is back. The legendary Britpop band is reuniting for their Live ’25 World Tour, with two massive shows at MetLife Stadium alongside special guest Cage The Elephant. These concerts are poised to be among the biggest music events of the year in New Jersey.
🎭 Theater, Film & Comedy
- Joy Behar: My First Ex-Husband – Thursday, August 28 at George Street Playhouse, New Brunswick. A one-night-only performance of Joy Behar’s sharp wit and hilarious storytelling.
- Passage Theatre Company Film Screenings – Saturday, August 30 at Mill Hill Playhouse, Trenton. A triple-feature of Fred “The Hammer” Williamson films, capped off with a live discussion with the actor himself.
- Legally Blonde The Musical Jr. – Friday, August 29 at Bruno Melini Park, Minotola. A youth theater production full of fun, music, and pink energy.
- Broadway in the Park: Miscast – Monday, September 1 at Memorial Park Amphitheater, Maplewood. A free outdoor show where local performers sing Broadway favorites in nontraditional roles.
🍹 Seasonal Pop-Ups & Local Flavor
- Tipsy Tiki Pop-Up Bar – Ongoing through September 2 at The Bistro at iPlay America in Freehold. Enjoy tropical cocktails, island vibes, and summer’s last hurrah at this immersive themed bar.
⚾ Baseball & Sports
For sports fans, minor league baseball continues across the state with Trenton Thunder, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, and visiting teams like Binghamton and Aberdeen bringing summer nights alive at the ballpark.
Plan Your Weekend in New Jersey
From bluegrass camping festivals to stadium-sized rock reunions, intimate theater nights to family-friendly musicals, this final weekend of August has it all. Whether you’re in North Jersey, down the Shore, or exploring Central NJ, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and experience something new.
For even more events, concerts, and local happenings across the state, visit the Explore New Jersey events calendar.
