Celebrating Music and Mission: Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Returns to the Count Basie Center

As January unfolds across New Jersey, the annual Light of Day WinterFest prepares to transform the Count Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre into a vibrant hub of music, camaraderie, and philanthropy. The 2026 Main Event, “Bob’s Birthday Bash,” scheduled for Saturday, January 17 at 6:30 p.m., promises an evening that celebrates not only legendary performances but also the ongoing fight against Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative illnesses. Over the years, Light of Day has grown from a small, local birthday fundraiser into a globally recognized festival, showcasing how the universal power of music can fuel hope, awareness, and action.

The 2026 lineup is a testament to the festival’s rich history of blending iconic acts with rising stars. Headliners include Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, alongside Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers with special guest Gary U.S. Bonds, Dramarama, Fantastic Cat, James Maddock, Remember Jones, Williams Honor, and Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan. Additional performances will feature Amanda Cross & Derek Cruz, Matt & Eryn O’Ree, Miss Emily, and other special guests to be announced closer to the event. Each act contributes to the festival’s enduring mission: to raise both funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy while creating unforgettable musical experiences.

Tickets are structured to offer multiple ways for fans to experience WinterFest. The On-Stage FestPass package provides an intimate front-row experience with exclusive access to a private cash bar, a coveted “Swag Bag,” and admission to all WinterFest events in Asbury Park and Monmouth County from January 15–18. Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze packages offer reserved seating throughout the theater, with options to combine access to multiple festival events or focus solely on the Main Event. Super Saver tickets provide affordable options for those wishing to enjoy the performances from the upper balcony. Each package balances access, exclusivity, and value, catering to music enthusiasts with varying preferences and budgets.

Beyond the music, WinterFest embodies a deeper purpose. Over its 26-year history, the Light of Day Foundation has raised approximately $7 million for research, patient care, and advocacy related to Parkinson’s disease and associated disorders. The festival’s roots trace back to 1998, when Bob Benjamin, a veteran artist manager diagnosed with Parkinson’s, celebrated his 40th birthday with a small Red Bank gathering. That intimate event, featuring local musicians, sparked a movement that has since grown into a multi-day festival spanning New Jersey and beyond, including performances in Europe and international venues where a portion of proceeds supports local Parkinson’s organizations.

The festival’s legacy is punctuated by unforgettable collaborations. Bruce Springsteen’s surprise appearances with Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, alongside performances by legends such as Southside Johnny Lyon, Darlene Love, Michael J. Fox, Max Weinberg, Lucinda Williams, and Ed Kowalczyk, have cemented WinterFest as an event where music and mission intersect. The festival continues to provide a platform for both established and emerging artists, celebrating the cultural richness of the region while contributing to a cause with global significance. Fans interested in exploring the roots of this vibrant scene can discover more through Explore New Jersey’s coverage of local music and community traditions, which highlights the ways artists and audiences come together to foster cultural and philanthropic growth.

In addition to performances, WinterFest emphasizes accessibility and community engagement. From curated “Swag Bags” to premium seating and behind-the-scenes experiences, the festival ensures attendees feel connected not only to the music but to the ongoing mission. Each ticket purchased, each song performed, and every audience member present reinforces a collective commitment to combat neurodegenerative disease through research, support, and awareness.

As Light of Day WinterFest 2026 approaches, the stage is set for a celebration that is both exhilarating and purposeful. From the soaring vocals of Johnny Rzeznik to the soulful rhythms of Willie Nile, every note contributes to a larger symphony of hope. The festival remains a shining example of how music can transcend entertainment, serving as a conduit for healing, community, and lasting impact, ensuring that Bob Benjamin’s vision continues to resonate in New Jersey and around the world.