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CREATED:20260510T200550Z
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UID:89703-1781373600-1781393400@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Juneteenth Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Winslow Township’s 2026 Summer Concert and Community Celebration Series Brings Motown\, Gospel\, Funk\, Family Events\, and Cultural Celebration to New Brooklyn Park \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSouth Jersey’s summer entertainment calendar continues expanding in 2026 as Winslow Township officially prepares to host a season of large-scale community gatherings\, live music celebrations\, cultural programming\, and family-focused events at New Brooklyn Park. Anchored by nationally recognized tribute acts\, contemporary gospel performances\, and one of the region’s signature Juneteenth celebrations\, the township’s summer schedule reflects the growing importance of local outdoor music programming across New Jersey. At a time when audiences increasingly seek experiences rooted in community connection rather than high-priced commercial entertainment\, Winslow Township is positioning itself as one of Camden County’s standout destinations for accessible live events this summer. \n\n\n\nRunning throughout the season at New Brooklyn Park beginning at 6 PM\, the lineup combines classic soul\, gospel inspiration\, funk-driven dance music\, and family entertainment into a series designed to appeal across generations. More importantly\, the programming reflects the evolving role of municipal summer events in New Jersey. What once may have been viewed simply as local park concerts have transformed into major regional attractions capable of drawing audiences from across Camden County\, Gloucester County\, Burlington County\, and beyond. \n\n\n\nThe atmosphere surrounding these events is expected to be central to their appeal. Unlike traditional ticketed venues\, New Brooklyn Park offers a more relaxed and community-centered environment where residents and visitors can gather outdoors\, reconnect with neighbors\, enjoy food vendors and open-air entertainment\, and experience live music in a setting designed to feel welcoming rather than commercialized. That format has become increasingly valuable across New Jersey\, particularly as summer programming continues evolving into one of the state’s strongest forms of local cultural engagement. \n\n\n\nThe season begins June 13 with Winslow Township’s Juneteenth Celebration\, an event expected to serve as both a cultural gathering and a major musical showcase. Headlining the evening is WallStreet\, the acclaimed performance group known for delivering energetic tributes to Motown classics\, Philadelphia soul\, funk standards\, and crossover R&B favorites that helped define multiple generations of American music. Their performances are built around high-energy musicianship\, polished vocals\, audience participation\, and a setlist deeply rooted in the legacy of soul music’s golden era. \n\n\n\nFor a Juneteenth celebration specifically\, the choice of music carries deeper significance. Motown and Philadelphia soul are not simply entertainment formats. They represent foundational chapters in American cultural history\, reflecting decades of Black artistic innovation that transformed popular music around the world. Through artists and songs tied to Detroit’s Motown movement and Philadelphia’s legendary soul scene\, WallStreet’s performance is expected to channel the celebratory spirit\, resilience\, and communal energy that define Juneteenth gatherings throughout the country. \n\n\n\nAcross New Jersey\, Juneteenth events have continued growing in both scale and importance over recent years as communities increasingly recognize the need for public celebrations centered on cultural reflection\, education\, music\, and collective experience. Winslow Township’s inclusion of a major live performance component reinforces the broader understanding that music has always played a central role in Black cultural expression\, protest movements\, celebration\, and community-building throughout American history. In that context\, the June 13 event becomes more than a summer concert. It becomes part of a larger statewide cultural movement honoring freedom\, heritage\, and artistic legacy. \n\n\n\nThe summer schedule continues July 15 with a dramatically different but equally powerful performance as Justin Powell & Adoration bring their contemporary gospel sound to New Brooklyn Park. Known for blending traditional gospel foundations with modern musical influences\, the choir has built a reputation for emotionally charged performances centered on worship\, inspiration\, and spiritual connection. Led by Justin Powell\, the ensemble combines rich vocal harmonies\, passionate stage presence\, and uplifting arrangements that resonate with audiences across both church and concert environments. \n\n\n\nIn recent years\, contemporary gospel music has experienced renewed visibility throughout the live music world as audiences increasingly gravitate toward performances emphasizing authenticity\, emotional resonance\, and communal participation. Justin Powell & Adoration embody that movement by delivering concerts that function not only as entertainment experiences but also as moments of encouragement\, reflection\, and celebration. Their ability to connect across diverse audiences has helped the group establish a growing regional following\, particularly among listeners who appreciate the intersection of faith-based music and contemporary vocal performance. \n\n\n\nThe July 15 appearance at New Brooklyn Park also reflects the broader diversity of Winslow Township’s summer programming strategy. Rather than focusing exclusively on one genre or demographic\, the township has assembled a lineup that mirrors the cultural and musical range of South Jersey itself. Gospel music\, especially in outdoor community settings\, carries a uniquely powerful atmosphere because of the participatory nature of the performances. Audiences do not simply observe. They engage\, respond\, sing along\, and become part of the experience itself. In a park setting during the height of summer\, that energy is expected to create one of the season’s most emotionally memorable evenings. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 series concludes August 22 with Winslow Family Day featuring Let’s Groove Tonight\, widely recognized as one of the country’s premier Earth\, Wind & Fire tribute bands. Designed as a major family-centered celebration\, the event combines live entertainment\, community gathering\, and dance-driven nostalgia into what is expected to be one of the largest-attended nights of the summer season. Earth\, Wind & Fire’s catalog remains among the most universally recognizable in popular music history\, blending funk\, soul\, jazz\, R&B\, disco\, and pop into a sound that continues influencing artists across genres decades after the group first emerged. \n\n\n\nLet’s Groove Tonight has developed a national reputation for recreating that signature sound with remarkable precision while preserving the high-energy stage presence and celebratory atmosphere associated with Earth\, Wind & Fire’s legendary live performances. Horn sections\, layered harmonies\, dynamic rhythm arrangements\, and crowd-driven interaction all contribute to performances that feel less like tribute concerts and more like full-scale celebrations of one of the most influential bands in modern music history. \n\n\n\nFor Winslow Family Day specifically\, the selection is particularly fitting. Earth\, Wind & Fire’s music has always functioned as multi-generational connective tissue. Their songs remain staples at festivals\, weddings\, family gatherings\, cookouts\, and public celebrations because the music naturally invites movement\, participation\, and joy. In an outdoor park environment filled with families\, local residents\, and visitors from throughout the region\, the August 22 finale is expected to deliver exactly the kind of communal summer atmosphere that increasingly defines New Jersey’s strongest public entertainment programming. \n\n\n\nWhat makes the entire Winslow Township summer series especially important is how it reflects larger shifts happening throughout New Jersey’s live entertainment landscape. Increasingly\, local governments and community organizations are becoming key cultural curators\, creating opportunities for audiences to experience high-quality live performances without the financial barriers often associated with major concert touring. These events strengthen local identity\, increase regional tourism activity\, support surrounding businesses\, and reinforce the role that public spaces continue playing in the social and cultural life of communities across the state. \n\n\n\nNew Brooklyn Park itself becomes part of that story. Outdoor venues throughout South Jersey have increasingly emerged as essential gathering spaces where music\, food\, recreation\, and cultural programming intersect. The accessibility of the environment encourages broader participation across age groups and economic backgrounds while preserving the relaxed atmosphere that makes summer concerts feel distinctly connected to community life rather than commercial spectacle. \n\n\n\nFor Explore New Jersey readers following the continued evolution of the state’s music and entertainment scene\, Winslow Township’s 2026 summer programming stands as another example of how local communities are redefining what public live entertainment can look like. From Juneteenth celebrations and contemporary gospel performances to funk-driven family dance nights\, the season captures multiple dimensions of New Jersey’s musical identity while reinforcing the importance of community-centered arts programming throughout the Garden State. \n\n\n\nAs summer unfolds across South Jersey\, events like these continue proving that some of the most meaningful live music experiences are not always found inside major arenas or ticketed amphitheaters. Increasingly\, they are happening inside local parks\, township gathering spaces\, and open-air community venues where audiences come together not just to hear music\, but to celebrate culture\, connection\, and shared experience in ways that remain deeply rooted in the identity of New Jersey itself. \n\n\n\nMore coverage of New Jersey concerts\, community events\, summer festivals\, live entertainment\, and regional music programming can be found through the Explore New Jersey Music section as the 2026 summer season continues statewide.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/juneteenth-celebration/
LOCATION:Winslow Township at New Brooklyn Park\, Sicklerville\, Sicklerville\, New Jersey\, 08081\, United States
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/506441530_10163857095249113_3487115853822337287_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Camden County Board of Commissioners":MAILTO:commissioners@camdencounty.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260613T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260613T233000
DTSTAMP:20260510T201512Z
CREATED:20260510T201457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260510T201512Z
UID:89710-1781373600-1781393400@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Justin Powell & Adoration
DESCRIPTION:Winslow Township’s 2026 Summer Concert and Community Celebration Series Brings Motown\, Gospel\, Funk\, Family Events\, and Cultural Celebration to New Brooklyn Park \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSouth Jersey’s summer entertainment calendar continues expanding in 2026 as Winslow Township officially prepares to host a season of large-scale community gatherings\, live music celebrations\, cultural programming\, and family-focused events at New Brooklyn Park. Anchored by nationally recognized tribute acts\, contemporary gospel performances\, and one of the region’s signature Juneteenth celebrations\, the township’s summer schedule reflects the growing importance of local outdoor music programming across New Jersey. At a time when audiences increasingly seek experiences rooted in community connection rather than high-priced commercial entertainment\, Winslow Township is positioning itself as one of Camden County’s standout destinations for accessible live events this summer. \n\n\n\nRunning throughout the season at New Brooklyn Park beginning at 6 PM\, the lineup combines classic soul\, gospel inspiration\, funk-driven dance music\, and family entertainment into a series designed to appeal across generations. More importantly\, the programming reflects the evolving role of municipal summer events in New Jersey. What once may have been viewed simply as local park concerts have transformed into major regional attractions capable of drawing audiences from across Camden County\, Gloucester County\, Burlington County\, and beyond. \n\n\n\nThe atmosphere surrounding these events is expected to be central to their appeal. Unlike traditional ticketed venues\, New Brooklyn Park offers a more relaxed and community-centered environment where residents and visitors can gather outdoors\, reconnect with neighbors\, enjoy food vendors and open-air entertainment\, and experience live music in a setting designed to feel welcoming rather than commercialized. That format has become increasingly valuable across New Jersey\, particularly as summer programming continues evolving into one of the state’s strongest forms of local cultural engagement. \n\n\n\nThe season begins June 13 with Winslow Township’s Juneteenth Celebration\, an event expected to serve as both a cultural gathering and a major musical showcase. Headlining the evening is WallStreet\, the acclaimed performance group known for delivering energetic tributes to Motown classics\, Philadelphia soul\, funk standards\, and crossover R&B favorites that helped define multiple generations of American music. Their performances are built around high-energy musicianship\, polished vocals\, audience participation\, and a setlist deeply rooted in the legacy of soul music’s golden era. \n\n\n\nFor a Juneteenth celebration specifically\, the choice of music carries deeper significance. Motown and Philadelphia soul are not simply entertainment formats. They represent foundational chapters in American cultural history\, reflecting decades of Black artistic innovation that transformed popular music around the world. Through artists and songs tied to Detroit’s Motown movement and Philadelphia’s legendary soul scene\, WallStreet’s performance is expected to channel the celebratory spirit\, resilience\, and communal energy that define Juneteenth gatherings throughout the country. \n\n\n\nAcross New Jersey\, Juneteenth events have continued growing in both scale and importance over recent years as communities increasingly recognize the need for public celebrations centered on cultural reflection\, education\, music\, and collective experience. Winslow Township’s inclusion of a major live performance component reinforces the broader understanding that music has always played a central role in Black cultural expression\, protest movements\, celebration\, and community-building throughout American history. In that context\, the June 13 event becomes more than a summer concert. It becomes part of a larger statewide cultural movement honoring freedom\, heritage\, and artistic legacy. \n\n\n\nThe summer schedule continues July 15 with a dramatically different but equally powerful performance as Justin Powell & Adoration bring their contemporary gospel sound to New Brooklyn Park. Known for blending traditional gospel foundations with modern musical influences\, the choir has built a reputation for emotionally charged performances centered on worship\, inspiration\, and spiritual connection. Led by Justin Powell\, the ensemble combines rich vocal harmonies\, passionate stage presence\, and uplifting arrangements that resonate with audiences across both church and concert environments. \n\n\n\nIn recent years\, contemporary gospel music has experienced renewed visibility throughout the live music world as audiences increasingly gravitate toward performances emphasizing authenticity\, emotional resonance\, and communal participation. Justin Powell & Adoration embody that movement by delivering concerts that function not only as entertainment experiences but also as moments of encouragement\, reflection\, and celebration. Their ability to connect across diverse audiences has helped the group establish a growing regional following\, particularly among listeners who appreciate the intersection of faith-based music and contemporary vocal performance. \n\n\n\nThe July 15 appearance at New Brooklyn Park also reflects the broader diversity of Winslow Township’s summer programming strategy. Rather than focusing exclusively on one genre or demographic\, the township has assembled a lineup that mirrors the cultural and musical range of South Jersey itself. Gospel music\, especially in outdoor community settings\, carries a uniquely powerful atmosphere because of the participatory nature of the performances. Audiences do not simply observe. They engage\, respond\, sing along\, and become part of the experience itself. In a park setting during the height of summer\, that energy is expected to create one of the season’s most emotionally memorable evenings. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 series concludes August 22 with Winslow Family Day featuring Let’s Groove Tonight\, widely recognized as one of the country’s premier Earth\, Wind & Fire tribute bands. Designed as a major family-centered celebration\, the event combines live entertainment\, community gathering\, and dance-driven nostalgia into what is expected to be one of the largest-attended nights of the summer season. Earth\, Wind & Fire’s catalog remains among the most universally recognizable in popular music history\, blending funk\, soul\, jazz\, R&B\, disco\, and pop into a sound that continues influencing artists across genres decades after the group first emerged. \n\n\n\nLet’s Groove Tonight has developed a national reputation for recreating that signature sound with remarkable precision while preserving the high-energy stage presence and celebratory atmosphere associated with Earth\, Wind & Fire’s legendary live performances. Horn sections\, layered harmonies\, dynamic rhythm arrangements\, and crowd-driven interaction all contribute to performances that feel less like tribute concerts and more like full-scale celebrations of one of the most influential bands in modern music history. \n\n\n\nFor Winslow Family Day specifically\, the selection is particularly fitting. Earth\, Wind & Fire’s music has always functioned as multi-generational connective tissue. Their songs remain staples at festivals\, weddings\, family gatherings\, cookouts\, and public celebrations because the music naturally invites movement\, participation\, and joy. In an outdoor park environment filled with families\, local residents\, and visitors from throughout the region\, the August 22 finale is expected to deliver exactly the kind of communal summer atmosphere that increasingly defines New Jersey’s strongest public entertainment programming. \n\n\n\nWhat makes the entire Winslow Township summer series especially important is how it reflects larger shifts happening throughout New Jersey’s live entertainment landscape. Increasingly\, local governments and community organizations are becoming key cultural curators\, creating opportunities for audiences to experience high-quality live performances without the financial barriers often associated with major concert touring. These events strengthen local identity\, increase regional tourism activity\, support surrounding businesses\, and reinforce the role that public spaces continue playing in the social and cultural life of communities across the state. \n\n\n\nNew Brooklyn Park itself becomes part of that story. Outdoor venues throughout South Jersey have increasingly emerged as essential gathering spaces where music\, food\, recreation\, and cultural programming intersect. The accessibility of the environment encourages broader participation across age groups and economic backgrounds while preserving the relaxed atmosphere that makes summer concerts feel distinctly connected to community life rather than commercial spectacle. \n\n\n\nFor Explore New Jersey readers following the continued evolution of the state’s music and entertainment scene\, Winslow Township’s 2026 summer programming stands as another example of how local communities are redefining what public live entertainment can look like. From Juneteenth celebrations and contemporary gospel performances to funk-driven family dance nights\, the season captures multiple dimensions of New Jersey’s musical identity while reinforcing the importance of community-centered arts programming throughout the Garden State. \n\n\n\nAs summer unfolds across South Jersey\, events like these continue proving that some of the most meaningful live music experiences are not always found inside major arenas or ticketed amphitheaters. Increasingly\, they are happening inside local parks\, township gathering spaces\, and open-air community venues where audiences come together not just to hear music\, but to celebrate culture\, connection\, and shared experience in ways that remain deeply rooted in the identity of New Jersey itself. \n\n\n\nMore coverage of New Jersey concerts\, community events\, summer festivals\, live entertainment\, and regional music programming can be found through the Explore New Jersey Music section as the 2026 summer season continues statewide.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/justin-powell-adoration/
LOCATION:Winslow Township at New Brooklyn Park\, Sicklerville\, Sicklerville\, New Jersey\, 08081\, United States
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/460997934_1067373105343122_6158300048814013046_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Camden County Board of Commissioners":MAILTO:commissioners@camdencounty.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260626T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260626T230000
DTSTAMP:20260625T144227Z
CREATED:20260625T143517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T144227Z
UID:97545-1782496800-1782514800@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Rock\, Ribs & Ridges Featuring Almost Queen & The Super 70’s Rock Show
DESCRIPTION:Rock\, Ribs & Ridges Returns to Sussex County as New Jersey’s Premier Weekend of Classic Rock\, Championship Barbecue\, and Outdoor Festival Culture \n\n\n\n\n\nThere are music festivals that focus exclusively on concerts\, food festivals that celebrate regional cuisine\, and outdoor events built around camping and recreation. Rock\, Ribs & Ridges has spent years proving that New Jersey doesn’t have to choose between them. Returning to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta from June 26 through June 28\, the three-day event once again brings together nationally recognized rock artists\, award-winning barbecue\, craft beverages\, camping\, and family-friendly entertainment in what has become one of the state’s signature summer festival traditions. More than simply another stop on the live music calendar\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges has evolved into one of New Jersey’s most recognizable destination events\, attracting visitors from across the Northeast while showcasing the growing strength of the Garden State’s festival industry. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFRIDAY\, JUNE 26\, 2026Schedule subject to change. \n\n\n\n6:00 PMDOORS OPEN7:15 PMThe Super 70’s Rock Show8:30 PMAlmost Queen10:30 PMDead Aire (Campers-Only Concert – Richards Building)\n\n\n\nThe success of Rock\, Ribs & Ridges did not happen by accident. Behind the festival is Promo 1\, one of New Jersey’s most accomplished event management companies and an organization whose influence extends far beyond Sussex County. Over the course of several decades\, Promo 1 has established itself as a leader in producing large-scale festivals\, sporting events\, concerts\, and public celebrations throughout the region. Through its sister company\, The Festival Group\, the organization has also become the nation’s largest producer of hot air balloon festivals\, creating more than fifty balloon events across the country and welcoming millions of visitors to productions that combine entertainment\, tourism\, community engagement\, and economic development. \n\n\n\nAt the center of that legacy stands one of New Jersey’s most recognizable annual events\, the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning. Celebrating more than four decades of history\, the festival has grown into the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America\, drawing approximately 170\,000 visitors annually while earning international recognition for its spectacular balloon launches\, nationally known musical performers\, aviation demonstrations\, family attractions\, and community atmosphere. Together\, Promo 1 and The Festival Group have welcomed more than 6.25 million guests to festivals\, concerts\, sporting events\, and public celebrations\, creating an unmatched track record in New Jersey’s live event industry. \n\n\n\nThat experience is evident throughout Rock\, Ribs & Ridges. The festival is carefully designed as a complete weekend destination rather than a series of isolated concerts. Music remains the centerpiece\, but championship barbecue competitions\, regional food vendors\, craft beer\, camping experiences\, family attractions\, artisan exhibitors\, and the scenic landscape of northwestern New Jersey combine to create an atmosphere that encourages visitors to spend the entire weekend immersed in the event rather than attending only a single performance. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 edition continues that tradition with one of the strongest lineups in the festival’s history\, offering audiences a carefully balanced schedule that blends legendary classic rock performers with acclaimed blues artists\, rising regional musicians\, Southern rock favorites\, and tribute acts that have earned international reputations for their authenticity. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe festival begins Friday evening as gates open at 6:00 p.m.\, launching the weekend with an immediate celebration of classic rock. The Super 70’s Rock Show opens the main stage by recreating one of the most influential decades in rock history through an energetic performance featuring many of the songs that continue defining American radio. The evening then shifts to one of the country’s premier tribute productions as Almost Queen takes the stage. Widely recognized for recreating the music\, theatrical presentation\, and vocal power of Queen’s legendary live performances\, Almost Queen has become a festival favorite across North America by delivering concerts that honor Freddie Mercury\, Brian May\, Roger Taylor\, and John Deacon while introducing new generations to one of rock’s most celebrated catalogs. The night concludes with a special campers-only performance by Dead Aire inside the Richards Building\, providing overnight guests with an exclusive late-night concert that extends the festival experience beyond the main stage. \n\n\n\nSaturday delivers the broadest musical diversity of the weekend while highlighting the depth of contemporary blues\, rock\, and Southern music. Matt Coffy Band opens the day’s performances before handing the stage to New Jersey favorite Matt O’Ree Band\, whose reputation as one of the state’s premier blues-rock acts continues growing through relentless touring and exceptional musicianship. Guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey follows with a performance showcasing the technical precision and melodic style that have made him one of modern rock’s most respected instrumentalists. \n\n\n\nAs the afternoon transitions into evening\, the festival welcomes one of the most exciting performers in contemporary blues. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram arrives in Augusta having established himself as one of the genre’s defining young artists. Combining extraordinary guitar technique with powerful songwriting and commanding stage presence\, Kingfish has introduced a new generation of audiences to modern blues while earning widespread acclaim throughout the music industry. His appearance alone would represent a significant highlight of the weekend\, but Saturday continues building momentum as legendary southern rock band 38 Special closes the main stage. With a catalog that includes enduring classics such as “Hold On Loosely\,” “Caught Up in You\,” “Rockin’ Into the Night\,” and numerous other radio staples\, the band remains one of the defining voices of American arena rock. Campers will again enjoy an exclusive after-hours performance\, this year featuring Sugar Mountain inside the Richards Building following a lineup adjustment announced by festival organizers. \n\n\n\nSunday’s schedule embraces the roots of American rock while celebrating artists who continue carrying that tradition forward. Triple Rail Turn opens the afternoon before California’s Robert Jon & The Wreck bring their distinctive blend of Southern rock\, blues\, and classic guitar-driven songwriting to the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Their rapidly growing reputation has positioned them among the most exciting touring bands currently carrying forward the traditions established by artists such as The Allman Brothers Band\, Lynyrd Skynyrd\, and The Black Crowes. \n\n\n\nOne of Sunday’s most anticipated performances belongs to the Artimus Pyle Band\, honoring the legacy of Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd. As one of the musicians most closely associated with the original Skynyrd lineup\, Artimus Pyle offers audiences more than a tribute performance; he provides a direct connection to one of the most influential chapters in American rock history. Closing the festival is Blackberry Smoke\, whose combination of Southern rock\, country influences\, blues\, and Americana has made them one of the most respected touring bands of the past two decades. Their appearance provides a fitting conclusion to a weekend celebrating both the history and continuing evolution of guitar-driven American music. \n\n\n\nWhile the lineup alone would justify a trip to Augusta\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges has always distinguished itself through its broader festival experience. Championship barbecue remains one of the event’s defining attractions\, with accomplished pitmasters serving smoked brisket\, ribs\, pulled pork\, chicken\, and other regional specialties prepared using techniques representing barbecue traditions from across the United States. The culinary component has become every bit as important as the music\, creating an event where food enthusiasts and concertgoers gather for the same weekend celebration. \n\n\n\nCamping further distinguishes Rock\, Ribs & Ridges from many other New Jersey festivals. Rather than asking visitors to leave after the final encore each evening\, the festival encourages guests to remain on-site\, transforming the weekend into a shared community experience where music\, conversation\, late-night performances\, and outdoor recreation become part of the same tradition. The campers-only concerts reinforce that philosophy\, rewarding those who spend the entire weekend immersed in the festival’s atmosphere. \n\n\n\nEvents such as Rock\, Ribs & Ridges also play a significant economic role for northwestern New Jersey. Visitors traveling from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region support local hotels\, campgrounds\, restaurants\, retailers\, fuel stations\, and tourism businesses while introducing new audiences to Sussex County’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Festivals of this scale generate measurable economic activity while strengthening New Jersey’s reputation as a destination capable of producing nationally recognized cultural events. \n\n\n\nFor Explore New Jersey\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges represents something larger than another weekend of live entertainment. It reflects the entrepreneurial vision of New Jersey companies capable of producing world-class events while showcasing the state’s unique combination of music\, food\, hospitality\, and outdoor recreation. Promo 1 has spent decades demonstrating that large-scale festivals can become lasting institutions when they are built around quality programming\, exceptional organization\, and a genuine understanding of what audiences want from a weekend experience. \n\n\n\nAs summer reaches full stride\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges once again stands as one of the signature events on New Jersey’s entertainment calendar. It is a celebration of live music\, championship barbecue\, community\, and the enduring appeal of gathering outdoors to experience great performances with family and friends. For three days in Augusta\, the rhythms of classic rock blend with the aroma of slow-smoked barbecue\, creating a festival that has become one of the defining traditions of summer in the Garden State and a powerful reminder that some of the Northeast’s most memorable entertainment experiences continue to be produced right here in New Jersey.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/queen-the-super-70s-rock-show/
LOCATION:Sussex County Fairgrounds\, 37 Plains Road\, Augusta\, New Jersey\, 07822\, United States
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/721463152_973475532158106_2943327109822220122_n.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Promo 1":MAILTO:hfreeman@promo1.info
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260627T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260627T220000
DTSTAMP:20260625T144138Z
CREATED:20260625T144137Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T144138Z
UID:97557-1782565200-1782597600@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Rock\, Ribs & Ridges Featuring 38 Special\, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram\, Gary Hoey\, Matt O’Ree Band
DESCRIPTION:Rock\, Ribs & Ridges Returns to Sussex County as New Jersey’s Premier Weekend of Classic Rock\, Championship Barbecue\, and Outdoor Festival Culture \n\n\n\n\n\nThere are music festivals that focus exclusively on concerts\, food festivals that celebrate regional cuisine\, and outdoor events built around camping and recreation. Rock\, Ribs & Ridges has spent years proving that New Jersey doesn’t have to choose between them. Returning to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta from June 26 through June 28\, the three-day event once again brings together nationally recognized rock artists\, award-winning barbecue\, craft beverages\, camping\, and family-friendly entertainment in what has become one of the state’s signature summer festival traditions. More than simply another stop on the live music calendar\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges has evolved into one of New Jersey’s most recognizable destination events\, attracting visitors from across the Northeast while showcasing the growing strength of the Garden State’s festival industry. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSATURDAY\, JUNE 27\, 2026Schedule subject to change. \n\n\n\nNOONDOORS OPEN1:00 PMMatt Coffy Band2:15 PMMatt O’Ree Band3:45 PMGary Hoey5:30 PMChristone “Kingfish” Ingram7:30 PM38 Special9:45 PMSugar Mountain (Campers-Only Concert – Richards Building)\n\n\n\nThe success of Rock\, Ribs & Ridges did not happen by accident. Behind the festival is Promo 1\, one of New Jersey’s most accomplished event management companies and an organization whose influence extends far beyond Sussex County. Over the course of several decades\, Promo 1 has established itself as a leader in producing large-scale festivals\, sporting events\, concerts\, and public celebrations throughout the region. Through its sister company\, The Festival Group\, the organization has also become the nation’s largest producer of hot air balloon festivals\, creating more than fifty balloon events across the country and welcoming millions of visitors to productions that combine entertainment\, tourism\, community engagement\, and economic development. \n\n\n\nAt the center of that legacy stands one of New Jersey’s most recognizable annual events\, the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning. Celebrating more than four decades of history\, the festival has grown into the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America\, drawing approximately 170\,000 visitors annually while earning international recognition for its spectacular balloon launches\, nationally known musical performers\, aviation demonstrations\, family attractions\, and community atmosphere. Together\, Promo 1 and The Festival Group have welcomed more than 6.25 million guests to festivals\, concerts\, sporting events\, and public celebrations\, creating an unmatched track record in New Jersey’s live event industry. \n\n\n\nThat experience is evident throughout Rock\, Ribs & Ridges. The festival is carefully designed as a complete weekend destination rather than a series of isolated concerts. Music remains the centerpiece\, but championship barbecue competitions\, regional food vendors\, craft beer\, camping experiences\, family attractions\, artisan exhibitors\, and the scenic landscape of northwestern New Jersey combine to create an atmosphere that encourages visitors to spend the entire weekend immersed in the event rather than attending only a single performance. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 edition continues that tradition with one of the strongest lineups in the festival’s history\, offering audiences a carefully balanced schedule that blends legendary classic rock performers with acclaimed blues artists\, rising regional musicians\, Southern rock favorites\, and tribute acts that have earned international reputations for their authenticity. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe festival begins Friday evening as gates open at 6:00 p.m.\, launching the weekend with an immediate celebration of classic rock. The Super 70’s Rock Show opens the main stage by recreating one of the most influential decades in rock history through an energetic performance featuring many of the songs that continue defining American radio. The evening then shifts to one of the country’s premier tribute productions as Almost Queen takes the stage. Widely recognized for recreating the music\, theatrical presentation\, and vocal power of Queen’s legendary live performances\, Almost Queen has become a festival favorite across North America by delivering concerts that honor Freddie Mercury\, Brian May\, Roger Taylor\, and John Deacon while introducing new generations to one of rock’s most celebrated catalogs. The night concludes with a special campers-only performance by Dead Aire inside the Richards Building\, providing overnight guests with an exclusive late-night concert that extends the festival experience beyond the main stage. \n\n\n\nSaturday delivers the broadest musical diversity of the weekend while highlighting the depth of contemporary blues\, rock\, and Southern music. Matt Coffy Band opens the day’s performances before handing the stage to New Jersey favorite Matt O’Ree Band\, whose reputation as one of the state’s premier blues-rock acts continues growing through relentless touring and exceptional musicianship. Guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey follows with a performance showcasing the technical precision and melodic style that have made him one of modern rock’s most respected instrumentalists. \n\n\n\nAs the afternoon transitions into evening\, the festival welcomes one of the most exciting performers in contemporary blues. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram arrives in Augusta having established himself as one of the genre’s defining young artists. Combining extraordinary guitar technique with powerful songwriting and commanding stage presence\, Kingfish has introduced a new generation of audiences to modern blues while earning widespread acclaim throughout the music industry. His appearance alone would represent a significant highlight of the weekend\, but Saturday continues building momentum as legendary southern rock band 38 Special closes the main stage. With a catalog that includes enduring classics such as “Hold On Loosely\,” “Caught Up in You\,” “Rockin’ Into the Night\,” and numerous other radio staples\, the band remains one of the defining voices of American arena rock. Campers will again enjoy an exclusive after-hours performance\, this year featuring Sugar Mountain inside the Richards Building following a lineup adjustment announced by festival organizers. \n\n\n\nSunday’s schedule embraces the roots of American rock while celebrating artists who continue carrying that tradition forward. Triple Rail Turn opens the afternoon before California’s Robert Jon & The Wreck bring their distinctive blend of Southern rock\, blues\, and classic guitar-driven songwriting to the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Their rapidly growing reputation has positioned them among the most exciting touring bands currently carrying forward the traditions established by artists such as The Allman Brothers Band\, Lynyrd Skynyrd\, and The Black Crowes. \n\n\n\nOne of Sunday’s most anticipated performances belongs to the Artimus Pyle Band\, honoring the legacy of Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd. As one of the musicians most closely associated with the original Skynyrd lineup\, Artimus Pyle offers audiences more than a tribute performance; he provides a direct connection to one of the most influential chapters in American rock history. Closing the festival is Blackberry Smoke\, whose combination of Southern rock\, country influences\, blues\, and Americana has made them one of the most respected touring bands of the past two decades. Their appearance provides a fitting conclusion to a weekend celebrating both the history and continuing evolution of guitar-driven American music. \n\n\n\nWhile the lineup alone would justify a trip to Augusta\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges has always distinguished itself through its broader festival experience. Championship barbecue remains one of the event’s defining attractions\, with accomplished pitmasters serving smoked brisket\, ribs\, pulled pork\, chicken\, and other regional specialties prepared using techniques representing barbecue traditions from across the United States. The culinary component has become every bit as important as the music\, creating an event where food enthusiasts and concertgoers gather for the same weekend celebration. \n\n\n\nCamping further distinguishes Rock\, Ribs & Ridges from many other New Jersey festivals. Rather than asking visitors to leave after the final encore each evening\, the festival encourages guests to remain on-site\, transforming the weekend into a shared community experience where music\, conversation\, late-night performances\, and outdoor recreation become part of the same tradition. The campers-only concerts reinforce that philosophy\, rewarding those who spend the entire weekend immersed in the festival’s atmosphere. \n\n\n\nEvents such as Rock\, Ribs & Ridges also play a significant economic role for northwestern New Jersey. Visitors traveling from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region support local hotels\, campgrounds\, restaurants\, retailers\, fuel stations\, and tourism businesses while introducing new audiences to Sussex County’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Festivals of this scale generate measurable economic activity while strengthening New Jersey’s reputation as a destination capable of producing nationally recognized cultural events. \n\n\n\nFor Explore New Jersey\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges represents something larger than another weekend of live entertainment. It reflects the entrepreneurial vision of New Jersey companies capable of producing world-class events while showcasing the state’s unique combination of music\, food\, hospitality\, and outdoor recreation. Promo 1 has spent decades demonstrating that large-scale festivals can become lasting institutions when they are built around quality programming\, exceptional organization\, and a genuine understanding of what audiences want from a weekend experience. \n\n\n\nAs summer reaches full stride\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges once again stands as one of the signature events on New Jersey’s entertainment calendar. It is a celebration of live music\, championship barbecue\, community\, and the enduring appeal of gathering outdoors to experience great performances with family and friends. For three days in Augusta\, the rhythms of classic rock blend with the aroma of slow-smoked barbecue\, creating a festival that has become one of the defining traditions of summer in the Garden State and a powerful reminder that some of the Northeast’s most memorable entertainment experiences continue to be produced right here in New Jersey.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/38-special-christone-kingfish-ingram-gary-hoey-matt-oree-band/
LOCATION:Sussex County Fairgrounds\, 37 Plains Road\, Augusta\, New Jersey\, 07822\, United States
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/721463152_973475532158106_2943327109822220122_n.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Promo 1":MAILTO:hfreeman@promo1.info
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260628T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260628T220000
DTSTAMP:20260529T152942Z
CREATED:20260529T152940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T152942Z
UID:92615-1782648000-1782684000@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Asbury Park Jazz Fest
DESCRIPTION:The Return of a Jersey Shore Tradition: Asbury Park Jazz Fest Comes Back to the City’s Musical Heartbeat After More Than a Decade Away \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor generations\, Asbury Park has occupied a unique place in New Jersey’s cultural identity. The city’s name is synonymous with live music\, artistic expression\, and the kind of creative energy that has continually reinvented itself while remaining deeply connected to its roots. From legendary rock clubs and iconic boardwalk venues to emerging festivals and independent performance spaces\, Asbury Park has built a reputation as one of the most important music destinations on the East Coast. Now\, after more than a decade away\, one of the city’s most beloved musical traditions is making a long-awaited return. \n\n\n\nThe Asbury Park Jazz Fest is officially back. \n\n\n\nScheduled for Sunday\, June 28\, 2026\, the festival will once again bring the sounds of contemporary jazz\, smooth jazz\, soul-infused instrumental music\, and world-class musicianship to Sunset Park in a free public celebration that honors both the city’s musical heritage and its continuing evolution as one of New Jersey’s premier arts destinations. \n\n\n\nRunning from noon until 8 p.m. at Sunset Park\, located at 1305 Main Street\, the event marks the revival of a festival that was once a cornerstone of Asbury Park’s cultural calendar. For more than fifteen years\, the Jazz Fest attracted audiences from throughout New Jersey and beyond before eventually entering a lengthy hiatus. Its absence left a noticeable gap in the city’s summer music programming\, particularly for jazz enthusiasts who had come to view the festival as one of the Shore’s signature annual gatherings. \n\n\n\nThe return of the event reflects both public demand and renewed investment in community-centered cultural programming. Organizers cite overwhelming interest from residents\, music fans\, and local stakeholders as a driving force behind the revival. Support from the Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone has helped make the 2026 comeback possible\, creating an opportunity for a new generation of music lovers to experience the festival while longtime attendees reconnect with an event that once played a significant role in the city’s cultural identity. \n\n\n\nThe timing could not be better. \n\n\n\nAsbury Park continues to experience a remarkable renaissance as a destination for music\, entertainment\, dining\, tourism\, and creative entrepreneurship. Throughout the city\, historic venues coexist alongside new businesses\, public gathering spaces\, and cultural initiatives that have helped transform the community into one of New Jersey’s most vibrant destinations. While rock and alternative music often dominate national perceptions of Asbury Park\, the city’s musical story has always been far broader and more diverse. \n\n\n\nJazz has long been part of that story. \n\n\n\nThe genre’s emphasis on improvisation\, collaboration\, technical mastery\, and artistic exploration aligns naturally with the creative spirit that has defined Asbury Park for decades. The return of Jazz Fest reinforces the city’s commitment to showcasing a wide range of musical voices while celebrating the rich traditions that continue to influence contemporary artists across genres. \n\n\n\nThis year’s lineup reflects that commitment. \n\n\n\nFestival attendees can expect eight hours of continuous live performances featuring an impressive roster of nationally recognized jazz artists and contemporary instrumental performers. The lineup includes Marel Hidalgo\, Ultrablue\, Antoine Knight\, Reza Khan\, Nick Steffanaci\, Dee Brown\, Ragan Whiteside\, and Paula Atherton\, creating a diverse musical experience that spans multiple interpretations of modern jazz and contemporary fusion. \n\n\n\nEach performer brings a unique perspective to the stage. Collectively\, the lineup represents a broad cross-section of today’s jazz landscape\, blending traditional influences with contemporary sounds that appeal to longtime jazz enthusiasts and newer audiences alike. The result promises to be a full-day musical journey that showcases the genre’s remarkable versatility while maintaining the accessibility that has helped jazz remain relevant across generations. \n\n\n\nFor attendees\, one of the festival’s greatest strengths is its setting. \n\n\n\nSunset Park has become one of Asbury Park’s most cherished outdoor spaces\, offering an atmosphere that perfectly complements live music. Unlike enclosed venues\, outdoor festivals create opportunities for audiences to engage with performances in a relaxed and communal environment. Families\, visitors\, residents\, and music lovers can gather throughout the day\, enjoy the waterfront surroundings\, and experience live music in a setting that feels distinctly connected to the character of the city itself. \n\n\n\nThe free admission policy further reinforces the festival’s mission of accessibility and community engagement. In an era when many major music events carry increasingly expensive ticket prices\, the decision to keep the Asbury Park Jazz Fest free and open to the public reflects a commitment to ensuring that high-quality live music remains available to everyone regardless of economic circumstances. \n\n\n\nThat accessibility has always been part of what made the original festival so successful. \n\n\n\nJazz festivals often serve as cultural gateways\, introducing new listeners to the genre while providing dedicated fans with opportunities to discover emerging artists and revisit established favorites. By removing barriers to entry\, the event creates an inclusive environment where audiences can experience the richness of jazz without the limitations that sometimes accompany larger commercial festivals. \n\n\n\nBeyond the music itself\, the return of Jazz Fest carries broader significance for Asbury Park’s economy and tourism sector. Cultural events have become an increasingly important component of the city’s continued growth\, drawing visitors who support local restaurants\, retail businesses\, hotels\, and entertainment venues. Festivals create economic activity while simultaneously strengthening community identity\, making them valuable assets for both residents and business owners. \n\n\n\nThe revival also arrives during a period of growing appreciation for live music experiences. Across the country\, audiences have increasingly gravitated toward authentic\, community-oriented events that emphasize connection\, creativity\, and shared cultural experiences. Jazz festivals in particular have experienced renewed interest as listeners seek performances that prioritize musicianship and artistic expression over spectacle alone. \n\n\n\nFor New Jersey\, the return of the Asbury Park Jazz Fest represents another example of the state’s thriving arts and entertainment ecosystem. From major concert venues and performing arts centers to independent festivals and community events\, New Jersey continues to establish itself as one of the most active cultural regions in the country. Events like Jazz Fest contribute to that reputation while highlighting the extraordinary diversity of artistic experiences available throughout the Garden State. \n\n\n\nAs June 28 approaches\, anticipation continues building around what promises to be one of the most meaningful cultural comebacks of the summer season. The return of the Asbury Park Jazz Fest is more than the revival of a single event. It is the restoration of a tradition that helped define a community\, celebrate a musical genre\, and bring people together through a shared appreciation for artistry and performance. \n\n\n\nFor longtime attendees\, the festival’s return offers an opportunity to reconnect with cherished memories and rediscover an event that once occupied a special place on the city’s cultural calendar. For newcomers\, it presents an opportunity to experience one of Asbury Park’s most anticipated musical celebrations for the very first time. \n\n\n\nIn a city whose history is inseparable from music itself\, the return of the Asbury Park Jazz Fest feels both natural and significant. It reconnects the present with the past while creating new memories for future generations\, reinforcing the idea that great music\, like great communities\, has the power to endure\, evolve\, and inspire. On June 28\, that tradition returns to Sunset Park\, where the sounds of jazz will once again become part of the soundtrack of an Asbury Park summer.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/asbury-park-jazz-fest/
LOCATION:Sunset Park\, 1305 Main Street\, Asbury Park\, New Jersey\, 07712\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Festivals,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Document-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260628T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260628T190000
DTSTAMP:20260625T144725Z
CREATED:20260625T144724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T144725Z
UID:97555-1782651600-1782673200@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Rock\, Ribs & Ridges Featuring Blackberry Smoke\, Artimus Pyle Band\, Robert Jon & The Wreck\, Triple Rail Turn
DESCRIPTION:Rock\, Ribs & Ridges Returns to Sussex County as New Jersey’s Premier Weekend of Classic Rock\, Championship Barbecue\, and Outdoor Festival Culture \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are music festivals that focus exclusively on concerts\, food festivals that celebrate regional cuisine\, and outdoor events built around camping and recreation. Rock\, Ribs & Ridges has spent years proving that New Jersey doesn’t have to choose between them. Returning to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta from June 26 through June 28\, the three-day event once again brings together nationally recognized rock artists\, award-winning barbecue\, craft beverages\, camping\, and family-friendly entertainment in what has become one of the state’s signature summer festival traditions. More than simply another stop on the live music calendar\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges has evolved into one of New Jersey’s most recognizable destination events\, attracting visitors from across the Northeast while showcasing the growing strength of the Garden State’s festival industry. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSUNDAY\, JUNE 28\, 2026Schedule subject to change. \n\n\n\nNOONDOORS OPEN1:00 PMTriple Rail Turn2:30 PMRobert Jon & The Wreck4:30 PMArtimus Pyle Band – Honoring Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd6:30 PMBlackberry Smoke\n\n\n\nThe success of Rock\, Ribs & Ridges did not happen by accident. Behind the festival is Promo 1\, one of New Jersey’s most accomplished event management companies and an organization whose influence extends far beyond Sussex County. Over the course of several decades\, Promo 1 has established itself as a leader in producing large-scale festivals\, sporting events\, concerts\, and public celebrations throughout the region. Through its sister company\, The Festival Group\, the organization has also become the nation’s largest producer of hot air balloon festivals\, creating more than fifty balloon events across the country and welcoming millions of visitors to productions that combine entertainment\, tourism\, community engagement\, and economic development. \n\n\n\nAt the center of that legacy stands one of New Jersey’s most recognizable annual events\, the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning. Celebrating more than four decades of history\, the festival has grown into the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America\, drawing approximately 170\,000 visitors annually while earning international recognition for its spectacular balloon launches\, nationally known musical performers\, aviation demonstrations\, family attractions\, and community atmosphere. Together\, Promo 1 and The Festival Group have welcomed more than 6.25 million guests to festivals\, concerts\, sporting events\, and public celebrations\, creating an unmatched track record in New Jersey’s live event industry. \n\n\n\nThat experience is evident throughout Rock\, Ribs & Ridges. The festival is carefully designed as a complete weekend destination rather than a series of isolated concerts. Music remains the centerpiece\, but championship barbecue competitions\, regional food vendors\, craft beer\, camping experiences\, family attractions\, artisan exhibitors\, and the scenic landscape of northwestern New Jersey combine to create an atmosphere that encourages visitors to spend the entire weekend immersed in the event rather than attending only a single performance. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 edition continues that tradition with one of the strongest lineups in the festival’s history\, offering audiences a carefully balanced schedule that blends legendary classic rock performers with acclaimed blues artists\, rising regional musicians\, Southern rock favorites\, and tribute acts that have earned international reputations for their authenticity. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe festival begins Friday evening as gates open at 6:00 p.m.\, launching the weekend with an immediate celebration of classic rock. The Super 70’s Rock Show opens the main stage by recreating one of the most influential decades in rock history through an energetic performance featuring many of the songs that continue defining American radio. The evening then shifts to one of the country’s premier tribute productions as Almost Queen takes the stage. Widely recognized for recreating the music\, theatrical presentation\, and vocal power of Queen’s legendary live performances\, Almost Queen has become a festival favorite across North America by delivering concerts that honor Freddie Mercury\, Brian May\, Roger Taylor\, and John Deacon while introducing new generations to one of rock’s most celebrated catalogs. The night concludes with a special campers-only performance by Dead Aire inside the Richards Building\, providing overnight guests with an exclusive late-night concert that extends the festival experience beyond the main stage. \n\n\n\nSaturday delivers the broadest musical diversity of the weekend while highlighting the depth of contemporary blues\, rock\, and Southern music. Matt Coffy Band opens the day’s performances before handing the stage to New Jersey favorite Matt O’Ree Band\, whose reputation as one of the state’s premier blues-rock acts continues growing through relentless touring and exceptional musicianship. Guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey follows with a performance showcasing the technical precision and melodic style that have made him one of modern rock’s most respected instrumentalists. \n\n\n\nAs the afternoon transitions into evening\, the festival welcomes one of the most exciting performers in contemporary blues. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram arrives in Augusta having established himself as one of the genre’s defining young artists. Combining extraordinary guitar technique with powerful songwriting and commanding stage presence\, Kingfish has introduced a new generation of audiences to modern blues while earning widespread acclaim throughout the music industry. His appearance alone would represent a significant highlight of the weekend\, but Saturday continues building momentum as legendary southern rock band 38 Special closes the main stage. With a catalog that includes enduring classics such as “Hold On Loosely\,” “Caught Up in You\,” “Rockin’ Into the Night\,” and numerous other radio staples\, the band remains one of the defining voices of American arena rock. Campers will again enjoy an exclusive after-hours performance\, this year featuring Sugar Mountain inside the Richards Building following a lineup adjustment announced by festival organizers. \n\n\n\nSunday’s schedule embraces the roots of American rock while celebrating artists who continue carrying that tradition forward. Triple Rail Turn opens the afternoon before California’s Robert Jon & The Wreck bring their distinctive blend of Southern rock\, blues\, and classic guitar-driven songwriting to the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Their rapidly growing reputation has positioned them among the most exciting touring bands currently carrying forward the traditions established by artists such as The Allman Brothers Band\, Lynyrd Skynyrd\, and The Black Crowes. \n\n\n\nOne of Sunday’s most anticipated performances belongs to the Artimus Pyle Band\, honoring the legacy of Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd. As one of the musicians most closely associated with the original Skynyrd lineup\, Artimus Pyle offers audiences more than a tribute performance; he provides a direct connection to one of the most influential chapters in American rock history. Closing the festival is Blackberry Smoke\, whose combination of Southern rock\, country influences\, blues\, and Americana has made them one of the most respected touring bands of the past two decades. Their appearance provides a fitting conclusion to a weekend celebrating both the history and continuing evolution of guitar-driven American music. \n\n\n\nWhile the lineup alone would justify a trip to Augusta\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges has always distinguished itself through its broader festival experience. Championship barbecue remains one of the event’s defining attractions\, with accomplished pitmasters serving smoked brisket\, ribs\, pulled pork\, chicken\, and other regional specialties prepared using techniques representing barbecue traditions from across the United States. The culinary component has become every bit as important as the music\, creating an event where food enthusiasts and concertgoers gather for the same weekend celebration. \n\n\n\nCamping further distinguishes Rock\, Ribs & Ridges from many other New Jersey festivals. Rather than asking visitors to leave after the final encore each evening\, the festival encourages guests to remain on-site\, transforming the weekend into a shared community experience where music\, conversation\, late-night performances\, and outdoor recreation become part of the same tradition. The campers-only concerts reinforce that philosophy\, rewarding those who spend the entire weekend immersed in the festival’s atmosphere. \n\n\n\nEvents such as Rock\, Ribs & Ridges also play a significant economic role for northwestern New Jersey. Visitors traveling from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region support local hotels\, campgrounds\, restaurants\, retailers\, fuel stations\, and tourism businesses while introducing new audiences to Sussex County’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Festivals of this scale generate measurable economic activity while strengthening New Jersey’s reputation as a destination capable of producing nationally recognized cultural events. \n\n\n\nFor Explore New Jersey\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges represents something larger than another weekend of live entertainment. It reflects the entrepreneurial vision of New Jersey companies capable of producing world-class events while showcasing the state’s unique combination of music\, food\, hospitality\, and outdoor recreation. Promo 1 has spent decades demonstrating that large-scale festivals can become lasting institutions when they are built around quality programming\, exceptional organization\, and a genuine understanding of what audiences want from a weekend experience. \n\n\n\nAs summer reaches full stride\, Rock\, Ribs & Ridges once again stands as one of the signature events on New Jersey’s entertainment calendar. It is a celebration of live music\, championship barbecue\, community\, and the enduring appeal of gathering outdoors to experience great performances with family and friends. For three days in Augusta\, the rhythms of classic rock blend with the aroma of slow-smoked barbecue\, creating a festival that has become one of the defining traditions of summer in the Garden State and a powerful reminder that some of the Northeast’s most memorable entertainment experiences continue to be produced right here in New Jersey.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/blackberry-smoke-artimus-pyle-band-robert-jon-the-wreck-triple-rail-turn/
LOCATION:Sussex County Fairgrounds\, 37 Plains Road\, Augusta\, New Jersey\, 07822\, United States
CATEGORIES:Festivals,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://explorenewjersey.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/721463152_973475532158106_2943327109822220122_n.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Promo 1":MAILTO:hfreeman@promo1.info
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR