Summer 2025 is in full swing, and the Garden State is buzzing with live music, theater, festivals, and unique entertainment experiences. From iconic musical legends to cutting-edge performances, this week offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the weekend, here’s your guide to the must-see events happening across New Jersey.
Musical Legends and Star-Studded Concerts
Music lovers have plenty to look forward to this week. On Thursday, August 14, Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion hosts a pair of high-profile events: The Jonas Brothers “JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown” and The Outlaw Music Festival, featuring Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, and more. Fans of rock and classic hits can also catch Tommy James and The Shondells in Morristown or Joanne Shaw Taylor at Newton Theatre.
Friday brings country music fans to the PNC Bank Arts Center for Dierks Bentley’s “Broken Branches Tour”, while Newton Theatre welcomes the legendary Asleep at the Wheel – Happy Trails Tour, showcasing over fifty years of Western swing mastery. Meanwhile, Jersey City hosts a special Bob Dylan Tribute at Grace Church Van Vorst for a night of classic songwriting.
The weekend continues the musical excitement with shows like The Bouncing Souls “Stoked for the Summer” Tour at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, A.R. Rahman’s Wonderment Tour at the Prudential Center in Newark, and 103.5 KTU’s BeatStock, featuring Boy George, Joey McIntyre, and more at the PNC Bank Arts Center. Hip-hop fans can enjoy Cypress Hill & Atmosphere live at The Stone Pony Summer Stage.
Theater and Performing Arts Highlights
For those who prefer live theater, New Jersey stages are thriving. “Man of La Mancha” continues at Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville, offering audiences a chance to “Dream the Impossible Dream.” At the Jersey Shore, the Algonquin Arts Theatre presents the groundbreaking musical “RENT”, while Millville’s Levoy Theatre features the Broadway hit “Hairspray”. Both productions promise unforgettable performances that transport audiences through music, emotion, and storytelling.
Other theatrical highlights include “A Streetcar Named Desire” and the mischievous comedic performance “The Trouble with Angels” starring Emmy Award-winner Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery.
Festivals, Fairs, and Unique Experiences
Festival-goers are in for a treat as the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival showcases local and national talent, while BeatStock delivers a nostalgic dance party for fans of 80s and 90s pop icons. Comic book and genre fans can head to Monster-Mania Con, and blues enthusiasts can enjoy the Devon Allman Blues Summit.
Sports and family-friendly activities are also part of the lineup. Local baseball fans can catch pre-season action with the Giants vs. Jets matchup, or follow the minor league teams like the Sea Dogs and Blue Rocks as they wrap up their summer series.
Making the Most of Your Week in New Jersey
Festivals & Fairs
- Warren County Farmers’ Fair featuring the Balloon Festival (Phillipsburg): Enjoy a traditional farmers’ fair with a hot air balloon festival, rides, vendors, and entertainment. Free kids’ activities, quilt raffle, demolition derby, hot air balloons, tractor pulls, and VIP area available. Open Thursday-Sunday.
- Vintage Baseball Game & Food Truck Festival (Washington Borough Park): Experience a vintage baseball game and indulge in delicious food from various food trucks. Free admission!
- Surf & Turf Seafood Festival (Monmouth Park): Enjoy a two-day seafood extravaganza featuring lobster rolls, crab cakes, shrimp, and more from over a dozen of the Shore’s best seafood establishments. Use promo code Seafood25 to save 15% on general admission. Free family fun activities include bounce house, pony rides, face painters, and clowns from 12-4 PM on Sunday.
- New Jersey Renaissance Faire (Columbus): Step back in time with jousting, sword-fighting, music, a human chess match, and a vibrant marketplace. Fun for the whole family, with interesting wares and cool costumes.
- Jersey City Night Market: Discover local small businesses, enjoy live music, and sample diverse food and handcrafted goods at this vibrant open-air night market. Family and pet friendly, and FREE to attend.
Music & Entertainment
- In This Moment: Hell Hath No Fury Tour (Tropicana Atlantic City): Catch the GRAMMY Award-nominated rock band with special guests Wargasm, Kat Von D, and The Pretty Wild.
- Soular Rhythm (Steel Wheel Tavern, Ridgewood): Enjoy live music with fantastic vocals, guitar, and keys, specializing in Top 40, R&B, Jazz, Classic Rock, Reggae, and Motown.
- Marcello Hernandez (Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown): See comedian Marcello Hernandez perform live.
- Vinyl Trio – NJ (Anchor Tavern, Belmar): Enjoy live music at the Anchor Tavern.
- John Lepre – Live Music (Steel Wheel Tavern, Ridgewood): Listen to a one-man band performing favorites from the 50s through today.
- Rhyme or Reason (Shannon Rose Ramsey): Rock out to great music, great food, and great drinks with no cover charge.
- JOISEY DEVILS (The Dog House Saloon, Township of Washington): Enjoy hits from the 50s through today.
- MP Returns to Readington Brewery (Neshanic Station): Enjoy an evening of music and brews.
Family-Friendly Activities
- Liberty Science Center (Jersey City): Explore interactive exhibits and learn about science and technology.
- Liberty State Park (Jersey City): Enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Take a ferry to visit these iconic landmarks.
- Adventure Aquarium (Camden): Discover thousands of aquatic animals and enjoy interactive exhibits.
- Bergen County Zoo (Paramus): Visit a variety of animals and enjoy educational programs.
- Duke Farms (Hillsborough): Explore beautiful landscapes, gardens, and learn about environmental stewardship.
- Howell Living History Farm (Hopewell Township): Experience farm life in the early 20th century with hands-on activities and demonstrations.
- Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson): Enjoy thrilling rides, entertainment, and animal encounters.
- Speed Puzzling Competition Individual and Pairs + Swap (Top Deck Games, Cherry Hill): Compete for prizes and swap puzzles at this fun event.
- The Pop Out Sunday Day Party! (Vera Bar & Grill, Cherry Hill): Dance, chill, and enjoy good vibes at this day party.
- Festive multi Vendor shopping event (Indian Cultural Center of South Jersey, Marlton): Shop for jewelry, ethnic wear, decor, kidswear, accessories, and more from over 18 curated vendors.
Flea Markets & Craft Fairs
- Manahawkin Flea Market: Indoor and outdoor market open Saturdays and Sundays, featuring hair accessories, tools, glassware, toys, collectibles, fruits, veggies, and more.
- Collingwood Auction & Flea Market (Farmingdale): One of the largest flea markets in New Jersey, with over 500 outdoor vendors selling clothing, jewelry, home goods, antiques, and more.
- New Egypt Flea Market Village: Explore over 40 buildings filled with new and antique merchandise, many housed in former WWII barracks.
With so many events happening simultaneously, planning ahead is key. Many shows offer limited seating or special VIP experiences, so securing tickets early is recommended. Whether it’s catching a sold-out concert, enjoying a theatrical masterpiece, or participating in a local festival, there’s never been a better time to experience New Jersey’s vibrant cultural scene.
Thursday, August 14, 2025
- Man of La Mancha – Music Mountain Theatre, Lambertville | 08:00 – 17:00 (Aug 8–24)
- RENT – Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan | 20:00 – 23:30 (Aug 9–17)
- Bob Dylan Tribute – Grace Church Van Vorst, Jersey City | 17:00
- Jonas Brothers: JONAS20 Greetings From Your Hometown – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden | 18:00
- The Outlaw Music Festival – Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow & More – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden | 18:00
- Tommy James and The Shondells – Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown | 19:00
- Joanne Shaw Taylor – Newton Theatre, Newton | 20:00
- Hairspray – Levoy Theatre, Millville | 20:00 – 23:30 (Aug 14–17)
Friday, August 15, 2025
- Adam Ezra Group – Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | All Day
- Straight to Hell: The Clash Tribute – Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank | All Day
- Asleep At The Wheel – Happy Trails Tour – Newton Theatre, Newton | All Day
- Dierks Bentley: Broken Branches Tour – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel | 13:30
Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Double Duran – Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | All Day
- Yacht Rock Gold Experience – Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank | All Day
- Professor Louie With the Woodstock Horns – Various Locations | All Day
- Giants vs. Jets (Pre-Season) – Location TBD | All Day
- Marcello Hernández (Stand-up Comedy) – Ages 16+ | All Day
- The Bouncing Souls – “Stoked for the Summer” Tour – The Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park | 16:30
- A.R. Rahman: The Wonderment Tour – Prudential Center, Newark | 17:00
Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Bay Faction – Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | All Day
- RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World Tour 2025 – State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick | All Day
- Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery: “The Trouble with Angels” – New Brunswick | All Day
- 103.5 KTU Presents: BeatStock with Boy George, Joey McIntyre & More – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel | 13:30
- Cypress Hill & Atmosphere – The Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park | 16:30
For a full schedule of upcoming events, ticket information, and insider tips on things to do across the Garden State, visit Explore New Jersey’s Events page — your ultimate guide to the best concerts, festivals, theater performances, and community happenings this week.
From world-class music and theater to one-of-a-kind local festivals, New Jersey offers something for everyone this week. Don’t miss your chance to experience the Garden State at its liveliest.
