New Jersey’s reputation as a live entertainment powerhouse is about to get even louder. This summer, the North to Shore Festival returns with an ambitious slate of music, comedy, and cultural programming set to transform Newark and Asbury Park into twin epicenters of performance and nightlife. With a newly introduced ParkStage venue debuting alongside some of the state’s most iconic arenas, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be the festival’s biggest and boldest chapter yet.

The newly announced headliners read like a greatest-hits playlist mixed with must-see comedy royalty. From legendary guitar virtuosos to chart-topping hip-hop showcases, from stadium-sized laughter to alternative rock energy by the sea, the festival’s lineup reflects the diversity and ambition of New Jersey’s modern entertainment identity.

In Newark, the city’s world-class venues will host a series of headline events that promise to draw fans from across the Northeast. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center will welcome Joe Bonamassa, whose blues-rock mastery has built a global following and whose live shows are renowned for musical precision and extended improvisation. The Prudential Center, meanwhile, becomes a multi-genre playground throughout the festival. Hot 97’s Summer Jam brings hip-hop’s most influential voices under one roof for a night that consistently defines the culture’s live concert calendar. Comedy icons Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will take the same stage for an evening of sharp wit and unforgettable storytelling, while Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, and Pete Davidson deliver a powerhouse stand-up lineup that merges political satire, observational humor, and pop-culture commentary. Rock The Bells adds another layer to Newark’s schedule, celebrating classic hip-hop heritage with veteran performers and genre pioneers.

Down the shore, Asbury Park continues its rise as one of the East Coast’s most beloved music towns. The Stone Pony Summer Stage will host Claypool Gold, a gathering of musical projects connected to Les Claypool, promising progressive experimentation and virtuosic bass-driven performances. Alternative fans will pack the same beachfront venue for Hot Mulligan, whose emotionally charged punk-rock sound has become a favorite among festival crowds nationwide. With ocean breezes, boardwalk energy, and late-night aftershows, Asbury Park’s portion of the festival offers a different but equally electric atmosphere.

Beyond these headlining events, the North to Shore Festival expands well past traditional concerts. Community arts programming, emerging local acts, cultural showcases, and interactive experiences ensure that the festival isn’t just about big names, but also about highlighting New Jersey’s creative heartbeat. The addition of the ParkStage venue reflects this broader mission, offering space for experimental performances and homegrown talent to share the same festival ecosystem as internationally recognized stars.

Ticket demand is expected to be intense, with most events going on sale in late February. Fans are already marking calendars, planning group outings, and lining up summer weekend getaways built around festival dates. With multiple venues, overlapping schedules, and events across different cities, the festival encourages exploration, turning ticket holders into travelers discovering new neighborhoods, restaurants, and nightlife scenes along the way.

What sets North to Shore apart from traditional music festivals is its urban integration. Instead of isolating audiences in a single venue or field, it invites them into real city spaces. It fuels local business traffic, highlights cultural institutions, and strengthens the identity of Newark and Asbury Park as year-round destinations for entertainment. That combination of star power and community engagement has quickly made the festival one of the most talked-about annual events in the region.

For readers looking to follow announcements, schedules, and additional performances as they are revealed, Explore New Jersey’s North to Shore music event coverage continues to track updates and insider details throughout the season.

As June approaches, anticipation will only grow. The stages are set, the cities are ready, and New Jersey is preparing to welcome visitors for a celebration of sound, laughter, and shared experience. The North to Shore Festival isn’t just returning in 2026—it’s redefining what a statewide entertainment event can be.

The North to Shore Festival will feature a variety of major headlining acts in 

Newark and Asbury Park this June, with most tickets going on sale February 27, 2026. The full lineup includes music, comedy, and community arts events. 

Announced Headlining Shows 

As 2026 approaches, ParkStage’s first lineup announcement confirms what many suspected: this isn’t a modest local stage. It’s a statement venue with ambition, vision, and now, a roster of artists ready to turn that vision into unforgettable nights. The summer of 2026 may still be over the horizon, but the countdown in Freehold has officially begun.

The initiative is being led through a collaboration between the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Monmouth County Tourism, two organizations with deep roots in elevating the cultural profile of Central Jersey. ParkStage is not simply an expansion of existing entertainment offerings. It is a purpose-built, open-air destination designed to welcome major touring artists, national comedy acts, and large-scale special events in a setting that balances scenic surroundings with modern convenience.

How to Get Tickets & More Info

• On-Sale Date: Most tickets become available on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10 a.m..
• Festival Website: For the complete schedule and direct ticket links, check the North to Shore Festival website or download their app.
• Venues: Tickets are also available directly through the venues, such as the Prudential Center website or the Stone Pony website.