New Jersey is kicking off 2026 with an exhilarating series of winter-themed events, as the annual WinterFest returns from January 4 through January 24, bringing music, community engagement, and charity together across multiple towns. Anchored in Asbury Park and Red Bank, the festival blends entertainment and philanthropy, offering a mix of concerts, community activities, and winter experiences designed to brighten the colder months while supporting vital causes.
At the heart of WinterFest is the Light of Day Foundation, the organization behind the festival, which raises awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease and related illnesses, including ALS and PSP. Since its founding in 2000 by Bob Benjamin and Tony Pallagrosi, the foundation has raised more than $6.5 million, supporting both research and patient services. Named after Bruce Springsteen’s iconic song “Light of Day,” the festival has become a New Jersey tradition, known for surprise appearances by Springsteen himself and a lineup of artists who celebrate the state’s rich musical culture.
The 26th annual WinterFest promises an ambitious schedule of over 30 concerts across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, with the spotlight on Asbury Park and Red Bank. The festival officially kicks off on January 4 with a WinterFest celebration at Turning Point in Piermont, NY, setting the tone for weeks of music and community engagement. The Asbury Lanes kickoff show on January 15 launches the main events in New Jersey, where fans can expect a mix of live music, local performers, and winter-themed festivities.
One of the highlights of WinterFest 2026 is the main event, “Bob’s Birthday Bash,” taking place on January 17 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. This centerpiece concert will feature John Rzeznik, lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls, as the headliner, alongside performances by Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers with special guest Gary U.S. Bonds, Dramarama, Fantastic Cat, James Maddock, Remember Jones, and the addition of Adam Weiner (Low Cut Connie), whose high-energy rock and roll has electrified audiences nationwide. The inclusion of Low Cut Connie adds a dynamic new dimension to the festival, bringing their signature piano-driven sound and infectious live performance to the stage for the first time at Light of Day.
Beyond the headline concerts, WinterFest features a variety of community-oriented activities. Asbury Park hosts ice skating and themed events at the Carousel House, while Red Bank offers a series of neighborhood celebrations, including winter walks, local meals, and charitable donation drives. Across other participating towns, residents can join in smaller-scale winter experiences that foster community engagement and highlight New Jersey’s vibrant local culture.
Several additional standout events include “Asbury Park & Me” with James Dalton at The ShowRoom Cinema on January 11, “Celebrating 5 Decades of Willie Nile” at The Stone Pony on January 16, and student-focused performances like “Next Generation” at The Wonder Bar on January 18. The festival concludes on January 24 with “Songwriters in the Round” at Outpost in the Burbs in Montclair, offering an intimate finale that emphasizes storytelling through music.
For music fans and residents looking to experience the full scope of WinterFest, tickets and schedules are available through the festival’s official site. WinterFest not only underscores New Jersey’s rich entertainment scene but also highlights how the state continues to blend culture, community, and charitable impact, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for entertainment that reaches far beyond seasonal events.
From the ice rinks of Asbury Park to the iconic stages of Red Bank, WinterFest 2026 delivers a dynamic, immersive experience where music, philanthropy, and community converge, celebrating both the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of live performance in New Jersey.
