From free beachfront shows to massive multi-day music festivals, summer in South Jersey has live music across every genre. Whether you’re catching rock legends in Somers Point, reggae on the Atlantic City boardwalk or camping out for a jam-band marathon in the pines, here’s your ultimate guide to concerts and festivals from the Shore to the city.
Somers Point Beach Concert Series
The 32nd annual Somers Point Beach Concert Series begins June 13, 2025, at William Morrow Beach Municipal Park on Bay Avenue, running Fridays through Sept. 5. Concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m.
Honored as USA Today’s top outdoor concert series in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the lineup features tribute acts, rock icons and regional favorites—from late-night TV legends Jimmy Vivino and G.E. Smith to John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, plus tributes to the Allman Brothers, Conway Twitty and more.
Set on a small-town beach, the series combines musical heritage with family-friendly charm—offering seaside entertainment with a community feel.
- June 13 – Musical stars of late-night TV: Jimmy Vivino (Conan O’Brien show) and G.E. Smith (Saturday Night Live)
- June 20 – “Tony Mart tribute to classic rock guitarists”: Tony Mart All-Stars with guest Billy Walton, covering Hendrix, Clapton, Santana, Prince, Harrison, Stills, Stones, Walsh and Fogerty
- June 27 – Dead Zep: melodic medleys of Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin, led by Waynard Scheller
- July 4 – The Dane Anthony Band: Motown, R&B, disco, classic rock and funk
- July 11 – “The Boss & the Jukes”: Asbury Jukes horn section with guitarist Glenn Alexander — a Springsteen tribute
- July 18 – “The Girls Can’t Help It!”: Patty Balbo tribute to women of rock from Janis Joplin to Taylor Swift, featuring Heather “Lil’ Mama” Hardy on violin
- July 25 – Tom Hambridge and the Rattlesnakes: Grammy-winning Nashville songwriter/producer (Stones, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi) with special guest Twisted Livin’
- Aug. 1 – John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band: multi-platinum “Eddie & the Cruisers” soundtrack artists
- Aug. 8 – Melody Trucks Band featuring Vaylor Trucks: Southern rock legacy from the Allman family
- Aug. 15 – Vanessa Collier Band: Memphis-based saxophonist and 2025 Blues Music Award winner, representing the Delaware Valley
- Aug. 22 – Somers Point legacy: Tre Twitty (Conway Twitty’s grandson), blues from the Nighthawks and pianist Reverend Billy C. Wirtz
- Aug. 29 – The Billy Walton Band: Jersey Shore rock‑and‑soul guitar hero touring internationally
- Sept. 5 – South Jersey All-Star Legacy Salute: Patty Blee, Lew London, Dr. Bobby Fingers, Danny Eyer, Tony Mart All‑Stars with Howard Isaacson and the Campanell family honoring Bobby Campanell and Herb “Bubba Mac” Birch
Ventnor summer concerts
Ventnor City’s lively summer concert schedule lights up its boardwalk beaches from late May to September, with free family-friendly shows held across two iconic venues.
In Sunset at Ski Beach, Wednesdays at Dorset and Burk Avenues bring food vendors opening at 5:30 p.m. and music starting at 6:30 p.m. Highlights range from classic rock to disco and tribute bands—from Don’t Call Me Francis to Dead Reckoning and the Sensational Soul Cruisers.
Summer Beach Jam runs Saturdays at the Newport Avenue bandstand, also with vendors from 5:30 p.m. and music at 6:30 p.m. The lineup includes Beatles tributes, South Side’s B Street Band, Parrot Beach and a patriotic July 3 celebration with Ricky Stevens, The Exceptions, the Ventnor Mile Run and fireworks .
Ventnor’s seaside gatherings are a hallmark of community spirit with live music, local vendors and scenic oceanfront views—ideal for summer nights by the sea.
Independence celebration – Newport Avenue band stage, boardwalk
- Thursday, July 3 – The Voice of Ventnor Ricky Stevens performs at 6:15 p.m., followed by The Exceptions at 7 p.m. The Ventnor Mile Run begins at 7 p.m., with fireworks at dusk
Summer Beach Jam – Newport Avenue band stage, boardwalk (music begins at 6:30 p.m.; food and vendors from 5:30 p.m.)
- Saturday, June 28 – The Voice of Ventnor (classics) and The Usual Suspects (pop/rock cover band)
- July 5 – “Beatlemania Again!” (Beatles tribute)
- July 12 – Big House Band (party band)
- July 19 – B Street Band (Springsteen tribute)
- July 26 – No concert
- Aug. 2 – Parrot Beach (Jimmy Buffett tribute)
- Aug. 9 – East Coast Funk Band (’70s to today)
- Aug. 16 – Kick It Out (Heart tribute)
- Aug. 23 – RED (rock)
- Aug. 30 – Party Wave Band (top hits, classics, ’70s to today)
Sunset at Ski Beach – Ski Beach at Dorset and Burk avenues (vendors at 5:30 p.m., music at 6:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, June 25 – Don’t Call Me Francis (’70s to today/classics)
- July 2 – Derek Crider Band (rock/country)
- July 9 – Mysterious Ways (U2 tribute)
- July 16 – NJ British Invasion (various British artist tribute)
- July 23 – Countdown to Ecstasy (Steely Dan tribute)
- July 30 – Dead Reckoning (Grateful Dead tribute)
- Aug. 6 – Sensational Soul Cruisers (Motown, R&B, soul)
- Aug. 13 – The Voice of Ventnor and The Girls Can’t Help It (women of rock tribute)
- Aug. 20 – Legacy (party band)
- Aug. 27 – The Usual Suspects (pop/rock cover band)
Chicken Bone Beach “Jazz on the Beach” – Kennedy Plaza (Thursdays, July 3–Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.)
For more information, see the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation.
- July 3 – Chief Adjuah headlines the summer kickoff set
(Remaining 2025 dates TBD; series runs weekly through Sept. 4.)
Free Summer Concerts at Gardner’s Basin – 800 N. New Hampshire Ave. (Saturdays, 1–7:30 p.m.)
For information, see Visit Atlantic City.
- June 21 – The first of two R&B concerts features Joe Bataan, Meli’Sa Morgan, Full Force, The System, Lillo Thomas, Jeff Redd, First Choice, Allure, Helen Bruner & Terry Jones and Kyle McCarty, with opening sets by The Ty Turner Band, The Cason Express Show Band featuring SiSi Dash, Judah Dorrington & Paradise; hosted by Maurice “The Voice” Watts .
- July 26 – The second R&B concert spotlights Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, GQ, Wilbert Hart (original Delfonics), Blue Magic, Black Ivory, The Ritchie Family, Dennis Taylor and Charlene Holloway, with local openers Chris‑N‑Teeb, Village Bridge, Special Occasion, Shawn Rock and DJ Howie D; hosted by Maurice Watts .
Mardi Gras AC on the Boardwalk – Kennedy Plaza (Wednesdays, 7 p.m., June 25–Sept. 3)
For infomation see Visit Atlantic City.
- June 25 – Ocean Avenue Stompers ignite opening night.
- July 2 – Sam Morrow’s Southern Rockin’ Blues Band delivers a Little Feat tribute.
- July 9 – Third World brings its million‑selling reggae-rock hits.
- July 16 – Shemekia Copeland, Grammy-nominated “Chicago blues queen,” hits the stage.
- July 23 – Gary U.S. Bonds & the Roadhouse Rockers perform “This Little Girl” with The Billy Walton Band.
- July 30 – Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk bring New Orleans funk to AC.
- Aug. 6 – Galactic returns with its high-energy NOLA funk flavor.
- Aug. 13 – Jeff Bradshaw leads the No Vacancy Orchestra’s Quincy Jones tribute.
- Aug. 20 – Devon Allman’s Blues Summit features Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie), Larry McCray and Sierra Green.
- Aug. 27 – Dead Zep offers melodic tributes to Grateful Dead, Dylan and Led Zeppelin.
- Sept. 3 – Classic Pop finale stars The Cowsills with The Weaklings featuring Glen Burtnik of Styx and ELO
Pass/Go dance party – Anchor Rock Club
Every second Thursday through Dec. 11, Anchor Rock Club (247 S. New York Ave.) hosts the free “Pass/Go” dance party with house, dance and techno music spun by rotating local and regional DJs. The next event is 8 p.m. Thursday, June 12—no cover, 21+ only. For infomation see Anchor Rock Club.
Beachstock “The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party” – Margate Beach (Huntington to Granville avenues)
June 28, 2025 • 8 a.m.–10 p.m. (rain date: June 29)
Margate turns up the heat on June 28 with Beachstock, a 12‑hour free beach festival (no badges needed), celebrating its 13th year. The event draws more than 5,000 visitors for live music across two stages, new food vendors, children’s games, surf and kite lessons, volleyball, a home run derby, cornhole and a waterfront Tiki Bar.
- Wiffle ball home run derby runs 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Granville Ave. beach with age-group prizes and music by USA DJ Entertainment
- Food & beverage on site include DonutNV, Margate Clam Shack, Squeezies Lemonade, Philly Pretzel Factory, The Other Lucy, plus returning favorites like Margate Dairy Bar & Burger and Cali Shakes
- Free activities feature environmental exhibits, sand‑sculpting lessons, treasure hunts, limbo contests, surf clinics by Stacey’s Surf Camp, stunt kite demos, pickleball, volleyball tournaments and community giveaways
- New this year: meet Miss New Jersey and pose with the Eagles’ Lombardi Trophy. Media partners Cat Country 107.3 and ESPN 97.3 will broadcast live
- Live music & after‑dark lineup: Two stages feature Sunrise Cries, Mas Tequila Orchestra, The Hook and South Pacific Island Dancers; Nikki Briar brings country. Evening highlights include beachside movie “Moana 2” at 6:30 p.m., fire‑knife dances, and NJ British Invasion performing Beatles, Stones and Who hits at 8:30 p.m. .
Festivalgoers can catch a free jitney along Atlantic Ave. between Coolidge and Fredericksburg from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sandwiched between Huntington and Granville on Margate beach, this summer beach party is an all‑day community splash. For infomation see Margate Has More.
Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay – Amherst Avenue and the bay
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Margate’s 25th annual Bayfront celebration returns with free family fun, drawing more than 20,000 visitors. Highlights include over 110 vendor booths, artisan crafts, two stages (10 main‑stage bands, 12 kids’ acts), parades with Miss New Jersey, Scott’s Dock Wetlands Wonderland, a beer garden, Tito’s vodka tent and waterfront promenade entertainment. For information see Margate Has More.
- Funfest After Dark (21+) takes place Saturday, Sept. 27, 7:30–10 p.m., at Washington Avenue Pier. $20 advance ($25 day‑of) includes five drink samples, finger foods and live music; general admission is free for Steve Moore & The MIA band’s street‑dance performance .
Brigantine Summer Concert Series – Brigantine Beach Community Center Lawn, 265 42nd St.
Free concerts on Wednesday evenings, weather permitting. Bring a chair or blanket. For information, see Brigantine Community Education and Recreation.
- May 29, 2025 Brenda Bass & The Swingettes
- Wednesday June 4, 2025 Lighthouse 8
- Wednesday June 18, 2025 Jim Craine & Atlantic City All Stars
- Wednesday June 25, 2025 Fabmania – Beatles Tribute
- Wednesday July 2, 2025 Pitman Hobo Band
- Thursday July 3, 2025 Friends Classic Rock
- Wednesday July 16, 2025 Tony DeLuca Band
- Wednesday July 23, 2025 Six Mile Cross
- Wednesday July 30, 2025 Odyessea
- Wednesday August 6, 2025 TK and the Howlers
- Wednesday August 13, 2025 Friends Classic Rock
- Wednesday August 20, 2025 Seth Kibel – Brigantine Community School
- Thursday December 11, 2025 Suite Inspiration – Brigantine Community School
Rhythm in the Park – Tony Canale Park amphitheater, EHT
Fridays 7–9 p.m., June 27 through August (weather permitting). Bring a chair or blanket. See Egg Harbor Township Recreation for information.
- June 27 – Duck & Cover perform a mix of pop and rock favorites .
- July 4–Aug. – Schedule TBD; typically features local tribute, rock and jazz bands.**
This series is part of the township’s Parks & Recreation “Rhythm in the Park” free concert program
Barefoot Country Music Festival
When: June 19–22, 2025
Where: Wildwood Beach, NJ
Headliners: Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Jordan Davis, Megan Moroney, Chris Janson, Warren Zeiders, Boyz II Men, Ella Langley, Sam Barber
What to expect: Four days of country on the sand with multiple stages, plus R&B legends at night like Boyz II Men.
For information and tickets see Barefoot Country Music Fest.
Beardfest
When: June 26–30, 2025
Where: Paradise Lakes Campground, Hammonton, NJ
Top acts: Beardspace, Papadosio, Couch, Zion Marley & the Beardspace, TAUK ft. Kanika Moore, Snacktime, Consider the Source, Spilly Cave, Natalie Brooke, Alec Goldfarb, Rachel Andie, Knorrwood, Emefe, Sean Daniels & the Law Abiding Citizens, Ricky Hess Band, Tanikka Charraé and more
Highlights: A four-day festival pairing jam-band music with workshops, art installations and wellness sessions .
For information and tickets see Beardfest.
Sea.Hear.Now Festival
When: September 13–14, 2025
Where: Asbury Park Waterfront
Headliners: Hozier, Blink‑182, LCD Soundsystem, Alabama Shakes, Lenny Kravitz, TV On The Radio, ZZ Top, Sublime, Spoon, 4 Non Blondes, De La Soul, Public Enemy (plus pro surfing including Ventnor’s own Cassidy McClain).
For information and tickets see Sea.Hear.Now.
XPoNential Music Festival – Camden Waterfront, Wiggins Park
Dates: Friday–Sunday, Sept. 19–21, 2025
The 32nd annual XPoNential Festival returns to the Camden waterfront Sept. 19–21 with a three‑day lineup showcasing blues, indie rock and Americana. Friday’s headliners include funk legends War and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Saturday features Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory and Soccer Mommy. Sunday closes with Courtney Barnett and Greensky Bluegrass, alongside acts like Spin Doctors and Craig Finn. For infomation see XPN Festival.
Atlantic City Jazz Fest – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 • 7 p.m., Sound Waves
A star-studded jazz evening featuring saxophonist Gerald Albright, supported by Pieces of a Dream and Rebecca Jade. Tickets begin at $60. For information see Atlantic City Jazz Fest.
Camp Jam in the Pines – Woodstown, Salem County Fairgrounds
Friday–Sunday, June 5–7, 2025
The 40th and final Camp Jam features three days of eclectic acts—from bluegrass to ska to funk. Highlights include The Quixote Project, Entrain and Remember Jones, along with emerging bands, workshops, camping and bonfire jams. For infomation see Camp Jam in the Pines.
South Jersey House Music Festival – Burlington County Fairgrounds
- Dates: Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 23–24, 2025
- What to expect: This growing electronic/multigenre festival features immersive, all‑ages vibrancy with dance, real‑house sounds and art installations in a county-fair setting
- Entry is free but parking is $10 and donations are being accepted.
Philadelphia Folk Festival – Old Pool Farm, Upper Salford Township, PA
Dates: Friday–Sunday, Aug. 15–17, 2025 (plus a Thursday night campers-only preview on Aug. 14)
Headliners include folk mainstays John Gorka, SONiA disappear fear and Solas, along with emerging and established artists such as Elijah Wald, Vanessa Collier, John Moreland, Alison Brown and others . Family friendly camping, food trucks, workshops and more round out this long-running August tradition. For infomation and tickets see the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival – Salem County Fairgrounds, Woodstown, NJ
Dates: Friday–Sunday, Aug. 29–31, 2025
In its 53rd year over Labor Day weekend, the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival features headliners like Del McCoury Band, Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Dom Flemons, and Lonesome River Band, plus full weekend of traditional bluegrass, roots music, camping and community vibes. For information see the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival.
Outlaw Music Festival – Camden (Freedom Mortgage Pavilion)
- When: Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at 4 p.m.
- Lineup: Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow and Waxahatchee headline the Camden stop of the 10th-anniversary Outlaw Music Festival, with festival contributions from Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Avett Brothers and more.
- For infomation see the Outlaw Country Music Festival.
Mann Center – TD Pavilion at Fairmount Park, Philadelphia (Summer 2025)
- June 14 – Simple Minds: Alive & Kicking Tour
- June 15 – Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band
- June 22 – HAUSER: The Rebel Is Back (classical crossover)
- June 28 – BABYMETAL: North America 2025
- July 1 – Brand New (rock)
- July 11 – Jazz Under the Stars: Kim Waters featuring Gerald Veasley Band
- July 12 – Rod Stewart: One Last Time Tour with Cheap Trick
- July 15–16 – Phish (two-night run)
- July 19 – “Weird Al” Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder Tour
- July 20 – Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour
- July 23–24 – 125 Years of The Philadelphia Orchestra celebration
- July 25 – Nas: Illmatic Live with The Philadelphia Orchestra
- July 28 – King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: Phantom Island Tour
- July 29 – Kesha and Scissor Sisters: Tits Out Tour
- July 31 – Slightly Stoopid: Step Into The Sun Tour (with Iration & Little Stranger)
- August 1 – Lord Huron with Lee Fields
- August 2 – Big Time Rush: In Real Life World Tour
- August 3 – Goo Goo Dolls: Summer Anthem Tour with Dashboard Confessional
- August 5 – The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse
- August 7–8 – Jacob Collier (with The No Name Pops on Aug 8)
- August 9 – Rob Thomas: All Night Days Tour with A Great Big World
- August 16 – Billy Idol: It’s A Nice Day To… Tour Again! with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
- August 23 – Jazz Under the Stars: Keiko Matsui featuring Gerald Veasley Band
- August 27 – Coheed and Cambria & Taking Back Sunday with Foxing
- September 4 – HAIM: I Quit Tour
- September 5 – Leon Bridges: The Crooner & The Cowboy (with Charley Crockett)
- September 6 – Sting & Shaggy: One Fine Day Tour
- September 9–10 – Quinn XCII (Look! I’m Alive Tour) & Caamp
- September 12 – Car Seat Headrest: The Scholars Tour
- September 14 – Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout: Charlie Wilson, Babyface, K-Ci & El DeBarge
- September 18 – Alabama Shakes with special guest The Budos Band
- September 26–27 – Mt. Joy (two-night run)
For information see The Mann Center.
Ocean City Music Pier – Ocean City, NJ (Summer Mondays)
- June 23–24 – The Beach Boys (two shows each night: 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.)
- June 30 – Killer Queen – A Tribute to Queen (7 p.m.)
- July 7 – Jon Anderson: YES Epics (7 p.m.)
- July 14 – The Wailers (“Natural Mystic” & “Evolution”) (7 p.m.)
- July 21 – Rick Wakeman: Strictly Wakeman with Hayley Sanderson (7 p.m.)
- July 28 – Let’s Sing Taylor – Live Band Tribute to Taylor Swift (5 p.m.)
- August 11 – Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees (7 p.m.)
- August 18 – The Orchestra (ELO alumni) (7 p.m.)
• August 19 – A Bronx Tale one-man show starring Chazz Palminteri (7 p.m.)
For information see the Ocean City Music Pier.
