Joe Bonamassa is one of many artists scheduled to perform at North to Shore this year
(NEWARK, NJ) -- North to Shore will take place June 13-28, 2026 with another extraordinary season of world-class performances, comedy acts, film screenings, community events, and artistic collaborations at venues across Newark and Asbury Park.
North to Shore, a summer arts festival celebrating all of the Garden State's creativity, diversity and passion for innovation, is produced by the Newark-based New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The 2026 festival featuries a dynamic lineup of internationally acclaimed musical performers, the biggest names in comedy, and rising local artists who help define New Jersey's vibrant creative landscape.
Janelle Monáe, The Black Crowes, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Joe Bonamassa, Iliza Shlesinger, and Jesse & Joy are among the international superstars who will perform at the festival in Newark.
"The best way to kick off the summer season is by celebrating New Jersey's homegrown talent and vibrant arts scene - and that's exactly what attendees can expect at the 2026 North to Shore festival," said Gov. Mikie Sherrill. "By investing directly in local artists and small businesses, we are ensuring this festival's legacy isn't just a two-week celebration with global headliners, but a lasting driver for opportunity and growth in every corner of our state."
Tickets for select events will go on sale at NorthtoShore.com on Friday, February 27. Additional lineup announcements and event details will be released throughout the spring.
"North to Shore continues to showcase Newark as a global destination for arts, culture, and entertainment while creating meaningful opportunities for our city's creative community," said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. "This festival reflects the spirit, diversity, and talent that define our city. We are proud to partner with NJPAC and our cultural organizations to ensure residents and visitors alike can experience the extraordinary artistic energy that thrives here in Newark."
Yellowcard, Kurt Vile, Black Uhuru, David Cross, The Bouncing Souls, Happy Mondays, and more will perform in Asbury Park. Additional performances will be presented throughout the shore region, including ParkStage at East Freehold Park Showgrounds featuring Sublime, The Head and The Heart, and Dark Star Orchestra.
"Asbury Park's identity has long been defined by its musical heritage, and North to Shore continues to build on that legacy," said Asbury Park Mayor John Moor. "By bringing together internationally recognized performers and local talent, the festival drives tourism, supports small businesses, and spotlights the creative spirit that has made Asbury Park an iconic destination for music and the arts."
The full 2026 North to Shore lineup is available here. Additional artists and programming will be announced in the coming weeks.
"With performances by globally recognized stars and groundbreaking local artists, this year's North to Shore Festival once again demonstrates the incredible artistic range, cultural vitality, and creative energy that define New Jersey," said John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC. "North to Shore has an established track record of bringing communities together to celebrate the cultural excellence that makes our state unique."
In 2026, North to Shore is expanding its support of local creative communities through strengthened partnerships with leading arts and cultural organizations in Newark and Asbury Park. These collaborations will further amplify local talent while strengthening connections between the festival and the communities it serves.
In Newark, the Newark Arts Council, Newark Alliance, and the City of Newark's Arts and Education District will administer regranting funds directly to community organizations that will spotlight local creatives and cultural programming throughout the city. Applicants can learn more by visiting newarkarts.org.
In Asbury Park, the festival will partner with AsburyFest, Asbury Underground, Carousel Art House, and Georgie's Bar. These partners will be tasked with selecting and producing events showcasing local artists. Additional programming will take place throughout Asbury, from the West Side to the waterfront.
As in previous years, all community events in both Newark and Asbury will be free or affordably priced for all attendees. These partners will award grants directly to artists, nonprofits, and small arts organizations, helping them produce performances, exhibits, and community-driven cultural programming for this year's festival.
This year's grantees will be announced at a North to Shore community event in April.
"North to Shore has always been about celebrating both the artists who perform on our biggest stages and the creative voices shaping New Jersey's communities year-round," said David Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and Executive Producer, NJPAC. "By partnering with trusted local organizations, we are expanding access to resources and ensuring the festival continues to reflect the authentic cultural identity and artistic excellence found in each host city."
Since launching in 2023, North to Shore has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, generated significant economic activity for local businesses and downtown districts, and created new opportunities for artists across the state. The festival continues to serve as a powerful cultural and economic engine while reinforcing New Jersey's reputation as a national leader in arts and entertainment.
"The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is proud to support the North to Shore Festival and its mission of celebrating New Jersey's arts and innovation economy," said Evan Weiss, CEO, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). "By bringing global headliners together with local artists and community organizations, the festival strengthens tourism, supports small businesses, and fuels economic growth while highlighting the extraordinary cultural assets that make New Jersey a premier destination."
NJPAC is producing this multi-city celebration in collaboration with this year's festival sponsors Prudential Financial, NJEDA, NJM Insurance Group, Outfront Media Group, United Airlines, Mosaic - from NJ.com, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, and AirBnB.
A portion of all ticket sales will directly benefit Growing Healthy Pantries, a statewide collaborative that addresses food insecurity in partnership with New Jersey's five primary food banks, supporting more than 1,000 local pantries across all 21 counties.
Producing Partners for this year's North to Shore include Madison Marquette; Newark International Film Festival; SJ Presents; and Live Nation.
The North to Shore Festival, launched in 2023, features all the talent, diversity and creativity that New Jersey has to offer, packed into two extraordinary weeks of performances, parties and conversations in the state's most iconic cities. With performances in Newark, Asbury Park and other Shore communities, the North to Shore Festival brings together events at more than 100 venues for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey excellence, a celebration worthy of the Garden State's long legacy of innovation and excellence in the arts.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is an anchor cultural institution for both the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey. It is an artistic, cultural, educational and civic center where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings communities together both on and off of our campus – on stages, in schools and community settings – providing access to the arts for all and showcasing the state's and the world's best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Social Impact programs, NJPAC leverages the arts to advance positive outcomes in education, health and well-being, civic engagement and community development. NJPAC has attracted more than 12.7 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997.
