Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 10/19/2022

(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- Dark Force Fest is the gathering of top international gothic and industrial bands including classic favorite bands and newly trending artists. Dark Force Fest takes place March 31- April 2, 2023 in Parsippany, NJ, where they take over the massive Sheraton Parsippany, including 44,000 square feet of event space and all 370 hotel rooms. The hotel rooms in the main venue sold out within days of announcing this festival, but there are still overflow hotels in the area.
This stacked festival lineup includes:
HEALTH: Over 1.5 million monthly Spotify listens; co-songwriters with Nine Inch Nails, Ghostemane, and Lamb of God; and featured artists on the best-selling video games, Grand Theft Auto and Max Payne 3!! HEALTH is the Trent Reznor-approved industrial band angering hipsters .
Combichrist: World-renowned, Norwegian-led metal band going back to their roots and doing a special old-school industrial set.
Suicide Commando: Rare U.S. show from this Belgium band that single-handedly pioneered the Terror-EBM industrial music genre.
ACTORS: Vancouver's hottest post-punk / goth band, exploding on the scene.
Rabbit Junk: Featured artists on the soundtrack of the award-winning video game, Cyberpunk 2077!! Rare performance from this California industrial-punk-metal-rap band that refuses to be limited by music genres.
Vision Video: Amassing over 9 million "likes" and over 400k followers on TikTok [@visionvideo], thanks to their singer Dusty and his "Goth Dad" persona.
Empathy Test: After having to cancel their U.S. tour due to visa issues, this will be this UK band's first U.S. appearance in 4 years.
Solar Fake: Straight outta Germany, this synthpop band is known for their infectious club bangers.
BILE: Back from the grave, this will be this industrial-metal legend's first show in 4 years!
Psyclon Nine: From Los Angeles, this industrial band has a rabid fanbase and is known for causing chaos.
Das Ich: Rare U.S. show from this German goth-industrial band that performs their songs completely in German.
VampireFreaks is known for its popular social media networking site, which exploded in the early 2000s before being retired in 2020 to focus on their hugely successful online clothing store. They have over 20 years of experience with event promotions and Dark Force Fest has become the next evolution after their Dark Side of the Con series of events.
EVENT PREVIEWS

The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.

Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.

Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This intimate concert promises an evening of soulful vocals, masterful guitar, and a legendary lineup of musicians bringing each song to life.

Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.

Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.

Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!

The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
FEATURED EVENTS
