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North to Shore Festival Returns with Hundreds of Free Events Across Asbury Park, Newark, and Atlantic City

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 06/23/2026

The North to Shore Festival is back for its fourth summer, lighting up New Jersey with hundreds of free events spanning Asbury Park, Newark, and Atlantic City. Alongside a roster of big-name concerts featuring superstar artists, the festival offers an array of community gatherings, pop-up performances, and unique collaborations that celebrate local talent and the arts.

Money may be tight for many, but North to Shore Festival believes that everyone deserves a chance to experience New Jersey’s vibrant cultural scene. Festival-goers can enjoy live music, art installations, and family activities at no cost, simply by showing up and supporting local artists. Events like Asbury Underground promise surprise celebrity appearances—last year, Jon Stewart joined the festivities, and this year could bring even more unexpected guests! See Vivian Greene, Kenny Lattimore, participate in Georgies Block Party and more!!!! Full List is BELOW and more events being added!

Airbnb, a proud sponsor of North to Shore Festival, is furthering its commitment to community by donating tickets to major festival concerts through Newark-based nonprofit organizations. This initiative ensures that residents who may not otherwise have access can experience world-class performances and join in the summer celebration.

Produced by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), North to Shore Festival boasts an extraordinary lineup of superstar artists, as well as events that highlight New Jersey performers and arts organizations. This year’s schedule is extended to include gatherings that blend artistic expression with the excitement of a global soccer championship, making the festival a can’t-miss summer destination.

North to Shore Festival invites everyone to enjoy the best of New Jersey this summer. Whether you’re attending a free pop-up concert, cheering on your favorite band, or participating in community arts events, there’s something for all ages and interests. Support local talent, experience global entertainment, and make unforgettable memories—all without breaking the bank.




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NORTH TO SHORE FESTIVAL 2026
For information, updates and tickets, visit northtoshore.com

Every Saturday & Sunday from June 13-July 19 (except July 4): Atlantic City Beach Soccer Series at Esports Innovation Center (10:00AM- 4:00PM)
Every Saturday & Sunday from June 13-July 19 (except July 4): Esports Soccer Showdown 2026 Tournament at Stockton University Esports Innovation Center Boardwalk (10:00AM-4:00PM)

June 23: Georgies LGBTQ+ Singer Songwriter Showcase (7:00-11:00PM)
June 25: Groceries & Grooves at Our Community Grocery Store (6:00-8:00PM)
June 26: Newark Renaissance: A Living Archive at The 7 Space (6:00-9:00PM)
June 26: DJ Wallah, Sounds of the City at Chambers Plaza NJPAC, Newark.
June 26: The Antoinette Montague Experience: Blues Is The Roots! All else the fruit at WBGO Performance Studio (6:00-9:00PM)
June 26-28: Steel Pier Family Fun Kickoff Weekend at Steel Pier 
June 27: Asbury Underground in Asbury Park (All day)
June 27: Needles & Thread Fest at the Mulberry Commons (1:00-8:00PM)
June 30, July 7, July 14: Celebrating the International Sounds of Soccer at Tuesdays at the Turf, presented by the Asbury Park African-American Music Project at Blackbird Community Commons (6-8PM)
July 7: One Shore, One Goal at Springwood Park (2-4PM)
July 9: A Tribute to Mtume, Kenny Lattimore, Ms. Lisa Fischer, Tawatha Agee, and Ray Chew at Chambers Plaza (5:00PM)
July 10-11: Afro Beat Fest at Military Park 
July 11: North to Shore Festival Welcomes the World: Atlantic City at Texas Avenue Park & Soccer Field (10AM)
July 11: Georgies Cup at Georgies Bar (2-8PM)
July 11: Asbury Park United- Soccer Showcase at Asbury Park High School Stadium (10AM-5PM)
July 11, July 14, July 15, July 19: Rbar’s Not-So-Friendly Welcome World Luncheon & Afterparties at Rbar
July 12: Rest Fest at Chambers Plaza (11AM-4PM)
July 12: The National R&B Music Society Presents The 2026 Free Summer Concert at Boardwalk Hall (4-8PM)
July 15: Orange Loop Soccer Celebration at Orange Loop (3-11PM)
July 16: SPiNALL, Sounds of the City at Chambers Plaza (5:00PM)
July 18: Riverfront Hip-Hop Day x Brick City Jam at Riverfront Park (2-8PM)
July 18: Uptown Takeover at Uptown Skatepark (12-7PM)
July 18: Asbury Park Welcomes the World: A Citywide Soccer Celebration at Citywide (12-7PM)
July 19: Newark Pride Welcomes the World Fun Zone at Mulberry Commons Park (2-5PM)
July 19: Stone Pony Summer Watch Party at Stone Pony Summer Stage
July 23: Kurtis Blow, Sounds of the City at Chambers Plaza (5:00PM)
July 24: Lincoln Park Jazzy Soul Series: Welcomes The World @ North To Shore at Chateau 55 (7-11PM)
July 30: CIMAFUNK, Sounds of the City at Chambers Plaza (5:00PM)
August 6: Vivian Green, Sounds of the City at Chambers Plaza (5:00PM)

For more information and event schedules, visit the official North to Shore Festival website.

The festival, produced by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), returns for its fourth summer with an extraordinary lineup of superstar artists — plus community events featuring New Jersey artists and arts organizations, and an extended schedule of gatherings that combine the arts with the excitement of a global soccer championship.

NJPAC is producing the North to Shore Festival with support from sponsors including NJEDA, Prudential Financial, NJM Insurance Group, OUTFRONT Media Group, United Airlines, Mosaic – from NJ.com, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health, as well as Airbnb. 

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5.5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays, experiences, and services that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Wise Animal Rescue presents Barknic, its biggest fundraising event of the year, on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Lackawanna Station in Montclair. Perfect for both pets and their humans, Barknic is an indoor, family-friendly, and animal-friendly celebration that brings together the NJ community for an afternoon of fun while supporting a meaningful cause. Guests can enjoy local vendors, music, interactive activities for dogs and their humans, unique photo opportunities, and the chance to meet adoptable pets from local rescue organizations.

Passaic County Fair Returns to Garret Mountain August 13–16

(WOODLAND PARK, NJ) -- The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners and Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. invite residents and visitors from across the region to the 2026 Passaic County Fair, running Thursday, August 13 through Sunday, August 16 at Garret Mountain Reservation in Paterson/Woodland Park.
Create Spectacular Giant Puppets and More for the Illumination 250 Parade, the Largest Public Art Experience in Bergen County

Create Spectacular Giant Puppets and More for the Illumination 250 Parade, the Largest Public Art Experience in Bergen County

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation invites the public to participate in the special 'Giant Puppets Workshop Series' led by artists from the internationally acclaimed Processional Arts. The puppets created in the workshop series from August 14 through August 19, 2026 will be featured in a giant puppet parade marching down Main Street in Hackensack during Illumination 250, an all-day arts festival taking place on October 3rd to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

"Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy" to Celebrate Faith, History, Art, and Community

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The public is invited to attend "Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy," a free special program honoring the enduring history and cultural significance of the former Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cape May. The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the historic Allen AME Church (717 Franklin Street) in Cape May.
Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September

Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Nearly one-third of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival comes to life at Cannonball Festival this September, as more than 100 artists present bold new work across five stages in a nonstop celebration of fearless live performance. Celebrating its sixth year, Cannonball is the largest hub of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, championing a revolutionary artist-led model that prioritizes equity, experimentation, and community connection.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Buddy Guy

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 8:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Kat Riggins And Her Blues Revival

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ


New Brunswick Heart Festival

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 2:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


A Dance with Death: A 1950's Prom Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ



 

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