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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.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- A dazzling new Disney On Ice production is skating into Atlantic City, and it's unlike anything audiences have seen before. Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic! invites fans to step into the spotlight and join a glamorous red-carpet celebration packed with never-before-seen performances, chart-topping music, and more than 30 beloved Disney characters – coming to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall from November 6-8, 2026.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Choir! Choir! Choir! Hallelujah”: An EPIC Anthems Sing-Along!

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Outpost In The Burbs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ


Always Jovi with special guest, Shot of Poison

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


Shanghai Ballet

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Margarita Rovenskaya, piano

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Grunin Center - Bösendorfer Recital Room
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


The Chris Pinnella Big Band Project

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


Fellowship for Performing Arts presents C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Shemekia Copeland with special guest JB Barnes Blues Band

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


When They're Gone and Set Her Free

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Teaneck International Film Festival - Teaneck Cinemas
503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ


Lewis Center for the Arts presents "Oratorio for Living Things"

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


Niladri Kumaar: the space between the notes honoring Zakir Hussain

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
NJPAC - Victoria Theater
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ