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By Mabel Pais
The “North to Shore Festival” returns 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.
Even if money may be tight for many, “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! Vivian Greene, Kenny Lattimore and more will participate in Georgies Block Party and more!
The full schedule of events is below while more events are being added! For updates, visit https://northtoshore.com.
Airbnb, one of the sponsors of the North to Shore Festival, is furthering its commitment to the 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.
The festival, produced by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), is back 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.
The 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.
NORTH TO SHORE FESTIVAL 2026
For information, updates and tickets, visit northtoshore.com
Every Saturday & Sunday from June 13 to 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 @ northtoshore.com or download the festival app.
Airbnb
Airbnb, a sponsor of “North to Shore Festival,” will donate tickets to multiple festival mainstage concerts to Newark nonprofits.
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.
“North to Shore Festival” Welcomes the World
A celebration of the Garden State’s legacy of innovation and excellence in the arts, combined with all the excitement of a global soccer championship, “North to Shore Festival Welcomes the World” is the “festival only Jersey can handle.”
“North to Shore Festival” Welcomes the World (June 13 – July 19) brings fans of the arts and soccer together for events at hundreds of venues throughout the state for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey excellence and global sports pride. “North to Shore Festival” Welcomes the World is an expansion of the annual “North to Shore Festival,” launched in 2023 and produced by NJPAC, that features all the talent, diversity and creativity New Jersey has to offer, packed into a month of performances, parties and conversations.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC),
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. Learn more at https://njpac.org.
Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Education, Spirituality, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, Business, and Cuisine.
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