The North to Shore Festival is set to return in 2026 with an expansive lineup featuring prominent international performers alongside celebrated local talent. Organized by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the multi-venue event will run from June 13 through June 28, bringing live music, comedy, and cultural programming to audiences across Newark and Asbury Park.
Festival organizers confirmed that the upcoming edition will include headline appearances by The Black Crowes, Janelle Monáe, and Primus, signaling another high-profile year for the rapidly growing summer event. The festival has steadily built a reputation for blending globally recognized acts with emerging regional artists, reinforcing its position as one of the Northeast’s notable seasonal cultural gatherings.
In Newark, audiences can expect performances from Alison Krauss & Union Station, blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, comedian Iliza Shlesinger, and pop duo Jesse & Joy. The programming reflects a deliberate mix of musical genres and live entertainment formats designed to appeal to diverse audiences throughout the festival’s two-week run.
Meanwhile, the Asbury Park segment of the festival will showcase a strong roster of alternative and legacy acts. New Jersey favorites The Bouncing Souls are scheduled to appear alongside Yellowcard, Kurt Vile, Black Uhuru, David Cross, and Happy Mondays. The coastal city continues to serve as a key hub for the event’s rock and indie programming, drawing both local fans and out-of-state visitors.
John Schreiber, president and chief executive officer of NJPAC, emphasized the festival’s broader cultural mission. He noted that the event highlights the state’s artistic diversity while strengthening community engagement through accessible live performances. According to Schreiber, the North to Shore Festival has consistently demonstrated New Jersey’s creative energy and its capacity to host large-scale cultural experiences.
Additional shows will extend into the wider shore region, including the ParkStage series at East Freehold Park Showgrounds. That outdoor lineup is expected to feature Sublime, The Head and The Heart, and Dark Star Orchestra, further expanding the festival’s geographic reach and genre variety.
With its combination of major touring acts, regional favorites, and multi-city programming, the North to Shore Festival 2026 is positioned to draw significant attendance across New Jersey’s key cultural corridors. Organizers say more announcements and community events are expected in the months leading up to the June kickoff, reinforcing the festival’s role as a centerpiece of the state’s summer entertainment calendar.
