NJ Music Festivals & Free Outdoor Concerts: 2025 Guide
From lively park shows to big acts at major spots, New Jersey brings music fans plenty of choices. Whether you’re into jazz, rock, or local bands, you’ll find something special from street fairs to boardwalk concerts.
Check out these highlights for outdoor music shows NJ has lined up in Northern New Jersey this summer:
Northern New Jersey 2025 Summer Music Events
Canal Day Music & Craft Festival
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 10am-5pm, Betty Poyer & Hugh Force Fields, 180 W Central Ave, Wharton, NJ
Admission: Free
Celebrate Morris Canal and its history with a day of crafts, food, learning opportunities, and live music from popular local acts.
Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival
Friday, Saturday, September 5, 6, 2025, Exchange Place Plaza, 10 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ
A two-day celebration of music will feature three stages, a community zone, kids activities, food trucks, and bars.
Millburn’s Rocktoberfest
September 13, 2025, 12pm–10pm, Taylor Park, 100 Main Street, Millburn, NJ
Admission: Free
This all-day festival features over 30 bands and solo artists on multiple stages, food, shopping, drinks, and a packed kids’ zone with rides, games, and creative activities for all ages.
Montclair Jazz Festival Jamboree
Saturday, September 13, 2025, 1pm–9pm, Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ
Suggested Donation: $15 | No ticket required
Eight hours of live jazz performances spotlight world-class musicians. The event includes food, vendors, and is open to all. This year’s headliner is Christian McBride, a nine-time GRAMMY® winner.
Hoboken Fall Arts & Music Festival
Sunday, October 12, 2025, 11am–6pm, Washington St (Observer Highway to 7th St), Hoboken, NJ
Admission: Free
The streets fill with two stages of live music, art, food, and family activities. The festival showcases talented local performers and artists, while also supporting the creative community and small businesses in Hoboken.
Free Summer Concerts Across New Jersey
Summer brings a wave of free outdoor music shows NJ locals and visitors love. Every corner of the state lights up with “free concerts near me” from urban parks to the beach towns. Enjoy top talent, unique beats, and community spirit—all without opening your wallet.
North Jersey
The north side has a lively mix of jazz, rock, and global music. The Essex County Summer Concert Series pops up in scenic parks, and Jersey City’s Summer Fest at Liberty State Park offers tunes with skyline views.
Central & South Jersey
Central towns host live music in charming downtowns, like Cranford’s Summer Sounds series. Along the southern coast, boardwalks like Wildwood and Cape May host evening shows just steps from the sand.
When you head out, bring blankets and chairs for comfort. Pack snacks or a picnic. Parking can fill up fast, so public transit like NJ Transit may save time. Always check event websites or social channels before you go for any weather updates.
2025 Free North Jersey Summer Concerts
Enjoy free concerts at parks and public spaces throughout North Jersey this summer. Bring your blanket, lawn chair, and get ready for great performances under the stars.Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds
Thursdays, June 5–August 28, 2025, 6:30pm–8:30pm, Eastman Clock Plaza, Cranford, NJ
Bernard Township Summer Concerts
Tuesday nights, July 15, 22, 29, 2025, starting at 6:30pm
Locations: Durham Park, Pleasant Valley Park, Municipal Complex, Bernard Township, NJ
Borough of Roseland Summer Concerts
July 16, August 14, September 5, 2025, at Harrison Complex, Roseland, NJ
Essex County 2025 Summer Concert Series
Begins June 24, 2025, at Belleview Park, and continues through August 16, 2025, across Essex County parks. All concerts start at 7pm.
Hanover Township Events
Monday nights, July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2025, Malapardis Park, Hanover, NJ
Jersey City Summer Fest
Sundays, July 6–August 17, 2025, 6pm–8pm, North Cove Field, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ
Livingston Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, July 9–30, 2025, 7pm, The Gazebo, Memorial Park, Livingston, NJ
If it rains, concerts move to Livingston High School Auditorium.
Maplewood Summer Concert Series
Fridays, July 18–August 15, 2025, 7pm, Springfield Ave Gazebo, Maplewood, NJ
Kids' crafts at 6:30pm with a food truck.
METC Summer Concert Series
Fridays, July 11 and July 25, 2025, 6pm–8pm, Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, 9 Main Street, Madison, NJ
Morris Township Summer Concerts
Tuesdays, June 24–August 12, 2025, Ginty Field Gazebo, Morristown, NJ
NJPAC Sounds Of The City
Fridays, starting June 27, 2025, Chambers Plaza, Newark, NJ
Features a festive vibe with dancing, a bar, and food trucks.
Ridgefield Park Summer Concerts
Wednesdays, June 11–August 27, 2025, McGowan Park, Ridgefield Park, NJ
South Orange "Summer Nights" Concerts
Wednesdays, July 2–30, 2025, 7:30pm, Floods Hill, South Orange, NJ
Totowa Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, 7pm, June 25–August 27, 2025, Municipal Front Lawn, 537 Totowa Rd, Totowa, NJ
Rain dates move to the next day.
Verona Summer Concert Series
July 9, 16, 23, and July 30 (pool concert for residents), Town Hall Lawn, 600 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ
Wayne Township Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays, June 25–September 5, 2025, 7pm, Wayne Municipal Complex, 475 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ
Wharton Summer Concert Series
Fridays, May 16–August 15, 2025, Betty Poyer Field, corner of W Dewey and W Central, Wharton, NJ
More New Jersey Music Festivals
New Jersey is filled with music all summer long. Plan a night out with friends or family and soak in the local talent. For more on NJ music festivals and New Jersey summer concerts including other regions, check out the Central Jersey Music Festivals and South Jersey Music Festivals guides.Enjoy the music and let every summer night become a memorable one!
New Jersey Popular Ticketed Events
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