South Jersey comes alive with music every summer, offering a wide range of outdoor music shows NJ fans can't miss. From lively beach stages to relaxed community parks, you’ll find everything from local talent to international stars, all set against the region’s scenic backdrops.
Whether you love jazz, country, rock, or bluegrass, NJ music festivals offer something for everyone. These outdoor events let you soak up the sun, try local foods, and enjoy new sights around New Jersey. You get to experience the energy of live music and explore some of the best spots in the state—all in one trip.
Here are some exciting New Jersey summer concerts and major festivals happening across local parks, campgrounds, and Jersey Shore venues:
Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
Date: September 6, 2025; 11 am–7 pm
Location: Byrne Plaza, Wildwood, NJ
Bring everyone out for two stages of live music, loads of food options, crafters, and contests. There’s a Kids Korner with fun activities like pumpkin painting and bounce houses. Admission is free.
Boots at the Beach Country Music Festival
Dates: September 12–14, 2025
Location: Seaport Pier, North Wildwood, NJ
This spotlights country music bands, with food and crafts along the boardwalk. Buy tickets at the gate each day.
Medford Oktoberfest & Music Festival
Dates: September 19–20, 2025
Location: Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, NJ
Head here for a full menu of rock, folk, and blues played across three stages. Pair craft beer, artisan ciders, and German food with fun activities for kids. Admission and on-site parking are free.
XPoNential Music Festival
Dates: September 19–21, 2025
Location: Wiggins Park & Waterfront Music Pavilion, Camden, NJ
This three-day festival features more than 30 performances across three stages. Expect a mix of established and up-and-coming artists, many heard on Philadelphia’s WXPN 88.5FM.
Albert Music Hall - Pinelands Heritage & Americana Fest
Dates: Saturday, September 20th, 2025
(rain date September 21st),
Location: Albert Music Hall,
Waretown, NJ
Event Cost: Free
A full day family-of friendly fun featuring local artisans, crafters, authors, vendors, organization, food, and—of course—music! There will be over 30 booths, cloggers, and a fantastic line up of local Americana, Country and Folk music! Kids can join in the fun too with face painting, corn hole, and more—all free!
Bring a chair so that you can sit and settle in for the performances, kicking off at 12PM.
Submersion Festival
Dates: October 3–4, 2025
Location: Paradise Lakes Campground, 500 Paradise Dr., Hammonton, NJ
Fans of electronic music will find a lineup of acts across two unique stages. Music starts daily at 12:30 pm and continues until sunrise.
Cape May Jazz Festival (Exit Zero Jazz Festival)
Dates: November 7–9, 2025
Location: Cape May Convention Hall and local venues, Cape May, NJ
Enjoy top international jazz performers with multiple shows daily at venues throughout Cape May. Don’t miss the New Orleans-style Second Line parades.
Summer in New Jersey means free outdoor concerts in every region. It’s easy to find a “free concert near me” whether you’re in North, Central, or South Jersey. These shows offer everything from jazz and rock in North Jersey’s parks to relaxed beach concerts along the Shore.
North Jersey hosts lively sounds in places like the Essex County Summer Concert Series and Jersey City Summer Fest, both set in great park settings with city skylines nearby.
Central and South Jersey feature more laid-back concerts on charming main streets and along the coast. Towns like Cranford host summer concert series, and you’ll also find weekly music on the boardwalks of Wildwood or at Cape May’s historic bandstands—perfect for an evening by the water.
For a smooth experience, bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfort. Pack a picnic and some drinks, and consider public transit if parking looks tricky. Always check official event pages or social media for updates in case of weather changes.
All events above are family-friendly and free to the public unless noted. Outdoor music shows NJ fans enjoy often fill up, so arrive early for a good spot.
Stay tuned to updated local guides and keep exploring the best NJ music festivals all summer long.
Check out schedules for concerts, shows, and big events—many venues still have seats.
Discover More NJ Music Festivals
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