Live Music Venues
From legendary rock clubs to beachfront stages, the Jersey Shore has a rich music scene. Catch everything from Springsteen surprise shows to Saturday night cover bands.
The Jersey Shore Sound
The Jersey Shore has produced some of rock's greatest acts. Asbury Park's Stone Pony is hallowed ground where Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny honed their craft. That spirit lives on today in venues from the boardwalk to the clubs.
Bruce Springsteen
Stone Pony
Still plays surprise shows
Bon Jovi
Asbury clubs
Early career in the 80s
Southside Johnny
Stone Pony
House band origins
The Gaslight Anthem
House of Independents
Modern Asbury torch-bearers
11
Music Venues
4
Shore Towns
10
Year-Round
50+
Years of Rock
Asbury Park
All Asbury Park Nightlife →The Stone Pony
Live Music Venue
The legendary venue where Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi got their start. Still hosting major acts on the main stage and emerging artists in the smaller room. A rock pilgrimage site and the soul of Asbury Park.
- ✓Springsteen's home venue
- ✓Summer Stage outdoor shows
- ✓Rock and roll history
Best For
Tip: Summer Stage shows are magical - get tickets early. Check for surprise Springsteen appearances.
Wonder Bar
Bar
Iconic Asbury Park venue on the boardwalk with live music, a famous dog-friendly "Yappy Hour," and a welcoming LGBTQ+ vibe. Indoor/outdoor space with ocean views and legendary Sunday dance parties.
- ✓Famous Yappy Hour
- ✓Ocean views
- ✓Sunday dance party
- ✓LGBTQ+ landmark
Best For
Tip: Sunday afternoon is the legendary party. Bring your dog to Yappy Hour weekdays.
Asbury Lanes
Live Music Venue
Retro bowling alley turned rock club. Live music, bowling, craft cocktails, and a unique rockabilly vibe. The intimate stage hosts indie acts and local favorites in a truly unique setting.
- ✓Bowling + live music
- ✓Unique retro atmosphere
- ✓Great local acts
Best For
Tip: Book a bowling lane before the music starts for the full experience.
House of Independents
Live Music Venue
Modern concert venue in the heart of Asbury Park. Standing-room shows from indie to rock to hip-hop. The town's go-to venue for national touring acts outside of Stone Pony.
- ✓Quality sound system
- ✓Great sightlines
- ✓All-ages option
Best For
Tip: Arrive early for good spots - no assigned seating.
Johnny Mac's House of Spirits
Bar
Dive bar excellence on Cookman Ave. Pool tables, strong drinks, live bands, and legendary karaoke nights. Where locals go when they want to keep it real.
- ✓Best dive bar in town
- ✓Legendary karaoke
- ✓Cash prices
Best For
Tip: Karaoke nights are packed - sign up early. Cash is king.
Pop's Garage
Bar
Grungy rock bar in Asbury with affordable drinks, pool, and an authentic dive bar atmosphere. Where the real rock and roll lives after the fancy places close.
- ✓Cheapest drinks in Asbury
- ✓Real rock dive
- ✓Late night spot
Best For
Tip: This is where you end up at 1am. Cash preferred.
Atlantic City
All Atlantic City Nightlife →Bourre
Bar
The beating heart of the Orange Loop. A sprawling Cajun-themed bar and music venue with multiple rooms, live bands, DJs, and a legendary late-night scene. Atlantic City's best alternative to casino nightlife.
- ✓Orange Loop flagship
- ✓Live music almost every night
- ✓Cajun food until late
Best For
Tip: Start here and work your way through the Orange Loop. Check their calendar for touring acts.
The Iron Room
Cocktail Lounge
Intimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar inside the historic Atlantic City Bottle Company building. Craft cocktails, live jazz, and a sophisticated alternative to club culture. Perfect for date night.
- ✓Best cocktails in AC
- ✓Live jazz weekends
- ✓Romantic atmosphere
Best For
Tip: Make reservations for weekend jazz nights. Try the seasonal cocktail menu.
Nashville North
Bar
Country music bar and honky-tonk on the Orange Loop. Live country bands, line dancing, and a full Southern experience. The only dedicated country venue at the shore.
- ✓Only country bar in AC
- ✓Line dancing lessons
- ✓Mechanical bull
Best For
Tip: Check for line dancing lesson times - usually early evening.
Cape May
All Cape May Nightlife →The Rusty Nail
Bar
Cape May's rock and roll home base. Live bands, cold beer, and a no-frills bar atmosphere. The perfect antidote to Cape May's sometimes too-refined scene.
- ✓Best live music in Cape May
- ✓Year-round operation
- ✓No pretense
Best For
Tip: Check the band schedule - some great regional acts play here.
Point Pleasant Beach
All Point Pleasant Beach Nightlife →Jenkinson's Pavilion
Bar
Point Pleasant's entertainment complex featuring multiple bars, a dance club, and live music stages. Family-friendly by day, party zone by night.
- ✓Multiple bars in one
- ✓Family to party transition
- ✓Live music stages
Best For
Tip: Multiple vibes under one roof - explore before committing.
Live Music Tips
Buy Tickets Early
Summer Stage shows and bigger concerts sell out. Check schedules in spring and buy tickets as soon as they're announced.
Check Social Media
Surprise shows and last-minute bookings get announced on venue Instagram and Twitter. Follow your favorite spots.
Arrive Early
Popular shows pack in quickly. Get there early for good spots, especially at standing-room venues like Stone Pony.
Free Shows Exist
Many bars offer free live music - cover bands, acoustic sets, open mics. Not everything requires a ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous music venue on the Jersey Shore?▼
The Stone Pony in Asbury Park is legendary. Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny all played there early in their careers. Springsteen still makes surprise appearances. The Summer Stage hosts major outdoor concerts.
Where can I see live music year-round?▼
Stone Pony, House of Independents, and Wonder Bar in Asbury Park operate year-round. Hard Rock Live and casino venues in Atlantic City also run year-round schedules. Most beach bar venues are summer-only.
Do I need tickets for live music shows?▼
Major concerts at Stone Pony Summer Stage, Hard Rock Live, and House of Independents require advance tickets. Many bars have free live music - cover bands, acoustic acts, open mics. Check venue websites for schedules.
What type of music is popular on the Jersey Shore?▼
Rock has deep roots thanks to Springsteen and the Asbury sound. You'll also find cover bands, EDM at clubs, acoustic singer-songwriters, and Irish traditional music in Wildwood. Atlantic City casinos book major pop, rock, and country acts.
Explore More Nightlife
Discover other ways to enjoy the Jersey Shore after dark.