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As New Jersey’s North to Shore Festival returns for its fourth summer, Airbnb is helping ensure more Newark residents can take part in the celebration by donating concert tickets to local community organizations.

Working in partnership with the City of Newark and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the online marketplace will distribute tickets through several Newark nonprofits. Recipients include:

• Clinton Hill Community Action
• Community Safe Zone
• Ironbound Community Corp.
• Newark Alliance
• La Casa de Don Pedro

The initiative will provide community members access to some of the festival’s marquee performances, including shows featuring Janelle Monáe, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Marc Maron, Iliza Shlesinger, Joe Bonamassa, Kurt Vile & The Violators, and The Head and the Heart.

Airbnb Public Policy Manager Alain Xiong-Calmes said, “Airbnb was built on the idea that everyone deserves to feel like they belong, and we’re proud to help make that real this summer in Newark. Great music should be for everyone, and this summer, it will be.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka praised the effort.

“We’re so pleased that Airbnb is not only making these concerts possible as a North to Shore Festival sponsor, but also doing their part to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the incredible performances that will light up our city’s beautiful stages,” he said.

The arts meet sports

Produced by NJPAC, the North to Shore Festival has become one of New Jersey’s premier summer arts and culture celebrations. The statewide event brings together nationally recognized artists, local performers, community organizations and audiences across Newark, Asbury Park and Atlantic City.

Beyond major concerts and comedy performances, the festival also features hundreds of free events. These include live music, cultural celebrations, family activities, public art experiences and community gatherings.

This year’s festival has also expanded through “Welcomes the World.” The initiative incorporates special programming inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the subsequent international visitors throughout the region. The extended schedule combines arts, culture and community events with soccer-themed activities, watch parties and multicultural celebrations.

NJPAC Senior Vice President of Social Impact Sherri-Ann Butterfield emphasized the significance of making the festival accessible. “This kind of moment — when the arts and sports come together like this — happens once in a generation. And we don’t want anyone in our community to miss it,” she said.

The festival continues through July 19. More information is available here.