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The basics:

• North to Shore Festival runs June 13–28 in Newark, Asbury Park
• Headliners include Janelle Monáe, The Black Crowes, Yellowcard, Sublime
• NJPAC-produced events feature music, comedy, film, community arts programming
• 160,000+ attended in 2025; tickets go on sale Feb. 27

When the North to Shore Festival returns this summer in New Jersey, headliners will include musicians Janelle Monáe, The Black Crowes, Yellowcard and Sublime.

The statewide celebration of arts, entertainment and innovation returns for a fourth year in 2026. It will take place June 13–28 in Newark and Asbury Park.

Along with musical performers, the event will feature comedy acts, film screenings and artistic collaborations at venues across the two cities. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center produces North to Shore.

Other performers announced in a Feb. 19 press release include The Bouncing Souls, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Joe Bonamassa, Iliza Shlesigner, Bernie Williams and Jesse & Joy.

Organizers said they will reveal additional artists and programming in coming weeks.

Former Gov. Phil Murphy and former First Lady Tammy Murphy conceived the festival in 2023. North to Shore aims to showcase the state’s role as a destination for arts, entertainment, fresh talent and new ideas. It also presents free community events highlighting the varied arts and culture scenes that thrive locally.

Prior acts have included pop diva Halsey, comedian Jon Stewart, grunge band Stone Temple Pilots, classic rocker Santana, hip hop legends Eric B. & Rakim and Jersey-native musician Jack Antonoff.

NJPAC Chief Executive Officer and President John Schreiber said, “With performances by globally recognized stars and groundbreaking local artists, this year’s North to Shore Festival once again demonstrates the incredible artistic range, cultural vitality, and creative energy that define New Jersey.”

Gov. Mikie Sherrill shared, “The best way to kick off the summer season is by celebrating New Jersey’s homegrown talent and vibrant arts scene — and that’s exactly what attendees can expect at the 2026 North to Shore festival.”

“By investing directly in local artists and small businesses, we are ensuring this festival’s legacy isn’t just a two-week celebration with global headliners, but a lasting driver for opportunity and growth in every corner of our state,” she went on.

On a high note

Partnering organizations in Asbury Park and Newark will also once again award grants directly to artists, nonprofits and small arts organizations. The funding will help recipients produce performances, exhibits and community-driven cultural programming for this year’s festival. Those community events will be free or affordably priced for all attendees, organizers said.

The festival said it will announce grantees at a North to Shore community event in April.

The 2025 event also rolled out a full year of community arts programming last summer in Atlantic City. Organizers said the festival will continue hosting concerts and workshops there through July 1.

North to Shore sponsors include Prudential Financial, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, NJM Insurance Group, Outfront Media Group, United Airlines, Mosaic – from NJ.com, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Airbnb.

Madison Marquette, Newark International Film Festival, SJ Presents and Live Nation serve as producing partners.

Expanding access and excellence

NJPAC Executive Producer and Executive Vice President David Rodriguez said, “North to Shore has always been about celebrating both the artists who perform on our biggest stages and the creative voices shaping New Jersey’s communities year-round. By partnering with trusted local organizations, we are expanding access to resources and ensuring the festival continues to reflect the authentic cultural identity and artistic excellence found in each host city.”

NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss added, “By bringing global headliners together with local artists and community organizations, the festival strengthens tourism, supports small businesses, and fuels economic growth while highlighting the extraordinary cultural assets that make New Jersey a premier destination.”

According to organizers, last year’s festival attracted more than 160,000 attendees to performances and events. North to Shore also had a social media outreach that captured an audience of more than 1.1 billion people. Additionally is racked up more than 180 radio, television and online features.

Tickets can be purchased online starting Feb. 27.