Media Contacts:  
Brian McDonough, 908-322-1100; bmcdonough@kesslerpr.com 
Angela Thomas, 917-841-5644; athomas@njpac.org 

New Jersey’s Largest Arts Festival, North to Shore, Returns in June 2026 with World-Class Lineup! 

Janelle Monáe; The Black Crowes; Alison Krauss & Union Station;
Yellowcard; Sublime; Primus & The Claypool Lennon Delirium;
Iliza Shlesinger; Zarna Garg; Joe Bonamassa and more
headline the summer music and comedy festival

PLUS: Free community programming spotlighting New Jersey-based artists
The North to Shore Festival, produced by NJPAC, announces headliners for 2026 festival

NEWARK, NJ (February 18, 2026) – North to Shore returns this June with another extraordinary season of world-class performances, comedy acts, film screenings, community events, and artistic collaborations at venues across Newark and Asbury Park. 

North to Shore, a summer arts festival celebrating all of the Garden State’s creativity, diversity and  passion for innovation, is produced by the Newark-based New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).  The 2026 festival will run from June 13 – June 28, featuring a dynamic lineup of internationally  acclaimed musical performers, the biggest names in comedy, and rising local artists who help define  New Jersey’s vibrant creative landscape. 

Janelle Monáe, The Black Crowes, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Joe Bonamassa, Iliza Shlesinger, and  Jesse & Joy are among the international superstars who will perform at the festival in Newark.  

“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,”  said Gov. Mikie Sherrill. “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.” 

“North to Shore continues to showcase Newark as a global destination for arts, culture, and  

entertainment while creating meaningful opportunities for our city’s creative community,” said Newark  Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “This festival reflects the spirit, diversity, and talent that define our city. We are 

proud to partner with NJPAC and our cultural organizations to ensure residents and visitors alike can  experience the extraordinary artistic energy that thrives here in Newark.” 

Yellowcard, Kurt Vile, Black Uhuru, David Cross, The Bouncing Souls, Happy Mondays, and more will  perform in Asbury Park. Additional performances will be presented throughout the shore region,  including ParkStage at East Freehold Park Showgrounds featuring Sublime, The Head and The Heart,  and Dark Star Orchestra.  

“Asbury Park’s identity has long been defined by its musical heritage, and North to Shore continues to  build on that legacy,” said Asbury Park Mayor John Moor. “By bringing together internationally  recognized performers and local talent, the festival drives tourism, supports small businesses, and  spotlights the creative spirit that has made Asbury Park an iconic destination for music and the arts.” 

The full 2026 North to Shore lineup is available here. Additional artists and programming will be  announced in the coming weeks. 

“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,” said John Schreiber, President and CEO of NJPAC. “North to Shore has an  established track record of bringing communities together to celebrate the cultural excellence that  makes our state unique.” 

In 2026, North to Shore is expanding its support of local creative communities through strengthened partnerships with leading arts and cultural organizations in Newark and Asbury Park. These  

collaborations will further amplify local talent while strengthening connections between the festival and  the communities it serves. 

In Newark, the Newark Arts Council, Newark Alliance, and the City of Newark’s Arts and Education  District will administer regranting funds directly to community organizations that will spotlight local  creatives and cultural programming throughout the city. Applicants can learn more by visiting  newarkarts.org.  

In Asbury Park, the festival will partner with AsburyFest, Asbury Underground, Carousel Art House, and  Georgie’s Bar. These partners will be tasked with selecting and producing events showcasing local  artists. Additional programming will take place throughout Asbury, from the West Side to the  waterfront. 

As in previous years, all community events in both Newark and Asbury will be free or affordably priced  for all attendees. These partners will award grants directly to artists, nonprofits, and small arts  organizations, helping them produce performances, exhibits, and community-driven cultural  

programming for this year’s festival. 

This year’s grantees will be announced at a North to Shore community event in April.

“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,” said David Rodriguez, Executive  Vice President and Executive Producer, NJPAC. “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.” 

Since launching in 2023, North to Shore has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, generated  significant economic activity for local businesses and downtown districts, and created new opportunities  for artists across the state. The festival continues to serve as a powerful cultural and economic engine  while reinforcing New Jersey’s reputation as a national leader in arts and entertainment. 

“The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is proud to support the North to Shore Festival and  its mission of celebrating New Jersey’s arts and innovation economy,” said Evan Weiss, CEO, New Jersey  Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). “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.” 

NJPAC is producing this multi-city celebration in collaboration with this year’s festival sponsors Prudential Financial, NJEDA, NJM Insurance Group, Outfront Media Group, United Airlines, Mosaic – from NJ.com, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, and Airbnb.  

A portion of all ticket sales will directly benefit Growing Healthy Pantries, a statewide collaborative  that addresses food insecurity in partnership with New Jersey’s five primary food banks, supporting  more than 1,000 local pantries across all 21 counties. 

Tickets for select events will go on sale at NorthtoShore.com on Friday, February 27. Additional lineup  announcements and event details will be released throughout the spring. For the latest festival updates,  follow North to Shore on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok. 

Producing Partners for this year’s North to Shore include Madison Marquette; Newark International  Film Festival; SJ Presents; and Live Nation. 

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About North to Shore Festival 
The North to Shore Festival, launched in 2023, features all the talent, diversity and creativity that New  Jersey has to offer, packed into two extraordinary weeks of performances, parties and conversations in  the state’s most iconic cities. With performances in Newark, Asbury Park and other Shore communities,  the North to Shore Festival brings together events at more than 100 venues for an over-the-top  showcase of Jersey excellence, a celebration worthy of the Garden State’s long legacy of innovation and  excellence in the arts. For the latest updates and new concert listings, visit northtoshore.com. 

 
About NJPAC 
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is an anchor  cultural institution for both the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey. It is an artistic, cultural,  educational and civic center where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every  day. NJPAC brings communities together both on and off of our campus – on stages, in schools and  community settings – providing access to the arts for all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best  artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Social  Impact programs, NJPAC leverages the arts to advance positive outcomes in education, health and well being, civic engagement and community development. NJPAC has attracted more than 12.7 million  visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997. More at njpac.org.