A festival right on the sand that’s just a quick, scenic train ride from NYC? Now that’s something you’ll have to Sea to believe. 🌊
The lineup has officially dropped for the iconic Sea.Hear.Now Festival in Asbury Park, and just a glance is enough to have you practically smelling the salt air already.
Taking place every year on a perfect late summer beach weekend, the festival brings together big names and an unmistakable mix of surf culture and live music magic.
Yes, yes, we know spring has barely settled in. But can you blame us for looking forward to summer? Here’s everything you need to know about the festival ahead of tomorrow’s ticket sales.
🌊 The History
Launched in 2018 by legendary rock photographer Danny Clinch and local organizers, Sea.Hear.Now was designed to be more than just a concert series. Above all, the festival is a love letter to Asbury Park’s rich musical heritage and its vibrant surf community.
Over the years, it’s hosted everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Pearl Jam, quickly earning a reputation as one of the most unique “destination” festivals in the country. Because it’s held right on the beach, it manages to feel like a massive summer party.
🎤 The 2026 Lineup
The 2026 roster is a heavy-hitter, leaning into alt-rock legends and indie favorites across three stages.
⭐️ The Headliners
- Mumford & Sons
- The Strokes
- The Offspring
- Goo Goo Dolls
⭐️ Saturday Highlights (Sept 19th)
The first day kicks off with a soulful, high-energy vibe featuring the legendary Chaka Khan, indie-rockers The War on Drugs, and pop-punk staples The All-American Rejects. You’ll also catch Shaggy, Men at Work, and a rare performance from Susanna Hoffs.
⭐️ Sunday Highlights (Sept 20th)
Sunday leans into the “cool” factor with Irish post-punkers Fontaines D.C., electronic pioneer Moby, and the iconic Pixies. Reggae royalty Ziggy Marley and Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon round out a day that’s sure to be a sonic journey.
🎨 Beyond the Music: Surf, Art, and Coastal Culture
In addition to the sets, the festival stands as an immersive celebration of the Jersey Shore’s unique coastal identity.
- Surf Contest: Watch East Coast legends compete in a professional team “wave of the day” contest held right between the jetties of the main stages.
- Transparent Gallery: Curated by Danny Clinch, this onsite gallery showcases artwork created by the very musicians performing on stage. It often features impromptu acoustic sets, making it a “must-see” for fans seeking an intimate experience.
- Art Installations: Expect the beach to be transformed with large-scale installations by local favorites like Pork Chop and Brad Hoffer.
🎟️ How To Secure Tickets
Mark your calendars: tickets go on sale tomorrow, March 26, 2026. Given the lineup, these are expected to move fast.
- Presale: Starts at 10 AM ET. (Sign up on the official website now for a passcode).
- General Sale: Starts at 11 AM ET (only if tickets remain after the presale).
Options include 2-Day and 1-Day tickets across GA, GA+, VIP, and Platinum tiers.
How To Get There From NYC
One of the best things about Asbury Park is that you don’t need a car to get there.
- By Car: If you choose to drive, it’s about 60 miles via the Garden State Parkway (Exit 102). Just be warned: parking in Asbury during festival weekend is notoriously difficult—the train is almost always the stress-free winner.
- By Train: Take the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line from New York Penn Station. It’s a scenic ride that takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Once you arrive at the Asbury Park station, it’s a quick walk to the beach.
From someone who attends every year, this is a can’t-miss festival, and my personal favorite day of the year. 💛 For more information, see Sea.Hear.Now’s official website.
