Between the Atlantic City and Philadelphia region music festival scene, South New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia residents can experience the best artists currently topping the billboard charts.
It shouldn’t come as no surprise that Atlantic City, home to world-class hotels, theatres, and casinos, has some of the best music festivals in the country. From rock to country, blues to hip-hop, there’s something for everyone here.
From beachfront stages with beach chair access to a recent revitalization of one of the best Eastern music festivals, the Atlantic City music festival scene is shaping up to be one of the most exciting around.
The best part? There are plenty of ways to get to and from the two cities, so you can easily hop around from festival to festival all summer long.
If you’re looking for some real excitement this summer spring or fall, Atlantic City is the place to be. without further ado here’s our ultimate guide to music festivals in Atlantic City.
Adjacent Music Fest
When: May
Where: Atlantic City
Genre: Rock / Pop
How long: Two days
Take those pesky Vans off your feet and get ready to head-bang to your favorite alternative, indie, and punk rock bands this May. At Adjacent Music Festival, one of Atlantic City’s best new music festivals, some of the best bands from the early 2000s will rock the New Jersey stage once again.
Playing host to dozens of bands over the course of two days, this beachfront music festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer and celebrate Memorial Day weekend. With one stage and a killer lineup of punk, pop, and indie bands, you’ll be singing and dancing from the beach to the streets.
The festival is totally family-friendly, so grab some hair gel and spike your little ones’ mohawk to give them their first experience of a music festival vibe. And with local food and beverage vendors, artisans, and small businesses on-site, you can experience the best of Atlantic City and Philadelphia’s local scene. Plus, lifeguards will be on duty, so you can take a dip in the ocean before the sun sets.
The festival takes place on the beach, right next to the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk. The outdoor concerts allow attendees to soak up the sun and the sounds of the festival at the same time – just don’t forget your sunblock.
And don’t worry about transportation – if you don’t want to drive, you can take the train or bus from Philly. The trip is only about 1 hour and 34 minutes, so you’ll be there in no time. And if you’re planning to stay the night, there are plenty of nearby hotels to choose from. There are also plenty of garages in the area
Tidalwave Country Music Festival
When: August
Where: Atlantic City
Genre: Country
How long: Three day
Break out your cowboy hats and sunscreen. Looking for some country music to spice up your summer? Look no further than the Tidalwave country music festival, happening every year on Atlantic City Beach! With two stages and 30 artists, be prepared to dance, sing, and maybe even cry to all your favorite tunes from country music’s biggest stars.
Started in 2022, Tidalwave has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. And with 25,000 people of all ages expected to attend, you’ll be sure to find a diverse crowd to enjoy the music with. Make sure to check out the “Next from Nashville” stage, featuring up-and-coming artists that are sure to impress.
One great thing about Tidalwave is that towels and beach chairs are welcomed in the beach zone, so you can kick back and relax while listening to your favorite tunes, just don’t forget to slather on some sunscreen and bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated in the summer heat.
Rest assured, the fun doesn’t stop with just the music! The festival location allows folks to take a break from the festival and explore the bustling Atlantic City boardwalk. Kiddo’s getting bored? Head up the street to Steel Pier amusement park, where you can ride some roller coasters and play carnival games with the whole family – you can exit and re-enter up to three times a day. This is especially great for exploring the many food options that Atlantic City has to offer, from boardwalk classics to trendy restaurants.
So grab your cowboy hat and get ready for a weekend of fun in the sun at the Tidalwave Music Festival!
Barefoot Country Festival
When: June
Where: Wildwood, NJ
Genre: Country
How long: Four-day
Nothing screams South Jersey summer quite like country music, domestic beers, and sunshine. Southern New Jersey sure does love their country music, exemplified in one of Atlantic City’s best long-running music festivals, bringing country music’s biggest stars, Barefoot Country Music Fest.
Get ready to kick back and relax (or not) on one of the best beaches in the world while enjoying the Northeast’s largest four-day outdoor country music fest. For country music lovers, Barefoot Country features over 40 artists across five stages festival is a country music extravaganza, and it’s all happening right on the sand between the two Morey’s Piers, Wildwood, NJ.
The festival area boasts plenty of food vendors and plenty of booze options, so make sure to come with an empty stomach and a full wallet. And don’t worry, beach parking is available, so you won’t have to walk too far in those cowboy boots to get to the action.
This festival is perfect for families, with all ages welcome. You’ll get to experience a unique blend of country headliners, regional stars, up-and-comers, and local favorites performing on five stages.
If you’re a true country music fan, this festival is a must-see event. From big-name headliners to local up-and-comers, Barefoot Country Music Fest has it all. So grab your boots, grab your hat, and get ready to enjoy country music’s hottest artists on the Atlantic City beach this summer. Yeehaw!
Bamboozle Music Fest (Cancelled in 2023)
When: Summer
Where: Atlantic City
Genre: Mixed
How long: Three day
Back from the dead with a vengeance, Bamboozle Music Festivals is coming to Atlantic City for its first gathering in a decade, and they’re going big. This multi-genre music festival is making its glorious return to Bader Field in Atlantic City after a decade-long hiatus.
Catch dozens of artists from hip-hop-punk, pop-punk, and electronic dance music genres on three stages for three whole days. This is the perfect opportunity to indulge in music, food, and all-around fun just a stone’s throw away from Philadelphia.
When you’re not screaming your favorite songs, Bamboozle Music Festival also brings plenty of other fun activities to the festival grounds. Hop on four amusement park rides at the midway, and get hyped up for the B-Boy Dance Competition with its massive $25k prize. The excitement doesn’t stop there – you’ll also find enormous art installations, merchandise and fan booths, local food vendors, DJs, clowns, poets, and more.
Looking for the next big thing? Catch some of the most talented local bands and artists in “The Break Contest” happening all three days on a stage dedicated entirely to showcasing new up-and-coming talent.
One thing to note, reentry is not allowed at the festival, so make sure to stop by a local Atlantic City restaurant and bring everything you need before entering. This festival is open to all ages, so whether you’re a seasoned festival goer or a newcomer, come out and experience the hype of Bamboozle music festival. Don’t miss out on one of the most highly anticipated events near Philadelphia!
Sea.Hear.Now
When: Summer
Where: Asbury Park
Genre: Rock
How long: Two days
Where better to host one of the area’s best rock and roll concerts than the legendary Asbury Park? every September, see here now brings the best of the best in rock music to the legendary Asbury Park beach.
Listen up, music lovers! If you’re a rock and roll enthusiast looking for an epic weekend, look no further than the Sea. Hear. Now music festival. Every September, this festival brings the best of the best in rock music to the legendary Asbury Park beach. With more than 25 bands on three stages, this two-day festival is a must-see for anyone in the Philly area.
Asbury Park is about an hour’s drive from Philly, but it’s worth the journey to experience this festival. With three stages, an arcade, and a three-block stretch of boardwalk, there’s never a dull moment. Plus, with over 35,000 fans daily, the festival is an excellent opportunity to meet new people and make some memories.
The festival is also known for bringing in big-name surfers to shred some waves, which makes for a quick musical time-out. Not to mention, the surf competition brings some of the best athletes in surfing to the Jersey Shore waves. So, whether you’re a music or a surf enthusiast, this festival is the perfect combo for you.
When you need a break from all the music and surfing, take a stroll down the boardwalk and explore the best of Jersey Shore’s boardwalk and restaurant fare. Savor a vast variety of drinks and food at the different stands stretched across the boardwalk and its nearby grassy Bradley Park. And, if you’re into art, you’re in luck! The festival also features an art gallery and art installations by local artists.
Finally, one of the best things about SeaHearNow is that it’s an all-ages event. So, whether you’re young or young at heart, come out and enjoy this epic rock and roll festival. With the perfect combo of music, surfing, food, and art, this festival is undoubtedly one of the best things to do near Philly.
Explore the best of Jersey Shore boardwalk and restaurant fare with curated eats from Jersey, NYC, Philly, and beyond!
AC Beer and Music Festival
When: June
Where: Atlantic City
Genre: Rock
How long: Two days
Love good beer? Love good music? This is the festival for you. The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival is one of the most fun things to do in Atlantic City, NJ if you’re a fan of exceptional beer and live music.
Combine 150 breweries showcasing their freshest and finest craft beer with the energy and excitement of live music and entertainment, and you’ve got an unforgettable experience.
This legendary festival takes place in early June at Bader Field and has been running for over 15 years, making it one of the leading beer celebrations on the East Coast of the USA. The event offers two sessions for attendees to enjoy the beer and music, and it’s a must-see experience for all music lovers.
Check out the beers
Check out the bands
