Summer is a time for relaxation and carefree living, so what better way to do just that than with some music? New Jersey has been a musical hub for as long as natives, and admirers, can remember. Not only does the Garden State host very memorable shows, but is also it is the home to many established musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Paul Simon and more. There are numerous things to do throughout the season in NJ, but if you’re searching for a way to spice up your summer with various genres of music, look no further. Here are six music festivals happening in June that are guaranteed to make your summer rock:
JUNE
5-6: Gentleman of the Road Stopover
What: Pitch your tents and unroll your sleeping bags: This festival offers the rare opportunity (in Jersey, anyway) to camp on the beach. More than 30,000 attendees are expected. Tent camping is first come, first served; $20 per person.
Where: Seaside Heights
Tickets: $179
Headliners: Mumford and Sons, Alabama Shakes, The Flaming Lips, Jenny Lewis.
6-28: Princeton Music Festival
What: The 2015 Princeton Festival features 23 different music and stage performances over a three-week period throughout the Princeton area. The festival also includes workshops, lectures and a young-adult piano competition.
Where: Around Princeton
Tickets: Purchase through the McCarter Theatre box office (609-258-2787) or visit their website.
Headliners: Opera, musical theater, a cappella, a country music duo, Indian music and dance and so much more.
7: Hot 97 Summer Jam
What: Hip Hop lovers, this is the festival for you. Last year, Snoop Dogg teamed up with Wiz Kalifa, Nicki Minaj brought out Drake, Lil Wayne and Soulja Boy. You never know who will show up!
Where: MetLife Stadium
Tickets: $69 – $950 (front row)
Headliners: Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Childish Gambino
13: Boys of Zummer
What: These well-known fellas are livening up the summer nights with their cross-country tour, offering music ranging from pop punk to rap.
Where: PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
Tickets: $69.75
Headliners: Fall Out Boy, Wiz Khalifa, Hoodie Allen
20: Point Pleasant Jazz & Blues Festival
What: Groove to live jazz and blues bands while perusing the art and vendors throughout the park. Not to mention, river views and a beer and wine garden.
Where: Riverfront Park
Tickets: Free
Headliners: Doug Deming & Dennis Gruenling, featuring the Jewel Tones
27-28: Rock, Ribs & Ridges
What: Rock out while enjoying delicious barbeque and sampling a selection of craft beers. Make it a weekend for the whole family at the nearby campground and enjoy special, campers-only shows Friday night and after the festival Saturday.
Where: Sussex County Fairgrounds
Tickets: Varies
Headliners: Charlie Daniels Band, Lou Gramm (the voice of Foreigner), Blue Öyster Cult
From family oriented events like the Jazz and Blues festival in Point Pleasant, to the Hot 97 Summer Jam created for hip-hop lovers, there is something to do, and listen to, for every attendee. There is no feeling quite like a warm summer breeze and a good tune in the air. New Jersey residents know that, the visiting musicians know it and with that, these festivals are bound to make you remember why the two go hand in hand.
