The Sounds of Summer: Where to See Outdoor Concerts in NJ

Acts like Cold Play, Miranda Lambert and Machine Gun Kelly are playing outdoor shows in NJ this summer.

Bleachers
Bergenfield's Bleachers perform at a past Stone Pony Summer Stage show. Photo courtesy of Chris Spiegel/Stone Pony Summer Stage

Looking for outdoor entertainment? A handful of New Jersey venues let listeners enjoy their favorite bands and the summer breeze.

Perhaps most famous is East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, which hosts some of the state’s biggest sporting and musical events.

Only five miles west of New York City, the arena is home to the NFL’s Giants and Jets. While they wait out their off-season, the 82,500-seat stadium kicks off the month of June with performances from Coldplay on the 4th and the 5th, featuring special guest H.E.R. Then it’s time to twist and shout for an evening with the iconic Paul McCartney on June 16. The month rounds out with a sure-to-be-mesmerizing production from Mexico’s Grupo Firme on June 18.

Or, head to Monmouth County to see a wave of talent at the always-fun PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. The 17,500-seat amphitheater is hosting Tim McGraw and Russell Dickerson (May 17); Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town (June 10); the Doobie Brothers and Michael McDonald (June 14); Tears for Fears and Garbage (June 24); and Dave Matthews Band (June 29).

Meanwhile, the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park commences its Summer Stage series this month with a slew of alternative acts. The 3,000-seat space is set to host a strong musical lineup including Modest Mouse (May 28); Bright Eyes (June 3); Trixie Mattel (June 4); Phoebe Bridgers (June 13); Fitz and the Tantrums and St. Paul & the Broken Bones (June 11); Rebelution (June 25); and the Black Crowes (June 30).

Finally, Camden’s Waterfront Music Pavilion, formerly BB&T Pavilion, has a wide variety of talent taking its stage. The 25,000-seat arena welcomes Tim McGraw and Russell Dickerson (May 20); MMRBQ, the Pretty Reckless, Royal Blood and Living Colour (May 21); Brad Paisley (June 3); the Lumineers (June 4); Jack Johnson (June 25); and Machine Gun Kelly (June 26), among others.


Check back for updates on New Jersey’s outdoor summer concert lineups each month!

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