May 2026: Bruce Springsteen

This year marks the 50th anniversary of New Jersey Monthly. Last year marked the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s seminal album Born to Run. Yet in all the decades that followed, these two New Jersey institutions had never joined forces in the major way you see in this issue.

We could not be more thrilled to feature Bruce Springsteen and the ambitious new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music as our May cover story. Set to open at Monmouth University on June 7, the center will be a major hub for exhibits, public programs and education focused not just on Springsteen, but also on the full scope of American music. It’ll be a place for New Jerseyans, and visitors from around the world, of all ages and interests.

Also in this issue: how to dine around the world without leaving Jersey; why urban gardening is flourishing in Hudson County; and a personal essay from former governor Jim McGreevey about the challenges and rewards of starting over.