The Sea Hear Now Weekend Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Asbury Park’s Biggest Weekend

Sea.Hear.Now is the two-day music and surf festival that transforms Asbury Park’s waterfront every September. What started in 2018 as a boutique surf-and-sound event has become one of the biggest weekends of the year on the Jersey Shore, drawing 40,000+ people to the beach for three stages of music (two on the sand, one in Bradley Park), a legitimate team surf competition, and the specific kind of energy Asbury does best.

This is your local’s guide to the weekend. Where to park, what to bring, where to eat before and after the shows, where to stay if you’re still looking, and where to recover on Sunday morning.

What to Expect: The 2026 Festival

  • Dates: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20
  • Hours: Doors 12pm, music 12:30pm–11pm both days
  • Location: Asbury Park waterfront, North Beach and Bradley Park
  • Three stages: two on the sand (Sand + Surf), one in Bradley Park (Park stage)

2026 headliners and lineup highlights: Mumford & Sons close Saturday night. The Strokes close Sunday. Also on the bill: The Offspring, Goo Goo Dolls, Chaka Khan, War on Drugs, Pixies, Fontaines D.C., All-American Rejects, Ziggy Marley, Kim Gordon, Susanna Hoffs, Jarod Clemons, and more than 25 acts across the weekend.

Come here if you want a festival that feels like the town it’s in. Sea.Hear.Now isn’t Coachella and doesn’t try to be. The ocean is right there. The stages are close enough that you can move between them easily.

Getting There + Parking

The road closures to know:

Ocean Ave is closed between 4th and 8th Aves. Portions of 5th, 6th, 7th, and Sunset Aves are closed east of Kingsley Street. Full closures run from Wednesday before the festival through Monday morning after. If you’re driving in, do not try to park on any street east of Kingsley.

Where to actually park:

  • Downtown Asbury Park (Cookman Ave area) – best strategy. Park in the metered zones downtown and walk 10–15 minutes east to the festival grounds. Way less stress than trying to get closer.
  • Bangs Avenue Garage (605 Bangs Ave) – the covered garage a few blocks inland. Best option if you hate circling.
  • Metered lots south of the festival footprint – try 3rd Ave and south. Farther walk but easier entry/exit.

How to pay for parking: Download the ParkMobile app or the official Asbury Park app before you arrive. All metered parking uses zone codes. The zone for festival-area metered parking is 33300.

Taking NJ Transit to Sea.Hear.Now

If you’re coming from NYC (or anywhere along the Coast Line), the train is genuinely the smartest way in.

  • Route: New Jersey Transit North Jersey Coast Line from NYC Penn Station directly to Asbury Park station. About 90 minutes each way.
  • Cost: Around $17 one-way off-peak from NYC. Round trip under $35.
  • From the Asbury Park station to festival grounds: 15-minute walk east down Cookman Ave to the waterfront. Do not attempt to Uber. Festival weekend traffic makes it slower than walking.

Timing:

  • Last train back to NYC on Saturday night typically leaves around midnight
  • Sunday night trains run earlier, so if The Strokes go past 11pm you may need to leave a song or two early to catch the last train

Buy tickets in advance: Download the NJ Transit app before you travel. Ticket machines at Penn Station can have long lines on festival weekends.

Sea.Hear.Now Bag Policy (What You Can Bring In)

The festival is strict about bag entry. Come prepared or you’ll be turned away at the gate.

Allowed:

  • Clear bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ (standard festival clear bag size)
  • Small non-clear pouches or wallets under 5″ x 7″
  • Empty refillable water bottles (there are free water refill stations inside)
  • Sunscreen (non-aerosol)
  • One factory-sealed water bottle
  • Small blankets or towels
  • Compact folding chairs (for Bradley Park stage area only, not the Sand stages)

Not allowed:

  • Non-clear bags larger than 5″ x 7″
  • Outside food and beverages (except sealed water)
  • Coolers of any size
  • Umbrellas
  • Pop-up tents or shade structures
  • Professional cameras (unless you have media credentials)
  • Selfie sticks
  • Drones

Check the official bag policy on the Sea.Hear.Now support site for the most up-to-date rules before you leave the house.

Sea.Hear.Now Will Call

Ticket pickup for anyone who bought will call tickets:

  • Location: The will call booth is on the festival grounds near the main entrance (typically 5th Ave beach entrance area).
  • Hours: Will call opens 11am both days (Saturday and Sunday), one hour before doors open at noon.
  • Bring: A photo ID that matches the name on the ticket order, plus your order confirmation number (from the email confirmation).
  • Pro tip: Go early. Will call lines get long right before doors, and you don’t want to miss the openers because of a badge pickup.

Sea.Hear.Now 2026 Schedule + Set Times

Doors open at 12pm both days. Music runs 12:30pm–11pm.

Saturday, September 19 headliners and highlights:

  • Mumford & Sons (headliner, closing set)
  • The Offspring
  • Chaka Khan
  • Susanna Hoffs
  • Jarod Clemons
  • Plus additional acts across the three stages

Sunday, September 20 headliners and highlights:

  • The Strokes (headliner, closing set)
  • Goo Goo Dolls
  • War on Drugs
  • Pixies
  • Fontaines D.C.
  • Ziggy Marley
  • All-American Rejects
  • Kim Gordon
  • Plus additional acts

For exact set times per stage, check the official Sea.Hear.Now schedule page. Set times are typically released a few days before the festival and updated day-of if weather causes any shuffling.

What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)

Bring:

  • Your ticket (paper printout OR on your phone)
  • Sunscreen (the sand stages are unshaded)
  • A refillable water bottle
  • Cash or card for food and merch
  • Light layers for after sunset (temperatures drop fast at the beach in September)
  • A small chair or blanket if you plan to sit for park stage sets

Leave at home:

  • Large or non-clear bags (see full Bag Policy above)
  • Outside alcohol
  • Professional cameras (unless you have a media pass)
  • Pop-up tents
  • Coolers

Pro tip: Wear closed-toe shoes even though it’s the beach. You’ll be walking through the sand for hours, and the ground gets uncomfortable when 40,000 people have already tracked over it.

Where to Eat Near the Festival Grounds

The three closest walkable dinner options from the festival grounds. Book reservations for later dinner slots (9pm or later) to eat AFTER the headliner:

  • Barrio Costero (610 Bangs Ave): 8-minute walk from the North Beach stages. Elevated coastal Mexican. Reservations essential this weekend but the bar stays open late.
  • Talula’s (550 Cookman Ave): 12-minute walk. Wood-fired pizza and natural wine. The kitchen stays open for later seatings and the room turns over quickly.
  • Reyla (603 Mattison Ave): 10-minute walk. Contemporary Mediterranean with mezze best shared across a group.

Full list: The Best Restaurants in Asbury Park

Pre-Festival Coffee Stops

Coffee before doors:

  • Goldrush (719 Bangs Ave): closest downtown option, opens at 8am. Grab the Egyptian Baklava Latte on the walk over.
  • Offshore Coffee Co. (inside Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave N): closest to festival grounds. Grab-and-go before entering. Opens with the venue.
  • Rook (multiple Monmouth County locations, drive-through): fastest option if you’re driving in from out of town. Skip the downtown lines.

Full list: The Best Coffee Shops in Asbury Park

Where to Stay for Sea.Hear.Now

If you’re still looking for a room this weekend, here are your walkable options. Call directly for last-minute availability rather than relying on the booking sites:

  • The Asbury Hotel (210 5th Ave): 8-minute walk to the festival grounds. Rooftop pool, Salvation bar, and the post-show energy stays on-property. The obvious first pick if you can get a room.
  • Asbury Ocean Club (1101 Ocean Ave): 12-minute walk. Quiet luxury base if you want to escape the crowds after the show. The oceanfront pool is worth the price on a hot September weekend.
  • The St. Laurent (506 Cookman Ave): 15-minute walk downtown. Judy & Harry’s on the ground floor is a proper post-show dinner. 21+ property, no elevator.

If everything’s booked in Asbury, look for a vacation rental in Ocean Grove (5-minute drive). Quieter and often available last-minute, with easy access back to festival grounds.

Full list: The Best Hotels in Asbury Park

Post-Festival Sunday Brunch

Recovery brunch on Sunday morning before doors reopen. All three of these open early enough to eat and still catch the noon opening:

  • Cardinal Provisions (513 Bangs Ave): opens 8am. Expect a line but the coffee and the cacio e pepe scrambled eggs earn it.
  • AP Rooftop (1300 Ocean Ave, on boardwalk): opens with the venue. Ocean views, biscuits and gravy. Skip this if you don’t want to be back on the waterfront so soon.

Full list: The Best Brunch in Asbury Park

Beach + Boardwalk During the Festival

North Beach and portions of the boardwalk are closed to the public during the festival. Beach and boardwalk access resumes Monday morning. If you want beach time this weekend WITHOUT a festival ticket, head to Bradley Beach or Ocean Grove. Both are a short drive south and remain fully open.

Full beach details: The Asbury Park Beach Guide

On Our Radar for 2027

If this weekend leaves you already planning next year: Sea.Hear.Now typically announces the following year’s initial lineup and on-sale dates in late spring (April–May). Presale tickets go quickly, especially VIP and Platinum tiers. Sign up for the festival email list at seahearnowfestival.com to get first access, and book your hotel the day the dates are announced. The walkable rooms sell out first.

Best Time to Visit Asbury Park

Sea.Hear.Now weekend (mid-to-late September): The single most electric weekend of the year in Asbury Park. Also the busiest. Book hotel + dinner reservations two to three months in advance if you’re planning to be here for it.

The Sweet Spot (May, early June, and rest of September, October): Beach weather often holds, restaurants aren’t slammed, and the town feels like itself. Ideal for a first visit that isn’t festival-week.

Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Peak season energy, high hotel rates, packed restaurants. Great if you want the full Jersey Shore experience.

Late Fall and Winter (November through April): Asbury slows down in the best way. Restaurants and coffee shops stay strong, prices soften, and Pascal & Sabine on a January Friday is one of the quiet pleasures of the year.

Keep Exploring Asbury Park

Now that you’ve planned the festival weekend, here’s everything else worth knowing before your trip.

At a Glance

Festival dates: September 19–20, 2026
Hours: 12pm doors, 12:30pm–11pm music
Location: Asbury Park waterfront (North Beach + Bradley Park)
Best hotel walk-to-fest: The Asbury Hotel
Best pre-fest coffee: Offshore Coffee Co. (Convention Hall)
Best pre-fest dinner: Barrio Costero
Best post-fest recovery brunch: Cardinal Provisions
Parking zone code: 33300 (via ParkMobile or official Asbury Park app)
Transit option: NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line from NYC Penn Station
Will call opens: 11am both days, near main festival entrance

Frequently Asked Questions About Sea.Hear.Now

When is Sea.Hear.Now 2026?

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Doors open at noon both days. Music runs 12:30pm to 11pm.

Where is Sea.Hear.Now held?

On the Asbury Park waterfront. The two Sand and Surf stages are on North Beach, and the Park stage is in Bradley Park. Three stages total, all within walking distance of each other.

Who is headlining Sea.Hear.Now 2026?

Mumford & Sons close Saturday. The Strokes close Sunday. The full 2026 lineup also includes The Offspring, Goo Goo Dolls, Chaka Khan, War on Drugs, Pixies, Fontaines D.C., All-American Rejects, Ziggy Marley, Kim Gordon, Susanna Hoffs, Jarod Clemons, and more than 25 acts across the weekend.

Where do I park for Sea.Hear.Now?

Best strategy is to park in downtown Asbury Park (near Cookman Ave) and walk 10–15 minutes to the festival grounds. The Bangs Avenue Garage (605 Bangs Ave) is the covered option a few blocks inland. All metered parking uses zone code 33300 via the ParkMobile app or the official Asbury Park app. Do not try to park east of Kingsley. Those streets are closed.

Can I drive to Sea.Hear.Now from NYC?

Yes, it’s about a 90-minute drive. But NJ Transit from Penn Station to Asbury Park is often the smarter move. Parking downtown is limited during festival weekend and the train drops you a 15-minute walk from the festival grounds.

What is the Sea.Hear.Now bag policy?

The festival allows clear bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, or small non-clear pouches under 5″ x 7″. Empty refillable water bottles are allowed and there are free refill stations inside. Prohibited: coolers, outside food, umbrellas, pop-up tents, and non-clear bags over 5″ x 7″. Check the official Sea.Hear.Now support site for current rules before you leave.

Where do I pick up will call tickets at Sea.Hear.Now?

Will call is near the main festival entrance (typically the 5th Ave beach entrance area). The booth opens 11am both days, one hour before doors. Bring a photo ID matching the ticket order name and your order confirmation number.

Can I take NJ Transit to Sea.Hear.Now?

Yes. The North Jersey Coast Line runs from NYC Penn Station directly to Asbury Park station in about 90 minutes. From the station it’s a 15-minute walk east to the festival grounds. Around $17 one-way off-peak. Confirm the last train back before you leave. Saturday’s usually runs around midnight, Sunday’s earlier.

Are there hotels near Sea.Hear.Now?

Yes. The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Ocean Club, and The St. Laurent are all walkable to the festival grounds. Book months in advance for best rates. Last-minute options: call the hotel directly, or look for a vacation rental in Ocean Grove (5-minute drive).

Where can I eat before or after Sea.Hear.Now?

Barrio Costero, Talula’s, and Reyla are the closest walkable dinner spots. Pascal & Sabine and Hadaka are quieter options away from festival crowds. For post-festival brunch: Cardinal Provisions, AP Rooftop, and Frank’s Deli.

What should I bring to Sea.Hear.Now?

Sunscreen, refillable water bottle, cash or card, layers for evening, closed-toe shoes for the sand, and a small chair or blanket if you want to sit for park stage sets. Full bag policy above.

Can I still go to the beach in Asbury Park during Sea.Hear.Now?

North Beach and portions of the boardwalk are closed to the public during the festival. For beach access this weekend, head to Bradley Beach or Ocean Grove. Both are a short drive south and remain fully open.

When does Sea.Hear.Now 2027 go on sale?

Sea.Hear.Now typically announces the following year’s initial lineup and on-sale dates in late spring (April–May). Sign up for the festival email list at seahearnowfestival.com to get first access.

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