NJ Music Festivals

This is the first of a five-part series. Read the rest here.

NJ Music Festivals reviewed 95 sets throughout New Jersey and New York in 2025, an uptick from 2024. Here were our favorite shows of the year.

Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, and Drew Baldridge

We were expecting to have a country show be our first of the year, but it was on Jan. 17. Johnson brought true country energy to a huge crowd at Prudential Center, McBryde showed why she is on an arena bill with a true pro set, and we were humbled to be able to watch Baldridge’s first-ever arena show.

Frank Turner and Katacombs

Frank Turner — even as a one-man show — brought so much energy to the Williams Center in Rutherford. It was great to see a big-name artist in a tiny venue in North Jersey, and it was impressive to see how much energy he can produce in a solo, acoustic, and intimate setting. Turner’s rendition of Springsteen’s “Thunder Road” was a great touch, too.

Barefoot Country Music Fest

This, of course, was one of the best festivals and shows of the year. Lainey Wilson kicking off day one was a great treat following the release of her hit record “Whirlwind,” and Warren Zeiders and George Birge on the main stage were great touches. Boyz II Men were an interesting touch on Saturday, and Jelly Roll, as always, killed it on Sunday night.

Streetlight Manifesto and Prince Daddy & the Hyena

Streetlight Manifesto’s annual “Long Summer Night” was another success in 2025. The band debuted three new songs — their first in 12 years — and solidified the annual event as a staple in Asbury Park.

Styx, Kevin Cronin Band, and Don Felder

It was a treat to see an ‘80s throwback at PNC Bank Arts Center with Styx, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, and Don Felder of Eagles. The crowd was very into it and a cool crowd to be a part of.

The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, and New Found Glory

It’s hard to find a better pop punk billing than this. New Found Glory ripped as always, Jimmy Eat World put on a solid set, and The Offspring’s “evening with” like set was an interesting and well-achieved idea. The band sounds great and much improved from just five years ago.

Linkin Park and PVRIS

Linkin Park’s return to New Jersey was met with nearly 20,000 fans at the Prudential Center. Lead singer Emily Armstrong seemed to appreciate each and every one of the fans, and Mike Shinoda seemed genuinely glad to be back. The stage setup, setlist, and sound were all great.

Oasis, Cage the Elephant, and Cast

This, of course, was one of the best shows New Jersey has seen in a long time. All it needed was Oasis, whose triumphant return was met with the loudest crowd I’ve heard, but the addition of Cage the Elephant and Cast really brought the show together.

Sea.Hear.Now Festival

Sea.Hear.Now will always be on this list. Blink-182 and Hozier strung together a great show, and Sunday’s lineup of Lenny Kravitz, Public Enemy, and 4 Non Blondes was phenomenal. LCD Soundsystem was great on Saturday, too.

Audacy’s We Can Survive

Not only is this a great benefit for a great cause, it was brought together with a great lineup featuring some of the biggest names in music: Ed Sheeran, Goo Goo Dolls, Alex Warren, and Shaboozey. It was great to see a huge name like Ed Sheeran at — what was for his standards — a small venue.

All Time Low, Mayday Parade, Four Year Strong, and The Paradox

Up in New York City, these four put on a can’t-miss show. The concept was cool and the sets were even better. All Time Low should really consider coming to New Jersey, though.

The Academy Is… and Little Image

While we still have one more show to review this year, this, for now, is the last one. The Academy Is… put on a tremendous reunion set and Little Image was a perfect opener. I’m looking forward to seeing both bands again in the near future.