🏖️Shore Guide

Asbury Park Music & Nightlife

Where Bruce Springsteen got his start. Live music, LGBTQ+ welcoming bars, and the soul of Jersey Shore rock and roll.

The Asbury Sound

Asbury Park isn't just a beach town - it's hallowed ground for rock music. The Stone Pony launched careers that filled stadiums worldwide. Today, that spirit lives on in venues that range from legendary clubs to intimate cocktail bars.

Add in a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, a revitalized downtown, and you've got the most vibrant nightlife on the Jersey Shore.

Live Music Venues

Stone Pony

Legendary Rock Venue

Capacity: 1,000 (indoor) / 5,000+ (summer stage)

The legendary venue where Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and countless others launched their careers. Still hosts surprise appearances.

Vibe: Rock history, intimate shows, outdoor summer concerts

Expect: Standing room, drinks at the bar, real rock club atmosphere

The outdoor Summer Stage hosts major acts. Check the calendar - surprise Springsteen appearances still happen.

Wonder Bar

Bar & Live Music

Capacity: 300

Eclectic venue right on the boardwalk. Live music most nights, famous Yappy Hour on Sundays (dogs welcome).

Vibe: Casual, LGBTQ+ friendly, indie acts

Expect: Small stage, mixed crowd, beach-adjacent location

Sunday Yappy Hour is iconic - hundreds of dogs and their owners. Great for people (and pet) watching.

House of Independents

Concert Hall

Capacity: 600

Modern venue in the heart of downtown. Great sound system, local and touring indie acts.

Vibe: Indie, alternative, standing room

Expect: Professional sound, dedicated concert venue feel

Opened in 2017 to fill the gap between small clubs and large venues. Excellent bookings.

Asbury Lanes

Bowling Alley & Music Venue

Capacity: 400

Vintage bowling alley turned rock club. Bowl while bands play. Totally unique experience.

Vibe: Retro, punk rock, quirky

Expect: Bowling, live music, dive bar atmosphere

Yes, you can bowl during shows. The lanes are part of the charm.

Convention Hall

Historic Concert Hall

Capacity: 3,500

Grand 1930s beachfront venue hosting major concerts, comedy shows, and events.

Vibe: Historic, major acts, seated and standing

Expect: Large-scale productions, beautiful architecture, ocean views

Paramount Theatre next door is smaller (1,600) for more intimate major acts.

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Rock & Roll History

Bruce Springsteen

Started at Stone Pony in the 1970s. Still plays surprise shows.

Bon Jovi

Early career at Asbury clubs before stadium fame.

Southside Johnny

Asbury Jukes were the house band at Stone Pony.

The Gaslight Anthem

Modern torch-bearers of Asbury rock tradition.

Bars & Lounges

Paradise

LGBTQ+ Bar

Historic gay bar with drag shows, dancing, and welcoming atmosphere. Asbury Park LGBTQ+ scene anchor.

Vibe: Inclusive, fun, dancing

Best For: Drag shows, dancing, LGBTQ+ community

Georgie

LGBTQ+ Cocktail Lounge

Upscale cocktail bar with craft drinks and sophisticated vibe. Great date spot.

Vibe: Chic, cocktail-focused, intimate

Best For: Craft cocktails, conversations, date night

The Asbury Hotel Rooftop

Rooftop Bar

Seasonal rooftop with ocean views, movies on the rooftop, and sunset cocktails.

Vibe: Trendy, views, summer hotspot

Best For: Sunset drinks, summer vibes, Instagram photos

Johnny Macs

Dive Bar

No-frills bar with cheap drinks and pool tables. Locals favorite.

Vibe: Dive bar, casual, cheap

Best For: Budget drinks, pool, locals scene

Langosta Lounge

Beach Bar

Boardwalk-adjacent bar and restaurant. Great for day drinking transitioning to night.

Vibe: Beach casual, Latin cocktails, good food

Best For: Day-to-night drinking, groups, food + drinks

Bonney Read

Cocktail Bar

Dark, intimate cocktail bar below Porta restaurant. Creative drinks, speakeasy feel.

Vibe: Speakeasy, craft cocktails, date night

Best For: Serious cocktails, intimate atmosphere

Anchors Bend

Beer Bar

Excellent craft beer selection with local NJ breweries featured. Low-key vibe.

Vibe: Craft beer, chill, knowledgeable staff

Best For: Beer lovers, casual drinks

LGBTQ+ Scene

Asbury Park has been a welcoming destination for the LGBTQ+ community since the 1990s. Today it's one of the most inclusive beach towns on the East Coast.

Paradise

Dance Club / Drag Shows

Georgie

Cocktail Lounge

Wonder Bar

Bar & Music (Yappy Hour)

Asbury Park Beach

LGBTQ+ Section

Pride events happen throughout summer. The beach has a designated LGBTQ+-friendly section near Convention Hall.

Build Your Night Out

Music Lover

  1. Dinner at Porta
  2. Pre-show drinks at Anchors Bend
  3. Show at Stone Pony or House of Independents
  4. Nightcap at Johnny Macs

Craft Cocktails

  1. Start at Bonney Read speakeasy
  2. Rooftop sunset at Asbury Hotel
  3. Dinner at Talula's
  4. Late drinks at Georgie

Dance Night

  1. Beach sunset drinks at Langosta
  2. Dinner downtown
  3. Paradise for drag show
  4. Dancing until close

Asbury Park Tips

Check Show Calendars

Stone Pony, House of Independents, and Convention Hall all post schedules online. Book tickets in advance for bigger shows.

Summer Stage

The outdoor Stone Pony Summer Stage (Memorial Day to Labor Day) hosts major acts. Tickets sell fast.

Stay Downtown

Asbury Hotel and Asbury Ocean Club put you walking distance from everything. No need for a car once you're here.

Late Night Food

Porta stays open late for pizza. Several bars serve food. Johnny Macs is cash-only.

Explore Asbury Park

Beaches, restaurants, hotels, and everything else in Asbury Park.

Full Asbury GuideAll Nightlife