The Jersey Shore has a plethora of fab date night experiences, even during the cold and sleepy off-season months. Seek refuge from the cold beyond the warmth of your couch by treating your loved one to a fun and unique night out. Whether you’re into live entertainment, sports, arts and crafts, or culinary delights — there are so many indoor activities ideal for a date night during the winter. Read on for twelve unique winter date night ideas in the Asbury Park + Jersey Shore area.
Asbury Park
Go Bowling, Grab Dinner, or See a Concert at Asbury Lanes | 209 4th Avenue
From seeing a pop-punk band to attending a Shrek Rave or grabbing a bowling lane, the opportunities at Asbury Lanes are endless and differ by day. Depending on your date’s preferences, you can check out Asbury Lanes’ events calendar to see what event is taking place on any given night. No matter what the night brings, you can bank on enjoying a delicious meal from The Diner — which is attached to Asbury Lanes — or grabbing a favorite IPA or cocktail from the bar.
Read More: Vibey Bars at the Jersey Shore for a Low-Key Night Out
Get a Couples Aura Photo Taken at Freedom Rocks | 550 Cookman Avenue
Freedom Rocks provides a “Meant For Each Other” couples aura photography session. A couple’s aura photo reveals the soul of the relationship as its own entity, which can be different from the aura photos of the individuals. The colors can reveal how similar the individual energies are and how each aura combines to complement and strengthen the relationship. The “Meant For Each Other” session is 30 minutes and includes three total photos: two individual photos and one couple photo. A member from the Freedom Rocks team will share interpretations for the individual photos, and an interpretation for the joint photo, and provide you with a take-home color guide to continue learning more about your auras. Aura photography appointments can be scheduled on Freedom Rocks’ website.
Get a Couples Massage at Tao | 611 Bangs Avenue
Tao provides a variety of gender-neutral day spa health services that are wonderful for relaxing with your loved one. The massages, such as the Profound Comfort Therapy massage, the Ashiatsu Bar Therapy (Deep Feet Bar Therapy) massage, and the Intense Relief Therapy massage, can be scheduled as a couples massage. Tao also provides floatation therapy and an infrared sauna. Reservations for services from Tao Massage can be booked online.
Attend a Secret Don’t Tell Comedy Show | Various Surprise Locations in Asbury Park
Don’t Tell Comedy Show is a unique, live comedy show experience that always has an unknown location and lineup. The precise indoor location and other important show details are sent to ticket holders on the day of the show. Don’t Tell Comedy brings in national touring comedians as well as up-and-coming local talent but the comedians remain unknown until the moment they take the stage — so you never know who might show up. The shows are for ages 21+ and are BYOB. Shows run 70-90 minutes in length and feature 4-6 different comedians on each lineup. Tickets can be purchased online.
Enjoy Dinner at Dolce Fantasia 4 | 521 Cookman Avenue
Staten Island’s Dolce Fantasia brings the best northern Italian and French flavors to Asbury Park’s dining scene with its fourth tri-state area location. The classic but eclectic eatery has a fantastic menu, funky decor, and excellent customer service. Dolce Fantasia has a wide selection of gluten-free meal options, substitutes, and desserts for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Enjoy Vegan Food at Crust + Crumble | 633 Lake Avenue
Crust + Crumble is an eclectic eatery located in downtown Asbury Park with traditional, vegan, and gluten-free menus. The dining area features a projector, a movie screen, a deconstructed model car (that customers can dine in if they want!), and funky decor. From comfort foods to an extensive selection of pizzas and a plethora of baked goods, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
See More: Romantic Restaurants for Date Night in the Montclair Area
Pick Up Dessert from Cookman Creamery | 711 Cookman Avenue
It’s never too cold for ice cream — specifically Cookman Creamery. Cookman Creamery serves up a variety of both traditional and plant-based vegan ice cream flavors, plus to-go pies, cakes, pints, and vegan hot chocolate and cider during the winter months. Seasonal flavors and updated menus can be found on Cookman Creamery’s Instagram. JSG pro tip: Bring home the Peanut Butter Pie — it is divine.
Jackson
Go Roller Skating at United Skates | 2270 West County Line Road
View this post on Instagram
United Skates Jackson is a fun, throwback date night for those who aren’t too nervous to roll out onto the rink. United Skates regularly hosts themed public skate nights, such as Glow in the Dark Skate and Taylor Swift nights. It is $6 to rent regular inline skates and $7 to rent rollerblades. While no outside food or drink is permitted, there is a full-service cafe for snacks and beverages that is open during skating hours.
Bradley Beach
Go Bowling at Bradley Beach Bowl | 1217 Main Street
For a classic, no-frills bowling date night, head to Bradley Beach Bowl. The space is just how you remember a bowling alley from your childhood: retro carpets and 2000s TV screen graphics included. Grab a pitcher of beer at the bar and see who can get the highest score.
Manalapan
Make Your Own Wine at The Wine Room | 227 Route 33
View this post on Instagram
Make and bottle homemade wine using the best quality grapes from California, South Africa, and Chile at The Wine Room in Manalapan. Individuals and couples generally make half barrels. The price is based on the variety and quantity of wine made, along with choices of new or used barrels, bottles, corks, capsules, and labels. Winemaking takes place in three to four visits to The Wine Room and day, evening, or weekend sessions are available, with each session lasting one to two hours.
Ocean Grove
Get Your Photo Taken by Armadillo Tintype | 66 South Main Street, 2nd Floor Studio #26
Armadillo Tintype by Vanessa Maestri Wagner is a hand-crafted tintype and ambrotype photograph using a historic 19th-century wet plate collodion process. Portraits are done right in Ocean Grove inside the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Sessions are by appointment only and take about 30-45 minutes for shooting and then an additional 45 minutes for the photo plate to be completed.
Red Bank
Play Retro Video Games at YESTERcades | 80 Broad Street
View this post on Instagram
YESTERcades is an arcade with retro machines and modern gaming consoles with a nostalgic vibe. YESTERcades provides unlimited play for $9.95 per hour. For $27.95, you can purchase a daily re-entry pass that will allow you to come and go as you please until the arcade closes that evening. The video arcade is BYOB after 9PM every evening.
The Official Stone Pony Summer Stage 2025 Lineup in Asbury Park
As the weather warms up and the Jersey Shore comes alive, The Stone Pony Summer Stage is gearing up for another season of unforgettable live shows in 2025. The outdoor concert venue — located at 909 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey — is known for hosting some of the biggest names in pop, rock, punk, country, alternative, and indie music. Fans can anticipate high-energy performances, fan-favorite bands, and rising stars, as well as gorgeous summer nights singing and dancing along to old classics and new hit singles. Read on to learn more about what musical acts are coming to the Stony Pony Summer Stage in 2025.
What is the Stone Pony Summer Stage?
View this post on Instagram
The Stone Pony Summer Stage is an outdoor venue connected to The Stone Pony that hosts concerts from May to October. The Summer Stage’s crowd capacity is 4,500 people, which is far larger than The Stone Pony’s indoor capacity of 850. The Stone Pony Summer Stage opened in 2009 and has since hosted an expansive array of musical acts such as Snoop Dogg, Demi Lovato, The Counting Crows, Sublime, Peter Frampton, Phoebe Bridgers, New Found Glory, Dropkick Murphys, Greta Van Fleet, and Dashboard Confessional — just to name a few. The venue is general admission, first come, first serve, standing room only. The outdoor stage has a hard 10:30PM curfew. The town’s sound ordinance means a show very rarely goes past 10PM, as amplified music is only permitted between the hours of 12PM and 10PM each day in public areas of Asbury Park. Local food vendors Bubbakoos Burritos + Rocco’s Pizza are on-site at every Summer Stage show serving up delicious concert fuel.
Read More: Sea.Hear.Now Festival in Asbury Park Announces 2025 Lineup
The Stone Pony Summer Stage 2025 Lineup
May
Friday, May 2nd, 2025 – Warren Zeiders + Tyler Braden
Country music singer-songwriter Warren Zeiders will kick off the 2025 Summer Stage season with opening act Tyler Braden. Warren Zeiders is most known for his single Pretty Little Poison which was a number one hit on country radio in 2023. In 2024, the 25-year-old Pennsylvania-native won a CMT Award for "Breakthrough Male Video of the Year" for his song Pretty Little Poison and toured with Jelly Roll on the Beautifully Broken Tour. For fans of Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, or Brantley Gilbert.
Friday, May 23rd, 2025 — Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead is a Grateful Dead cover band composed of Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, Tom Hamilton, Scott Metzger, and Joe Russo. The cover band reinterprets the music of the Grateful Dead with a fresh, electrifying intensity. The open-air setting of the Stone Pony Summer Stage adds an extra layer of magic to JRAD’s adventurous improvisation and unpredictable setlists. For fans of the Grateful Dead, Phish, Goose, or Umphrey’s McGee.
Sunday, May 25th, 2025 — Mayday Parade, Microwave, Grayscale, + Like Roses
Pop-punk band Mayday Parade is bringing the Three Cheers for 20 Years Tour — celebrating the band’s 20-year career — to the Stone Pony Summer Stage. Expect nostalgic emo singalongs and high-energy crowd surfers from the lineup of Warped Tour alumni. For fans of Fall Out Boy, Paramore, The Maine, or State Champs.
Friday, May 30th, 2025 — Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Infamous Stringdusters, + Melt
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong is a funk jam band from Baltimore, Maryland, known for live shows that are an explosion of funky rhythms, wild jams, and crowd-engaging antics. PPPP’s setlist contains danceable, free-spirited music, which is a heavenly vibe on a warm summer night by the beach in Asbury Park. For fans of Phish, Umphrey’s McGee, or Goose.
June
Friday, June 6th, 2025 — Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, + Jake Scott
Russell Dickerson is a country artist known for his upbeat, feel-good tracks and energetic stage presence. Most recently, Dickerson earned his fifth career number one with God Gave Me A Girl and is currently working on his fourth studio album featuring the current single Bones.”For fans of Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, or Sam Hunt.
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 — Glass Animals + Sofia Isella
Glass Animals is an alternative band known for its dreamy, genre-blending sound that incorporates elements of indie rock, pop, electronic, and psychedelic music. Most know Glass Animals from their hit single Heat Waves, which debuted in 2020 but went viral on TikTok in 2022. For fans of Tame Impala, Foster the People, or The Japanese House.
Friday, June 13th, 2025 — The Driver Era
The Driver Era is an indie pop-rock duo made up of brothers Ross and Rocky Lynch. The two initially gained fame as members of a Disney Channel-outfitted band called R5. The Driver Era is the brothers’ more mature, experimental project with a full band that blends indie rock and pop. For fans of Wallows, Role Model, or LANY.
Saturday, June 14th, 2025 — The Black Keys + The Heavy Heavy
The Black Keys are a blues-rock duo consisting of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. The band is most known for massive hits like Lonely Boy and Gold on the Ceiling as well as their chart-topping album El Camino. For fans of The White Stripes, Cage The Elephant, or Kings of Leon.
Saturday, June 21st, 2025 — Lawrence + Allen Stone
Lawrence is an energetic fusion of feel-good funk, soul, pop, and R&B. The band is led by siblings Gracie and Clyde Lawrence. The group’s dynamic stage presence and infectious grooves will make for an unforgettable night of dancing and singing along at the Stone Pony Summer Stage. For fans of AJR, Lake Street Dive, and Anderson .Paak. This show is part of the North 2 Shore festival lineup in Asbury Park.
Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 — Slightly Stoopid, Iration, and Little Stranger
Slightly Stoopid is a California-based band known for its sunsoaked blend of reggae, ska, punk, rock, and hip-hop. The band's songs emit a unique, feel-good vibe that combines tropical rhythms, upbeat rock hooks, and reggae-inspired beats. The Stone Pony Summer Stage is an ideal spot to catch a Slightly Stoopid show due to the open-air, beachy, and party-ready atmosphere of the Asbury Park Boardwalk. For fans of 311, Rebelution, The Dirty Heads, or Pepper.
Thursday, June 26th, 2025 — Jack’s Mannequin
The North 2 Shore Festival presents Jack’s Mannequin at the Stone Pony Summer Stage. The pop-punk and alternative rock band led by Andrew McMahon is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a highly anticipated stop in Asbury Park. The band’s gold-certified debut album Everything in Transit – which was released in 2005 — launched them into indie-pop stardom with hits like Dark Blue and The Mixed Tape. For fans of Something Corporate, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Dashboard Confessional, OAR, or Bad Suns.
Friday, June 27th, 2025 — Streetlight Manifesto
The North 2 Shore Festival presents New Jersey natives Streetlight Manifesto for a familiar return to the Stone Pony Summer Stage. The high-energy ska-punk band is known for its fast-paced horn sections, intricate melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. The Stone Pony’s outdoor space provides plenty of space for fans to skank, jump, and sing along. For fans of Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, or The Interrupters.
Sunday, June 29th, 2025 — George Clinton + Parliament Funkadelic + Living Colour
George Clinton + Parliament-Funkadelic (often called P-Funk) are legends of funk music and are known for their psychedelic, high-energy performances, deep grooves, and larger-than-life stage presence. Seeing George Clinton + Parliament-Funkadelic live is not just a concert — it’s an experience. Most will recognize the classic funk anthem Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker). For fans of Prince, Janelle Monáe, or Kendrick Lamar. This show is part of the North 2 Shore festival lineup in Asbury Park.
July
Friday, July 4th, 2025 — Dispatch, John Butler, G. Love + Special Sauce, + Donavon Frankenreiter
Spend Fourth of July vibing out in Asbury Park with Dispatch. Dispatch is an indie, folk-rock band known for their genre-blending sound, socially conscious lyrics, and high-energy live performances. Their music mixes folk, rock, reggae, and funk. Dispatch delivers interactive and passionate live performances with a setlist that shifts between acoustic singalongs and jam-heavy rock moments. For fans of Michael Franti + Spearhead, The Head and the Heart, Lord Huron, or Slightly Stoopid.
Saturday, July 5th, 2025 — Gary Clark Jr. + Joy Oladokun
Gary Clark Jr. is a modern blues-rock powerhouse who is most known for his electrifying guitar playing and soulful vocals. The four-time Grammy Award winner is often compared to legends like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and B.B. King. For fans of Leon Bridges, Tash Sultana, Alabama Shakes, or Nathaniel Rateliff + The Night Sweats.
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 — Dinosaur Jr. + Snail Mail
Dinosaur Jr. is an alternative rock band known for their loud guitars, melodic songwriting, and raw, emotional energy. The band is most known for their 1994 hit song Feel the Pain. For fans of Smashing Pumpkins, Pixies, or Sonic Youth.
Saturday, July 26th, 2025 — Rainbow Kitten Surprise + Petey USA
Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an indie rock band that blends folk, alternative rock, and soul influences. The band is known for its powerful live performances and emotionally charged music. Their song, It's Called: Freefall is RIAA-certified Platinum and has over 500 million streams on Spotify — NBD. For fans of Shakey Graves, Mt. Joy, or Cage The Elephant.
Thursday, July 31st, 2025 — The Head and the Heart, Wilderado, and Marfa
The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band from Seattle, Washington, who is known for blending folk, rock, and pop. The song Rivers and Roads has been featured in several TV shows, including Chuck, How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, and The Good Doctor. For fans of The Lumineers, Mt. Joy, or Lord Huron.
Friday, August 1st, 2025 — Guster + The Mountain Goats
Guster is a Boston-based alternative rock band known for their folk, rock, and pop sound. The band formed in the early 90s, garnering a loyal and dedicated fanbase that has followed them throughout albums and tours over the years. The band played at the Sea. Hear. Now. music festival in 2024 and will return to Asbury Park for what is set to be a divine evening of live music and warm ocean breezes at the Stone Pony Summer Stage. For fans of Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five, and Counting Crows.
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 — Yacht Rock Revue
Yacht Rock Revue — “the world’s premier soft-rock party band” as per Rolling Stone — invites concert goers on a nostalgic journey through sun-soaked songs of the ‘70s and ‘80s. The tribute band is dedicated to delivering live shows of feel-good soft rock with breezy melodies, funky basslines, and perfectly polished harmonies. Expect to sing and dance the night away to classic cover songs while wearing a sailor's hat, of course. For fans of Hall + Oats, Steely Dan, and the Doobie Brothers.
Thursday, August 7th, 2025 — Cody Jinks + Shane Smith +The Saints
American country music singer-songwriter Cody Jinks’ and his Hippies and Cowboys Tour will stop by the Stone Pony Summer Stage this summer. Jinks is recognized as the world's biggest independent country music artist as he built his entire career and gained a huge following without any major label support. His hit songs include Loud + Heavy and Must Be The Whiskey. For fans of Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, and Zach Bryan.
Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 — Dropkick Murphys + Bad Religion
The Dropkick Murphys are a punk rock band known for an energetic blend of traditional Irish folk and punk rock music. The band formed in Boston in the ‘90s and have since released iconic, anthemic tracks, such as widely recognized, fan-favorites like Shipping Up To Boston and Rose Tattoo. Their raucous sound and high-energy live shows are not to be missed — especially at an outdoor space like the Stone Pony Summer Stage, which leaves a lot of room for moshing, skanking, and dancing. For fans of Flogging Molly, Against Me!, or The Offspring.
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 — The Bouncing Souls
The Bouncing Souls is a New Jersey-born punk rock band who are no stranger to slaying the summer stage. Every year, the band hosts its “Stoked For The Summer” concert at the Stone Pony Summer Stage with a lineup of incredible acts. While bands for the 2025 event have not been announced yet, fans can anticipate a high-energy show featuring a setlist of hit songs like Hopeless Romantic and True Believers. For fans of NOFX, Anti-Flag, or Rise Against.
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 — Chevelle, Asking Alexandria, + Dead Poets Society
Chevelle is an alternative metal and hard rock band who are known for its intense sound and emotionally charged lyrics. Popular songs include The Red and Send the Pain Below. For fans of Tool, Breaking Benjamin, or Shinedown.
Friday, August 29th, 2025 — The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays is an up-and-coming Southern rock band known for blending classic rock, blues, and country. The Alabama-based band’s 2022 single Wondering Why saw success in late 2023 after going viral on TikTok. For fans of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Chris Stapleton, or The Black Crowes.
Saturday, September 27th, 2025 — The Menzingers
Philadelphia punk band The Menzingers is headlining the Stone Pony Summer Stage for what is sure to be a magical end-of-the-season September set. The band — known for its punk rock sound and heartfelt storytelling — has a deep love for Asbury Park. The cover art for their 2017 album “After The Party” features a photo of the Asbury Park Boardwalk from 1980 taken by Joe Maloney. The band’s song Lookers also gives a shout out to The Stone Pony’s sister venue “The Wonder Bar” – which is located just down the street on Ocean Avenue. For fans of The Gaslight Anthem, The Wonder Years, or The Bouncing Souls.
See More: Hoboken’s 2025 Spring Arts + Music Festival Happening on 5/18
How To Get Tickets To The Stone Pony Summer Stage
Tickets for the Stone Pony Summer Stage can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com or at The Stone Pony box office. Box office hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12PM to 5PM and during all show hours. JSG pro-tip: A benefit of buying tickets from the box office is that the ticket price will be a little cheaper since they are sold without the Ticketmaster online service fees.
