In New Jersey, there are currently 14 beaches that are free to access. Over the years, residents have become frustrated with the fact that a lot of popular Jersey Shore beaches — like Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights — cost over $10 per person to access the beach for the day. A new bill that was recently introduced is looking to change that for those looking to partake in recreational activities like surfing and fishing at the Jersey Shore. The bill’s second reading took place on February 13th, and we’re sharing everything we know so far. Read on for more about the universal beach access bill that was introduced at the Jersey Shore.
What Does the Universal Beach Access Bill Mean?
The Jersey Shore universal beach access bill “would prohibit a municipality from requiring a municipal beach tag or similar admission pass for access to the wet sandy beach below the mean high tide line, for an individual for the exclusive purpose of using the ocean for a recreational activity,” per the New Jersey Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.
Read More: A Monopoly-Themed Hotel is Coming to Atlantic City, New Jersey
The bill was introduced in September 2024 by New Jersey Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, and the second reading took place on Thursday, February 13th, 2025, per News 12 New Jersey.
At the second reading, the committee had two amendments to the bill:
- Broaden the scope of the bill to include any individuals accessing the ocean below the mean high tide line for recreational purposes.
- Update the bill’s synopsis to reflect the change to the bill.
Assemblywoman Donlon told News 12 that the universal beach access bill came to mind after a surfer was charged with disorderly conduct for not following a Belmar police officer’s orders in September 2024.
So, What Does This Mean for Jersey Shore Beachgoers?
If passed, the bill would prohibit beach tags or similar admission passes at all Jersey Shore beaches for those who are looking to access the ocean. This includes surfing, fishing, and other recreational activities.
Assemblywoman Donlon shared with The Jersey Shore Girl “As a lifelong surfer, I know how special the Jersey Shore is – I even moved to New Jersey because of our beautiful beaches. The goal of Bill A4816 is simple – to reinforce the Public Trust Doctrine and ensure consistent enforcement of public access to the ocean and the wet sandy beach below the mean high tide line for recreational purposes without needing a beach badge. It does not eliminate municipal beach badge systems for dry sand areas – we recognize how important they are for funding lifeguards, maintaining beach facilities, and keeping the beaches clean. As the bill moves forward, we are collaborating with local leaders, environmental advocates, and the Department of Environmental Protection to refine its details while staying true to the core principle of open ocean access. The ocean belongs to all of us, and this bill helps ensure that rights to ocean access are protected for everyone.”
This post will be updated with any further information — the goal is to have the bill passed before the 2025 summer season.
See More: New Jersey Beaches to Visit in the Winter
Follow @thejerseyshoregirl_ on Instagram to stay in the know with all of the Jersey Shore news + happenings.
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.
