Best Music Venues in Asbury Park, New Jersey

Just as famous but with a little more quirk and character, The Wonder Bar is only a stone’s throw from the ocean and The Stone Pony. In its early days, The Wonder Bar was also a regular stop for many big name acts and is recognized as a world-renowned music venue thanks to its rich history. On the roof, is a large painting of Tilly, the Asbury Park’s unofficial mascot (also an icon!) and its baby blue exterior makes it easily recognizable. Catch a show here any time of year and in the summer, hang out on Tilly’s Landing, the outdoor space that’s host to the dog-friendly “Yappy Hour”.

House of Independents is quite literally the new kid on the block. Located in the center of Cookman Avenue, this modern music venue is easily spotted thanks to its eye-catching old-fashioned marquee and wooden exterior. This venue features stadium-style seating that’s below street level with a lounge and enough room to squeeze in 500 people. It’s not easy to pinpoint what kind of bands the House of Independents will attract, from hip-hop to country and rock, just like Asbury Park, it’s quirky, unexpected and full of surprises.

It would be impossible not to mention The Stone Pony on this list simply because it is the cornerstone and beginnings of Asbury Park’s iconic music scene. After opening in 1974, the pony almostfailed but by a stroke of luck and a few small acts that were quickly on the rise, it’s doors remained open and have stayed that way ever since. It’s ocean-front location draws in beachgoers and people on the boardwalk during the summer months but nothing attracts a larger crowd than the popular Summer Stage. This event runs nearly all summer-long and features an outdoor stage that is the entire length and width of one full block. Getting tickets to a show at the Summer Stage will give you front row seats to some of the music industry’s best acts, throwbacks and the next big thing.

Another enduring venue, The Saint was founded in 1994 and continues to host an eclectic roster of alternative, rock, punk and acoustic musicians. Think of it as the younger (but still cool) cousin of The Stone Pony and The Wonder Bar – it has all the spirit of this music city and is credited with keeping the local music scene alive.