Summer Begins Tonight in Ventnor
There’s something magical about summer evenings in Ventnor. The warm ocean breeze drifts across the sand, families spread out beach chairs and blankets, children dance to the music in front of the stage, neighbors reconnect with friends, and the sound of live music fills the air as the sky turns golden. These nights have become one of the shore’s most beloved seasonal traditions.
Beginning tonight, Saturday, June 27, the 2026 Ventnor Summer Concert Series returns with another outstanding season of free live music. Over the next two months, residents and visitors alike will enjoy an incredible lineup of performances at both Newport Avenue Beach and Ski Beach, creating the perfect soundtrack for another unforgettable Jersey Shore summer. With concerts taking place on both Saturdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer, there’s no shortage of opportunities to gather with family and friends for another unforgettable evening in Ventnor.
It All Starts Tonight with Kick It Out
The season officially launches tonight with one of the region’s top tribute acts — Kick It Out, a high-energy celebration of the legendary band Heart. Known for their powerful vocals, soaring guitars, and faithful recreations of Heart’s biggest hits, the band delivers the same passion and musicianship that made Ann and Nancy Wilson icons. Expect crowd favorites like Barracuda, Magic Man, Crazy On You, Alone, and These Dreams. Since forming in 2008, the band has built a loyal following throughout the Northeast, earning praise for capturing both the sound and spirit of Heart’s legendary live performances.
Tonight – June 27 at Newport Avenue Beach
- Food & Craft Vendors: 5:30 PM
- Live Music: 6:30 PM
- Admission: Free
Two Incredible Settings, One Great Summer
The Summer Beach Jam series brings live music right to the edge of the Atlantic at Newport Avenue Beach — energetic, family-filled nights with the ocean waves as your backdrop. Meanwhile, the Sunset at Ski Beach series offers a more relaxed bayside experience on Wednesday evenings, where you can watch the sun disappear over the bay while enjoying outstanding live music on the lawn. Together, they create two distinctly Ventnor ways to enjoy summer nights. Both series are free to attend and feature local food vendors and crafters beginning at 5:30 p.m., making it easy to spend the entire evening enjoying everything Ventnor has to offer.
Why the Ventnor Concert Series Has Become a Summer Tradition
There’s something special about gathering outdoors on a warm summer evening with friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy live music. Whether it’s dancing barefoot near the shoreline at Newport Avenue Beach or relaxing on the lawn as the sun sets over Ski Beach, these concerts have become one of the highlights of summer in Ventnor. Each performance offers not only outstanding entertainment, but also another opportunity to experience the welcoming community spirit that makes Ventnor such a special place to spend the season.
Summer Beach Jam – Newport Avenue Beach
Concerts begin at 6:30 PM • Food & Craft Vendors open at 5:30 PM
Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the Summer Beach Jam series has become one of Ventnor’s signature summer traditions. Bring your beach chair, settle into the sand, and enjoy outstanding live music just steps from the water.
June 27 — Kick It Out
An incredible tribute to Heart, featuring all of the legendary group’s biggest hits performed with remarkable authenticity and powerful vocals.
July 11 — Derek Crider Band
One of South Jersey’s favorite performers, blending modern country, southern rock, and crowd-pleasing originals with high energy.
July 18 — Funk Daddy
High-energy funk, soul, and dance classics guaranteed to keep the crowd moving from the first song until the final encore.
August 1 — Beatlemania, Again!
Travel through every era of Beatles history—from the early touring days to the psychedelic studio masterpieces—in one unforgettable tribute show.
August 8 — East Coast Funk Band
A powerful combination of R&B, funk, pop, classic soul, and disco favorites designed to keep the entire beach dancing.
August 15 — Sons of Beaches Band
Grab a tropical shirt for this ultimate celebration of the music of Jimmy Buffett, packed with island hits and laid-back beach vibes.
August 22 — Time Travelers Decades Show
An entertaining, costume-changing musical journey through the biggest hits of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
August 29 — Plaid Salmon
One of South Jersey’s favorite party bands, delivering an eclectic mix of rock, pop, and dance covers to close the beach season out strong.
Sunset at Ski Beach
Concerts begin at 6:30 PM • Food & Craft Vendors open at 5:30 PM
Wednesday evenings at Ski Beach offer a completely different experience, where spectacular bay sunsets provide the backdrop for another outstanding lineup of free concerts on the lawn.
July 8 — Don’t Call Me Francis
One of the area’s most iconic, high-energy party acts playing classic hits from the 70s to today to launch the bayside series.
July 15 — Legacy
Polished musicianship and a powerhouse diverse setlist spanning classic rock, Motown, and current pop radio hits.
July 22 — Red & The Girls Can’t Help It
A powerhouse, female-fronted tribute delivering a high-octane evening celebrating the greatest women in rock and pop history.
July 29 — Countdown to Ecstasy
One of the country’s premier Steely Dan tribute acts, faithfully recreating the intricate arrangements and smooth jazz-rock harmonies of hits like Reelin’ In the Years.
August 5 — Dead Reckoning
An authentic Grateful Dead experience embracing the improvisational, free-flowing jams and spirit that Deadheads love.
August 12 — Sensational Soul Cruisers
A massive crowd favorite delivering a highly polished, horn-driven show packed with classic Motown, soul, and R&B hits.
August 19 — The Loop
An energetic party band covering a massive repertoire of timeless rock classics up to today’s top dance tracks.
August 26 — The Exceptions
A legendary, high-energy entertainment group guaranteed to bring a spectacular grand finale to the beautiful bayside concert season.
More Than Just Concerts
Every concert is about more than just the music. Arrive early to enjoy delicious food from local vendors, browse handcrafted items from area crafters, reconnect with neighbors, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere that has made the Ventnor Summer Concert Series a favorite tradition for residents and visitors alike. Best of all, admission is always free, making these concerts one of the best ways to experience summer at the Jersey Shore.
Planning Your Visit
- 🎵 Bring beach chairs or blankets for Newport Avenue Beach
- 🌅 Bring lawn chairs or blankets for Ski Beach
- 🍔 Food vendors open at 5:30 PM
- 🛍️ Browse local crafters before the music starts
- 🚶 Arrive early for the best spots
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly and fun for all ages
Whether you’re singing along to classic rock by the ocean, dancing to Motown as the sun sets over the bay, or discovering your new favorite band, the 2026 Ventnor Summer Concert Series is the perfect way to enjoy everything that makes summer at the Jersey Shore unforgettable.
Your Summer Starts Here
Bring a chair, bring your family, and make plans to join us all summer long. We’ll see you at the shows!
Be sure to follow Visit Ventnor for updates, weather announcements, and more great events happening throughout the summer.
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