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In addition to being among the most culturally and economically diverse states in the country, New Jersey has one of the most vibrant and diverse live music scenes in the United States. A full spectrum of music experiences can be found throughout the state, from large arenas and stadiums that attract the world’s most successful touring acts to smaller clubs where many of the most influential American musicians launched their careers.
Considering factors such as popularity, musical heritage, size, sound quality, and recent national rankings, the following are generally regarded by music fans and critics as the best concert venues in New Jersey:
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
MetLife Stadium is the largest concert venue in New Jersey. MetLife Stadium can accommodate over 82,000 patrons. Due to its large size, MetLife Stadium is a regular stop for the world’s biggest tours. Acts such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar have performed at MetLife Stadium. Because of its ability to produce massive stadium-scale productions, MetLife Stadium is the state’s number-one venue for big live events.
Prudential Center, Newark
Prudential Center is a modern arena located in downtown Newark that holds approximately 19,500 people. Prudential Center is well regarded for its excellent acoustics and the clarity of its view lines, which attract numerous major touring acts across genres (pop, hip-hop, rock, etc.) and international music scenes. Additionally, because the Prudential Center is the home of the New Jersey Devils hockey team, the venue plays a significant role in the city’s sports and entertainment scene.
PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel
PNC Bank Arts Center is one of New Jersey’s most beloved summer venues. PNC Bank Arts Center has a capacity of approximately 17,500 patrons. The venue features a combination of covered seating and a large lawn, creating a classic outdoor concert experience. In 2025, USA Today named PNC Bank Arts Center the second-best open-air amphitheater in the U.S. PNC Bank Arts Center has hosted major tours for decades under the night sky.
Stone Pony, Asbury Park
The Stone Pony is perhaps the most well-known small music venue in the U.S. The Stone Pony has a capacity of approximately 800 patrons and is well known for having been instrumental in the development of the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and hundreds of other artists. Although the Stone Pony has undergone changes since its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, it continues to play a vital role in the Jersey Shore music scene, booking both established acts and up-and-coming artists.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, Atlantic City
Located inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena is a high-energy concert venue along the Atlantic City boardwalk. The venue can accommodate approximately 7,000 patrons and combines modern concert production with the glamour and excitement of a casino. The venue is a frequent stop for major touring acts that are seeking an intimate arena-sized space.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is a performing arts center that is recognized nationally for its acoustics and elegant design. NJPAC presents a wide variety of performances, including classical music concerts, jazz, gospel, and popular music. NJPAC’s performance spaces are consistently ranked among the finest in the state.
Wellmont Theater, Montclair
The Wellmont Theater is a restored historic venue with a capacity of approximately 2,500 patrons. The venue has become a popular stop for mid-size tours, comedians, and special events. Fans and performers alike rave about the theater’s sound quality and intimate atmosphere.
Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
Named in honor of the legendary jazz musician, the Count Basie Center for the Arts is a sophisticated theater that features music, comedy, and performing arts. The Count Basie Center is particularly noted for its tribute shows, jazz performances, and touring acts that thrive in a seated, theater-style environment.
Starland Ballroom, Sayreville
Starland Ballroom is a long-standing favorite among fans of rock, metal, and alternative music. Starland Ballroom has a capacity of approximately 2,500 patrons and is well known for its high-energy crowds and close connection between the artist and audience. Many bands consider Starland Ballroom a key stop in establishing a loyal fan base in New Jersey.
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
State Theatre New Jersey is a historic venue that offers a mix of concerts, Broadway productions, and cultural programming. The venue provides a unique and intimate experience for concertgoers thanks to its strong acoustics and seating arrangement.
A State Built for Live Music
These venues collectively represent the state’s unique position in the world of live music. New Jersey can support all types of live music experiences – from global tours to small club shows—frequently within a relatively short distance of one another. Whether fans are looking for stadium-sized spectacles or legendary rooms where music history was created, New Jersey will provide.