Sea Hear Now 2025: Big Crowd Fills Expanded Asbury Park Festivalgrounds

A Vibrant Celebration of Music and Culture in Asbury Park

Asbury Park has become a hub of energy and excitement as the Sea Hear Now music, arts, and surfing festival continues to draw crowds. The city is alive with the sounds of music, the energy of fans, and the spirit of creativity. One of the highlights of the event was Trombone Shorty and his band performing a lively version of “Oh When the Saints Go Marching In” on the Sand Stage at the beach. The performance captured the essence of the festival, with the audience chanting along and celebrating the joyous atmosphere.

The festival features multiple stages, including the North Beach and Bradley Park, each offering unique experiences for attendees. Headliners such as Hozier and Blink-182 have added to the excitement, drawing large crowds and creating memorable moments for fans. This year’s festival has expanded its reach, extending south to Fourth Avenue on the boardwalk and incorporating the Wonder Bar into the festivities. This expansion has brought more people into the heart of the city, enhancing the overall experience for both locals and visitors.

Debbie DeLisa, the general manager of the Wonder Bar, expressed her enthusiasm about the festival's growth. She noted that the event has become a significant attraction, drawing in more people than usual and contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the area. The addition of the Transparent Clinch Gallery pop-up, now located south of the Convention Hall, has also added an artistic dimension to the festival. Featuring artwork by musicians and impromptu performances, this space offers a unique blend of visual and musical artistry.

In addition to the main stages, other performances took place throughout the weekend. Hoboken’s Phoneboy delivered an acoustic set, showcasing their talents and engaging with the audience. Singer Wyn Barnum described the exhibited art as "hyper-realism," highlighting the detailed pencil portraits that included subtle touches of color. Barnum humorously reminded attendees not to judge the artists, emphasizing their passion for music over art.

Outside the festival grounds, the boardwalk buzzed with activity. The Doll House Divas dance troupe from Asbury Park performed, raising funds for upcoming events, including a halftime show at the Jets vs. Cowboys game. Coach Tara Harvin shared that the festival crowd has been very receptive, making it a positive experience for the troupe.

The festival's Kickoff on Cookman event on September 12 drew a large crowd to the downtown area, where bands performed on an Emory Street stage. The event also encouraged shopping and dining on Cookman Avenue, which was closed to traffic. Local performers such as The Bumpin Uglies, Brick and Mortar, and others contributed to the lively atmosphere. Attendees like Susan Borkowski expressed their enjoyment of the event, highlighting the community spirit and cultural significance of the festival.

Local business owners, such as Patrick Schiavino, owner of the art629 gallery, have noticed the impact of the festival on the downtown area. While there are challenges, such as parking, Schiavino believes that the festival brings a positive energy to the city. He emphasized the need for better infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

The festival's lineup includes a diverse range of artists, from Lenny Kravitz and Sublime to Public Enemy and LCD Soundsystem. The event is produced by C3 Presents, known for organizing major festivals like Lollapalooza, and local figures Danny Clinch and Tim Donnelly. Clinch, a Toms River native, has made a name for himself through his photography, capturing iconic moments in music history.

The Transparent Clinch Gallery, located near The Asbury hotel, showcases live performances and Clinch’s photographs, adding another layer of cultural richness to the festival. Since its inception in 2018, the Sea Hear Now festival has become a staple in Asbury Park, drawing 35,000 attendees each year. The event has seen notable headliners such as Bruce Springsteen and Noah Kahan, further solidifying its reputation as a premier music festival.

Asbury Park continues to thrive as a cultural and artistic destination, with the Sea Hear Now festival playing a significant role in its growth. The event not only celebrates music but also fosters a sense of community and creativity, making it a must-attend experience for fans and locals alike.