Sea.Hear.Now Festival is a brand new music festival that takes place in Asbury Park, New Jersey every year. Bradley Park and North Beach in Asbury Park serve as the venues for the event.
The first Sea.Hear.Now Festival was held in 2018. Three different stages are set up in different parts of the site. Two of these are right by the water so guests can enjoy the surf and sand while listening to music played by chart-topping artists. Over 30,000 visitors from different parts of the country and the world enjoy the festivities each day.
The lineup features a mix of music legends, internationally acclaimed bands and newer emerging talent. Artists like Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Work in Progress, Dropkick Murphys, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Social Distortion, Blind Melon, Low Cut Connie, and The Lumineers have performed at Sea Hear Now Festival.
In addition to the music, the festival features some gorgeous art. Artwork by local artists and musicians will be displayed at the Gallery in Bradley Park. The event also has a surfing component. Festival-goers can watch pro and amateur surfers riding the waves as the music plays.
Two-Day General Admission and VIP tickets go on sale a few months before the event. If you make your purchase online for See Hear Now Festival tickets, wristbands can be picked up at the box office by producing a valid ID. Your wristband will be authenticated before you enter the venue, and you will be allowed to exit and return as many times as you need. Children under the age of eight can get in for free if they are with a ticket-holding adult. Layaway plans are available for online purchases.
See Hear Now Festival takes place along the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Travelers are likely to encounter I-95 on their route to the area but can also expect several interstate connections when nearing New Jersey. Festival signs will guide fans to Bradley Park in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Driving directly to the event is not recommended since parking can be hard to come by, and you may encounter road closures. For simplicity, you may prefer to leave your RV at your campsite or near Asbury and take public transportation to the festival site along the water. Take a look at the website for road alert information before deciding on a route.
Metered Public parking for cars is available close to the festival grounds. There are also a couple of parking garages and surface lots nearby. Finding parking for a large RV is likely to be a tricky task close to Bradley Park. You’re better off parking your rig at your campsite and carpooling or taking public transport to the event.
Taking a train is a fast and convenient way to reach Asbury Park. The drop off location is less than two miles from the venue. You can also reach the site by hopping on a bus, which will drop you off a short walk away from the park. Bike parking is available close to the festival entrance, but you’ll need to take your own lock.
Onsite camping is not available at the Sea Hear Now Festival. But there are plenty of other RV camping options under an hour's drive from Asbury Park. Whether you’re on a budget and would prefer a no-frills site, or are looking to splurge a little, you’ll find one to suit you.
Allaire State Park, which is about 13 miles away, is a great choice since it is located close to the beach and many other attractions. Primitive RV camping is offered at Allaire. If you’re looking for sites with facilities like hookups, there are several good options within a 40-mile radius of Bradley Park. Depending on your route to Asbury Park, you may also find agreeable campgrounds in Philadelphia or Allentown, Pennsylvania as well as Asbury or Jersey City, New Jersey.
The venue is large, and the distances between stages can be significant. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking. Patrons with disabilities can use the accessible pathways located throughout, and manual or motorized wheelchairs are welcome. However, these are not available for rent at the venue.
Most festival-goers will be dressed in casual summer clothing like tank tops, shorts, and summer dresses. Bring a bathing suit if you’d like to take a dip in the ocean. You may need a light jacket for the evenings, which can be quite chilly. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on sand and other natural terrains. You may also appreciate a pair of water shoes to help avoid sharp pieces while walking along the beach.
Pack a small day bag with sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a portable charger. Taking a lightweight blanket is recommended so you can sit down if you wish to take a break in the sand. You can also use it to cover up after sundown. Don’t forget to pack camping essentials like batteries and flashlights.
The days can be warm, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of medical emergencies at music festivals. Make sure the first aid kit in your RV is well-stocked and updated. The venue can get pretty crowded, so designate a common meeting point in case you get separated from your group.
Always check with your camp manager before starting a campfire. You may not be allowed to light an open fire if there is a burn ban in effect. If you feel like your camping experience will not be complete without a hot meal cooked outdoors, it’s a good idea to take a portable grill or stove since the rules are typically more relaxed regarding these. Motorists are likely to pass several grocery store options en route to campgrounds near Asbury Park.
To many visitors, a visit to the Jersey Shore means indulging in lots of good food. Asbury Park’s culinary scene has become more diverse and dynamic in the last decade. Attending the Sea Hear Now Festival presents an opportunity to discover your new favorite seafood dishes. Restaurants, diners, and bars frequented by locals as these often have the best food.
Vendors will be selling delicious food and drinks throughout Bradley Park in Asbury Park. Some of the must-try dishes are the fresh oysters, pizza, gourmet dumplings, and soba noodles. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the ice pops, chocolate-covered frozen bananas, and ice cream sandwiches. There will be plenty of yummy vegan and vegetarian offerings, as well.
Your bag will be searched before entry to the See Hear Now Festival, and you may be subjected to an airport-style pat-down as well. Any prohibited items will be confiscated and will not be returned to you after the event ends. Keep your bag small to move past security quickly, or better yet, opt for a clutch or small waist pack.
Festival-goers are often treated to ideal beach weather. Check the forecast on the day of the event so you can go prepared with the appropriate rain gear if necessary. The temperature tends to dip at night, so carrying some warm clothing is recommended in September. Sea Hear Now Festival will go on, rain or shine.
The first aid locations will be clearly marked out on the festival map and easy to spot. Medical staff will be present at the front gate to check and verify any medically necessary items that you need keep with you. Patrons with disabilities can find help at the Accessibility Center situated in the Guest Services Tent. Power wheelchairs can also be recharged upon request.
