Hozier, Blink-182 Headline Jersey Shore’s Biggest Festival
The Sea.Hear.Now Festival has revealed its star-studded 2025 lineup, featuring Hozier and Blink-182 as headliners for the two-day beach extravaganza in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The annual music, art, and surf festival, scheduled for September 13-14, will bring 29 musical acts and 15 professional surfers to the iconic Jersey Shore destination for one of the East Coast’s most distinctive end-of-summer celebrations.
Saturday’s lineup will be led by Irish folk-rock star Hozier, with LCD Soundsystem and the reunited Alabama Shakes also taking top billing, according to New York Post. Sunday’s festivities will feature pop-punk veterans Blink-182 headlining, with rock icon Lenny Kravitz and the newly reformed Sublime in supporting slots.
Diverse Lineup Spans Genres and Generations
The festival’s 2025 roster reflects remarkable musical diversity, spanning multiple decades and genres. Classic rock fans will appreciate the inclusion of legendary Texas blues-rock trio ZZ Top, while hip-hop enthusiasts can look forward to performances by influential groups Public Enemy and De La Soul on consecutive days.
Alternative rock is well-represented with TV On The Radio, Spoon, and 4 Non Blondes (marking a rare performance from the “What’s Up” hitmakers). Newer acts including Remi Wolf, Royel Otis, and Hot Mulligan will bring contemporary sounds to the oceanfront stages.
“The lineup reflects the festival’s commitment to musical diversity while maintaining its beachside, end-of-summer vibe,” noted music industry analyst Caroline Westbrook. “Bringing together legacy acts like ZZ Top and Public Enemy alongside current chart-toppers like Hozier creates an intergenerational appeal that’s become the festival’s signature.”
As WOBM reports, the festival will also feature performances from reggae pioneers UB40, brass ensemble Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and electronic duo Phantogram, further showcasing the event’s eclectic programming.
Surf Competition Adds Unique Element
Beyond the musical performances, Sea.Hear.Now distinguishes itself from other festivals with its integration of surf culture. Between the Surf and Sand stages, East Coast surfing legends and emerging professionals will compete in a team contest, adding a sporting element to the cultural experience.
“East Coast surf legends and emerging pros, both male and female, compete in a unique team surf contest held between the Surf and Sand stages. Shaka!” the festival website explains. This dual focus on music and surfing has become the festival’s signature, reinforcing its connection to Asbury Park’s beach culture.
The combination has proven successful for the festival, which has grown steadily since its inception, becoming one of the Northeast’s premier music events. Its oceanfront setting offers a distinctive experience compared to the many festivals held in urban parks or rural fairgrounds.
Ready to have the time of your life with @blink182? pic.twitter.com/AlR7Fzzfct
— Sea.Hear.Now Festival (@seahearnow) March 19, 2025
Tickets and Economic Impact
Pre-sale tickets for the 2025 festival will be available beginning Friday, March 21, at 10 a.m., with a general public sale to follow if inventory remains. The festival offers single-day passes for either Saturday or Sunday performances, as well as two-day passes for the full experience.
The event typically draws tens of thousands of attendees to Asbury Park, providing a significant economic boost to local businesses as the summer tourist season winds down. Hotels, restaurants, and shops in the historic beach town often report their strongest September weekend during the festival.
Asbury Park’s Mayor Patricia Wilton highlighted the festival’s importance to the local economy: “Sea.Hear.Now has become a cultural cornerstone for our city, extending the summer season and showcasing Asbury Park’s revitalization to visitors from across the country. The festival’s continued growth reflects our community’s embrace of arts and music as essential to our identity.”
Festival Growth and Evolution
The festival has expanded its footprint and reputation since its launch, becoming a highlight on the East Coast music calendar. Co-founded by renowned music photographer Danny Clinch, who has deep ties to Asbury Park’s musical heritage, the event has maintained strong local connections while attracting national attention.
“I’ve covered the festival in the past and it’s pretty awesome right along the beach in Asbury Park, it has a total Jersey Shore vibe to finish the summer,” noted a WOBM reporter who has attended previous editions.
Past performers have included Pearl Jam, The Killers, Green Day, Stevie Nicks, and Dave Matthews Band, establishing a tradition of blending established headliners with emerging talent. The 2025 lineup continues this approach while featuring several acts making their Sea.Hear.Now debut.
For fans planning to attend, organizers recommend securing accommodations early, as Asbury Park’s hotels typically reach capacity during the festival weekend. Transportation options, including shuttle services from nearby communities and designated ride-share pickup locations, will be announced closer to the event date.
The complete lineup and additional festival information can be found on the official Sea.Hear.Now website, with updates on ticket availability and festival logistics to be shared in the coming months.
