If you’ve been hoping for a brand new outdoor concert spot in New Jersey, there’s a good chance this one could quickly become a favorite summer hangout.

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The Count Basie Center For The Arts has teamed up with the County of Monmouth and Monmouth County Tourism to launch something exciting. They’ve officially revealed the first wave of performers coming to ParkStage, a brand new outdoor venue being built at the East Freehold Fairgrounds.

If that location sounds familiar, it should. It’s the same spot that hosts the Monmouth County Fair each summer. Now it’s getting a major upgrade that could turn it into one of the Shore area’s biggest live entertainment destinations.

ParkStage is designed to give fans a few different ways to enjoy a show. There will be VIP viewing platforms for people who want a more premium experience. Up front, there’s a pit section for fans who want to be as close to the stage as possible. And surrounding it all will be a large general admission space that keeps the vibe open and relaxed, kind of like a summer festival.

The timing of this new venue is also pretty meaningful. ParkStage is launching as part of Monmouth County’s 250th anniversary. It also aligns with the Count Basie Center’s 100th anniversary, giving the whole project a bit more significance than just another concert stage popping up.

Location wise, it makes a lot of sense too. More than 2.3 million people live within about a 25 mile radius of the fairgrounds. That means fans from all over Central Jersey can get there pretty easily. Major highways are nearby, there’s free on-site parking, and the fairgrounds offer plenty of open space, so it should feel comfortable even during big shows.

That setup means the venue can handle just about anything, and get ready to celebrate Monmouth County and America's 250th in the most Jersey way possible.

Little Steven of the E Street Band and The Disciples of Soul will be rocking Freehold. Son of the late great Clarence Clemons, Jake Clemons and his band will join the stage in addition to Joe Gruschecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. They are billing this Monmouth 250: The Concert. An appearance from Bruce isn't guaranteed, but how can you rule it out with this stage full of Jersey legends?

It all happens at Freehold ParkStage at the East Freehold Showgrounds on Friday, July 3. Gates for this once-in-a-lifetime Jersey pride show open at 2 p.m.

Tickets for this event, full of Jersey pride, are sure to sell out. They go on sale Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m. through ParkStage.org and Ticketmaster.

👇Check out the rest of the ParkStage summer lineup!👇

Sublime - Friday, June 19

The legendary ska punk band Sublime will bring their laid back California sound to New Jersey for what should be one of the biggest nights of the opening season.

Dark Star Orchestra - Saturday, June 20

For nearly three decades and more than 3,300 shows, Dark Star Orchestra has recreated the live Grateful Dead concert experience for fans around the country. Their ParkStage appearance will actually be their only New Jersey show. The seven-piece band performs full concerts based on real Grateful Dead setlists from the band’s touring years or builds new shows from the Dead’s huge catalog of music.

Umphrey's McGee, moe., Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Lotus - Sunday, June 21 **just announced**

Umphrey's McGee experiments with many musical styles, including rock, metal, funk, jazz, blues, reggae, electronic, bluegrass, country, and folk.

READ MORE: Check Out The MetLife Stadium 2026 Concert Lineup

The Head and the Heart - Friday, June 26

Fans of indie folk will want to circle this one. The Head and the Heart will take the stage with WILDERADO opening the show.

The B-52s - Saturday, July 11

The B 52s helped define the sound of new wave in the 80s and 90s and they still pack venues from PNC Bank Arts Center to Sea Hear Now in Asbury Park. Now they’re bringing that party to Freehold along with special guests The English Beat.

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit with Patty Griffen - Friday, July 31 **just announced**

Jason and his band blend country and folk melodies with poetic lyrics.

Lake Street Dive - Saturday, August 1

Lake Street Dive will also be part of the first season, bringing their unique mix of soul, jazz, folk and pop to the new stage.

Tickets for the newly announced shows marked with ** will go on sale at 10 am on Friday, February 13 through ParkStage.org and Ticketmaster. With the buzz already building around this venue, these shows could sell quickly.

And this is probably just the beginning. More concerts are expected to be added as the season approaches, which means ParkStage could turn into a regular summer stop for major touring acts.

If you love live music, this is definitely one to watch.

👇Looking for more live music? Keep scrolling.👇