Whether you’re strolling the beach at sunset or sipping a drink under string lights, Long Beach Island offers the perfect soundtrack to your summer. From laid-back acoustic sets at local bars to high-energy performances by New Jersey favorites, there’s no shortage of live music to enjoy.
To help you make the most of your time on the island, we’ve rounded up the best spots to catch a show, both on and off the island—along with links to event schedules and can’t-miss acts.
Check out local artists on our Spotify Playlist!
Where do you want to see live music?
On the Island
Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club
The Shell is known for its variety of musical entertainment, both indoors and out.
Spend your days lounging by the pool and your nights unwinding by the fire pits, all while enjoying live music on The Shell’s outdoor stages, including the Tiki Bar and Beach Stage.
Prefer to dance? Head inside the club and move to the sounds of the area’s top DJs and bands.
Don’t miss weekly performances:
Shorty Long & The Jersey Horns take the Beach Stage every Sunday at 4 PM,
and The Pickles play the Tiki Bar every Wednesday at 2 PM.
Check out their event calendar to find out who’s playing:
Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant
Joe Pop’s is an LBI classic, known for daily live music all summer long.
With its iconic stage, Joe Pop’s features some of the island’s best bands and musicians every Friday and Saturday at 10 PM.
Start your week with The Dueling Pianos on Mondays at 8 PM, where two pianists battle it out with crowd-requested hits.
Don’t miss a local legend—The Nerds, one of New Jersey’s most beloved rock & roll cover bands, performing every Wednesday at 10 PM.
Want to know who’s playing this weekend?
Check the event calendar for the latest lineup:
👉 joepops.com/events
Bird and Betty’s
Bird and Betty’s is your go-to spot for dancing the night away with New Jersey’s top DJs.
With a spacious dance floor beneath a grand stage, this iconic nightclub was built for high-energy entertainment. Prefer a more laid-back vibe? Head to the upper deck and unwind by the fire pits while a second DJ spins nostalgic throwbacks.
While DJs are the main attraction, live bands also make special appearances throughout the summer.
Check the event calendar to see what’s coming up:
👉 birdandbettys.com/events
The Marlin
The Marlin brings high-energy live music to LBI every weekend all summer long.
Catch top regional bands like Coming Alive, Stereo Social Club, and Changing Lanes on a well-sized stage built for dynamic performances. With a spacious dance floor, there’s plenty of room to move and enjoy some of the island’s best live music.
See who’s hitting the stage next:
👉 themarlinlbi.com/marlinbar
Surf City Hotel
Live music lives on at the historic Surf City Hotel, with two unique entertainment experiences every weekend.
At the Surf City Bistro, enjoy laid-back acoustic performances Tuesday through Sunday starting at 3 PM—the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon.
When night falls, head to the Beach Club, where the energy picks up with LBI favorites like Triple Rail Turn, Sidestory, and The Danksters performing Fridays and Saturdays at 9 PM.
Plus, don’t miss Shorty Long & The Jersey Horns every Tuesday at 9 PM in July and August—a summer tradition you won’t want to miss.
Find the full entertainment lineup here:
👉 surfcityhotel.com/entertainment.html
Nardi's Tavern and Grille
Catch live music every night of the week at Nardi’s Tavern—one of LBI’s most beloved music spots.
Hop on the famous Nardi’s bus and head to the action, where the intimate stage setup puts you right in the heart of the performance.
From Sunday to Thursday, live music kicks off at 9:30 PM, with Green Knuckle Material rocking the stage every Tuesday night.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the party starts at 10 PM, featuring fan favorites like The Pickles, Big Bang Baby, and Friend Zone.
Come early on Sundays for the Dave Christopher Band at 5 PM, or enjoy acoustic sets from artists like Mike Byrne and Matt Pietrucha starting at 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Check out Nardi’s full music lineup here:
👉 nardistavern.com/band-schedule
Buckalew's Restaurant and Tavern
Enjoy live music with no cover at Buckalew’s, a laid-back tavern-style restaurant in the heart of LBI.
From acoustic sets to high-energy cover bands, Buckalew’s offers something for everyone Sunday through Thursday from 8–11 PM and Friday and Saturday from 9 PM–12 AM—all in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Look out for popular acts like Josh & Friends, Mike Byrne, and No Time Lost throughout the week.
Check out the full entertainment schedule here:
👉 buckalews.com/entertainment
Daddy O
Blending surf vibes with coastal cool, Daddy O delivers live music in a relaxed, beachside setting.
Catch performances at the bar every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6–9 PM, featuring laid-back sets from local favorites like The Pickles and Rob Connolly.
For special events and off-season promotions, check out the full schedule here:
👉 daddyolbi.com/happenings
Black-Eyed Susans
Live music is always on the menu at Black-Eyed Susans, a cozy restaurant and tavern in Harvey Cedars.
Whether it’s the off-season or the height of summer, head upstairs to the bar and lounge to catch intimate performances by talented artists like La Stella Brothers, Chris Guzman, and Greg Warren.
With new musicians added regularly, there’s always something fresh to enjoy.
Check out the full lineup here:
👉 blackeyedsusanslbi.com/live-music
Black Whale
The Black Whale is more than a great neighborhood bar and fish house—it’s a local favorite for live music all year long.
Catch Chris Fritz every Thursday at 7 PM throughout the summer, and enjoy off-season performances by Scotty Z and Justin Jones every Friday and Saturday at 7 PM.
With new musicians regularly added to the mix, there’s always something fresh to hear.
Follow along for updates and surprise sets:
👉 Instagram | Facebook
Tuckers Tavern
Blending the charm of English pubs with the energy of American taverns, Tuckers Tavern is your go-to spot for live music and good vibes. Whether you’re sharing a meal with friends or just looking for a laid-back night with great tunes, Tuckers has you covered.
Join Tuckers Tavern every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7–10 PM for live performances.
Catch local favorites like Rob Connolly, Red Bird, and Matt Fisher!
For the latest event schedule, visit:
👉 tuckerstavern-lbi.com
Off Island
The Old Causeway
The Old Causeway is a top spot for live entertainment all summer long. You’ll find live music every Friday and Saturday night, with a rotating lineup of local and regional acts—check their social media for the latest schedule.
For a more laid-back vibe, head over on Monday nights for mellow sets or stop by any day for acoustic happy hour, perfect for unwinding. Whether you’re staying on or off the island, the Old Causeway is well worth the visit.
👉 Follow them for updates and the full music schedule: @oldcauseway
The Mainland
The Mainland Kitchen & Pub keeps the music going multiple nights a week, making it a must-visit for live entertainment lovers.
Enjoy performances from Wednesday through Saturday, with occasional Sunday shows to wrap up the weekend. With a mix of local talent and fun, relaxed vibes, The Mainland is perfect for a night out whether you’re dining, grabbing drinks, or just enjoying the show.
👉 Check out their full live music schedule on Facebook: facebook.com/themainlandnj/events
ManaFirkin Brewery Company
ManaFirkin Brewing Company pairs its bold craft beers with a steady stream of live music and events, making it a lively hangout year-round.
Every Wednesday, catch Chuck’d Up performing from 5:30–8:30 PM, bringing good vibes to the midweek crowd. The brewery regularly features local favorites like Dan Hasse, Trevor Baylor, and Chris Guzman.
With new acts and events added often, there’s always something brewing.
👉 For the latest updates, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Patrick Johns is a New Jersey writer with a background in engineering and mathematics. He spent his summers on LBI glued to his beach chair reading his next favorite book. He worked at Custard Hut, Country Kettle Chowder, Thundering Surf Waterpark, and Long Beach Island Foundation. After working for a large engineering firm for 3 years outside Washington D.C., he discovered his passion for writing and decided to move to Spain. For 4 years he taught English overseas, wrote and published his own fantasy and poetry books, wrote and performed his own music live, and got involved in many freelance projects like copywriting, editing, and book coaching. Currently back in the US, Patrick is passionate about inspiring people with non-writing backgrounds to gain the confidence, routine, and skills to finally start the book they’ve always wanted to write. He’s convinced his writing journey blossomed from those days reading on the beach in Long Beach Island.
When he’s not writing, you can find him…
🏄 Out in the ocean, surfing some narly waves
📚 Reading whatever he can get his hands on
🗺️ Traveling and seeking inspiration for his next book
