Sea.Hear.Now 2024: Mumford & Sons, The Strokes to Headline Asbury Park Festival

Mumford & Sons and The Strokes are set to headline the 2026 edition of Sea.Hear.Now, the annual music and surf festival held in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The lineup, announced Tuesday, promises a diverse weekend of music alongside a surfing competition, art installations, and a distinctly Jersey Shore vibe. Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 26th.

A Jersey Shore Staple Grows

Sea.Hear.Now, established by rock photographer Danny Clinch, Tim Donnelly, and HM Wollman in partnership with C3 Presents, has quickly become a significant fixture on the fall festival circuit. The festival’s unique blend of music, surfing, and art distinguishes it from larger, more sprawling events. In past years, Sea.Hear.Now has drawn major names like Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam (whose first post-COVID tour date was at the festival), cementing its status as a destination for both music fans and those drawn to the coastal culture of Asbury Park. Stereogum has more on the festival’s growing reputation.

Beyond the Headliners: A Packed Lineup

While Mumford & Sons and The Strokes anchor the festival, the 2026 lineup boasts a considerable depth of talent. Saturday will feature a performance by Mumford & Sons, alongside sets from The Offspring, Chaka Khan, The War on Drugs, The All-American Rejects, Shaggy, and Men at Work. Sunday’s schedule is headlined by The Strokes and includes Goo Goo Dolls, Fontaines D.C., Moby, Pixies, Ziggy Marley, Kim Gordon, and Ben Howard. The breadth of the lineup suggests an attempt to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes, from indie rock to reggae to classic hits.

Surf’s Up: Competition on the Coast

Sea.Hear.Now isn’t solely a music festival; the surfing competition is a core component of the event. This year’s contest will feature a roster of East Coast professional surfers, including Sam Hammer, Cassidy McClain, Cam Richards, Balaram Stack, Rob Kelly, and several others. The competition will run throughout the weekend, providing a visual spectacle alongside the musical performances. Rolling Stone notes the inclusion of the surf contest as a key element of the festival’s identity.

Art and Local Flavor

Beyond the music and surfing, Sea.Hear.Now will also showcase art installations, anchored by local visual artist Pork Chop and surf photographer Bruce Chrisner. Danny Clinch will once again curate the Transparent Gallery, featuring artwork from artists performing at the festival, with pop-up performances integrated into the gallery space. Proceeds from artwork sales will benefit Asbury Park charities, adding a philanthropic element to the event. This commitment to local artists and community support is a hallmark of the festival’s ethos.

Ticket Information and Access

Presale access for tickets begins on March 26th at 10 a.m. ET, with the general public sale following at 11 a.m. ET. Ticket tiers include two-day and one-day general admission, GA+, VIP, and Platinum options, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. The Asbury Park Press provides a detailed breakdown of the ticket options and pricing.

Mumford & Sons and The Strokes: Current Trajectories

Both Mumford & Sons and The Strokes remain significant draws in the live music landscape. Mumford & Sons, known for their folk-rock anthems, continue to tour and release new music, maintaining a dedicated fanbase. The Strokes, indie rock icons of the early 2000s, have experienced a resurgence in recent years, fueled by critically acclaimed albums and energetic live performances. Their headlining slots at Sea.Hear.Now underscore their continued relevance and appeal.

What’s Next for Sea.Hear.Now?

Following the ticket sales this week, the focus will shift to the logistical preparations for the festival itself. Organizers will be finalizing stage setups, coordinating artist travel, and ensuring a smooth experience for attendees. The festival’s success will likely hinge on its ability to deliver on its promise of a unique and immersive experience, blending music, surfing, and art in the vibrant setting of Asbury Park. Further details regarding specific set times and additional activities are expected to be released in the coming weeks.