Summer’s Best Events, Coastal Dining, and Can’t-Miss Experiences
by Rachel Mareshah Morrison @SPLITPEASCOOP
Long Branch isn’t just a destination—it’s a way of life. Nestled along one of New Jersey’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, this vibrant seaside city offers the perfect blend of ocean views, exceptional dining, live entertainment, and unforgettable summer experiences.
Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, meeting friends for cocktails, enjoying fresh seafood by the water, or attending one of the season’s many events, Long Branch delivers the best of the Jersey Shore.
As someone who was born and raised in Long Branch, I have a deep appreciation for the community, culture, and culinary scene that make this city so special. Summer is when Long Branch truly shines, welcoming visitors and locals alike to experience its unique energy and coastal charm.
In this guide, I’ve curated some of my favorite places to eat, sip, celebrate, and explore this summer. From oceanfront dining and hidden gems to can’t-miss events and local favorites, consider this your insider’s guide to making the most of Summer 2026 in Long Branch.
Written by:
Rachel Mareshah Morrison was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, and earned her Master of Science in Nutrition from Adelphi University. A passionate writer, food enthusiast, and wellness advocate, Rachel enjoys sharing stories about food, community, and coastal living. When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking, playing tennis, swimming, kickboxing, cycling, or exploring local hiking trails.
Follow her adventures and culinary discoveries on Instagram @splitpeascoop.
CARS, CRUISES, & COMPATIBLE CUISINE
The first official day of summer is June 21st. 2026. Celebrate the first summer day at the Long Branch Promenade for the 31st Annual Cruise to the Jersey Shore Classic Car Show from 9 AM-3 PM. Car Show donations help fund the Ronald McDonald House. The classic cars are vintage and sophisticated while matching the energy of all the restaurants along the promenade. Feel free to unwind with a seafood lunch at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant to admire ocean views, then stroll over to the car show. An exemplary lunch and dinner dish to enjoy at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant is the popular Lobster Roll: The Lobster Roll has a buttered Kings Hawaiian roll with celery, chives, pickled red onion, and lemon aioli.
The City of Long Branch will also host a second car show and cruise combination. West End Cruise Night and Classic Car Show will occur on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, from 6-10 PM on Brighton Avenue in Long Branch. Due to the land-and-sea combination, surf-and-turf cuisine boldly and beautifully suits this event, such as at Salt Steakhouse, located in the heart of Ocean Boulevard and Morris Avenue. Enjoy decadent dishes such as Sesame Crusted Bluefin Tuna Steak garnished with Parsnip Purée, Haricot Vert, and Sesame Soy Reduction.
photo credit: MWCPhoto
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE USA
Oceanfest 2026 is necessary for your ultimate Long Branch summer! This Independence Day, July 4th, 2026, is the 250th milestone birthday of the USA! Family-friendly festivities, live music, and delicious food for every sweet and savory palate are steps away along the Long Branch Boardwalk and Promenade from 1-10 PM. Some boardwalk treats, such as zeppoles, fried Oreos, funnel cake, and more, are among the popular choices.
Oceanfest is the Jersey Shore at its best! Beach access is free on the Fourth of July! Mesmerizing views of fireworks with loved ones is a pinnacle tradition to create. Independence Day is the perfect day to reserve a room at a gorgeous hospitality spot such as Wave Resort and Spa before you claim your spot for the fireworks! After enjoying classic Jersey Shore Boardwalk snacks, enjoy dinner and drinks and bedroom views of the fireworks at Wave Resort on the promenade. Wave Resort has various eateries such as Soya by Salt, LBK Grille, and more. Enjoy the Honey Sriracha Salmon: Salt’s Signature Ora King Salmon, gracefully presented atop a Seasonal Stir-Fry, and elegantly finished with a Honey Garlic Sauce and a Savory Soy Reduction.
pic credit: johnemac72
MUSIC AND MEALS GALORE
It is an unwritten rule to enjoy summertime musical concerts at The Jersey Shore. Long Branch, New Jersey, has plenty of Summer 2026 concerts to enjoy. There will be a Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival at the Great Lawn and Promenade on August 29th, 2026, from 1-9 PM. Furthermore, Thursdays by the Sea will also occur every Thursday from June 11th, 2026, through September 3rd, 2026, from 7-8:30 PM. Enjoy restaurants and venues in the heart of Pier Village, such as Lana Pier Village, which offers delectable meals and satisfying beverages while dancing the night away. Enjoy an entree from Lana Pier Village such as Gnocchi Mac and Cheese garnished with cacio e pepe sauce, preserved lemon breadcrumb, and pink peppercorn.
Tuesdays on Broadway is a summer concert series that will take place every Tuesday from July 7th, 2026, through September 1st, 2026, There will be plenty of iconic Latin concerts with talent such as, but not limited to, Almost Santana & Tito Puente Jr. This weekly summer concert series will occur at The Broadway Band Shell on Broadway and 3rd Avenue in Long Branch, New Jersey from 7-8:30 PM.
The best dining spots to enjoy post-concert tunes are abundant and are located right on Broadway, with Latin and flavorful vibes to please every palate. For example, El Arriero Colombian Restaurant offers delectable Colombian cuisine, including staples like arepas, empanadas, and tres leches cake. Broadway has plenty of lovely Latin cuisine from Mexico and El Salvador, which pair amazingly with Tuesday on Broadway.
Another traditional weekly concert series is Bands by the Beach, held on Sundays at West End Park on Brighton Avenue in Long Branch, New Jersey. This weekly concert series will take place from Sunday, June 7th, 2026, through Sunday, August 30th, 2026, from 7-8:30 PM. In addition, the concert series Bands on the Sand will be at West End Beach on Sundays, July 12th, July 26th, and August 23rd, as well as Labor Day Monday, September 7th, 2026, with fireworks to view afterward. In addition, Music Educator Mr. Clark is celebrating his retirement through his Long Branch High School Soundwave Jazz Band on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, from 7-8:30 PM at West End Park on Brighton Avenue in Long Branch, New Jersey.
There are plenty of restaurants on Brighton Avenue to enjoy before or after these amazing events. For example, the Latin fusion restaurant Matiz Shore House on Brighton Avenue and Second Avenue in Long Branch, New Jersey, offers delicious cuisine, as shown in the entree, Brazilian Shrimp: jumbo shrimp in a Moqueca (coconut and tomato sauce) with white rice. There are exciting year-round events at Matiz Shore House, such as a Bad Bunny Super Bowl party and Thursday Bachata Dance classes.
Jobonanno & the Godsons of Soul
jobonanno.com