Summer concerts are in full swing at the PNC Bank Arts Center, located in Holmdel, NJ. Going to concerts is a special experience, especially if seeing one of your favorite artists live. If there is a show at PNC you plan to attend, there is a lot to know — from how to get there, to parking, tailgating, and more – so, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks to make the most of your concert experience. Keep reading for your guide to concerts at PNC Bank Arts Center and shows occurring this summer + fall 2024.
About PNC
View this post on Instagram
Located in Holmdel Township, NJ (exit 116 off the Parkway), The PNC Bank Arts Center has been home to some of the most talented artists for over 50 years. Originally called the Garden State Arts Center, PNC opened in 1968 as an amphitheater for classical music. Over the years, it slowly transformed into an iconic hot spot for many popular and diverse artists. In fact, PNC is ranked among the top five most successful amphitheaters in the country — and is one of two major outdoor arenas in the NYC area, along with Jones Beach Theater on Long Island.
Read More: MetLife Stadium: Everything You Need to Know to Go
Concerts take place from May through September, featuring 45-50 different events of many types of musical styles. To date, some of the most popular performers include Tom Petty + The Heartbreakers, Aerosmith, Celine Dion, Kiss, and of course, the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. PNC has also hosted music festivals, including The Area Festival, Crüe Fest, Crüe Fest 2, The Gigantour, Lilith Fair, The Mayhem Festival, Ozzfest, Projekt Revolution, The Uproar Festival, and The Vans Warped Tour. During off-season months, the Arts Center is generally unused, except for a Holiday Light Spectacular show during the Christmas season. A banquet hall is on the premises but has not been occupied since 2013. The venue can hold up to 17,500 people and in 1995, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial was added to the grounds.
Getting There
View this post on Instagram
From Essex County, we suggest getting on Garden State Parkway in Bloomfield from Watchung Avenue and driving until you reach exit 116 in Holmdel.
If you’re without a car, the bus service (route 109) is available for a direct route from NYC to Holmdel, NJ. Operated by Academy Bus, the New York to PNC Bank Arts Center service departs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and arrives at PNC Bank Arts Center at Telegraph Hill. Typically 109 services run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.
Parking
PNC has several open-air parking lots around the venue and provides a few different services including VIP Parking and Premier Parking (which can be reserved on Vivid Seats), General Parking, and ADA Parking. Parking is not free at the PNC Bank Arts Center — all event attendees must pay a charge of $6. Note: this includes those who don’t possess a car, as it includes a per-ticket parking fee. Larger vehicles with three people or more will pay $18 per car. Overnight parking is prohibited in all areas.
Some Parking Tips
- The lots usually open two hours before the gate opening time, and we suggest that you arrive as early as possible to secure a convenient parking space. The best way to secure a spot is by getting there as early as the lots open, especially for big acts.
- If you’re not able to arrive early but are willing to spend more money, VIP parking will undoubtedly be worth the cost.
- If you want to avoid high prices, park in the Additional Parking area and take a free shuttle bus to the venue. Note that you’ll probably have to walk back there after the concert.
- Avoid parking altogether by taking the PNC Bank Arts Center Shuttle, located at the Aberdeen/Matawan train station, which rides free of charge.
Tailgating Rules
Tailgating is permitted in the PNC Arena parking lots but is limited to the area directly in front of or behind your car or truck. There are many alcohol enforcement patrols inside and outside of the venue so be sure everyone is 21 years of age when tailgating. Empty parking spaces cannot be used for tailgating or playing games, and you are not allowed to reserve additional spaces for others. If you need more room for tailgating or will be tailgating with a group, the Carter-Finley grass lots are the best option.
What is Allowed Inside the Venue
View this post on Instagram
Guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol into the venue, but PNC sells a wide range of alcoholic beverages inside to purchase. Event attendees are permitted to bring their own small bags/backpacks no larger than 16x16x8; cameras — nonprofessional only, no detachable lenses; small umbrellas, and water — up to 1 gallon in a factory-sealed or empty bottle.
Items NOT allowed to be brought into the venue include weapons of any kind, alcohol, illegal drugs/substances, glass and metal containers, cans, hard-sided/large coolers, large or oversized bags/backpacks (bags larger than 16x16x8), laser pointers, GoPro cameras, chairs of any kind, animals (except service animals), fireworks, iPads, or selfie sticks. Unfortunately, the PNC Bank Arts Center no longer allows guests to bring their own lawn chairs. These must be rented from within the venue. Guests can also carry their own blankets and find a spot on the lawn.
See More: A Comprehensive Guide to Hoboken + Jersey City Live Music Spots
The 2024 Lineup
View this post on Instagram
Below is the 2024 concert lineup:
- Saturday, June 29th: Maroon 5
- Sunday, June 30th: Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, + Alison Krauss: Outlaw Fest
- Wednesday, July 3rd: Alanis Morissette — The Triple Moon Tour
- Wednesday, July 10th: Dave Matthews Band
- Friday, July 12th: Dirty Heads + Slightly Stoopid with Common Kings, The Elovaters
- Saturday, July 13th: Jason Aldean: Highway Desperado Tour 2024
- Sunday, July 14th: Third Eye Blind with Special Guest Yellowcard — Summer Gods Tour 2024
- Thursday, July 18th: Daryl Hall + Elvis Costello + The Imposters with Charlie Sexton
- Friday, July 19th: Santana + Counting Crows: Oneness Tour 2024
- Tuesday, July 23rd: Foreigner + Styx with John Waite — Renegades and Juke Box Heroes Tour
- Thursday, July 25th: The Queens of R&B: Xscape + SWV
- Friday, July 26th: WDHA Presents: Halestorm + I Prevail
- Saturday, July 27th: SAMMY HAGAR The Best of All Worlds Tour with special guest Loverboy
- Tuesday, July 30th: LOSERVILLE 2024: Limp Bizkit, BONES, N8NOFACE, Corey Feldman, Riff Raff
- Thursday, August 1st: Train + REO Speedwagon — Summer Road Trip 2024
- Friday, August 2nd: Hootie + the Blowfish — Summer Camp with Trucks Tour
- Saturday, August 3rd: Earth, Wind, + Fire + Chicago: Heart + Soul Tour 2024
- Sunday, August 4th: Imagine Dragons: LOOM WORLD TOUR
- Monday, August 5th: Five Finger Death Punch
- Tuesday, August 6th: The Doobie Brothers 2024
- Wednesday, August 7th: Creed — Summer of ’99 Tour
- Thursday, August 8th: New Kids On The Block with Paula Abdul + DJ Jazzy Jeff
- Friday, August 9th: KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024
- Monday, August 19th: TATE MCRAE: THINK LATER TOUR
- Wednesday, August 21st: Bush — Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour
- Friday, August 23rd: Avril Lavigne: The Greattest Hits
- Saturday, August 24th: Cage The Elephant: Neon Pill Tour
- Sunday, August 25th: KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024
- Friday, August 30th: Bret Michaels — Parti Gras 2024
- Saturday, August 31st: Deep Purple — Celebrating 50 Years of Smoke on the Water with YES
- Sunday, September 1st: An Evening With Goose
- Friday, September 6th: +LIVE+ & Stone Temple Pilots — The Jubilee Tour
- Saturday, September 7th: ROb Zombie + Alice Coope: Freaks on Parade Tour
- Friday, September 13th: Falling In Reverse — The Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination
- Monday, September 16th: Staind + Breaking Benjamin
- Saturday, September 21st: Ms. Lauryn Hill + The Fugees — The Celebration Continues
- Monday, September 23rd: The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour
