Sea.Hear.Now 2026: See The Best Photos

The Sea.Hear.Now festival of 2026 brought together a diverse lineup of artists who united festival-goers with their unique sounds. The festival kicked off on Cookman Ave., where the band Snacktime performed, having played two shows the night before in New York.

Jarod Clemons, son of the late Clarence Clemons, opened the festival on Saturday afternoon, performing new songs from his album Blinding Lights. His cousin, Jake Clemons, joined him for the powerful track, "Troubled Youth." Australian singer-songwriter, Imogen Heap, enchanted the crowd with her acoustic set, performing "Lion" and "Devil Woman," and even holding back rain with prayers to the "sun gods."

John Anthony "Johnny" Rodriguez, known as 54 Ultra, enjoyed a New Jersey homecoming, delivering his viral hit "Heaven Knows" to a crowd of fans. The New Orleans blues-rock singer Robbie McIntosh presented his confessional songs and sweeping musical tales, including "Louisiana Gold." Steph Strings, who lives in Melbourne, shared how a psychic predicted she would be touring the world as a musician, adding that Australia needs to learn from Asbury Park.

Colin Hay and wife Cecilia Noel entertained the crowd with classics, while the Australian hitmakers played energetically on the Surf Stage. Fitz and the Tantrums drew a large crowd at the Park Stage, and Shaggy delighted the audience with pop-reggae hits. The War on Drugs delivered a mesmerizing set, and Marcus Mumford closed the day with a breathtaking version of "Rubberband Man," approaching his New Jersey roots.