9 Concert Venues To Check Out In New Jersey

MENDHAM, NJ — There's a lot to love about music in New Jersey. We're the place where Bruce Springteen and Bon Jovi got their start (or, if you're younger, the Jonas Brothers and Fetty Wap). Those acts have since graduated to large arenas and stadiums, but they all came up through New Jersey's smaller music venues. Here are some of the best clubs and midsize venues across the state; if you're lucky, maybe you'll stumble across the next Boss.

Starland Ballroom

The Starland Ballroom is a Jersey staple, helping to launch Bon Jovi's career (legend has it Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora first met here in the 1980s). Known for its vibrant punk rock and alternative concerts, the venue has begun attracting a sizable country crowd in recent years too. Visit its official website here.

Wellmont Theater

The Wellmont is located in downtown Montclair near plenty of restaurants and shops. It's been open since 1922 and was renovated in 2008 for the concerts it currently holds. Much of the architecture still stands, making it one of the more beautiful venues in the state. Visit its official website here.

Stone Pony

Another mainstay of the Jersey music scene, the Stone Pony is a small venue located on Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park. Many legendary acts have graced its stage, perhaps most notably Bruce Springsteen. In the summer, concerts are held outside at the Stone Pony Summer Stage. Check out its official website here.

Maxwell's Tavern

This venue closed briefly in 2013 but has been home to small rock concerts since the 1970s (Nirvana, The Feelies, and Bruce Springteen have all played here). Maxwell's is great if you're looking for an intimate show, as the venue has a 200-person capacity. Visit its official website here.

The Stanhope House

Stanhope House has a long history as a venue, dating all the way back to the 1790s. This midsize club hosts concerts across genres, including rock, hip-hop, and open mic nights. You can get tickets to see up-and-coming bands for less than $20 some nights. Visit its official website here.

New Brunswick Basements

This isn't an official venue; rather, these shows pop up in rental-house basements around Rutgers New Brunswick and spread through word of mouth. If you're looking to discover a (literally) underground band and hang out with friends, try and see if you know someone with a connection to the underground scene.

Mill Hill Saloon

For night owls, you can see local bands starting at 10 p.m. in this basement saloon. Offerings range from jazz to punk to electronica, the venue says. This venue is tiny, and loud — make sure to bring earplugs. Visit its website here.

Count Basie Theatre

Located in the beach town of Red Bank, the Count Basie Theatre has concerts, comedy acts, and plenty of family-friendly offerings. This mid-sized, seated venue was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and retains much of its opulent architecture. Visit its website here.

The Saint

Another Asbury Park favorite, the Saint is an old-school-style venue sometimes compared to New York's famed (and defunct) CBGB. With a capacity of just 175 people and most tickets selling for less than $15, this is the place to visit if you're looking for an unknown band. Check out its website here.

Main image: All Time Low fans cheer at a November 2015 concert at the Starland Ballroom, via Katie Kausch