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    Nehal A.

    This is an iconic building in the area, clearly visible from the beach. It is an old architectural building with lots of windows and open spaces; It does show signs of aging as the window frames have rusts and some walls have paint falling off. But there are lots of shops, restaurants and local artisan stores inside. Lots of guests walk in for food, shopping or just to take a break from the heat. Anyone visiting Asbury Park beach should by this landmark.

    The Ringmaster of The BERZERKUS Zakk Wylde!!
    Bill M.

    Convention Hall is a 3,600 seat arena in Asbury Park and in the Fall of 2010  I Ran Away to Join the BERZERKUS!! and never looked back. Zakk Wylde had returned home to Jersey and brought his band Black Label Society with him. Clutch was also on the lineup that night to provide support and they most certainly did that and then some. Also in appearance were 2 cents, and Children of Bodom but we arrived late just in time to see Clutch. You could tell they immediately meant business and their shearing one-of-a kind sound was totally on point. Every song was masterful in every possible way and their sound was excellent with one of the smallest sets of musical gear I think I've ever seen anybody Rock Out that hard with. Incredible. Just Incredible.    Behind Clutch's small but super powerful presentation sat 12 double stacks of Marshall Amplifiers and were a clear reminder of what the rest of this magical night would have in store for us. The Hall was already exploding with the unmistakably unique sound that Clutch brought with literally "50,000 Unstoppable Watts"!!     As soon as intermission ended we rushed down to the pit in front of the stage. We were all loaded with extreme anticipation and prolly some other stuff. Lol. The crowd was charged up man, you could feel it. Freakin Electrified. Then Black Label Society hit the stage with such punishing volume and force that it actually went right through us and left our bones rattling and our teeth chattering. Lol. The percussion was incredibly thunderous, the bass bins were pounding and concussive. With our heads banging up and down we moshed and stomped as if our lives depended on it. Wild and uncontrolled sheer energy pulsed through each and every one of us like a pack of rabid Mad Dogs. "Hold on Son cause this is gonna be one hell of a ride"  I barked.     Always thought Zakk to be one of the best living Metal Guitar Gods, I mean he was Ozzy's Guitarist for over thirty years so ah yeah. And that night he proved his legendary status again and again and again to everyone lucky enough to witness that show with every sustained screeching, shredding, powerful note. Welcome Home Brother. Convention Hall will never be the same. Thanks for the memories from this "Blessed Hellride". [ My ears are still ringing from that one, Lol ] Come And Get Your Mosh On!!

    Lydia B.

    This building has definitely evolved and changed over the years in terms of shops, but I love walking through it. There's really nothing like it on the Jersey Shore. If you're looking for a scenic, fun beach walk, start here!

    Chip R.

    Bottom line: Asbury Park's historic Convention Hall is a great landmark, adding more than just the current shops, bars, and restaurants on your boardwalk stroll. It's a weathered piece of AP's past that makes it that much more special. I am a fan! The Deets: I am going to start out 2021 with a review of one of the landmarks I've visited many times in my trips to Asbury Park, the Convention Hall. Straddling the boardwalk along the northern part of Asbury Park, it's a structure hard to miss if you are near the beach there. This building was constructed in the late 1920's in the Beaux-Arts style to attract the conventions of the time as a convention center as well as shows using the Paramount Theatre inside. Heat back then was provided by steam pipes coming from the still visible remains of the steam plant on the other side of the boardwalk near the remnants of the old casino. I love that Asbury Park has so much of its history still visible today and the Convention Hall is definitely part of that history. It's even near the site of the beaching of the SS Morro Castle ocean liner after its disaster off the Jersey Shore in 1934 (look that one up if you don't know that story). The Grand Arcade walkway today may not be filled with the same type of shops as it was a century ago but still a great destination to check out the current stores, shops, restaurants, and bars. I've loved the coffees I've enjoyed sitting there watching the surf in the morning, the beverages I've gotten on the side bars, the nice meals at the seafood restaurants, and of course the shopping in the stores set up along the way. Summer around that area of the boardwalk is not the same until hearing the "thumpa thumpa" of the music coming from the bar on the south end of the hall. That's just summer in AP. Sure, the bathrooms need a little work and the structure itself is showing signs of age, wear-n-tear, but I love this building and what it brings to Asbury Park. It would not be the same without it.

    Gerald S.

    At the turn of the 20th Century, ocean side convention centers were a very big thing. Atlantic City had one, and Asbury Park as its main Jersey Shore competition (along with Cape May) wanted one, too. After all, New York was already operating its third Madison Square Garden. They were economic engines that brought people into town and spread dollars in every direction. Still, Asbury Park got a very late start on its building due to city politics and property ownership. It wasn't until 1925 that a second design for a convention hall attached to the large Paramount Theater via a Grand Arcade which enclosed the boardwalk that ran between the two entities was opened. What remains today is not as grandiose as it was back in the day. Then, the Hall booked conventions all year long, and the Theater was a Vaudeville and off-Broadway destination. The Arcade was full of shops, vendors and pickpockets that families kept their kids away from. It even played its part in making history. In 1934 a cruise ship returning from Cuba caught fire off the coast and was attempted to be towed to a birth in Sea Girt to the north. The cable broke and the still burning SS Morro Castle almost crashed into Convention Hall, but was stopped by a sandbar in the nick of time. More recently, Bruce Springsteen used the Hall for rehearsals before going out on tour. Walking in through the southern doors on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, the deep shadows within make it easy to imagine what it was like. There isn't as much going on now as seventy years ago, but given that in the late 20th Century it was in near ruin due to neglect, it has come a long way. Gratitude to the city fathers, and some entrepreneurs for saving this historic building and bringing it back to life. Today, you can get a break from the sun, go to a concert, grab a cup of locally roasted coffee, and sit at bars overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and beaches that Jimmy Buffet would like to call his own. It's laid back timeless ethos is just a great place to hang out. A lot of Asbury Park is gone either from fire, flood, urban renewal, or just disinterest. All those parking lots off Ocean Avenue used to be arcades and honkytonks. Bright lights, loud music and games by day, prostitution and drunks in the street by night. We can debate whether the city and New Jersey are better for these changes. But, that they had the insight and resources to save Convention Hall and put it to good use again, is beyond dispute.

    Holiday bazaar
    Jonathan R.

    Great location for local events including concerts, conventions, community events, shopping etc. The convention center has a storied history and I don't know the half of it. There is a theater there and from what I understand many famous acts have performed there, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, The Who,Van Halen and most famously Led Zeppelin....as a matter of fact Led Zeppelin turned down Woodstock to play Asbury Park. The Asbury Park theater was NJ's version of Madison Square Garden. Today it has a restaurant and bar, serves as a concert venue for smaller acts. I attended the holiday bazaar this past Saturday night which included local vendors selling their wares and the annual Christmas tree lighting. A beach boys cover band played a set, Santa Claus made an appearance which kicked off the holiday season. There is a ton of metered parking available and on a nice night a walk down the adjacent boardwalk will bring you to a handful of shops, restaurants and bars. Full disclosure, the stores are closed during the Beach off season but during the summer you will find many boutiques, food vendors etc. If you have not checked out Asbury Park recently, this gritty beach town is quickly changing. Hotels are being constructed, homes renovated and restaurants opening. It may be worth a day trip during the summer at the very least if not a long weekend. Asbury Park is a quick ride to several beach towns along the Atlantic Ocean.

    Noticed they put a photo booth inside . $5 gives you two 3 photo strips with a greetings from Asbury logo. Cute :)
    Maria V.

    Located right on the Asbury Park boardwalk and Ocean. I like to stroll thru here. There are murals outside on one side. Inside - there are several small vendors and stores that sell cute things. The oyster bar is in there that is great for drinks and snacks . Anchors bend is also located in there as well but as much as it looks cute and busy- I am not fond of the drinks or food there.

    Suzy B.

    I attended the Holiday Baazar last weekend at Convention Hall. Whenever I'm in the building, I always think about how much history has been under this roof over the years. These days as Asbury Park really starts to come into its own, Convention Hall is always filled with such awesomeness. This time of year you'll find the Holiday Bazaar. Lots of local artisans and cool gifts for the holidays. Along the outskirts of the building are the the stores that are open year-round such as restaurants, coffee shop, Asbury Park souvenirs, clothing/jewelry shops, a candy shop and more! Now you'll find a whole bunch of local vendors with great gifts for the holidays. They even had musicians on stage playing holiday music which was a really nice touch. If you're looking for a fun thing to do in Asbury leading up to the Holidays, definitely check this out. There's a coat drop too if you want to make a donation. We brought a bunch of coats to help those in need this holiday. You can also get your picture taken with Santa... or just watch the parents try to get their kids to sit on Santa's lap without freaking out. I think that part was the most entertaining of all. :)

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    Enjoyed a bunch of great events there. Including beer fests, concerts and opening night parties for film fests.

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    It was cute, some of the stuff I'd actually consider buying. Great setting and there was music and a big ass Christmas tree.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Convention Hall

    Review Highlights - Convention Hall

    Convention Hall is part of the boardwalk, so it follows the same seasonal rules, leashed and friendly dogs are welcome from 9/15-5/15.

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    The Stone Pony - Southside Johnny 9-4-2022

    The Stone Pony

    (187 reviews)

    $$

    The Secret Behind the Magic of The Stone Pony is Community…read more There is something about The Stone Pony that goes beyond music. What made the venue legendary was never the walls, the bar, or even the stage lights. It was the community. In the 1970s and 1980s, Asbury Park became a kind of laboratory for musicians. Night after night, artists gathered in clubs along the Jersey Shore to play, experiment, collaborate, and refine their craft in front of real audiences. The Stone Pony became one of the central meeting points for this growing creative ecosystem. Musicians sat in with each other's bands, traded ideas, tested new songs, and sometimes performed several nights a week. Instead of guarding their talent, they shared it. Instead of competing, they elevated one another. Out of that environment emerged artists who would later become internationally known, including Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, and Steven Van Zandt. They were shaped by thousands of hours playing together in small rooms filled with passionate listeners. The sound that developed in Asbury Park reflected this collaboration. It blended rock, soul, rhythm and blues, and big-band horn arrangements into what many came to call the Jersey Shore sound. Part of what made this ecosystem so special was the geography. Within just a few walkable blocks were other gathering places where musicians and fans flowed throughout the night, including Asbury Lanes, Tim McLoone's Supper Club, and the legendary Wonder Bar, all just steps from the Atlantic Ocean and the Asbury Park boardwalk. Music, ocean air, and a close-knit creative community blended together in a vibrant hub where musicians could play one venue and then wander down the block to hear another band. My curiosity about this history grew from a personal place. Over the past year my son, Chris Renner, a young guitar player who has only been playing for two years, has had the opportunity to perform rock cover songs on stages throughout Asbury Park. Chris's playing has reminded many listeners of the legendary precision and melodic passion of Randy Rhoads. His style focuses on melodic solos and phrasing influenced by classical music rather than typical head-banging metal. Because of the NJ music community, Chris has already had the opportunity to perform as lead guitarist on stages including The Stone Pony, Asbury Lanes, Tim McLoone's, Wonder Bar, and even the Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Show at the Cutting Room in Manhattan. Watching him step onto those stages sparked a deeper interest in the story behind the NJ music scene and the culture that continues to nurture musicians today. One of the most interesting aspects of the Asbury Park scene is how cover music and original music live side by side. Many bands begin by performing well-known songs while gradually introducing their own material. The cover band scene plays an important role. It allows musicians to build stage experience, connect with audiences, and become part of the local circuit. Those shared songs create a common language between bands and fans and foster a welcoming camaraderie. Something even more inspiring has been happening recently. Several of Chris's friends from the local music community have begun forming their own original bands and performing their own songs. Chris loves supporting them, showing up to their shows and cheering them on as they cheer him. This is how music scenes grow. Musicians celebrate the music that inspired them, refine their skills through live performance, collaborate with other players, and eventually discover their own voice. Even today the Stone Pony carries that legacy. Musicians still show up, plug in, and play. Fans still crowd close to the stage the way they did decades ago. Great cultural movements rarely begin in boardrooms or corporate offices. They begin in communities, in small venues, shared stages, and the willingness of people to create together. The Stone Pony and the Asbury Park music community are proof that when talent, opportunity, and collaboration come together in one place, something extraordinary can happen. Joanna Renner NJ Realtor | Life Coach Proud Mom of Musician Chris Renner 646-296-6864

    Just stopped in here briefly to look around while a show was going on. Definitely a bucket list…read moreplace to visit if you're going to be in the area considering all the amazing musicians that have been here over the years.

    Asbury Park City of - View from the boardwalk/Convention Hall.

    Asbury Park City of

    (4 reviews)

    I can't believe the city of Ashbury Park, New Jersey charges people access to the beach by making…read morethem buy a wrist band to put your wrist before walking on to the sand during the summer months. What a tourism killer. Glad I was only here a day before deciding to bring my family here for a holiday weekend get away. I could understand a charge if there was an outdoor concert on the beach but for every day use is ridiculous. Taxing people for access to swim in the ocean means only the privilege rich people are allowed. Even the rich movie stars in Malibu California let us sit on their beaches without charging us. Giving a warning to all tourist, don't waste your money in New Jersey unless you want to be nickeled and dime you in taxes!

    This is a great beach. It is private and you do have to pay six dollars per person. If you end up…read morepaying through the app, you have to pay a little bit extra but it is easy to just walk up to the kiosk and buy the tickets in person as well. The staff is friendly and they don't really bother you, the water is very cold if you go on a day where it is less than 90°. The beach is very clean and we were pleased at the accessibility of bathrooms and being able to go back to the boardwalk. It is not overcrowded since it's a paid beach. I felt safe going here however we did end up getting a ticket because it took me a little while to figure out the parking meter and my car was parked for more than five minutes without the ticket so stay with your car until you have parking paid.

    Ocean Grove

    Ocean Grove

    (3 reviews)

    OCEAN GROVE: do you LIKE Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce? It is a great page to follow for the…read morelatest happenings at this adorable seaside town. They have plenty of dog friendly events including flea markets, arts and craft shows, car shows, and seasonal festivities! The town is also fun to walk around to see all the Victorian homes and the downtown vibe of Main Ave.'s shopping. The beach and boardwalk are dog friendly from 10/1-4/30! There is also a special treat as you walk down Main Ave towards the beach. One of the houses is known as "The Good House" and offers treats and water for the pups! It is run by the sweetest lady, Joan. Stop by and say hello!

    I've been coming here for the past number of summers and each time is enjoyable. Historically a…read moremethodist town that is a boxed neighborhood dating back many, many decades. Today it retains it's historical character but serves many beach goers in the summer months. Though Ocean Grove is small town it has a lot crammed into its 10 or so blocks - including a mini neighborhood of historic tent houses passed down through the generations of the owners, many small businesses, bed and breakfasts, restaurants religious venues and more. What I like most about being here is the care and unique look many of the houses have. The other being how friendly people are here. So many people will great you while you're out walking or while they're chilling on their porches. Ocean Grove is what many neighborhoods and communities should try to be as far as care to the houses and kindness of the residents.

    Convention Hall - movietheaters - Updated June 2026

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