Monmouth County Concert Venue Named Finalist For Best Amphitheaters In The U.S.

HOLMDEL, NJ — A beloved concert venue in Monmouth County has been named as one of the finalists for USA Today’s list of the 10 Best Amphitheaters In the U.S.

In this edition of USA Today’s 10 Best series for 2026, an expert panel nominated their top amphitheaters across the country, ranging from one in New Jersey to others in Tennessee, Colorado, California and more.

“There's something uniquely magical about the communal experience of live entertainment under the open sky,” editors wrote.

“Every year, millions of people are drawn to amphitheaters, captivated by their compelling blend of natural beauty, exceptional acoustics, and immersive atmosphere…Which amphitheater do you think offers unforgettable experiences?”

Now that the finalists have been named, readers are invited to vote for their favorite once per day until voting ends on Monday, May 11, at noon ET.

The winning amphitheaters will be announced on Wednesday, May 20, according to USA Today.

In New Jersey, the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel has been selected as one of the finalists in the competition.

Located just off the Garden State Parkway, the Arts Center is described as “one of the premier open-air amphitheaters in the Northeast” by USA Today.

“With its distinctive fan-shaped pavilion and expansive lawn seating, the venue hosts a killer lineup of performances, from chart-topping artists to classic rock legends and summer festivals,” USA Today wrote.

• Read More: Who's Playing At The PNC Bank Arts Center This Summer?
• Read More: Free Concert Series To Bring Live Music & More To Monmouth County

This is far from the first time the Arts Center has been in consideration for USA Today’s 10 Best series, either.

In 2025, the venue made USA Today’s list of the 10 Best Amphitheaters In the U.S., and was crowned as the second-best amphitheater overall.

• Read More: Monmouth County Amphitheater Among 10 Best In U.S., New List Says

Alongside the Arts Center, a Monmouth County bar has also been named as a finalist for USA Today’s 10 Best Beach Bars In the U.S. list.

To see the full list of finalists for the Best Amphitheaters In the U.S., you can click here.

The PNC Bank Arts Center is located at 116 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel.