By Stephen Appezzato
FREEHOLD – A major new addition to New Jersey’s entertainment landscape is set to take shape in the summer of 2026, as the Count Basie Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Monmouth County, announced the creation of ParkStage this week – a large-scale, open-air performance venue located at the East Freehold Showgrounds. Designed to attract thousands of visitors and feature national and international headliners, ParkStage will be a key feature in the county’s 250th anniversary celebration of the United States and the Count Basie Center’s centennial year.
The new venue will serve as a premier destination for live entertainment, offering a range of events from concerts to comedy performances, and is set to be a cultural hub in Monmouth County.
“This is something that we thought about for a very, very long time,” said Thomas A. Arnone, Monmouth County Commissioner director. Arnone emphasized the importance of tapping into the potential of the County Fairgrounds, which are only fully utilized during the annual weeklong Monmouth County Fair. “It’s a beautiful ground. It’s a very accessible ground,” Arnone said. “We thought, how can we capitalize this with our tourism and also our 250 celebration coming up?”
ParkStage will fill this gap, offering access to a world-class venue for the 2.3 million residents who live within the surrounding 25 miles, as well as visitors from all over. With its proximity to major roadways, ample free parking and VIP accommodations in “a scenic setting that blends rural charm with modern convenience,” the venue is positioned to draw large crowds to the area.
According to officials, the venue’s creation wasn’t just about bringing new entertainment opportunities to the region but also about strengthening the local economy.
“It’s our job to build on the economic engine that’s happening here in Monmouth County,” Arnone said, underscoring the benefits that ParkStage will bring to the area’s small businesses, hotels and restaurants. “There will be people here. It will be people that will want to frequent here, people that want to stay in Monmouth County on show night,” he said.
Two Anniversaries
The opening of ParkStage aligns with two historic celebrations in 2026: the 100th anniversary of the Count Basie Center and the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence from Britain.
For Adam Philipson, president and CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, ParkStage represents more than just entertainment, it’s an opportunity to invest in the cultural and economic fabric of Monmouth County. “ParkStage is a way for us to commemorate those milestones, and this venue will welcome thousands of people next summer to experience joy, connection and unforgettable performances right here in Monmouth County,” he said.
“ParkStage will be a joyful way to mark the historic summer with unforgettable memories,” said Jeremy Grunin, chair of the CounBasie Center’s Board of Trustees.
“We have no doubt that the many restaurants and small businesses nearby will benefit from people coming to see a show here,” he added.
“This venue will serve as a top-notch place for entertainment and yet another benefit that makes Monmouth County the greatest county (in which) to work, live and play,” Philipson said.
The county’s commitment to the project is also an acknowledgment of the importance of local arts. “The arts are a huge, huge component of the success of Monmouth County,” noted Arnone.
ParkStage will be a place where residents, tourists and artists can come together to experience high-profile performances. According to Grunin, the venue will provide new opportunities for performers, attract visitors to the region and “create shared experiences that strengthen the cultural and economic fabric of Monmouth County and beyond.” The full programming schedule will be released in 2025.
Freehold Township Mayor Maureen Fasano noted that such an ambitious project will not only offer great entertainment but also provide a meaningful way to support the local economy. “Each performance helps drive foot traffic, energize our local economy and showcase everything our town has to offer,” Fasano said.
“We want people to be happy, we want people to be excited, we want people to be proud of the county that they’re in,” Arnone said.
For more information on the ParkStage Summer Concert Series, including announcements for upcoming performances, visit parkstage.org.
The article originally appeared in the July 3 – July 9, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
