The lively gambling, fine food, classy rooms, luxurious pool, state-of-the-art gym and nearby beach and boardwalk aren’t the only exciting attractions at Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
While one theoretically could visit the massive resort for any one of those amenities and be satisfied, they’d be missing the granddaddy of them all when it comes to the Hard Rock: the music.
Everywhere you look here, it’s about the music.
From the entrance where visitors are bombarded by high-energy live bands to the walls lined with gaudy wardrobes from rock, pop and Hip-Hop legends, this is clearly a place that loves artists and all they represent.
This sentiment is reflected in the eclectic acts the venue books for their two mammoth event spaces, the 7,000-seat Etess Arena and 1,368-seat Sound Waves.
Etess brings in a mix of 20th century icons (Earth Wind and Fire, Yes, Steve Winwood, Toto, Foreigner) along with modern contemporaries (Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff, Train, Khalid, Seether) and inspired choices (DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic concert with rap’s best and brightest from yesterday looks a consensus fan favorite) to cater to audiences of classic rock, R&B, folk, country, Hip-Hop, reggae and alternative metal.
In the smaller space, Sound Waves hosts biggies like The Temptations with The Four Tops as well as Led Zeppelin and Queen tribute acts along with Bollywood stars.
That’s not to mention all the comedy shows, magicians, jiu-jitsu matches or the monthly Garden State Live series highlighting the best New Jersey has to offer.
They’re really got something for everyone, regardless of whether or not you’re also all about the music.
Sound like a good time?
If so, our team mapped out the Etess Arena and Sound Waves Theater’s complete 2025 event calendars to help you find the show just for you.
An adrenaline-pumping night showcasing some of the best regional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes.
The country superstar will be joined by special guest Austin Williams.
An adrenaline-fueled night of mixed martial arts action featuring some of the most talented and exciting fighters from around the world.
Known for their unique fusion of rock, jazz, and classical music, expect hits like “If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” and “25 or 6 to 4.”
Known for their unique fusion of rock, jazz, and classical music, expect hits like “If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” and “25 or 6 to 4.”
The ’80s chart-toppers will be joined by Men at Work, and Christopher Cross.
Illusionist Leon Etienne delivers sleight of hand, and comedy in this immersive spectacular.
The Grateful Dead tribute act continues the band builds their live show using the Dead’s extensive catalog as a launching pad.
Illusionist Leon Etienne delivers sleight of hand, and comedy in this immersive spectacular.
The former Van Halen frontman is known for hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot for Teacher,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.”
Featuring Low Cut Connie and Isn’t It Always.
The Grammy-nominated folk-rockers deliver soul-stirring ballads and high-energy anthems.
The multi-platinum rock band will be joined by ’90s legend Edwin McCain.
The soulful night rock ‘n’ rollers headline; indie rocker Kevin Morby is the support act.
A popular Indian actress and comedian known for “Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon,” “Housefull 4” and Bhoot Police.
Featuring Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Rakim, Black Sheep, Buckshot of Blackmoon, CL Smooth, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Milk Dee of Audio Two, M.O.P., Nice & Smooth, Onyx, Smif-N-Wessun, Reggae legend Supercat, and Treach of Naughty Nature.
Featuring Donna Summer, Bee Gees, ABBA, Barry White and Tina Turner tribute performances.
Featuring Donna Summer, Bee Gees, ABBA, Barry White and Tina Turner tribute performances.
Featuring some of the most talented and exciting fighters from around the world, Cage Fury promises non-stop action, thrilling knockouts, and hard-hitting submission holds.
Known for her fusion of pop, Bollywood, and indie sounds, her show blends music, dance and vibrant visuals.
Featuring emerging NJ blues artists Billy Walton, Twisted Livin, and Debra Devi
The country chart-toppers will be joined by special guests Ernest and Redferrin.
The reggae legend headlines alongside special guest Jesse Royal.
Experience the energy and passion as the band recreates Led Zeppelin’s timeless classics.
Featuring Gerald Albright along with support from Pieces of a Dream and Rebecca Jade.
Featuring Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, Rob Base, Young MC, and Joe Denim.
The multiplatinum rock band performs with special guest Lakeview.
Witness the magic of Freddie Mercury and Queen brought back to life on stage.
Experience the energy of cumbia sonidera as the group performs “Cómo Te Voy a Olvidar,” “Mis Sentimientos” and “Nunca Es Suficiente.”
Witness the magic of Freddie Mercury and Queen brought back to life on stage.
Enjoy the Rock Hall of Famer’s hits from his days with Traffic, Blind Faith, and Spencer Davis Group to his solo classics like “Higher Love,” “Back in the High Life Again” and “Roll With It.”
Experience an unforgettable evening featuring legendary inductees, exclusive memorabilia, and a deep dive into Atlantic City’s rich boxing heritage.
The rock powerhouses will be accompanied by special guests P.O.D. and Kami Keho.
Emerging NJ pop rock artists take the stage featuring Destinee, Red, and The Grip Weeds.
The prog rockers will play their 1971 album “Fragile” in its entirety.
Expect chart-topping ballads “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You” as well as high-energy rock anthems like “Juke Box Hero” and “Hot Blooded.”
In this new installment of the two-decade-long saga, Anthony Pinnunziato sells his billion-dollar company, “Body Body,” and ventures into the casino world, opening Pinnunziato Palace, the first-ever gay and lesbian casino in Atlantic City. While the grand opening sparks excitement, unexpected challenges, wild love triangles, and over-the-top characters shake things up in true Wilkinson fashion.
*21+ event.
Expect chart-topping ballads “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You” as well as high-energy rock anthems like “Juke Box Hero” and “Hot Blooded.”
In this new installment of the two-decade-long saga, Anthony Pinnunziato sells his billion-dollar company, “Body Body,” and ventures into the casino world, opening Pinnunziato Palace, the first-ever gay and lesbian casino in Atlantic City. While the grand opening sparks excitement, unexpected challenges, wild love triangles, and over-the-top characters shake things up in true Wilkinson fashion.
*21+ event.
The R&B/pop star is known for smash hits like Talk, Location, and Better.
Featuring Haddaway, Corona, Real McCoy, Jenny Berggren of Ace of Base, La Bouche, Daisy Dee of Technotronic, Crystal Waters, Cece Peniston, No Mercy, Ultra Naté, Jocelyn Enriquez, and Turbo B of Snap.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia as legendary Bollywood playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya performs timeless hits from classic films like “Yes Boss,” “Main Khiladi Tu Anari,” “Baadshah” and “Chalte Chalte.”
The duo will celebrate their 50th anniversary with timeless love songs and soft rock classics.
The high-energy country music star will be joined by special guest and “American Idol” winner Chayce Beckham.
Featuring TKA, George Lamond, Noel, and C+C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams.
Featuring emerging NJ country artists Megan Knight, Holdyn, Barder, and Kenny Curcio.
One of Italy’s most iconic voices, he’s known for timeless hits like “Laura no está”, “Se io non avessi te” and “Lascia che io sia.”
The tropical music superstar is bringing along special guests Héctor Acosta “El Torito” and Tomo Rosario.
The funky R&B heroes are known for “Let’s Groove,” “September” and many other party-starting hits.
A comedian known for his hilarious observations and larger-than-life personality.
The funky R&B heroes are known for “Let’s Groove,” “September” and many other party-starting hits.
The Temptations deliver hits like “My Girl,” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” while The Four Tops take “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” to the stage.
Emerging singer-songwriters featuring Max Davey, Maddie Hogan, and Camille K
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change