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.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino 2025 calendar
An adrenaline-pumping night showcasing some of the best regional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes.
Sam Hunt
Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
The country superstar will be joined by special guest Austin Williams.
CFFC Next Gen 1
Saturday, July 26 at 6 p.m.
Sound Waves
An adrenaline-fueled night of mixed martial arts action featuring some of the most talented and exciting fighters from around the world.
Chicago
Saturday, July 26 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.”
Chicago
Sunday, July 27 at 7 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.”
Toto
Friday, Aug. 1 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
The ’80s chart-toppers will be joined by Men at Work, and Christopher Cross.
Magic Rocks
Saturday, Aug. 2 at 4 p.m.
Sound Waves
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.
Magic Rocks
Saturday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m.
Sound Waves
Illusionist Leon Etienne delivers sleight of hand, and comedy in this immersive spectacular.
David Lee Roth
Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
The former Van Halen frontman is known for hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot for Teacher,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.”
Garden State Live
Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m.
Sound Waves
Featuring Low Cut Connie and Isn’t It Always.
The Avett Brothers
Saturday, Aug. 9 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
The Grammy-nominated folk-rockers deliver soul-stirring ballads and high-energy anthems.
Train
Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.
Jamie Lever
Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8:30 p.m.
Sound Waves
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.
Purva Mantri
Saturday, Aug. 30 at 8:30 p.m.
Sound Waves
Known for her fusion of pop, Bollywood, and indie sounds, her show blends music, dance and vibrant visuals.
Garden State Live
Friday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m.
Sound Waves
Featuring emerging NJ blues artists Billy Walton, Twisted Livin, and Debra Devi
Old Dominion
Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.
Etess Arena
The country chart-toppers will be joined by special guests Ernest and Redferrin.
Buju Banton
Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.
I Love The 90s Tour
Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
Featuring Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, Rob Base, Young MC, and Joe Denim.
Staind
Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
The multiplatinum rock band performs with special guest Lakeview.
Witness the magic of Freddie Mercury and Queen brought back to life on stage.
Los Angeles Azules
Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.
Steve Winwood
Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.
Garden State Live
Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m.
Sound Waves
Emerging NJ pop rock artists take the stage featuring Destinee, Red, and The Grip Weeds.
Yes
Saturday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
The prog rockers will play their 1971 album “Fragile” in its entirety.
Foreigner
Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.
Foreigner
Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.
Khalid
Friday, Oct. 17 at 9 p.m.
Etess Arena
The R&B/pop star is known for smash hits like Talk, Location, and Better.
Dance Now America
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.”
Air Supply
Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
The duo will celebrate their 50th anniversary with timeless love songs and soft rock classics.
Warren Zeiders
Friday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.
Garden State Live
Friday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m.
Sound Waves
Featuring emerging NJ country artists Megan Knight, Holdyn, Barder, and Kenny Curcio.
Nek
Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.
Sound Waves
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.”
Willie Colon
Saturday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m.
Etess Arena
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.
Vic Dibitetto
Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.
Sound Waves
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.
Garden State Live
Friday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.
Sound Waves
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
