Wantagh
Wantagh is suburban Nassau's gateway to Jones Beach State Park. The Jones Beach Theater is the regional concert anchor — May through September, Wantagh becomes a Friday-night destination for the entire metro area. Mulcahy's Pub is the year-round live-music spot.
Known for
- Jones Beach Theater
- Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall
- Cedar Creek Park
- Wantagh State Parkway
Wantagh’s claim to fame is Jones Beach State Park — and specifically, the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, the open-air amphitheater that brings 1.4M concertgoers through every summer.
Year-round: Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert Hall (Railroad Ave) — Long Island’s most consistent year-round live-music venue. Weekly Latin Tuesdays, touring shows on weekends.
Summer-only (Memorial Day → Labor Day):
- Jones Beach Theater concerts (May-Sept)
- Jones Beach State Park itself (boardwalk, swimming, biking)
- Cedar Creek Park for the picnic alternative
Practical: Get to Jones Beach concerts via the Meadowbrook or Wantagh Parkway. East Field is the better parking lot when the West End fills.
Upcoming in Wantagh
Editor's Pick Jones Beach Summer Concert Series — Opening Night
Jones Beach Theater kicks off the 2026 summer concert season with a headliner under the stars. Park at the West End lot by 6:30 PM — the main lot fills fast on opening night. The amphitheater holds 15,000 and the back lawn is the locals' move: cheaper, breezier, you can still hear everything. Bring a sweater; ocean wind off the Atlantic comes in cool after sundown.
- When
- Where
- Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh
- Price
- TBD
Editor's Pick Billy Joel at Jones Beach Theater — Hometown Show
Billy Joel's annual Jones Beach Theater hometown show — the Long Island summer ritual since the early 1990s. Cold Spring Harbor's most famous son returns to the 15,000-seat amphitheater on the Atlantic. Best Long Island concert experience of the year for any LI native.
- When
- Where
- Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh
- Price
- TBD
Editor's Pick Jones Beach Theater — Summer Season Opener
Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater opens its 2026 summer concert season at the iconic open-air amphitheater on the Atlantic. The 15,000-seat venue has hosted Long Island's signature summer concert moments since 1952. Tickets $45-175 depending on artist + seating tier.
- When
- Where
- Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh
- Price
- TBD
Mulcahy's Latin Night
Long Island's only weekly Latin music + dance night. Free lessons 9-10 PM (salsa, bachata, kizomba on rotating weeks), then the DJ takes over until 1 AM. Cover is cash only ($15 at the door). Dress code: smart casual — most folks step it up. Parking is free in the side lot but Railroad Ave fills by 9:30.
- When
- Where
- Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall, Wantagh
- Price
- TBD