ASBURY PARK, NJ — Ten years, two brewery locations, plenty of pints and a whole lot of Asbury Park.
Asbury Park Brewery celebrated its 10th anniversary on Wednesday, September 9, with more than 350 people turning out for an evening that felt appropriately Asbury Park — part concert, part block party and part toast to a local business that has made music and community nearly as important as the beer.
The celebration got underway at 6 p.m. with a 20-minute performance by Brian Fallon, the New Jersey singer-songwriter and frontman of The Gaslight Anthem. Fallon also teamed up with the brewery for a limited-edition beer named after his new album, “Not Bad for New Jersey.”
Sign Up for FREE Asbury Park Newsletter
Get local news you can trust in your inbox.
The collaboration is an American Light Lager clocking in at 4.2% ABV and is available on tap and in cans for a limited time.
There was plenty happening beyond the music.
Rebel Supply Co. set up shop for the evening, while Simone Potter of Anchors Aweigh Tattoo Studio offered flash tattoos at Vagabond Surf Shop — including free tattoos of APB’s familiar sea dragon.
The brewery also raffled off a guitar signed by Fallon, with proceeds benefiting Red House Music Academy.
And, of course, there was beer.
Among the selections flowing from the taps was El Tiburón, which recently earned Gold in the 2026 New Jersey Brewer’s Cup.
But APB isn’t limiting its birthday celebration to one night.
Throughout September, the brewery is spreading the anniversary around town with collaborations and specials involving a long list of Asbury Park businesses.
MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos marked the September 9 celebration with a beer-battered fish sandwich made with El Tiburón, while Makana’s created an ube-flavored seltzer or club soda using its ube syrup that will be available at the brewery throughout the month. Makana’s is also offering customers a 10% discount.
Asbury Ale House is offering $5 off pitchers of APB beer with an APB receipt throughout September, while Bond St. Bar has $5 Blonde beers all month. The Black Swan created an APB beer-braised pulled pork wrap with purple cabbage, fried onions and sun-dried tomato.
For those needing a little recovery the morning after, A Cup of Literature is offering $1 off coffee with an APB receipt. The Baked Bear is offering 10% off an order with a receipt from the brewery.
Even four-legged Asbury Park residents can get in on the anniversary. PAWS Barkery & Boutique created a special dog cookie inspired by APB’s dog-friendly atmosphere.
Vagabond is partnering with the brewery on a surfboard giveaway, with the drawing scheduled for September 22, while Low Dive is serving a “Dirty Blonde” shot special combining APB Blonde with house whiskey throughout the month.
APB also released a limited-edition 10th anniversary T-shirt, with $5 from every shirt sold benefiting Asbury Park United Soccer Club.
The anniversary carries a little extra meaning considering the brewery’s journey.
Asbury Park Brewery first opened on Sewall Avenue in 2016. The original location closed in 2020, but that wasn’t the end of the story. Four years later, APB returned to the city with its current Cookman Avenue location.
Since reopening, the brewery has worked to become much more than a place to grab a beer.
Its doors regularly open to musicians, comedians, community organizations and activists, with programming that includes live performances, open mic nights, comedy nights, Oktoberfest celebrations and community gatherings.
That combination of beer, music and community has become part of APB’s identity — and the turnout for its 10th birthday offered some evidence that Asbury Park has embraced it right back.
A decade after pouring its first beer on Sewall Avenue, Asbury Park Brewery is still pouring.
Only now, there are a few more friends at the bar.