Ascension Party, the summer’s wildest weekend festival of music, dance and friendship, takes place August 4-6 in the gay beach resort town of Asbury Park.
Thousands of men from around the globe will flock to the sun-drenched Jersey Shore for the three-day, 11-party, 14-DJ festival. Don’t know what to do, where to stay or how to get to get to Asbury for Ascension Party? We’ve got you covered.
What To Do
Friday, August 4th
VIP COCKTAIL PARTY
from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Start the weekend off with a spectacular sunset overlooking the beach of Asbury Park along with the soothing sounds of DJ Tatiana’s beats. Hors d’oeuvres and complimentary signature cocktails will be served. This is the time to meet the local movers and shakers that helped make Ascension Weekend possible.
HIGH TEA
from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sip some tea and spill it with the hottest guys in Asbury. The fun takes place at the Asbury Hotel with music by Erez Ben Ishay.
TRADE
from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
This will be the first not-to-miss event! The legendary TRADE party, with its famous sexy vibe, is joining ASCENSION. Get ready to tear up the dance floor at Asbury Hall with DJ Eddie Martinez, who will turn out some amazing beats.
Saturday, August 5th
ASCENSION “BEACH” PARTY AT ATLANTIC PARK
from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Get ready to dance the day away on the large custom-made dance floor. DJs Joe Gauthreaux and Hansel Leyva will make all the people come together. If your “soles” get tired, hang out in the Luxury Cabanas or sip some cocktails at the Sand Bars. This is a ticketed event with a paid bar. The cabanas are available for purchase.
HIGH TEA
from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sip some more tea and spill it all over Asbury Hotel with the fun beats of Steve Sidewalk and DJ Lina.
SATURDAY NIGHT CELEBRATION from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.
In typical Ascension fashion, the Saturday celebration keeps the party going. Taking place at Asbury Hall, DJ Paulo will turn out his hard, big-room beats all night long. A full bar will be equipped to accommodate the crowds, with handsome bartenders ready and willing to please.
Sunday, August 5th
ASCENSION POOL PARTY from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ready to cool off? Then break into your Speedos and square cuts for this “no shirts and shorts required” party. Float on Ascension-themed rafts, take a dip or simply lounge by the pool. A full pool-side bar will be available for any who come thirsty. And for those with a rumble in their tummy, rest assured, a BBQ-themed menu will be available. Fun beach-house music will echo over the crowd, courtesy of DJs Jesus Martinez and Dan Slater.
THE CLOSING PARTY
from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Ascension’s Sunday Closing Party is traditionally one of the most exciting events of the weekend. This year, it is brought to you by the International WE Party. Taking place at the new Asbury Hotel event space, Dani Toro will be at the decks, with LED screens and an awesome sound system.
Where To Stay
The Asbury Hotel at 210 5th Avenue is the official host hotel for Ascension. The 110 guestrooms come in an unusually wide range of sizes to suit all kinds of travelers, from queen rooms and king rooms to family rooms and suites to bunk rooms that can sleep up to eight. The essence of the rooms is simple, clean and functional, but with many thoughtful touches. Bathrooms are light and bright; closets are huge. Black-and-white beach and music scenes adorn the walls, along with classic music posters that reflect Asbury Park’s rock-laden past and spectacular sea-side views.
How To Get There
From New York Penn Station, take the train to the Asbury Park station. Approximate time from New York Penn Station is 1 hour and 50 minutes. You’ll have to change trains at Long Branch, so listen for announcements.
From Port Authority, Academy Bus Service will bring you right into Asbury Park and let you off at either the train station or the eastern end of Downtown. academybus.com
By Car: Follow I-78 W, I-95 S and Garden State Pkwy to Asbury Ave in Tinton Falls. Take exit 102 from Garden State Pkwy.
