Latest Long Branch Pop-Up Party Canceled, Organizers Say

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Summertime must be right around the corner, as the notorious pop-up parties that some say terrorized the Jersey Shore last year are being organized anew this spring.

The town of Seaside Heights was just granted a court order to cancel pop-up parties scheduled in that town on May 5-6 (Cinco de Mayo). Additionally, a "link-up" planned for Long Branch was just canceled, too.

But party organizers did say "every other beach is great for those kind of parties."

"This here is a warning to everyone about (THE LONG BRANCH LINK UP). I'm just trying to look out for everyone cuz we all saw how the town reaction last year and sent over the national guards throwing tear gas and arresting people. 100 percent every other beach is great for those kind of parties but Long Branch ain't it. Trust me, they'll be ready for us the second they see that flyer drop," wrote NJ Rated R Parties April 8 on their Instagram account.

There was no date given for when the Long Branch pop-up party was supposed to be, or where — but presumably Pier Village, where 5,000 teens and young adults descended for a massive pop-up party last May.

The town of Seaside Heights was just granted a court order Monday barring pop-up parties that were supposed to take place there May 5-6 and June 17. The town applied for a temporary injunction to halt the parties, and was granted it from an Ocean County Superior Court judge.

"Due to getting letters from the town of Seaside warning to cancel the event, unfortunately I have to make that call," wrote Rated R Parties. "So everyone please I'm just asking ya this once, DO NOT I repeat DO NOT go to Seaside the day of the 'link up.' The town has officers ready to arrest anyone that comes/forms in big crowds. This is a warning from the town I want this for your safety as well as for myself I just ask that nobody pull up, Thanks for ya understanding the situation."

Pop-up parties have been a major problem in Jersey Shore towns for several years now:

In 2020, a pop-up party in Point Pleasant Beach led to arrests and mounds of garbage. In 2021, a party drew 1,000 people to Long Branch.

But the biggest, rowdiest gathering by far was the night of Saturday, May 21, 2022 in Long Branch, where a pop-up party drew drew 5,000 people to Pier Village. There were reports of extremely bloody fights, racially motivated fighting and sexual encounters happening in the streets.

Long Branch Police had to deploy grenades to disperse the crowds. Nearly 20 people were arrested in connection with fighting in the streets, and one Long Branch police cruiser was vandalized, with people dancing on top of the squad car. A second Beach Linkup Part 2 was planned for last June, with an invite making the rounds on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, reading "Long Branch beach. Sunday, June 19. Time 12 p.m. - UNTIL. BYOLQ (bring your own liquor) and BYOW (bring your own weed). Music, eats, fun, dance battles, $1,000 twerk contest."

With reporting from Karen Wall/Brick Patch

Pop-up Party reporting from summer 2022:

'Out-Of-Control' Teen Hordes Swarm Jersey Shore, 15 Arrested

Long Branch Pop-Up Party Organizers Found; Mayor May Sue TikTok

Long Branch Sues 6 New Jersey Men For Promoting Mass Pop-Up Parties

Judge Orders 6 Jersey Shore Pop-Up Party Promoters To Stop; 3 Agree