Love is in the air – and there’s so much to love this February with a ton of fantastic events happening in a town near you. Check out the list below of free or inexpensive activities to do with your loved ones all month long.

February 2: Cupid’s Love Shop Holiday Shopping Event (Waretown) takes place from 6-9pm at Breakers Kitchen and Tap on Route 9. Proceeds will go to the local food bank. There will be vendors, a giveaway, face painting, balloon twisting, and a character visit. For every item you purchase, you will get 1 envelope for a chance to win a “love ticket” for a pick of a vendor prize. Find out more.

February 4:

Sea Girt Patriot Polar Bear Plunge will take place from 10:30am to 1pm at Sea Girt Beacon Boulevard Beach (9N Ocean Avenue). This event will benefit Jersey Shore area Veterans with home improvement and housing needs through Coastal Habitat for Humanity, and is $55 to participate. Register here.

Fire and Ice Festival (Cream Ridge) takes place from 10am-7pm at New Egypt Flea Market on Monmouth Road. There will be firepits, food trucks, wine from Cream Ridge Winery, shopping, music, character photos, fire juggling, and more. Admission is $5 per person. Learn more.

February 5: Annual Beef and Brew Fundraiser (Highlands) will take place from 3-7pm at Proving Ground Waterfront Dining on Shrewsbury Avenue. An event ticket is $40 and includes a buffet dinner and two beer tickets. There will also be a gift auction and a pipe band. All proceeds will benefit the annual St. Patrick’s Parade. Learn more and register here, or call 732-291-4713.

February 9: Wine and Bundt Cakes at Laurita Winery (New Egypt) from 7-9pm. The event is $35 per person to attend, and includes a flight of four wines paired with mini bundt cakes. Bring your valentine or enjoy a fun night out with friends, ages 21+. Register online at https://lauritawinery.com/ or call 609-752-0200.

February 10: Clue on Stage at Spring Lake Theater will take place at 2pm (matinee) and 7:30pm (evening performance), located at 300 Madison Avenue. Event tickets range from $30 to $40 per person. Don’t miss the experience of everyone’s favorite classic board game coming to life on stage, in a great evening filled with mystery, murder, and laughs. Purchase tickets online, or call 732-449-4530.

February 11:

Asbury Park Valentine’s Bazaar will take place from noon-6pm at the Asbury Hotel on 5^th Avenue. Shop incredible local and regional vendors selling goods and gifts handmade with love. There will be food and libations, photo stations, a flower bar, kids activities, workshops and more. Get more details here, or call 732-774-7100.

Brick Township’s 173^rd Birthday Party will take place from 3-5pm at Civic Plaza Activity Center on Chambers Bridge Road. The event celebrates the founding of the town with games, music, hand painting and cake, and is free to attend. Registration is required and can be done online here, or call 732-262-1000.

February 14: Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company’s Valentine’s Day Fundraiser Rose Sale will take place from 10am-7pm at the fire house on Central Avenue. Rose bouquets range from $20 to $35 and will benefit the volunteer fire company. Surprise your special someone with a beautiful bouquet for a good cause! Learn more.

February 18:

Winter Beach Blast (Toms River) will take place at the Ocean County Mall from 1-3pm. Get a taste of summer at this event featuring crafts, interactive tables, dancing, games (including the world’s largest Twister game), and more – for all ages. There will also be music and entertainment from B98.5 radio. This event is free to attend. Call 732-244-8200 or click here to find out more.

Comedy Night and Gift Basket Raffle (Lincroft) will take place at St. Leo the Great Arts and Athletic Center on Hurleys Lane from 7-11pm. Back by popular demand, the Knights of Columbus are presenting an evening of comedy along with a chance to win some prizes! The show features comedian Joe Fernandes, alongside other local professional entertainment. The cost to attend is $30, and tickets can be purchased online here or call 732-908-4386.

February 19: Summer in Winter Carnival (Manahawkin) will take place from noon-4pm at Holiday Inn on Route 72. There will be skee ball, a milk can toss, food such as chicken fingers, fries, popcorn and cookies. There will also be face painters, a balloon artist, photos, a DJ, and so much more! Admission is free. Reserve your spot online.

February 25: Seaside Heights Annual Polar Bear Plunge will begin at 9am with registration at Blaine Avenue. The plunge itself is at 1pm at 500 Boardwalk (Spicy’s). This fundraiser is a great way to support the Special Olympics in New Jersey. Find out more by calling 732-830-3700 or go to https://www.plungeseaside.org/event-information/

February 26: Annual Chili Cookoff (Highlands) will take place from 3-7pm at Quarterdeck at Seastreak on Shore Drive. Tickets are $35 per person and includes the sampling of chili, two beer tickets and two voting ballots. There will be performances by bag pipe bands and Daly’s Irish Dancers. All proceeds will benefit the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Register to attend here, or call 732-291-4713.