Make this May one to remember without a hefty price tag! Check out these budget and family-friendly activities to enjoy in Monmouth and Ocean Counties all month long.

May 2

A Weekend in Old Monmouth – Explore almost 60 historic Monmouth County sites at no cost on Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 12pm-5pm. We are approaching the nation’s 250th anniversary, making this year’s Weekend in Old Monmouth even more special – and sites connected to the Revolutionary era or featuring special programs are noted on this interactive map. Learn more about how you can immerse yourself in Monmouth County’s vibrant history here.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Toms River) – Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Downtown Toms River on Washington Street from 12pm-6pm. The vendors, live music, food, and drinks will give you a taste of authentic Mexican culture without leaving town. There is no entry fee to attend, but items will be available for purchase. Click here for more information.

Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl (Highlands) – Spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebration with this Cantina Crawl from 12pm-5pm. With a map of participating locations in hand – you’ll explore local restaurants and establishments, and sample margaritas (ages 21+) to help crown the Best Margarita in Highlands! There will also be surprises and live mariachi music. Admission is $45. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

Made in Monmouth (Lincroft) – With graduations, weddings, and more around the corner – Made in Monmouth makes it easier than ever to shop local for your upcoming special occasions. The Robert J. Collins Arena & Recreation Events Center at Brookdale Community College will host over 200 vendors from 10am-4pm. Shop while supporting Monmouth County’s small businesses. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. For more information, click here.

May 9

Borough-Wide Yard Sale (Freehold Borough) – There will be bargains and hidden gems at every corner during the Borough-Wide Yard Sale from 8am-3pm. Maps of registered participants and the items they plan to have for sale are available at Borough Hall. There is a rain date of May 10th. Learn more here.

May 10

Moms Ride Free (Seaside Heights) – Treat your Mom to a day of fun and thrills at Casino Pier from 12pm-6pm. Moms ride free with a paid child, so don’t miss out on a fun day of spending quality time with the family. Click here for more information.

Mother’s Day at the Track (Oceanport) – Mother’s Day is off to the races at Monmouth Park from 12pm-5pm. There is no cost for ladies to enter, and they’ll also receive flowers and can enter for a chance to win Tim McGraw concert tickets at PNC Bank Arts Center. There will be family fun activities until 4pm – including clowns, face painters, pony rides, and a bounce house. Live races begin at 12:50pm. General admission is $7 for the rest of the family, and no cost for children 12 and under. Learn more here.

May 16

Green Fair (Brick) – Go Green at Brick’s Annual Green Fair from 10am-2pm at the Bob Anstett Cultural Arts Center. From an ecofriendly clothing swap to educational exhibits – this community-wide event is geared toward inspiring all to embrace sustainability. There will also be vendors, giveaways, door prizes, food trucks, and more. There is no entry fee to attend, but items will be available to purchase. Click here to learn more.

Ocean Fun Days (Sandy Hook) – Dive in to learning all-things ocean and discover our very own Jersey Shore from 11am-3pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Marine scientists, researchers, and environmentalists will host educational exhibits, as well as hands-on programs and demonstrations. Nothing says “hands-on” like animal touch tanks! There will also be family-friendly workshops, games, and crafts. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here to learn more – you’ll shore be happy you did!

May 17

Porch Fest (Freehold) – Stroll through Downtown Freehold and catch live music on every corner during Porch Fest, from 12pm-5pm. There will be live performances by bands and artists on porches all over town. Dancing is encouraged! There is no entry fee to attend. Click here to learn how you can discover new artists, one porch at a time!

May 23

Memorial Day Weekend Parade & Festival (Bradley Beach) – Celebrate Memorial Day and honor all those who have served our country all weekend long at the Bradley Beach Memorial Day Parade & Festival. Kick off the weekend by finding a spot along Ocean Avenue to watch the parade, beginning at 10am. The rest of the weekend will be packed with live performances from bands and artists, a vendor fair, and delicious eats from local restaurants. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items available for purchase. Learn more here.

May 25

Memorial Day Celebration (Lacey) – Celebrate Memorial Day at the Lacey Elks Lodge from “9am-whenever!” There will be live performances by two of the area’s high-energy party bands, food trucks, vendors, and family-fun activities. There is no entry fee to attend, but items will be available for purchase. Learn more here.

Memorial Day Parade (Freehold Borough) – Celebrate Memorial Day the oldest and biggest way in Western Monmouth County at Freehold Borough’s Memorial Day Parade from 10am-2pm. Over 70 military units, veteran groups, fire departments, EMS squads, youth groups, bands, and custom designed floats – will begin their march from the corner of Brinkerhoff Avenue and Main Street. The parade will zip through town, with plenty of viewing spots to enjoy the entertainment with family and friends. Admission is free for all who attend. Click here for more information and to view the parade route.

Memorial Day Parade (Farmingdale) – The town of Farmingdale will celebrate its 53rd annual Memorial Day Parade beginning at 2pm along Main Street. This year’s parade will also feature a special celebration of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, as well as a pie baking contest and a photo contest. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and a bag to collect candy from the floats as they ride by! Learn more here, as well as on the town website and parade Facebook page.

May 29

Jersey Shore Greek Festival (Ocean Township) – Get a taste of Greece with no passport needed at the at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, running from Friday, May 29th through Sunday, May 31st at various times. You can enjoy authentic cuisine, traditional music and dance, a vibrant marketplace, and exciting games and rides the whole family will love.There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be items and experiences available for purchase. Learn more here.

May 31

BBQ, Beer, and Boots (Point Pleasant Beach) – Kick off the summer season with a backyard-style BBQ and beer festival with a country twist at the Point Pleasant Beach Municipal Lot from 12pm-4pm. There will be live country music, incredible food, cold beer (ages 21+), family-friendly games, and good vibes that will leave you saying “yee-haw!” You can also saddle up and put your skills to the test with mechanical bull rides – hang on tight! Admission is $10 for those ages 5 and up, and there is no cost for children ages 4 and under. Click here to learn more.

Guided Fossil Hunts (Middletown) – Calling all amateur paleontologists! Dig up remnants of Earth’s ancient past (we’re talking 65-72 million years ago ancient) at the Poricy Brook Fossil Beds from 11am-12pm. Your experienced guide will walk you through a brief orientation before you hit the fossil beds with your trowel and sifter, and help you identify treasures along the way. Admission is $5 for those ages 5 and up. Participants are required to wear rubber boots or sneakers. Learn more here.