Category Archives: Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth and Ocean

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this March 2023

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Let’s spring into March with a little bit of luck and have some fun with family and friends! Check out the list below of local (free or inexpensive) activities to do with your loved ones all month long.

March 4: Downtown Toms River Irish Festival will run from 12pm – 6pm on Main Street. There will be live entertainment, and lots of Irish themed fun that is perfect for the whole family! Learn more by calling 732-341-8738 or click here.

March 5: Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place from 12:30pm to 5pm on Main Street. Don’t miss this great annual Jersey Shore event! Learn more on the parade website, or call 732-280-2648.

March 8: Wooden Plank Easter Egg Painting Class at Laurita Winery (New Egypt) from 6-9pm. Paint an 18” wooden Easter egg in this great Everlasting Egg Workshop! Supplies and instruction are included in the cost of the class ($55), as well as a complimentary glass of wine for participants ages 21 and up. Learn more and register here, or call 609-752-0200.

March 10: Bead Your Own St. Patrick’s Day Bracelet at Beach House Studio (Lavallette) from 7:30-9pm. The event includes materials to make a bracelet, hands on instruction, a gemstone tutorial, light refreshments, a raffle, and is $30 per person to attend. Ages 10 and up are welcome to sign up, ages 21+ can feel free to BYOB. Get more information here, or call 908-451-9832.

March 11: Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Seaside Heights) begins at 1pm on the Boulevard. Bring the whole family out and wear some green! After the parade up until 5pm, stop by Casino Pier for $5 off an arcade card, drink specials, and corned beef or reuben sandwich food specials. Get more details here, or call 732-793-6488.

March 12:

The 15th Annual Belmar Dine and Discover Event will begin at 11:30am through 3:30pm. There will be a food tour and tastings from participating restaurants. There will be free trolley rides to take you around town while you are sampling. Tickets are $35 a person in advance, or $40 on the day of. See the participating restaurants here, and purchase your tickets online. You can also call 732-681-3700, extension 211 for more information.

Downtown Freehold Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place at 12:30pm along East Main Street. After the parade, many venues will have additional entertainment featuring local bands, food, drink specials, and raffles – including the Freehold Elk’s Lodge, the Freehold Columbian Club, and the American Hotel. Learn more here, or call 732-333-0094.

Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 1pm at the boardwalk (1300 Ocean Avenue). After the parade, the celebration will continue at some of the local venues with live entertainment and food and drink specials (Wonderbar – $15 admission, and Johnny Mac’s). Get more details at https://asburyparkstpatricksparade.com/ or call 732-775-7676.

March 16: Cake Decorating Class at A Sweet Memory Cake Shoppe and Tea Room (Waretown) from 6-7:30pm. You won’t want to miss a fun-filled evening of creativity while decorating a St. Patrick’s themed and delicious cake! The cost to attend is $35 per person which includes ingredients and instruction to make one cake, plus light refreshments will be served. Ages 21 and over can feel free to BYOB. Reservations are required by calling 609-242-0153, or learn more here.

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Mathis House (Toms River) will begin at 7pm. This event includes a live bag piper, a traditional Irish dinner (corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, soda bread and scones) along with coffee, tea or soda. Event tickets are $45 per person and must be reserved in advance by calling 732-818-7580. Click here for more information.

March 18:

Allaire Village Flea Market (Wall) starts at 8am and goes until 2pm. The cost of admission is $5 per person. Learn more here, or call 732-919-3500.

St. Patrick’s Day Irish Breakfast (Long Branch) takes place from 9am-noon at Ocean Place Resort and Spa. There will be Irish dancers and a breakfast buffet that includes corned beef and cabbage. Adult tickets are $39 each, and kids ages 6-12 are $19 each. Reserve your spot here, or call 732-571-4000.

March 20: Kids Paint with the Bunny at Rosalita’s Roadside Cantina (Brick) from 5-7pm. Put on your bunny ears and have a great evening of fun and painting! Registration is $20 per child and also includes a meal from the kid’s menu. Registration is required by calling 732-504-5232. Find out more information here.

March 25:

Bradley Beach Mediterranean Festival will take place from 2-8pm at the Ascension Center (501 5th Avenue). There will be food, folk dance, music, art, jewelry and accessories, imported items, home décor, clothing, crafts, gifts and more. Find out more here, or call 732-776-2999.

Easter Egg Hunt at Legacy Gymnastics (Toms River) from 3:30-4:45pm or 5:15-6:30pm. All participating children will have a chance to find 15 eggs, as well as meet the Easter Bunny and take photos. After the egg hunt, open gym will be available as well as a snack. Cost to participate is $20 per child, and pre-registration is required. Get more details here, or call 732-864-6633.

March 29: Wine and Bundt Cakes at Laurita Winery (New Egypt) takes place from 7-9pm. For $35 a person, guests 21+ can enjoy a flight of four wines and four mini bundt cakes (lemon, red velvet, chocolate chip and white raspberry) from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Online registration is required, or you can also call 609-752-0200.

March 30: Monmouth Wine and Food Experience at Molly Pitcher Inn (Red Bank) will take place from 6-9pm. The cost to attend is $55 per person, and guests must be 21+ to attend. The event features food from local restaurants, cocktails, live music, giveaways, and more. All proceeds support JBJ Soul Kitchen. Find out more here.

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this February 2023

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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 5th 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 173rd 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.

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this January 2023

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Happy New Year! We hope you enjoy some of these great winter events in a town near you this month, as we kick off 2023.

January 6:

The Little Mermen will be at House of Independents on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park at 8pm. The ultimate Disney tribute band returns! Come and enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and epic sing-alongs. Tickets cost $17 and can be purchased online here.

January 7:

Bruce Springsteen Symposium at Monmouth University (West Long Branch) takes place from 9am to 5pm. The Archives and Center for American Music will present this celebration of the 50th anniversary release of Springsteen’s debut album. Tickets are $50 per person, and more information can be found here, or call the box office at 732-263-6889.

January 8:

New Year’s Holiday Victorian Tea at the Mathis House in Toms River from 11am-3pm. The Inn will remain decorated for the holidays through the end of January, and will be featuring various events on most days of the week! Don’t miss this great Sunday tea that also includes live music, a five course meal, and a tour of the historic Mathis House. Cost is $50 per adult on weekends (weekdays is $40), kids up to age 12 are $20, and under age 5 are free with a paid adult. Call 732-818-7580 for reservations or go to https://www.mathishouse600main.com/

January 13:

Commemorative Breakfast Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Sheraton Hotel in Eatontown from 7:30am to 9:30am. The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County will be holding their 34th annual commemorative breakfast buffet with various keynote speakers. Tickets are $35 for adults, and $10 for those ages 16 and under. Purchase your tickets at https://ymcanj.org/mlk

January 15:

Lacey Township High School Flea Market from 9am to 2pm at 73 Haines Street in Lanoka Harbor. This is the 13th annual event to help the Lacey Fishing Club fund trips, outdoor experiences, and scholarships. Get ready to shop and support! Admission is $5. Learn more here.

January 18:

Wonderous Winter Walk at the Manasquan Reservoir (Howell) begins at 10am. Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore the Manasquan Reservoir in the wintertime. Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot. This event is open to all ages; under 18 must be with an adult. Sturdy footwear is recommended, trails may have inclines or tree roots to step over. Free to attend! Learn more here, or call 732-751-9453.

January 20:

Miniature Golf Tournament at Ocean County College (Toms River) begins at 6pm in the Larson Student Center. Don’t miss an evening of competition, food, drinks and fun! Call 732-557-8000 to learn more, or sign up here.

January 21:

Bluebird Workshop takes place at the Manalapan Community Center on Rt. 33 West from 10am to 11:30am. This event is a great opportunity for the entire family to learn how to attract these beautiful birds to your yard or nearby trails, by providing a habitat for them. Did you know Eastern Bluebirds help control backyard mosquitos naturally? For more information click here.

January 29:

Seashore Open House at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park (Long Branch) from 1-4pm. Engaging hands-on activities will entertain and educate you and your family about the shore and the sea. Speak with a Park System Naturalist about your own shell collection or the aquatic animals on display. You can even create a beach keepsake to take with you. This event is free to attend! Call 732-229-0924 with questions, or click here.

Know anyone getting married in the near future? The Jersey Shore Wedding Expo will take place from 12pm-4pm at Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch. It’s the largest Jersey Shore Wedding Expo featuring over 10,000 square feet of bridal show exhibits. There will be hundreds of ideas to plan your wedding, dozens of vendors, live shows, prizes, honeymoon giveaways, and much more. To learn more and reserve your spot (this event is free to attend) call 732-571-4000, or click here.

 

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this December 2022

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  With so many joyful and festive events happening this month, it’s definitely going to be hard to choose which ones to attend. Enjoy this special time of year with your family and friends – check out the many free or inexpensive activities happening this December in a town near you.

December 2:

The Manasquan Annual Candy Cane Hunt will take place from 6pm-8:30pm at Main Street Squan Plaza. Learn more here, or email info@manasquanchamber.org. You may also call 732-223-8303. This event is free to attend!

Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting takes place from 5pm-8:15pm in the courtyard of town hall. There will be live entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies, Santa will be arriving on a firetruck and then there will be photos with Santa as well. Learn more here.

December 3:

Allaire Christmas Lantern Tours (Wall) takes place from 5pm-8pm at the Historic Village at Allaire. Tickets cost $35-$45 and can be purchased here or you can call 732-919-3500 for more information.

Brielle Chamber of Commerce’s 1st Annual Holiday in the Park will take place from 2pm-6pm at Brielle Park. Come and enjoy a fun filled event for all ages with food, Santa, shopping, pony rides, caroling and more. This all leads up to the tree lighting! For more information click here or call 732-528-0377.

Ocean Grove Holiday Festival will take place from 10am-3pm on Main Avenue. Come and enjoy crafters, artisans and live music from Terry and the Hats from 11am-1pm, and Band of Strays from 1pm-3pm. For more information click here or call 732-774-1391.

Carriage Rides through Historic Allentown Village takes place from 11am- 2pm at Allentown Borough Hall. What a wonderful time of the year to enjoy Historic Allentown by horse drawn carriage! For more information click here or call 609-259-3151.

Bell Works Holiday Markets (Holmdel) takes place from 2pm-7pm. This event is also available on December 7th from 11am-4pm, and again on December 10th from 2pm-7pm. Take advantage of the opportunity to shop local this holiday season! For more information click here or call 732-226-8818.

Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar will take place from 12pm-5pm at Grand Arcade of Convention Hall. The Bazaar will feature a curated roster of the best local and regional artists, vendors and shops selling vintage goods, art, photography, live music, food, holiday photo stations, craft workshops, kids’ activities and more. For additional information, click here or call 732-897-6500.

December 4: Jackson Township’s Toyland will take place from 10am-3pm at the Senior Center on Don Connor Blvd. Walk through a winter wonderland, visit the train room, leave a letter for Santa, visit the gift shop, meet your favorite characters, enjoy face painting, balloon art, refreshments, and while supplies last – kids 10 and under will receive a free dressed teddy bear from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Learn more here or call 732-928-1200.

December 6: Downtown Freehold’s Tree Lighting takes place from 5pm-7pm at the Hall of Records. This free event is a great opportunity for the entire family. The Rock and Roll Choir will perform, The Court Jester will be providing hot cider, and the Freehold Fire Department may even stop by with a special guest! For more information click here or call 732-333-0094.

December 9:

Christmas Holiday Evening Stroll (Wall) takes place from 6pm-9:30pm at the Historic Village at Allaire. This is a rare self-guided tour through Allaire Village at night as candles and lights beautifully illuminate the village. The general store will also be open for gift shopping, the bakery will be open for sweet treats, and other various historical buildings will be accessible. Bring the entire family out, ticket costs range from $4-$8. This event is also scheduled for December 16th. For more information click here or call 732-919-3500.

New Egypt Holiday Flea Market from 5pm-8pm at 933 Monmouth Road in Cream Ridge. Eat, shop, drink (wine samples provided by Cream Ridge Winery for those ages 21+) and be merry! Get more info here.

December 10:

Breakfast with Santa (Freehold) takes place from 9am-12:30pm at Sweet Lew’s Café, 6 East Main St. For more information click here or call 732-308-1887.

Winter Wonderland (Pt. Pleasant) will be happening from 4pm-7pm at Pleasure Park on St. Louis Ave. Suggested admission is a $5-$10 unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots and $2 per person to go toward Pt. Pleasant Beach Recreation Committee Fundraising. You won’t want to miss photos with Santa, a pet friendly photo booth, an ice sculptor, hot cocoa and other refreshments, reindeer rides, a movie in the park, holiday crafts, cards for soldiers, carolers, a DJ, and lots of holiday cheer! Learn more here, or you can email recreationcommittee@pointbeach.org

December 11:

Sunday Brunch with Santa (Freehold) begins at 10am and goes until 3pm at the American Hotel. For more information click here or call 732-333-0094. This event also takes place again on December 18th.

5th Annual Santa Fun Run (Highlands) goes from 11am- 2pm at Proving Ground Waterfront Dining. Also happening from 10am-1pm is breakfast and photos with Santa, so bring the kids for a fun experience. To learn more about registering for the Fun Run click here or call 732-291-4713.

Bayshore Holiday Bazaar (Atlantic Highlands) takes place from 12pm-5pm at Shore Casino. Celebrate the holidays with family & friends at this great event for all ages (it’s also pet friendly). Have fun while shopping, enjoy the beautiful decor, holiday photo stations, and food/drinks. For more information click here.

December 16: Jenkinson’s Sea of Lights (Pt. Pleasant) takes place from 4pm-8pm at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk on Ocean Ave. This winter wonderland includes treats, crafts, pictures with Santa, games, diving Santa and holiday entertainment. The Aquarium, Sweet Shop, Aquarium Gift Shop, Pavilion and Pavilion Arcade will also be open. This event will also be held on 12/17, 12/27 and 12/28. Learn more here, or call 732-892-0600.

December 17: Lighting Up Nature (Beachwood) from 6pm-8pm at Jakes Branch County Park on Double Trouble Road. If you’re heading out to drive around and check out holiday lights, don’t forget to swing by this free holiday light display! This event also takes place on 12/18 and 12/19. Learn more here, or call 732-506-9090.

December 21: Wondrous Winter Walk at Big Brook Park (Marlboro) begins at 10am in the lower pond parking lot (County Road 520). Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore the park in winter. Open to all ages, and free to attend. Sturdy footwear is recommended also. See more information here or call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312.

December 31:

Annual JSRC New Year’s Eve Twilight Fun Run and Party (Manasquan) takes place from 4pm-6:30pm at Leggett’s Sand Bar. This event is $20-$35 to attend, depending upon if you are attending the party, the run, or both. More information is available here, or call 732-223-3951.

First Night Ocean County (Seaside Heights) takes place from noon to 5pm at 410 Boardwalk. This is an annual NYE event among participating boardwalk arcades, and admission is $10. Find out more details here, or call 732-830-3700.

Happy Holidays from all of us at First Financial, and wishing you a prosperous 2023!

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this November 2022

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It’s time to kick off the start of the holiday season and there are so many great things to do with family and friends in the upcoming weeks to celebrate this special time of year! Check out our list of free or inexpensive activities happening this month in a town near you.

November 4:

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week (Monmouth & Ocean Counties) runs from November 4th through November 13th and covers a wide range of participating restaurants from Seaside Heights to Red Bank, and several towns in between! Enjoy a 3-course meal with your choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert for either $30.22 or $40.22. See the participating restaurants, menu and details here. You can also contact jim@jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com or 732-859-5643.

Allaire Village Auxiliary Stocking Stuffer Sale (Wall) takes place from 10am to 3pm (November 4th and 5th) and from 12-3pm on Sunday, November 6th at the Historic Village at Allaire in the Visitor Center. Admission for this event is free. For more information click here or call 732-919-3500.

November 5:

Broadway at the Barn (Holmdel) will take place from 8pm-9:30pm at the Holmdel Theatre Company on Crawfords Corner Road. Come and enjoy a great fall night of storytelling, laughter and music. Doors open approximately 30 minutes prior to show time and tickets cost $49. Tickets can be purchased here. For more information click here, or call 732-946-0427.

Ocean Grove’s Fall Fling Arts & Craft Show takes place from 10am-4pm at Auditorium Square Park. Don’t miss this wonderful event to come out and shop, dance and dine with other crafters, food vendors and bands. There will be live music too! Admission is free. Learn more or call 732-774-1391.

Awesome Autumn Campfire (Beachwood) will take place from 1pm-3pm at Jakes Branch County Park on Double Trouble Road. Enjoy live music, lawn games and refreshments with the family. Don’t forget to Bring a blanket and chairs. Click here to learn more or visit Ocean County Parks & Recreation on Facebook for the latest updates. You may also contact them at 732-506-9090.

November 10: Santa is coming to the Freehold Raceway Mall from 11am-7pm. The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit from Santa’s winter wonderland. The entire family is welcome for this fun event. Don’t miss the opportunity to pre-book your appointment to reduce your wait time here. A visit with Santa is always free, and photo packages are available for purchase. Learn more here, or call 732-577-1144.

November 11: Holiday Sip and Shop (Keyport) takes place from 4-8pm at the Kevin Kelly Salon.  This free event is an excellent way to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy a signature cocktail and hors d’oeuvres while getting a head start on your holiday shopping. A portion of the proceeds will help the children from the Collier group home celebrate the holidays. To learn more about this event visit their website, follow the salon on Instagram, or call 732-497-0025.

November 12:  Monmouth Fall Craft Show (Tinton Falls) starts at 9am until 2pm at Fort Monmouth Recreation. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping while enjoying a craft show featuring many hand-made items. Admission and parking are free.  For more information click here, or call 848-456-4278.

November Food Truck Festival (New Egypt) will take place from 11am-9:30pm (Saturday, 11/12) and 11am-8pm (Sunday, 11/13) at Laurita Winery. Admission is $12 online in advance or $14 at the door for guests 21 and older. For more information and to purchase event tickets, click here.

November 13: Holiday Gifts, Crafts & Collectibles Fair (Toms River) will run from 10am-3pm at Toms River High School South. You can expect several vendors, baked goods, used books, displays by numerous historical societies, and a 50/50 raffle. There is free admission to this event. For more information contact Jeff at 609-339-9134, or you can learn more here.

November 20: Monmouth Museum Holiday Train Display (Lincroft) starts from 10am-4pm at the Monmouth Museum on campus at Brookdale Community College on Newman Springs Road. You won’t want to miss seeing this train with the family for free, from November to January 8, 2023. Learn more here or call 732-747-2266.

November 25:

Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar starts on 11/25 and runs every weekend through December 18th from 12pm-5pm at the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall. Come enjoy this great event featuring shopping, dining, entertainment, and beautiful holiday décor. Learn more here or call 732-897-6500.

Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival (Pt. Pleasant) begins at 5:30pm-8:30pm at Downtown Point Pleasant Beach.  Get your picture taken with Santa at Ocean County Music, and also enjoy refreshments, horse and carriage rides, and many more activities for the children. To lean more, click here or call 732-899-2424.

November 26: Santa’s Viking Christmas Village (Barnegat Light, LBI) takes place from 10am-5pm at the Historic Viking Village. Come and enjoy over 40 artists and crafters, live music, a fire pit, s’mores bar, lawn games, food and special holiday sales. Santa will arrive at 1pm by firetruck! Admission is free. Get more information here.

November 27: Celebrate the Arrival of Santa (Freehold) from 11am-1pm at iPlay America. Meet Santa and get a free photo-op while making holiday crafts that you can take home. You can even spread more cheer and donate a toy or $5 towards gifts for charity, and also get 2 hours of unlimited video games. Click here for more information or call 732-577-8200.

November 29: Holiday Market (LBI) starts at 10am and runs until 3pm at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences in Long Beach Township.  You can expect to see amazing clothing, jewelry and ceramics made by local residents. To learn more, click here or call 609-494-1241.

November 30: Holiday Style Luncheon & Shopping Spree (Shrewsbury) takes place from 11am-4pm, at the Shadowbrook. This event is hosted by the Monmouth Conservation Foundation and will feature guest speaker Lee Woodruff. Tickets cost $175 and can be purchased here. For more details, click here or call 731-747-0200.

We hope you have a great Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones!

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this October 2022

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Hello Autumn! It’s that time of the year again when the leaves are changing, the weather is amazing, and you can grab a hot pumpkin coffee and a sweater and check out this list of all the great Fall events happening in a town near you.

Halloween House Ocean County (Toms River) at the Ocean County Mall on Hooper Avenue. This event is ongoing throughout October and is available at multiple days and times, and you won’t want to miss the Halloween fun for all ages! Get all the details and purchase your tickets online here, or call 732-244-8200.

October 5:  Fall Concert Series (Downtown Freehold) takes place from 7:30pm to 9:30pm on East Main Street at the Hall of Records. Come and enjoy an evening of upbeat and entertaining music. This is a free event for everyone. For more information click here, or call 732-333-0094.

October 7: Annual Oktoberfest (Asbury Park) will be happening at the Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten on Lake Avenue from 4pm until midnight. Come and enjoy live music, food, and beer complemented by Munich-style tents on the roof top. This event is for adults 21+ only. Learn more here, or call 732-997-8767.

October 8:

Fall Outdoor Antique and Flea Market (Ocean Township) will take place from 9am-3pm at the Historical Museum on Deal Road. This event is free admission. Find out more information here, or call 732-531-2136.

Fall Harvest Festival (Ocean Grove) starts at 10am and runs until 4pm at Auditorium Square Park on Main Avenue. The event will be held rain or shine, and is free to attend. There will be an arts and crafts show, and live music as well. There will also be parking and a shuttle at Midtown Community Elementary School on Rt. 33 in Neptune. Get more information by calling 732-774-1391 or click here.

Fall Taste of Highlands at Huddy Park, from 12pm-5pm. Enjoy five hours of delicious food samplings and cocktails from nearly 20 restaurants and retailers. Tickets cost $45 and can be purchased here, which also includes free parking and a map of participating establishments. To get more information click here or call 732-291-4713.

October 9: Stafford Fall Wine & Harvest Festival (Manahawkin) takes place from 12pm-5pm at Heritage Train Park on West Bay Avenue. Don’t miss this great event for adults 21+ to learn about and sample wines created by some of New Jersey’s leading wineries.  Enjoy live music, and be sure to get in line for some tasty eats from the food trucks. You’ll also want to bring your own chairs or blankets. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the gate. For more information call 732-991-1672 or click here.

October 12:

Flavor of Freehold takes place at 10 East Main Street from 5:30pm-8pm. Get ready to take a tour of Downtown Freehold with your event passport, and sample signature treats from different establishments and shops. Tickets are $20 each, and you can find out more about the evening and purchase tickets online here. Be sure to support this event as proceeds go toward preventing substance abuse. Questions? Call 732-333-0094.

Downtown Toms River’s Scarecrow Walk begins, and runs through October 31st. The streets will be lined with scarecrows for this annual event.  For two weeks, the public is invited to visit and vote on their favorite. Participating businesses will have ballots for voting.  Just look for the Scarecrow Walk poster in their window. Learn more here, or call 732-341-8738.

October 14: Family Halloween Movie Night (Downtown Freehold) starts at 7pm with a showing of Ghostbusters at the Hall of Records on East Main Street. This event is free to attend. Get more details by calling 732-333-0094 or click here.

October 15:

Ocean Grove Vintage Car Show from 10am-3pm on Main Avenue. The event will be held rain or shine. A canned good or $5 donation is preferred to attend this event, and all proceeds will benefit St. Paul’s Food Pantry. There will be live music throughout the day as well. Find out more here, or call 732-774-1391.

Brick Fall Fest at Windward Beach Park from 1pm-7pm. Fall Fest is a family friendly event that features food trucks, games, hatchet throwing, rides, fire pits, a cornhole tournament, and much more! The event concludes with a fireworks display and is free to attend. Call 732-262-1000 or visit https://www.bricktownship.net/ for additional details.

Fall Fireworks Festival (Pt. Pleasant) will be taking place from 5pm-9pm at Riverfront Park on River Road. There will be music, activities, food vendors, and fireworks will begin at dusk. Get more information.

October 16: The American Cancer Society’s Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk (Pt. Pleasant Beach) begins at 10am. Come join our team, The First Financial Fighters or donate online to this important cause. Learn more here, or call 732-820-7075. Every little bit helps – Think Pink!

October 22:

Howl-O-Ween Familyfest and K-9 Costume Contest (Upper Freehold) will be happening from 12pm-5pm at Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, located at 118 Rt. 526. There will be a 50/50 raffle, vendors, food trucks, and live music. For the dogs, there will be pet photos, a ghost walk, a dog friendly hayride, puppuccino drinks, a costume contest, and more! General admission is $5 each, kids under 6 are free. Learn more here, or call 609-259-1278.

Fall Festival and Outdoor Movie (Barnegat) from 11am to 7pm, located at the field across from the firehouse at 14 Birdsall St. The event features food trucks, children’s inflatables, live music, craft vendors, fire pits and a showing of Hocus Pocus on the lawn at dusk. Admission is $10 for adults, children are free. Call 609-698-0080 ext.130 or click here for more information.

October 23: Lakewood PBA Auto Show will take place from 9am-2pm at the Blue Claws Stadium. Pre-registration to attend is $10, or $15 on the day of the car show. Find out more details here.

October 26: Halloween Ladies Night at the Mathis House (Toms River) on 600 Main Street at 6pm. This is an opportunity to get dressed in your best costume for a special Halloween-themed evening of tea, dinner, contests and shopping. Tickets cost $25 per person to attend. Get more information by calling 732-818-7580 or you can learn more here.

October 29 & 30: Jenkinson’s Boo at the Boardwalk (Pt. Pleasant) from 12-4pm each day. There will be crafts, face painting, a beach maze, underwater pumpkin carving, some kiddie rides & more! Call 732-892-0600 or click here to learn more.

October 31: Toms River Volunteer Fire Company’s Annual Halloween Parade begins at 7pm. The parade route begins at the Toms River Shopping Center on the corner of Highland Parkway and Rt. 166 and travels down Main Street turning left onto Washington Street ending at the corner of Washington Street and Hooper Avenue. Registration is from 8am to 4pm on the day of the parade at the firehouse, 26 Robbins St. You can find out more by calling 732-341-0144 or visiting their Facebook page.

We hope you all enjoy Autumn and have a safe and happy Halloween!