The unofficial start to Summer is almost here at the end of this month! Be sure to check out these upcoming dates for some free or inexpensive events happening in a town near you.

May 7:

Spring Fling Arts & Crafts Show (Ocean Grove) will take place at Auditorium Square Park (Main Ave. to Pilgrim Pathway) from 10am to 4pm, rain or shine. There will be a wide variety of crafters, artisans and makers. Enjoy live music from Jo Wymer and Chuck Lambert. Don’t miss this day of fun, food, and festivities! Admission is free. Learn more at https://www.oceangrovenj.com/ or call 732.774.1391.

Creative Arts Festival (Lincroft) will begin at 10am and end at 4pm at Thompson Park, and will be held rain or shine. See the works of local artists and fine crafters from all mediums including pottery, jewelry, photography and painting. There will also be live music and food vendors. Admission and parking are free. Learn more here, or call 732.842.4000.

May Day Spring Festival (Seaside Park) will take place from 10am-3pm at Island Beach State Park Swimming Area 1. There will be food trucks, music, family fun, craft and pet vendors. This event will be held rain or shine, there is an $8 suggested donation to attend. Dogs on a leash are invited to attend as well. Learn more here.

Toms River Food Fest will begin at noon and go until 8pm at 33 Washington St in Downtown Toms River. There will be lots of gourmet food trucks, live music, and arts & crafts vendors. Learn more by calling 732.341.8415 or click here.

May 13: Downtown Night Out (Toms River) kicks off again every Friday and Saturday night for the summer, after two long years! Don’t miss the great restaurants and businesses of Downtown Toms River open for outdoor dining, shopping, music and fun on Washington St. Call 732.341.8738 or click here for more information.

May 14:

Vintage Car Show (Ocean Grove) from 10am to 3pm. There will be live music, food, and more! Canned goods or a $5 donation is suggested for car admission. Canned goods will be donated to St. Paul’s Food Pantry. Get more information at https://www.oceangrovenj.com/ or by calling 732.774.1391.

4^th Annual Brew by the Bay (Highlands) from 12-5pm. Hosted by the Seafarer (1 Atlantic Ave.), the event and tastings take place on the picturesque waterfront. Tickets are $35 per person, and include seven 4 oz. tastings and a commemorative pilsner cup. There will be live music, fire pits, and delicious local smoke cuisine. Ages 21 and older to participate. Find out more here, and purchase tickets online. You may also call 732.291.4713 for more details.

May 15: BBQ Jamfest (Pt. Pleasant) from 12-4pm at 710 Arnold Ave. There will be an outdoor cookout with live music, BBQ brisket and ribs, prizes, and cornhole. Tickets are $10 each in advance, or $12 at the door. There is a rain date of 5/22. Learn more here and purchase tickets online. You may also call 732.899.2424.

May 19: The Colts Neck Community Band will host a free concert at Colts Neck High School (59 Five Points Rd.) from 7:30-9:30pm. The concert will include various styles of music and will feature local singer Cheryl Parker. The concert will be open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Find out more at https://coltsneckband.org/

May 21:

Sean Strong Dine to Donate Fundraiser (Farmingdale) will be held at Woody’s Roadside Tavern to benefit NJ State Trooper Sean Acker from 12-5pm. Come and enjoy food and drinks, and there will also be a DJ and a gift auction – all for a great cause. Email seanstrong6889@gmail.com for more information or for sponsorship opportunities.

World Diversity Day Children’s Festival (Freehold) will take place from 1-4pm. This is a free event and will be held at Lake Topenemus Park, 251 Pond Rd. There will be live performances and hands on activities including story telling, sing-a-longs, folk dancing, crafts, book giveaways and more. 5 to 10-year-olds and their families are invited to broaden their horizons, learn acceptance and have a great time! Learn more here.

May 29:

The 21^st Annual Seaport Craft Show (Highlands) will take place from 10am to 5pm at Huddy Park on Bay Ave. Admission is free. Come experience a delightful collection of various handmade crafts from more than 60 crafters and artisans. There will also be live entertainment, and lots of shopping for unique gifts, art, and jewelry. Find out more here or call 732.291.4713.

Viking Village Arts & Crafts Show (Barnegat Light) will take place from 10am to 4:30pm at the Historic Viking Village at 19^th and Bayview Ave. There will be over 70 vendors, fine arts, photography, ceramics, wood crafts, clothing, jewelry and accessories. Admission is free and there is plenty of parking. The event will be held rain or shine. Learn more here or call 609.361.8039.

May 30: The Freehold Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10am in Freehold Borough at 1 East Main St. This parade is the oldest and largest Memorial Day parade in Western Monmouth County, with an average of more than 70 units participating each year. The parade features many military units, veterans groups, bands, fire departments, EMS squads, youth groups, custom designed floats and civilian units.​ Learn more at https://downtownfreehold.com/ or call 732.462.4580.

We hope you have a great May, and Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms!