Tag Archives: Monmouth County Events

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

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Summer is here and it’s prime time for outdoor activities at the Jersey Shore! Be sure to check out these upcoming dates for some free or inexpensive events happening nearby this month.

June 2:

Point Pleasant Summerfest kicks off from 6-10pm at the Community Park on Bridge Avenue. The event will also continue on Saturday, 6/3 from 11am-7pm. The festival will feature live music, food trucks, market/craft vendors, and inflatables for the kids. All-day $10 wristbands are available for purchase. Entrance to this community event is free and fun for the whole family! Friday night will feature bands, food, and a beer & wine tent for guests ages 21 and up. Call 732-295-8850 to get more information, or click here.

Moonlit New Egypt Flea Market will take place at 933 Monmouth Road in Cream Ridge from 5-9pm. The Market will be lit up and transformed into a mystical and magical village that is truly something special. There are many cute shops to be explored and treasures to be discovered! Pets are welcome, and this event only occurs four times a year – so you won’t want to miss it. Get more details here or call 609-758-2082.

June 3:

Ocean Grove’s Spring Flea Market will take place from 9am to 4pm at the Great Auditorium on Pilgrim Pathway. Admission is free, and the event will be held rain or shine. Learn more at https://www.oceangrovenj.com/ or call 732-774-1391.

The Keyport Garden Walk will take place from 11am to 3pm at Keyport Gardens (70 West Front Street). This is a free event and is a unique self-guided tour on both 6/3 and 6/4, and an opportunity to enjoy and explore the public and private gardens of this charming town on the Raritan Bay. You will discover perennial gardens in charming neighborhoods, learn about the environmentally beneficial rain gardens along Keyport’s magnificent waterfront, and hear from marvelous gardeners as they offer you a tour.  Call 732-351-2167 or click here to learn more.

June 10:

Allaire Village Flea Market (Wall) from 8am to 2pm, with a $5 admission fee for those ages 12 and up. Don’t miss one of the Jersey Shore’s greatest flea markets! Find out more information here, or call 732-919-3500.

Summer Solstice Craft Show (Brant Beach, LBI) will take place from 9:30am to 4pm at the St. Francis Community Center on LBI Blvd. There will be 65+ local artists, crafters, and makers vending their handmade items. Admission is $2 and don’t forget to purchase your auction tickets to participate in a chance auction with many pieces from the talented vendors. Call 609-494-8861 for more information, or click here.

National Outlet Shopping Weekend at Jersey Shore Premium Outlets (Tinton Falls) from 10am to 9pm on both June 10th and June 11th. Don’t miss this highly anticipated event, featuring major savings! Get thousands of deals from brands you love all weekend long. You’ll also be eligible for a free tote bag while supplies last, there will be food trucks present, live entertainment and kids’ activities too. Find out more here, or call 732-918-1700.

June 11: New Jersey Irish Festival at Monmouth Park Racetrack (Oceanport) from noon to 5pm. Don’t miss an exciting day of live racing, Irish food, vendors, dancing, music, and more. Admission is $6 per person for adults, children ages 12 and under are free. Parking is also free. Purchase your tickets online here, or call 732-222-5100.

June 17:

Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department Craft Fair & Flea Market (Toms River) will take place from 8am to 4pm at 40 Clayton Avenue. The firehouse kitchen will be open for delicious food and there will be plenty of local vendors featuring great items for purchase. Learn more by calling 732-664-2237 or click here.

The Manasquan Art Walk will take place from 10am to 4pm along Main Street. This event features free admission and you’ll get to enjoy strolling down Main Street and browse original works of art by local artists, artwork available for purchase. Rain date is June 18th. Call 732-554-1916 or click here for more details.

June 18:

Take Dad to the Cruise to the Jersey Shore Car Show on Father’s Day in Long Branch! This event is free to attend, and will take place at The Great Lawn on Ocean Avenue (Pier Village) from 9am to 3pm. See more details here, or call 732-222-7000.

Father’s Day at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (Point Pleasant) starts at noon. All Dads will receive free admission with a paying child to the aquarium, fun house, rides, mini golf, and adventure lookout. Learn more here, or call 732-892-0600.

June 21: Attend the first Family Movie Night in Downtown Freehold from 8:30pm-10:30pm with Back to the Future Part II! This outdoor movie night is free to attend for the whole family, and takes place at the Hall of Records on East Main Street. Call 732-333-0094 or click here to learn more (and see the whole outdoor movie schedule for the rest of summer!). Don’t forget to bring a blanket or lawn chair.

June 24:

Argos Farm Blueberry Festival (Lacey) will run from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy live music, delicious blueberry treats, summer photo ops, and hand-picked farm fresh blueberries! Buy tickets online and learn more at https://www.argosfarm.com/blueberry-festival or call 609-693-3513.

Wine and Pizza Festival at Monmouth Park Racetrack (Oceanport) will take place 6/24 and 6/25 from 11am to 5pm. Admission for this event is $15 each for adults ages 21+ and includes a day of wine sampling and a commemorative tasting glass (pizza can be purchased separately). Purchase your wine sampling ticket in advance online and save 15%. Call 732-222-5100 with any questions.

June 27:

Barnegat Drive-in Summer Movie Series begins at dusk with the first free drive-in movie of the season – a showing of Super Pets, at Barnegat High School (180 Bengal Blvd). Call 609-698-0080 ext.130 for more details, or click here.

Jenkinson’s Free Summer Movies on the Beach (Point Pleasant) begins at 9pm on Pavilion Beach in front of the aquarium. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy free Tuesday night movies on the beach all summer beginning tonight (weather permitting). On 6/27, The Lion King will be shown. Call 732-892-0600 or click here to learn more and see the rest of the summer movie line-up.

June 28: Another great classic Family Movie Night in Downtown Freehold will take place from 8:30pm-10:30pm with Pretty in Pink! Once again, this event is free to attend for the whole family (weather permitting). See more details here, or call 732-333-0094.

We hope you have a great June, and Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads!

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

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

May 10: Mother’s Day Candle Making Class (Waretown) at Breakers Kitchen & Tap will take place from 6pm-8pm. The cost to attend is $45 and includes a free drink, 2 candles, 2 labels, and you’ll get to choose your choice of candle scents. Learn more here or email homemadenjcandleco@gmail.com. Advanced registration is required.

May 11: Nurse and Teacher Appreciation Days (Freehold) will take place at iPlay America on 5/11 and 5/12 from 5pm-9pm. As a thank you to all local teachers and nurses, iPlay America is offering a day of fun for you and your family with 50% off unlimited iRide Bands both days. Learn more here, or call 732-577-8200.

May 12: Downtown Toms River’s Night Out is back! From 5pm-9pm every Friday and Saturday night in May, throughout downtown Toms River – restaurants and businesses are open with outdoor dining on Washington Street, live music, shopping and more. Call 732-341-8738 for more details, or go to https://downtowntomsriver.com/

May 13:

The Allaire Village Flea Market (Wall) will begin at 8am and go until 2pm, and is $5 per person for admission. Don’t miss one of the Jersey Shore’s best outdoor flea markets, with over 100 vendors. Learn more and buy tickets online at https://allairevillage.org/ (you can also pay at the door), or call 732-919-3500 for more information.

Vintage Car Show (Ocean Grove) goes from 10am to 3pm rain or shine, along Main Street. There will be live music and more, and this event is free to attend – however a $5 donation or canned good item for St. Paul’s Food Pantry is appreciated. To learn more, call 732-774-1391 or visit https://www.oceangrovenj.com/events

Asbury Park Spring Bazaar starts at 12pm and goes until 5pm both 5/13 and 5/14, at the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall on Ocean Avenue and an additional location on Sunday. The weekend will feature shopping, arts and crafts, and music in two beautiful locations by the beach – the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall (both days) and Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch (Sunday 5/14 only). Call 732-897-6500 for more details, or click here.

Bradley Beach Spring Market & Music Festival will take place at Riley Park (615 Main Street) from 11am to 4pm. Free admission, and there will be over 90 vendors, live music, food trucks and lots of kids activities! Learn more here, or email connect@bradleybeachalliance.org

May 14: Mother’s Day Brunch at She Shed Eatery on Arnold Avenue (Pt. Pleasant Beach) from 10:30am-1pm. The cost to attend is $28 per adult and $18 per child, reservations are required. Call 732-202-7023 or click here.

May 17: Free Dinner and Skate Night (Jackson) takes place every Wednesday from 6:30pm-9pm at United Skates on West County Line Road. Admission is $14 per person and includes a slice of pizza and a small drink. Get more details here, or call 732-363-2222.

May 19: New Jersey Seafood Festival (Belmar) begins at 4pm and goes until 8pm at Silver Lake Park, 500 Ocean Avenue. The Seafood Festival will also continue on 5/20 (11am-8pm) and 5/21 (11am-6pm). There is free admission for this event. Call 732-681-3700 x211 to learn more, or visit here.

May 20: Made in Ocean County (Cream Ridge) goes from 10am-3pm at 933 Monmouth Road. Come and shop dozens of local vendors selling items such as art, home décor, baked goods, jewelry, gifts, soap, candles, produce, food trucks and more. Free admission and pets on a leash are also welcome to attend. Get more information here, or call 609-758-2082.

May 21: Food Truck Festival and Car Show at Laurita Winery (New Egypt) from 11am to 7pm. You won’t want to miss live bands, a car show, vineyard wagon tours, and clown face painting! Tickets are $13 per person paid in advance online, or $15 per person at the door. Those under 21 are free. Call 609-752-0200 to learn more, or click here.

May 25: Cheese All That Charcuterie Class at Fleur de Mer (Ocean Township) from 6:30pm-8:30pm at 3316 Sunset Avenue. The cost to attend is $55 per person and includes a class demonstration, ingredients to build your own charcuterie board to take home, seasonal floral decorations, and light refreshments. Registration is required, click here to register for this event or call 908-489-8757.

May 27:

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival will take place rain or shine all weekend from 9am to 7pm. On 5/27 there will be a parade and vendors, 5/28 will feature vendors and on 5/29 there will be a Memorial Day service. Find out more at https://www.bradleybeachnj.gov/ or call 732-776-2999.

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at Monmouth Park Racetrack (Oceanport) from 12pm-4pm. Come and enjoy this most delicious event all holiday weekend long, with nearly 40 mouth-watering food trucks. Admission is $6 per person – sample everything from lobster rolls to mac & cheese, to fried Oreos! Call 732-222-5100 for more information, or click here.

May 29:

Bay Head Memorial Day Remembrance begins at 10am. In honor of our fallen military, show your respect and spirit by waving to the Bay Head Fire Company as they pass by your home this Memorial Day. More details here.

Farmingdale Borough’s 50th Anniversary Memorial Day Parade begins at 1pm on Main Street. Find out more at https://www.farmingdaleborough.org/ or call 732-938-4077.

Downtown Freehold Memorial Day Parade begins at 10am on both East & West Main Streets. Cheer on our veterans organizations, youth sports teams, scouts, and community organizations as we pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the United States. This event is rain or shine. Learn more here, or call 732-333-0094.

Manchester Township Memorial Day Parade starts at 10am at World War II Memorial Park. Get more information by calling 732-657-8121 or at https://manchestertwp.com/

Matawan Borough’s Memorial Day Parade begins at 11am on Main Street between Little and North Streets, and is free to attend. Find out more here, or call 732-566-3898.

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

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

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Happy spring! Be sure to pencil in these dates for some free or inexpensive events happening in a town near you this month.

April 3 – 9: Bradley Beach Restaurant Week will feature great food and drink specials from over 15 local eateries! Find out about participating restaurant specials and make an online reservation here.

April 8: Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny (Pt. Pleasant) at Pleasure Park on St. Louis Avenue begins at 12pm. Join the Easter Bunny in a fun egg hunt, and there will also be snacks and a craft to enjoy afterward. Pre-registration is required, and the cost to attend is $2 per child. Learn more here, or on Facebook.

April 8 & 9: Photos with the Easter Bunny (Pt. Pleasant) at Jenkinson’s Beach. Don’t miss free photos with the Easter Bunny! This event will take place from 1-4pm on April 8th on the beach by the south arcade, and from 12-3pm on April 9th under the radio deck by the aquarium. Learn more here, or call 732-892-0600.

April 10: Free Ice Skating Lesson (Brick) will begin at 11am at The Ice Palace on Chambers Bridge Road. If you ever wanted to learn how to ice skate, here is your chance – for free! Register for the no-cost lesson here, or call 856-655-3461.

April 13: Annual Ladies Night Out (Pt. Pleasant) will take place from 4-8pm along Arnold and Bay Avenues. There will be in-store specials, raffles and discounts, as well as refreshments. Reusable canvas bags and coupons for participating stores can be purchased for $25 by calling 732-899-2424. Learn more here.

April 14: Glow in the Dark Skate Party (Jackson) will be happening from 6:30-9pm at United Skates of America Inc. on West County Line Road. Admission is $14 per person and skate rental is $6 per person. Find out more details here or call 732-363-2222.

April 15: Allaire Village Flea Market (Wall) will take place from 8am to 2pm and is $5 admission per person to attend for ages 12 and up. Don’t miss one of the best flea markets at the Jersey Shore! Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at https://allairevillage.org/. You may also call 732-919-3500 for more information.

April 17: Board Game Night (Forked River) from 6-9pm at Shipwreck Games on North Main Street. Bring any board game, card game, or family fun/friendly games along with your friends and family for a good time! There is no admittance fee, and you’ll play for free. If you don’t have any games to bring, there will be games available for you to play. Call 609-622-8525 for details, or click here.

April 21 – 30: Jersey Shore Restaurant Week is one annual event you won’t want to miss! With over 50 participating restaurants and specials from eateries in Belmar, Asbury Park, Pt. Pleasant, Red Bank, Long Branch and more – you’re guaranteed to have an amazing meal. View all participating restaurants here. For either $30.23 or $40.23 per person, you’ll get to enjoy a 3-course meal with your choice of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert at any participating location.

April 22: Kites at the Pier Festival (Long Branch) will take place from 9am to 4pm at Chelsea Avenue Beach in Pier Village. There will be kite flyers from all areas of the eastern seaboard flying their most incredible creations, craft and artisan vendors, inflatable rides, shopping and dining. Find out more details by calling 732-923-0100 or click here.

April 22 & 23: Historic Allentown Spring Stroll from 10am to 5pm on South Main Street, will showcase quality handmade local crafters and artisans, live entertainment in the forms of music, dancing, clowns, a petting zoo, pony rides, food trucks, and much more! Call 215-880-4065 or visit https://www.allentownnj.com/spring-stroll/ for more information.

April 29:

Spring Trunk Sale (Seaside Park) will take place from 8am to 3pm on the J Street Marina lawn. Park your car and sell your stuff! There is a $10 registration fee to participate. Register by emailing recreation@seasideparknj.org or call 732-966-6572. Learn more here.

8th Annual Lobster Run 5k (Asbury Park) to care for the coast goes from 9am to 12pm at The Break on Ocean Avenue. Cost to participate ranges from $35 to $55, depending upon whether you will also be including a brunch buffet meal after the run. Register at https://raceforum.com/lobster or call 732-291-0055.

Made in Monmouth Craft Fair (Lincroft) will take place from 10am to 4pm at Brookdale Community College in the Collins Arena. There will be over 200 vendors featuring products made in Monmouth County – such as art, home décor, jewelry, baked goods, gifts, chocolate, soap and more. This event includes free admission. Learn more at https://www.madeinmonmouth.com/ or call 732-224-2345.

We hope you have a happy Easter, Passover, and spring season and enjoy the beautiful weather!

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.