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

As the Summer continues to heat up, let’s look at some free and inexpensive activities to cool it down this August. Grab the entire family and explore these fun happenings around you!

August 1: Monday Concert Series (Seaside) begins at 7pm to dusk on the Franklin Avenue Stage at Seaside Heights Boardwalk. Bring a beach chair and enjoy the sounds of the local singers each week. Learn more here, or call 732-830-3700.

August 2:

National Night Out – Check your local police department’s website or Facebook page for fun, safe family activities! Learn more about the origin of the celebration here.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Kite Festival (Pt. Pleasant) from 11am-5pm. Enjoy kite flying, music, games, prizes and unforgettable special moments. Bring the entire family out! *Beach entry fees do apply for this event. Get more information here, or call 732-892-0600.

August 3: Free Family Outdoor Movie Night (Freehold) begins at 8:30pm with a showing of the Lion King (G) 1994, at the Hall of Records downtown. Don’t forget to bring your snacks and lawn chairs! Learn more here.

August 5: Princess Sing-A-Longs (Seaside) every Friday in August at Casino Pier from 3pm-5pm, 800 Ocean Terrace in Seaside Heights. Find out more here, or call 732-793-6488.

August 6:

Old Freehold Day at Topanemus Park, will feature a kids zone, food, various vendors, bouncy rides, a petting zoo and more! The event takes place from 12-5pm at 251 Pond Rd. Find out more details here.

Made in Monmouth (Cream Ridge) takes place from 12-6pm at Cream Ridge Winery, 145 Rt. 539. This event is free to attend. Attendees ages 21+ will get to sample wine while shopping for items by two dozen local Monmouth County vendors. Get more details.

August 6 & 7: New Jersey Friends of Clearwater Festival (Red Bank) from 11am-7pm at Riverside Gardens Park. Don’t miss the 47th annual celebration of music and the environment with live music on two stages, vendors, food and free sailboat rides. To learn more, click here.

August 7:

American Girl Doll Tea (Ocean Township) from 1-3:30pm at the Eden Woolley House Yard, 703 Deal Road. Attendees will get to complete a custom-made craft, enjoy refreshments, tour the house museum, and there will also be a doll shop available. Tickets are $30 and include one adult and one child. Call 732-531-6040 or click here for more information.

Argos Farm Sunflower Festival (Lacey) from 3-8:30pm, 1250 Lacey Road. There will be live music, photo opportunities, treats, an obstacle course, corn hole, tractors, and lots more! And of course you can pick your own sunflowers too. Learn more here.

August 8: Free Movie Mondays on the Beach (LBI) starts at 7pm. “The Goonies” will be shown at 7pm at 68th Street Beach in Brant Beach (6805 Long Beach Blvd.). Family Promise of Southern Ocean County will be selling concessions to help support their organization. For more information, click here.

August 10: Free Family Outdoor Movie Night (Freehold) begins at 8:30pm featuring Dora and the Lost City of Gold PG (2019) at the Hall of Records downtown.  Bring your snacks and lawn chairs! Learn more here or call 732-333-0094.

August 11: A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing (Howell) from 10am-2pm at the Manasquan Reservoir. Learn how to rig, bait, cast and hopefully catch your first fish! This event is free to attend. To learn more and register, click here.

August 13: Brick and Central’s Summertime Carnival (Bayville) from 5-10pm at Central Regional High School, 509 Forest Hills Parkway. There will be carnival rides, games of chance, food trucks and lots of fun! Learn more here, or call 732-269-1100.

August 19: Live Music (Downtown Freehold) from 7pm-9pm.  Don’t miss this free event at the Downtown Freehold Gazebo (1 East Main St.)! Learn more here, or call 732-333-0094.

August 22: Women’s Networking Event (Toms River) at Playa Bowls located at 224 Rt 37, from 5pm-8pm. If you are interested in networking with other local women, there are monthly meetings focusing on various topics regarding health and wellness. The topic for 8/22 is essential oils and massage therapy. The cost to attend is $25, which includes a $15 food credit. Learn more and purchase your ticket here.

August 27: Beachwood Community Day from 12-4pm at Birch & Surf Park, 1001 Ensign Avenue. There will be lots of vendors, giveaways, games, inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, food and more! Get more information here.

August 28: Free Movies on the Beach (Seaside) begins at 8pm at Carteret Avenue Beach. Boss Baby 2 will be shown on 8/28. Bring your own beach chairs and blankets! Learn more here or call 732-830-3700.

August 30: Hot Halloween (Pt. Pleasant) will take place at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk from 3pm-7pm. This is a free event for all ages, so don’t forget to dust off those costumes to have a great time! Find out more.

August 31: They Might Be Giants (Asbury Park) will be performing at Asbury Lanes, located at 209 4th Avenue. Doors open at 7pm, come out to bowl and get a chance to see a great performance. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.asburylanes.com/ or call 732-361-6659.

We hope you all enjoy the rest of summer and wishing all the teachers and students a great new upcoming school year!

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

It’s time for some fun in the sun! Enjoy the weather and the sights and sounds the summer season brings. Check out these local activities happening this month in a town near you, as well as all the great Independence Day fireworks displays!

July 1:

Aberdeen Fireworks – The festivities begin at 6pm at Veterans’ Memorial Park (Ocean Blvd. and Lakeshore Drive) with lots of food trucks, face painting, and fun! Shuttles from LA Fitness will be available. Fireworks will take place after dusk at 9pm. Learn more on Facebook, or call 732-583-4200, ext. 130

Belmar Fireworks & Light Show Fundraiser – Catch the fireworks at 9pm at the Taylor Pavilion (512 Ocean Ave.). Donations are encouraged to support Rebuilding Warriors. Learn more by calling 732-681-3700 or visit Belmar.com

Ocean Township Fireworks – Town Independence Day celebration takes place at Joe Palaia Park from 6-11pm. There will be music, food trucks, fun and fireworks. Bring your own lawn chairs and picnic in the park! Learn more here.

July 2:

Asbury Park Fireworks – The fireworks begin at 9pm between Second & Fourth Avenue beaches. Get more details by calling 732-775-2100 or visit cityofasburypark.com

Barnegat Fireworks – Festivities will begin at 5:30pm at Barnegat High School (180 Bengal Blvd.) with food trucks. There will be a concert by Joey D’s Rockin’ Oldies Band at 6pm on the lawn in front of the school auditorium. At 7:30pm there will be a light show and music from Arties Parties, and fireworks will take place at 9pm. Learn more at Barnegat.net

Six Flags (Jackson) Coca-Cola July 4th Fest – Will take place all holiday weekend from Saturday, July 2nd to Monday the 4th. Say Happy Birthday America with screamin’ rides, spectacular fireworks, music, and of course ice-cold Coca-Cola. Fireworks will be at 9:30pm every night of the event. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here or call 732-928-1821

Manasquan Fireworks – The Independence Day Celebration starts at 5:15pm with a bike decorating contest at the little league field, and then a 6:30pm parade at Manasquan Coast Guard. Music on the beach will start after the parade, and then fireworks will begin at dusk on Main Beach. Learn more here.

July 3:

Bradley Beach Fireworks – Fireworks will begin at 8pm on the beachfront. Learn more at bradleybeachnj.gov

Colts Neck Fireworks – A celebration will start at 6pm at Bucks Mill Park (137 Bucks Mill Rd.) and there is free parking. Fireworks will conclude the event by 9pm. Learn more here.

Freehold Borough Fireworks – Doors open at 5:30pm at Freehold Raceway (130 Park Ave.) and there will be live music. Fireworks will take place at dusk, bring your own blankets or folding chairs. Call 732-462-4200 or click here to find out more details.

Wall Fireworks – Will begin at 9pm at the Municipal Complex located at Allaire and Bailey’s Corner Roads. Find out more at patch.com

July 4:

Beach Haven Fireworks – Fireworks begin at dusk on Taylor Avenue in Bay Village. Call 609-492-2800 for more information, or click here.

Lakewood BlueClaws Fireworks – Fireworks will take place after the baseball game ends, at First Energy Park (2 Stadium Way). Admission is included with your game ticket. Enjoy a nice night at the ball field with great food, followed by holiday fireworks! Call 732-901-7000 or visit blueclaws.com to purchase tickets.

Long Branch Fireworks – Oceanfest begins at 10am in Pier Village and features musicians, dancers, rides, sand sculpting, crafts and food vendors. Fireworks begin at 9pm. Call 732-222-0400 or visit oceanfestnj.com for more information.

Pt. Pleasant Beach Fireworks – Take place at Jenkinson’s Beach starting July 4th once it’s dark, and then every Thursday night through 9/1. Learn more here or call 732-892-0600

Seaside Heights Fireworks – Begin at 9:30pm on the boardwalk, and then take place every Wednesday night until August 24th. Find out more at exit82.com

July 5: Lacey Township Fireworks – Live music by Shallow Green begins at 7:30pm at Lacey High School (73 Haines St.), and fireworks will be at 9:15pm. Call 609-693-1100 ext. 2203 for more information, or visit laceytownship.org

July 7: Brick Fireworks – As part of the SummerFest Concert Series, the food court opens at 6pm, live music starts at 7pm, and fireworks will end the evening. The event takes place at Windward Beach Park (265 Princeton Ave.). Find out more at bricktownship.net

July 8: Atlantic Highlands Fireworks – Start at 9:45pm at the Atlantic Highlands Marina (2 Simon Lake Dr.). Get more details by calling 732-291-1444 or visit ahnj.com

July 9: Freehold Township Fireworks – As part of Freehold Township Day, a car show begins at 3pm, and festival from 4-11pm with live music, kids’ rides, food, and more. Fireworks will take place at 9pm. All activities are at Michael J. Tighe Park (65 Georgia Rd.). Call 732-294-2199 or visit freeholdtownshipday.com for more details.

July 10: Elliot’s Legacy – Kites for a Cure (Deal) – From 4-7pm at 1 Jerome Ave. in Deal, don’t miss this beautiful kite flying event to help raise money for lung cancer research. Call 212-588-1580 or click here for more information.

July 13:

Family Movie Night (Downtown Freehold) – Begins at 8:30pm and is free to attend. The event takes place at the Hall of Records (1 E. Main St.). Don’t forget to bring your own snacks and lawn chairs! 7/13 will feature 2019’s “Blinded by the Light” movie. Learn more by calling 732-333-0094 or click here.

Ocean County Fair (Berkeley Township) – Begins at 5pm on July 13th and goes through July 17th. There will be entertainment, animals, rides, food, and vendors. Admission is $8 and kids under 10 are free. Parking is also free. Learn more here or call 732-914-9466

July 19: Summer Movies in the Park (Red Bank) – “Encanto” will be shown beginning at dusk in Riverside Gardens Park on West Front St. This event is free to attend, and don’t forget your blankets or lawn chairs. Learn more here.

July 21: Jersey Shore Arts Center’s Outdoor Movie Night (Ocean Grove) – Starts at 8pm at 66 South Main Street, and features “Back to the Future.” The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Call 732-502-0050 for more information.

July 24: Mary Poppins at the Algonquin Arts Theater (Manasquan) – Takes place at 3pm at 60 Abe Voorhees Drive. Tickets can be purchased here, or call 732-528-9211

July 30: Vintage Boat Festival (Toms River) – Takes place from 10am-4pm at Huddy Park (39 East Water Street), and will feature a little fun for all ages! The event will be a celebration of the rich maritime history of Toms River and Barnegat Bay, featuring many vendors and historic, vintage and interesting watercraft. Call 732-349-9209 or go to https://www.tomsriverseaport.org/

July 31: Movies on the Beach (Seaside Heights) – “Sing 2” will be playing from 7-10pm at 410 Boardwalk (Carteret Avenue Beach). This event is free to attend, just bring your own beach chairs and blankets! Call 732-830-3700 for more information or click here.

We hope you have a great July!

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

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 10:

Live Music in Downtown Freehold will take place at the Gazebo (10 East Main St.) from 7-9pm and is free to attend! This event will be taking place every Friday night during the summer. There will also be additional live music performances at the Performance Plaza next to Suite 23 Barbershop (27 West Main St.). Learn more here.

June 11:

Brick Township Historical Society Giant Yard Sale runs from 8am to 2pm, at the Havens Homestead Museum (521 Herbertsville Rd.). There will be a variety of items such as household furnishings, costume jewelry and more. There will also be a homemade bake sale, and a licensed gold/silver dealer to buy unwanted metals. Learn more by calling 732-785-2500 or online here.

Stafford Township Founders Day begins at 10am at 260 East Bay Ave. There will be a hometown parade, entertainment, food trucks, mechanical and inflatable rides, vendors, and fireworks at dusk. Learn more here or call 609-597-1000 ext.8573

Red Bank Street Life is free to attend, and you won’t want to miss the sidewalks coming to life every summer Saturday night from 6-9pm! There will be performances from local musicians and artists. Find out more at https://www.redbank.org/ or call 732-530-2777.

June 16:

Kite Night on Ortley Beach starts at 5:30pm on Third Avenue Beach. Be sure to bring a beach chair or blanket and get an ice cream cone from Mr. Softee as you watch all the beautiful large-scale kites on the beach! Get more information.

Stars on the Bay, A Night with Sinatra (Keyport) is free to attend, and takes place from 7-9pm. Don’t miss this great concert series featuring a Frank Sinatra tribute band, while enjoying a beautiful night on the bay at Keyport Mini Park on West Front Street. For more information, call 732-739-5138 or visit the event link on Facebook.

June 18:

Seaside Classic Car Show from 9am-3pm at Stewart’s (1200 Central Ave. – Route 35 South, Seaside Heights). Lots of great classic cars to check out, live DJ and music, trophies will be awarded, and food discounts will be available for car show participants. Learn more.

June 19:

Father’s Day Celebration at iPlay America (Freehold) from 12-9pm. Dads get to ride free, all day long! You can also save $10 on booking a Topgolf Swing Suite for Dad in advance of Father’s Day. Call 732-577-8200 or click here for more details.

June 23:

Free Outdoor Movie (Ocean Grove) at 7pm. Don’t miss the classic movie Footloose, outdoors at the Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 South Main St in Ocean Grove. Pre-registration is required, and can be done online here. For questions, call 732-502-0050.

June 25:

11th Annual Taste of Highlands begins at noon and goes until 5pm. You won’t want to miss this spectacular event with five hours of scrumptious samplings and cocktails at over twenty great Highlands restaurants and establishments. The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets are $45 and include a map and free parking. Ticket holders must check in at Huddy Park on Bay & Waterwitch Avenues and pick up their map/bracelet. For more information, call 732-291-4713 or register online.

Manchester Day starts at 2pm at 1501 Lake Road in Whiting. There will be lots of food and craft vendors, fireworks, rides, and swimming! Get more information by calling 732-657-8121 or click here.

June 29:

Free Family Outdoor Movie Night in Freehold begins at 8:30pm with a showing of Karate Kid, at the Hall of Records downtown. Don’t forget to bring your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks! Learn more at downtownfreehold.com

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 2022

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.

4th 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 21st 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 19th 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!

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

Happy Spring! We’re excited to resume our local things to do on a budget monthly blog posts, now that more in-person events are taking place again. Pencil in these dates for some free or inexpensive activities happening in a town near you this month.

April 2:

Run-A-Palooza (Belmar) will take place on the Belmar Boardwalk beginning at 9am and will go through 7pm. Find out more information by calling 732.681.3700 or by visiting Belmar.com

Opening Night at New Egypt Speedway starts at 4pm. The 2022 racing season kicks off this month with Cabin Fever 40 and the battling it out for 40 laps. Adult admission is $23, teens ages 12-15 are $20 and kids under 11 are free. Call 609.758.1900 or visit their website for more information.

April 8:

Spring Fish Fry (Bradley Beach) will be held from 5-8pm at the Bradley Beach Fire Department. Come out to support the fire department at 815 Main Street. Learn more at bradleybeachnj.gov or call 732.776.2999

April 9:

Spring Craft Show (Tinton Falls) will take place at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center (2566 Guam Lane) from 9am to 2pm. There will be plenty of unique items available for purchase including blankets, hair accessories, photography, seasonal décor, and more! Admission and parking are free. Learn more here or call 848.456.4278.

Easter Eggstravaganza (Middletown) begins at 10am and is free to attend. This event takes place at the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church St) and the first 500 kids to attend will receive a goodie bag. There will also be crafts and Easter Bunny photos. Learn more here.

Easter Egg Hunt at Battleview Orchards (Freehold) begins at 1pm. Kids up to age 10 will get to hunt for more than 4,000 eggs! The event is free to attend with a monetary or non-perishable food donation for local charity. Door prizes and refreshments will be available too. Call 732.462.0756 for more details or click here.

April 10:

Peter Cottontail’s Egg Hunt (Lincroft) will be held at Thompson Park from 9am-11am or from 12-2pm. This is a unique egg hunt that includes GPS and even archery! This event is designed for ages 9 to 12. Experience is not needed and equipment will be provided. Pre-registration is required. Learn more and sign up at monmouthcountyparks.com

Palm Sunday Easter Egg Hunt (Seaside Heights) will take place from 1pm-3pm on the beach. More than 10,000 eggs will be buried in the sand at five different age-separated locations (Hancock, Sumner, Hamilton, Franklin and Lincoln Aves). This event is free to attend. For more details, call 732.830.3700 or visit exit82.com

Jenkinson’s Egg Hunt (Pt. Pleasant) at 300 Ocean Ave, begins at 1pm for kids up to age 10. Each participating child will get to dig for 3 Easter eggs in the sand. Sand tools will be provided. Learn more here or call 732.892.0600

Spring Street Fair (Red Bank) will take place on Broad Street, rain or shine. Come out and enjoy Red Bank with crafters, food vendors, rides, and shopping! Call 732.741.9211 or visit redbank.org to learn more.

April 16:

Allaire Village Easter Egg Hunt (Wall) from 11am to 4pm. The cost to attend is $8 per person, and more than 15,000 eggs will be hidden! Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be done here, or call 732.919.3500 for more information.

Pt. Pleasant Beach Recreation Committee Egg Hunt will begin at 1pm. The egg hunt will take place at Pleasure Park on St. Louis Ave, and pre-registration is required. Pizza, snacks, and a craft will also be available for participants to enjoy. For more information, call 732.800.1109 or click here.

April 23:

Monmouth Moms Spring Festival at Bell Works (Holmdel) at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, from 11am-3pm. There will be mother’s day gifts available to purchase, arts & crafts, character visits, face painting, kids activities, local food, story time, over 75 vendors, and more! Learn more here.

April 30:

Spring Craft Show (Wall) will take place at Allaire State Park from 10am-4pm. Admission is $5 per person ages 6 and up. The rain date will be May 1st. Learn more at https://allairevillage.org/ or call 732.919.3500

Rescue Pawlooza (Neptune) will take place from 3-7pm at the Headliner Oasis Bar. There will be live music, raffle baskets, and drink specials – all to benefit animals in need through Shore Saves. Tickets are $20 each, and can be purchased in advance by calling 848.863.9059, emailing shoresaves@gmail.com or at https://www.shoresaves.com/events

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