Summer is in full swing, so in addition to celebrating Independence Day – we hope you can celebrate the sunshine and long days of July with these free and inexpensive activities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

July 1

Festival of the Sea (Long Beach Island) – Celebrate at the Festival of the Sea, taking place at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish & Center parking lot from Tuesday, July 1st through Saturday, July 5th from 6pm-10pm. The festival has something for everyone, from games and rides the whole family will love to classic carnival fare. Unlimited ride bracelets are $45, and the fairground games and food service have varying prices. You can find more information here.

Pre-Teen Tuesdays (Long Beach Island) – Boredom doesn’t stand a chance with those ages 10-14, taking place at Bayview Park Pavillion on select Tuesdays from 7pm-8pm through August 19th. Each week offers a new chance for your pre-teen to participate in a different activity – such as a murder mystery, bingo, and trivia – and will give your wallet a break. There is no entry fee to attend. For additional information, click here.

July 2

Ice Cream Social & Magic Show (Toms River) – You may be able to easily convince the whole family to attend something if ice cream is involved, and magic shows are no exception! Bring everyone down to Mathis House for an ice cream sundae building buffet and a magic show by Mr. Ron Owens, beginning at 6:30pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets online.

Independence Day Celebration (Howell) – Let freedom ring at Soldier Memorial Park from 5pm-9:30pm. From free family-friendly games, rides and activities, to a live band and a DJ providing round-the-clock entertainment and fireworks at dusk – there’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day in Howell. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food and alcoholic beverages (for those ages 21+) for purchase. Click here for more information.

Free Movies on the Beach (Belmar) – Beginning on July 2^nd through August 27^th, there will be a free family movie on 7^th Avenue Beach which begins at dusk. Be sure to bring your blankets or chairs and snacks, and sit back and relax. Shrek will be shown on July 2^nd. View more details and the rest of the summer movie line-up here.

4^th of July Celebration (Ocean Township) – This annual celebration will take place from 6pm-10pm at Joe Palaia Park. There will be food trucks, activities for kids, live music by the Eddie Testa Band, and fireworks will begin at 9:30pm. You won’t want to miss it! Find out more.

July 3

Independence Day Celebration (Colts Neck) – Make your way to Bucks Mill Park at 6pm to celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. There will be tunes from the Colts Neck Community Band, an apple pie contest, a flag ceremony with the Colts Neck ROTC Color Guard, and classic Fourth of July food favorites (think hot dogs, hamburgers, and cotton candy). There is a $10 donation/cost for parking. Click here for additional information.

Independence Day Fireworks (Hazlet) – Celebrate freedom and free fun at the Independence Day fireworks at Veterans Park from 6pm-10pm. You are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy the free fireworks and live entertainment. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food for purchase. You can find more information here.

Independence Day Fireworks (Lacey) – There is another chance to enjoy stars, stripes, and fireworks at Lacey High School – beginning at 7:30pm. There will be a free fireworks display and live entertainment, along with food available for purchase. Click here to learn how you can join in on the patriotic fun in Ocean County.

July 4

Fourth of July Parade (Pine Beach) – If you don’t have plans for the Fourth of July, look no further – head down to Pine Beach Chapel for a Fourth of July parade, beginning at 9am. Aside from an array of floats and a ceremony at Vista Park, there will be races and games for the whole family to join in on.  For additional information, as well as instructions on pre-registering for the events you wish to partake in – click here.

Oceanfest (Long Branch) – Head down to the Promenade Boardwalk from 1pm-10pm to join in on what is widely regarded as the biggest Independence Day celebration at the Jersey Shore. This family-friendly festival is a melting pot of Fourth of July activities – from performances by dancers and musicians, to a smorgasbord of food vendors. There will also be a spectacular fireworks display beginning at 9pm. There is no entry fee to attend, but there will be food available for purchase. You can find more information here.

Independence Day Fireworks (Pt. Pleasant Beach) – Celebrate Independence Day at Jenkinson’s spectacular fireworks show on the beach at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk at 9:30pm. Be dazzled with the stunning views of the fireworks from the boardwalk or the beach. This Independence Day fireworks display is an experience that the whole family can enjoy! Learn more.

July 6

Movies on the Beach (Seaside Heights) – Seaside Heights will turn the beach into a movie theater every Sunday through August 24th at 8:30pm. Audience members will be seated on the beach in the vicinity of Beach Patrol North Headquarters for a free showing of various movies the whole family will love. The first movie showing will be Jaws. Viewers are welcome to bring snacks. Click here to view the summer schedule of selected movies.

July 9

Ocean County Fair (Berkeley Township) – Come see what Ocean County is all about at the Ocean County Fair, held at Robert J. Miller Air Park from Wednesday, July 9th through Sunday, July 13th at various times. This five-day celebration features something for everyone – from livestock displays and 4-H showcases, to thrilling rides and live music. There is an entry fee of $10 per person, with ride wristbands available for purchase. Pre-sale wristbands are $35 through July 8th and regular price wristbands are $45 on-site. Click here to see how you can experience the fun, spirit, and community of Ocean County.

July 10

Movies Under the Stars (Howell) – Bring your family and friends to the Howell Library hill for free showings of family-friendly movies select Thursdays this summer. There will be activities beginning at 6:30pm and the movie will begin at dusk. All you need to enjoy the movie are lawn chairs and blankets – and some snacks. The first movie showing will be Ghostbusters. Click here to view the summer schedule of selected movies.

July 12

Concerts in the Park (Bradley Beach) – Bring a seat to rock out to some tunes at this free concert series at Riley Park, every Saturday through August 30th from 6pm-8pm. You will hear the sounds of local talent, playing a mix of musical favorites that the whole family is sure to enjoy. Click here for more information and the list of the bands that will be playing each week.

Freehold Township Day – Don’t miss this annual fun-filled festival from 4pm-11pm at Michael J. Tighe Park. There will be free rides for kids, a free teen center with a DJ, live performances throughout the day, food trucks & local vendors with items for purchase, and a free fireworks display starting at 9pm. Learn more here.

July 15

Pirate School Family Show (Seaside Heights) – Your little buccaneers will learn how to talk, laugh, and act like a pirate, and most importantly – sail a ship without sinking your budget at Pirate School. This free show takes place on Pier Stage on Tuesday, July 15th and Wednesday, July 16th – with two shows each night beginning at 6pm and 7pm. A swashbuckling adventure is promised, along with audience participation, exciting props, and magic. Click here for additional information.

July 19

Summer Stroll (Ocean Grove) – Take a stroll through stunning fine art pieces in Ocean Grove’s Business District, along Main Avenue between Central and New York Avenues – from 4pm-8pm. The sidewalks will be lined with art that is on display and for sale. There will also be live jazz music and refreshments to enjoy. There is no entry fee to attend, but you may purchase any of the art that is for sale. Click here for additional information.

July 20

Family Nature Day (Middletown) – You can explore more and spend less at a Family Nature Day held at Huber Woods Park Environmental Center from 10am-11:30am. You will enjoy an animal presentation, a guided nature walk, and a craft suited for children of all ages. You can visit this webpage to learn about the Environmental Center or call (732) 872-2670 (ext. 0336) for information regarding the event.

July 23

Monmouth County Fair (Freehold) – If you didn’t quite get your fill of fairs for the summer, the Monmouth County Fair is taking place from Wednesday, July 23rd through Sunday, July 27th at various times at the East Freehold Showgrounds. There will be unique exhibits, thrilling rides, classic games, live music, food vendors, and more. There is an entry fee of $10 per person – and children ages 12 and under, veterans, and active military with ID – are free to attend. Ride wristbands are available for purchase at $30 Wednesday-Friday, and $35 Saturday & Sunday. You can find more information here.

July 26

Italian Festival & Wine Tasting (Oceanport) – Say ciao to a taste of Italy without leaving the Jersey Shore – at Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from 11am-5pm. Along with the chance to purchase mouth-watering Italian favorites of the area, you can also partake in an Italian wine tasting if you are 21 or older. There will be family-friendly activities in the picnic area, as well as races on the racetrack. Wine sampling tickets are $15, and general admission to the racetrack is $6 the day of the event – and children ages 12 and under are free to attend. Click here for additional information and to purchase tickets online.