Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this November 2024

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Business Development Rep Samantha

Although your Thanksgiving feast is around the corner, we want you to feast your eyes on these free or inexpensive activities to enjoy with your family and friends this November. We hope this list gives you some ways to spice up the month amidst all the holiday preparation!

November 1

Legends & Lore Boat Tour (Tuckerton) – If you haven’t quite been spooked this Halloween, you have another chance by visiting Tuckerton Seaport for a Halloween-themed, family-friendly boat ride along Tuckerton Creek starting at 4pm. Admission is $16 per person, and includes a narrated boat tour of hauntings and legends of the Jersey Shore and Pinelands, admission to the museum buildings (including climbing the lighthouse), crafts in the Folklife Center, a pumpkin decoration station, and more. With all these activities, you won’t want to miss it—and you have opportunities all weekend long through November 3^rd at 5pm. For an all-inclusive list of available times and purchasing tickets, click here.

November 2

Fall Fest & Fishing Tournament (Manahawkin) – Join the Maximilian Foundation at Manahawkin Elks Lodge #2340 from 12pm-6pm for their 8th annual Fall Fest & Fishing Tournament. Enjoy the crisp autumn air with your loved ones by checking out craft vendors, local bands, a magician act, a bouncy house for little ones, and more! Admission is free for all ages, and you can learn more here.

Hoofy’s Fall Fest (Barnegat) will be held in the field adjacent to the Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company Station 11 from 11am-7pm, with a rain date of Sunday, November 3rd. There are countless family friendly activities to enjoy – such as a cornhole tournament, children’s inflatables, live music, food trucks, and more. Admission is $10 per person. Additional information can be found here.

Jersey Devil Show (Waretown) – To celebrate New Jersey’s favorite urban legend, Albert Music Hall is hosting a night of haunting music, with doors opening at 5pm and performers taking the stage at 6pm. Five different bands and performers headline the evening, and the venue is selling dinner, desserts, and beverages to enjoy between sets. Admission is $6 per person, and $1 for children 12 and under. Parking is free, and the venue is cash only. Stay tuned for more details and updates here.

Soup and Sip (Colts Neck) – Join 4JG Orchards & Vineyards from 12pm-5pm for their 4th annual Soup and Sip, where guests (ages 21+) are treated to soup and wine pairings. You can enjoy your soup and wine by the fireplace, so be sure to bring a sweater to keep warm! Tickets are $25 per person and include the soup and wine. Find more details here.

November 8

First Responders’ Teddy Bear Clinic (Hazlet) – Local first responders are hosting a Teddy Bear Clinic from 4:30pm-5:30pm at the James J. Cullen Center, giving your little one the chance to bring their teddy bear in for a check-up and become comfortable with first responders should an emergency ever occur. Attendees will learn about different local first responders and basic first aid procedures, as your child’s teddy bear undergoes them! Click here to learn more.

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week runs from Friday, November 8th through Sunday, November 17th, and features more Jersey Shore fan-favorites than ever before. For $32.24 or $42.24, you can get a 3-course meal consisting of an appetizer, dinner, and dessert at participating restaurants. You can find an all-inclusive list of restaurants and their menus here.

November 9

Fall Craft Show (Tinton Falls) – Head over to the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center from 9am-2pm to check out specialty items, such as jewelry, crocheted/knitted items, and glassware – from over 40 unique vendors. Admission is free, so bring the whole family along to find unique gifts or get gift-giving inspiration just in time for the holidays! You can find additional information here.

Holiday Craft & Vendor Show (Wall) – The Historic Village at Allaire is hosting over 140 crafters, artisans, exhibits, and demonstrations from 10am-3pm to bring the holiday spirit to town! You will get a chance to see the work of local artists, as well as watch demonstrations from the carpenter, blacksmith, and tinsmith shops—to name a few. Admission is $5 for those 6 years old and up. You can learn more and purchase tickets here.

November 10

Family Candy Bingo (Hazlet) will take place from 2pm-4pm at the James J. Cullen Center. Bring the whole family to maximize your chances of winning Bingo—and the candy prizes that come along with it! If you would like to increase the pot, bring some candy to turn in when you buy your bingo boards. Registration is required, and there is a fee of $3 for those 4 years old and older. For additional information and a link to register, click here.

Hot Rod Harvest Festival and Car & Truck Show (Lacey) – Stop by Murray Grove with your family, friends, and furry friends from 9am-3pm to check out unique cars and fall activities. This event promises to be fun for the whole family with a wide array of cars old and new, a DJ/live music, vendors, and a competition to show off your pets for a chance to win a special award! Admission is free, but registration for your vehicle is $20 if you plan on showing it to attendees. Learn more by visiting this webpage.

November 16

Outrageous Reptiles (Belmar) – The Belmar Public Library is calling all animal lovers to Taylor Pavilion at 11am for a morning of learning about various reptiles, with an opportunity to see some them in person! Knowledgeable keepers will be present to teach you about some of the most fascinating reptiles in the animal kingdom and answer some of your most pressing questions. Admission is free, however, registration is required to attend. It is important to note that attendees will not be able to directly interact with the reptiles for the safety of themselves and the animals. A link to register, as well as additional information, can be found here.

Rock to Fight Alzheimer’s (Neptune City) – Head over to Headliner Oasis from 1:30pm-6pm for an afternoon of rocking out while bringing awareness and raising funds to combat Alzheimer’s. Your $20 ticket includes an opportunity to see all four bands headlining the event. There will also be a 50/50 cash raffle, gift basket raffle, and door prizes. For more information and purchasing tickets, click here.

November 17

5K Turkey Trot & 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Howell) – Bring your family and friends down to Oak Glen Park for a morning of walking or running through the crisp autumn air, with race day check-in starting at 8am and the race kicking off at 9am. Pre-registration is required to participate in the 5K or 2 mile fun run/walk and costs $25/participant. The 5K course is trail-style. You can find additional information here.

November 23

Give Thanks Food Truck Festival (New Egypt) – Laurita Winery is welcoming family and friends of all ages to check out their grounds and food trucks on Saturday, November 23rd (11am-9pm) and Sunday, November 24th (11am-7pm). Adults (ages 21+) can pair delicious wines with various food offerings from the food trucks that will be onsite. Those under 21 are welcome to enjoy the food and music, but must be supervised by an adult. Tickets purchased in advance are $13, with tickets being $15 at the gate. Admission for anyone under 21 is free. Laurita Winery invites you to visit their website to learn more and purchase general admission tickets in advance.

Granny’s Attic Craft Show (Middletown) is returning for its 43rd year at Thompson Middle School from 9am-4pm. Boasting as one of the largest craft shows on the East Coast, Granny’s Attic brings together over 250 vendors and crafters selling unique items, right in time for the holidays. By attending, you can also participate in a 50/50 raffle and a $1,000 Visa gift card raffle. General admission is $6, and children under 3 are free—with all proceeds going to support Thompson Middle School. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.

Harvest Fest (Lacey) will take place at the Lacey United Methodist Church from 9am-2pm, featuring holiday photos with Santa from 10am-1pm. In the spirit of the coziness of fall, there will be baked goods, homemade soups, and chili for sale—along with items from other crafters and vendors! Check out this page for more details.

November 30

Victorian Holiday Open House with Santa & Mrs. Claus (Toms River) – Get in the holiday spirit with your loved ones by meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Ocean County Historical Society from 10am-3pm, with pictures with our friends from the North Pole taking place from 11am-2pm. The Victorian style house will be complete with holiday decorations and music playing within, holiday-themed refreshments, and gifts for the children attending. In the spirit of giving this holiday season, admission is free for all ages. To learn more about this event, click here.

On behalf of the team at First Financial, we want to extend our warmest Thanksgiving wishes to you and your loved ones. We hope you find yourself spending time around the table with family and friends, and find gratitude in the little things this Thanksgiving!

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this October 2024

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Business Development Rep Samantha

It’s spooky how many free and inexpensive activities there are to enjoy with your family and friends this October. We promise this list is full of treats and absolutely no tricks!

October 1

Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins & Apples (Colts Neck) – Every weekday from 9am-4:30pm, and every weekend from 9am-5:30 pm through October 31st, join Eastmont Orchards for apple and pumpkin picking. Admission is free and you will only pay for what you pick. Eastmont Orchards encourages visitors to check their social media or call ahead before visiting, as well as bring their own bags. Find more details here.

October 5

Fall Harvest Festival Arts & Crafts Show (Ocean Grove) will take place from 10am-4pm at Auditorium Square Park, rain or shine. This event will feature crafts, art, live music, and food. Admission is free. Additional information can be found here.

Oktoberfest (Seaside) – Island Beach State Park welcomes you to celebrate fall at Oktoberfest, taking place at Swimming Area 1 for the entire day. For a suggested donation of $8 – you can bring your family, friends, and furry friends on a leash – to enjoy food, brews (ages 21+), vendors, live music, and a pet costume parade and contest. For more information, click here.

October 6

Oktoberfest (Freehold) – Freehold Borough will be shutting down West Main Street so you and your family can enjoy a wide array of activities from 12pm-5pm. Oktoberfest will bring together the community to celebrate Bavarian culture through unique vendors, food, games and more. The Beer Garden will have tables and seating to enjoy the fare, and there will be live music on the Main Stage and in the Beer Garden throughout the day. Admission is free and all ages are encouraged to come take part in the festivities, although you must be 21+ to purchase and taste any alcoholic beverages. You can find out more details here.

October 7

Teen Pumpkin Painting (Howell) – The Howell Branch of the Monmouth County Library System invites your 6th-12th graders to paint a pumpkin from 7pm-8pm. While the pumpkin and materials are supplied, registration is required since there are limited spaces available. To register your teen and learn more about the event, visit the Monmouth County Library Calendar of Events.

October 8

Fall Flavor of Freehold – From 5pm-8pm join in an evening of exploring what the downtown area has to offer. You’ll be equipped with an event passport to use as a guide, as you embark on your walking tour to check out the restaurants, bars, and shops. Tickets are $25 per person, and they come with signature samples of what some of these beloved Freehold Borough establishments have to offer. Check out past participants, as well as additional information for this year’s event here.

October 12

Fall Arts & Crafts Festival (Middletown) will take place from 10am-4pm at the Middletown Arts Center. This inaugural event will feature local artisans and crafters, food trucks, and more for the whole family to enjoy. Admission is free, with free parking for visitors across the street. The event takes place outdoors, so we encourage you to check the weather before heading over! You can find additional information here.

Fall Food Truck Festival (Neptune City) – Head over to Memorial Park for a day of family fun at the 3rd Annual Fall Food Truck Festival. While admission is free, local food trucks will be selling refreshments, and there will be beer/wine to purchase for tasters 21+. Aside from the food and beverages, there are still plenty of free activities to enjoy – such as live music, games, a petting zoo, a light show, and more. Learn more here.

October 13

Halloween Fun Fest (Long Beach Island) will take place October 13th from 10am-2pm and October 19th from 4pm-8pm at Fantasy Island Amusement Park. There are countless family friendly activities to enjoy, including a trick or treat trail, pumpkin patch, costume contest, face painter, family photos, and more. Select rides, boardwalk games, and the arcade will be open. Tickets are $15/adult and $20/child (ages 1-17) and includes a $10 Fun Card and access to all activities. Registration is required for the session you and your family wish to attend. For more event information, click here.

October 19

Halloween Bonfire & Doggie Costume Contest (Hazlet) will take place at Leocadia Court Park from 4pm-8pm (rain date is Sunday, October 20^th). Although it is free to come enjoy the bonfire and Halloween activities with your family and friends, Hazlet encourages you (and your dog!) to wear your Halloween costume. There will be a Howl-o-ween doggie costume contest as well. You can find more information here.

Harvest Festival (Little Egg Harbor) – Get in the fall spirit at the Harvest Festival, taking place from 10am-4pm at Pinelands Regional High School. Admission is free for all ages, and you’ll want to take advantage of it with all of the fun family activities taking place throughout the day. There are free family photos, giant inflatables, craft vendors, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and more. Find more information here.

October 21

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Howell) will be told at the Howell Branch of the Monmouth County Library System at 6pm. This one-man-show will feature the classic horror tale and a fully staged presentation sure to entertain all ages, followed by a short historical information session and light refreshments. Admission is free, and we are sure the whole family will get in the Halloween spirit by listening to the tale of the Headless Horseman! Find more details here.

October 24

Trunk or Treat (Wall Township) – The Annual Trunk or Treat will take place rain or shine in the Wall Municipal Complex Parking Lot from 6pm-8pm. Bring your family and friends from infants to 13 years old, to check out the decorated trunks, show off your best Halloween costume, and go trick or treating. Admission is free. Don’t hesitate to ask the owners of a trunk for allergy-friendly options, too! You can find more information here.

October 25

Halloween Hullabaloo (Middletown) – Join Middletown for a spook-tacular night of Halloween fun at Poricy Park from 5:30pm-8pm. The Hullabaloo will feature a costume contest, trick or treating, hayrides, an inflatable corn maze, and more. Admission is free for residents, and registering prior to the event is recommended here. Make sure your loved one is one of the first 300 kids at the event, as they will get a special treat. Check out this website for more details.

October 26

Halloween Event (Ocean Grove) – Join Ocean Grove in celebrating Halloween a few days early from 1pm-3pm. Head on over to Main Avenue for free trick or treating, Halloween crafts and festivities, and a photobooth. With free admission, you’ll definitely want to break out your best Halloween costume for this event! For more information, click here.

October 27

1830s All Hallows Eve Trick-or-Treating Celebration (Wall Township) – Ever wondered how they celebrated Halloween in the 19th century? You don’t have to wonder any longer after attending this event at the Historic Village at Allaire from 11am-4pm. This event allows you to step back in time while still enjoying the Halloween activities of today, including live demonstrations, spooky storytelling, craftmaking, and a carved pumpkin contest. Tickets are $10/adult and $5/child (ages 4-12). For more information about the event and the carved pumpkin contest, as well as purchasing tickets – click here.

October 31

Jacks and Lights (Lacey) – Celebrate the spirit of the season from 6pm-9pm at Argos Farm, when you walk through a trail of hundreds of lit jack o’ lanterns carved into amazing designs. You’ll find a lit pumpkin trail, a pumpkin patch, photo ops, a flashlight corn maze, tasty treats, and much more. Don’t miss out on this magical adventure, perfect for those of all ages! For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

First Financial hopes you and your family take time to ‘Trick-or-Treat Yourself’ with these fun activities this October. We hope you have a wonderful Halloween!