April showers not only brought May flowers, but they brought free and inexpensive activities to enjoy with your family and friends in Monmouth and Ocean Counties all month long.

May 3

Boujee Foodiecon (Oceanport) – If you consider yourself a “foodie” and want to sample some adventurous bites, head over to Fort Monmouth from 12:30pm-7pm on May 3rd or 12:30pm-6pm on May 4th. With appearances from over 40 vendors, as well as family-friendly games and music all day – this event will have something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, with children 10 and under being free to attend. This event will be held rain or shine. Click here to purchase tickets and view the list of vendors.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Toms River) – Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Downtown Toms River on Washington Street from 12pm-6pm. The vendors, music, food, and drinks will give you a taste of authentic Mexican culture and cuisine without having to leave Toms River. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for more information.

Made in Monmouth (Lincroft) – Made in Monmouth is making it easier than ever to shop local, bringing together over 250 Monmouth County vendors from 10am-4pm at the Robert J. Collins Arena & Recreation Events Center at Brookdale Community College. Selling everything from home décor to baked goods, jewelry and craft beverages – you can shop while supporting Monmouth County’s small businesses. Entry is free for all to attend. For more information, click here.

Ocean County Children’s Festival (Toms River) – Bring your little ones down to the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library from 11am-3pm for a fun-filled day. This event promises to have indoor and outdoor programs and activities geared toward children, as well as resources and community connections for families. All children who attend will have the chance to make an original piece of art to take home. The event is free for all to attend, and registration is not required. Click here for additional information.

May 10

Designer Bag Bingo (Surf City) – If playing bingo isn’t enticing enough, you have the chance of winning a designer bag when you play at the Surf City Volunteer Firehouse – with doors opening at 4:30pm and games beginning at 6pm. In addition to bingo, there will be a 50/50 raffle, designer wristlet/wallet raffles, and other raffle baskets to win if you purchase additional tickets. Admission is $35 and includes 13 rounds of bingo and a door prize ticket. If you don’t play, you can’t win – click here to learn more information and try to make that designer bag yours.

May 11

iPlay America Moms Play Free (Freehold) – Treat your mom to a day of fun at iPlay America, opening at 11am on Mother’s Day. Moms get a free 2-hour unlimited video game pass, $10 bonus card, and a carnation flower all day long. Other attendees can add ride, game, or arcade packages to join in on the fun with mom. Click here for additional information.

Spring Bazaar (Asbury Park) – If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate the mothers of all kinds in your life, bring them down to Convention Hall from 12pm-5pm on May 10th, and to Convention Hall and the Asbury Hotel from 12pm-5pm on May 11th. This weekend promises to be full of shopping from local makers, fresh flower bouquets, photos in front of unique stations, delicious food and libations (for those 21+), and live music. There is no entrance fee for all to attend, and there will be various goodies from vendors available for sale. Click here to view a sneak-peak of Mother’s Day weekend at the Spring Bazaar.

May 12

Dave & Buster’s Grand Opening (Freehold) – Join in on the fun at the Dave & Buster’s Grand Opening at the Freehold Raceway Mall at 11am. A longtime staple of family-friendly entertainment and dining, Dave & Buster’s brings together classic and modern arcade games and a full-service restaurant and bar under one roof. The first 100 people in line at the exterior entrance will get free gameplay all day. Click here to learn more about how you and your loved ones can be part of the Dave & Buster’s Grand Opening.

May 16

Jazz Night (Belmar) – The Belmar Arts Center will transform into a lively jazz club from 7pm-10pm. Whether you want to groove out to some smooth tunes or bring your instrument to jump in on a musical number or two, Jazz Night is the place to be to indulge in the rhythms of jazz. You can also bring snacks and drinks (BYOB for those 21+) to enjoy during the evening. There is a $5 entrance fee for all who attend. You can find additional information and purchase tickets here.

May 17

Green Fair (Brick) – Although Earth Day has passed, Brick Township is giving you the chance to learn about how you can keep the Earth green, while putting more “green” back in your pocket from 10am-2pm at the Bob Anstett Cultural Arts Center. This community-wide event is geared toward inspiring people of all backgrounds to embrace sustainable living in budget-friendly ways. There will be educational exhibits, presentations, vendors, giveaways, and door prizes. Admission is free for all who attend. Click here to learn more.

May 18

Runaway Farm Animal Sanctuary Meet and Greet (Bayville) – Bring your family and friends to Runaway Farm from 11am-3pm to meet some furry and feathered friends and learn about the animal sanctuary’s mission. In addition to meeting the friendly faces of the animal sanctuary – there will be live music to enjoy, vendors to shop, baked goods to purchase, and fun giveaways as you explore the farm. Admission is free for all who attend. You can learn more here.

May 24

Memorial Day Bike Parade (Point Pleasant) – Point Pleasant is putting a unique spin on celebrating Memorial Day at 10am, beginning at the For Shore Pool Parking Lot. Everyone is invited to decorate their “wheels” whether they are bikes, strollers, or wagons – in red, white, and blue to march in the parade. If you are interested in participating, you are encouraged to meet in the parking lot at 9:30am. The parade will end with a service honoring our Fallen Heroes at Veteran’s Memorial Park by Little Silver Lake. Admission is free for all who attend. Click here to learn more.

Memorial Day Festival (Bradley Beach) – Bradley Beach is honoring those who have served our country all weekend long during their Memorial Day Festival, beginning on May 24th at 9am on Ocean Avenue and ending on May 26th at 11am at Riley Park. This festival will feature vendors, a parade, and a service. There will also be live entertainment from a variety of local artists all weekend long at the 5th Avenue Beachfront Gazebo. Admission is free for all who attend. Click here to learn how you can join – whether it’s for one, two, or all three of the festival days.

May 25

Sunday Funday at Double Trouble State Park (Bayville) – Enjoy a sunset hike and make a gift to honor our veterans on the night before Memorial Day at Double Trouble State Park, beginning at 7pm. The hike will introduce you to the Pine Barrens ecosystem and offer a window into its history. Since the event begins at 7pm, the park kindly encourages attendees to not only consider bug spray – but dress appropriately for the weather. Admission is free for all ages. Registration ahead of the event is not required. Click here for more information.

May 26

Memorial Day Parade (Farmingdale) – Join Farmingdale in celebrating and honoring those who have served our country at their 52nd Annual Memorial Day Parade, beginning at 1pm on Main Street. The streets of Farmingdale will come alive with music, dancing, classic cars, horse drawn carriages, and more. For the first time in the history of Farmingdale’s Memorial Day Parade, and for those who enjoy shopping – vendors will be selling their unique goods beginning at 11am. Children are encouraged to bring bags to collect thrown candy, and all attendees are encouraged to bring flags to wave as the floats ride by. Admission is free for all who attend. To learn more, click here.

Memorial Day Parade (Freehold) – Join in on the biggest and longest running Memorial Day Parade in Western Monmouth County at 10am, beginning at the corner of Brinkerhoff Avenue and Main Street. There will be countless organizations participating, each bringing different forms of entertainment and creative floats to enjoy with your family and friends. The parade will go all around town, offering plenty of viewing spots. To view the parade route and see how to get a bird’s-eye view, as well as get additional details – click here.

May 31

Ocean Grove Spring Market – You won’t need a metal detector to search for hidden treasures at the Spring Market, taking place at the Great Auditorium on Ocean Pathway from 9am-3pm. Ocean Grove welcomes vendors selling vintage, antique, handmade, and new items – making this event a shopper’s paradise. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for additional information.