As 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 2: Pier Village (Long Branch) Flashback Friday DJ is free to attend and will take place at the Carousel Bar at Wave Resort from 3pm-10pm every Friday in August! Rewind with the best music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and those ages 21+ can also partake in summer Friday-only drink specials. Find out more information.

August 2 & 3: Manasquan Fireman’s Fair at Mallard Park (Cedar Avenue & South Potter Avenue) from 6pm-10pm. Don’t miss rides, food vendors, live music, games and family fun! Find out more at www.squanfiremansfair.com

August 3: Founders’ Victorian Day in Ocean Grove will take place at 4pm in Auditorium Square. There will be period games, activities, crafts, reenactments, refreshments, and a dynamic worship experience. Victorian dress is encouraged. At 8:30pm there will be a silent Victorian era movie for $10 per person. Learn more here.

August 7:

Asbury Park Bonfires on the Beach will take place from 8pm-10pm every Wednesday night during August, weather permitting. The 8/7 bonfire will be at First Avenue Beach. Check the schedule online for other dates and locations through the end of September.

Freehold Free Family Movie Night begins at 8:30pm at the Hall of Records at 1 East Main Street. There will be a showing of E.T., The Extraterrestrial. Don’t forget to bring your snacks and lawn chairs and enjoy a fun outdoor night with your family! Get more details here.

Ocean Township’s Annual Italian Festival begins at Joe Palaia Park (240 Whalepond Road) at 5pm-11pm and will run each night through Sunday, 8/11. There will be lots of rides, games, food, entertainment and fireworks. Get more information.

Pier Village Movie Night begins at 7:30pm with a showing of Jurassic Park. The movie will be shown outdoors on Chelsea Avenue Beach. Bring your favorite chair and blanket and relax under the stars at the Jersey Shore! Find out more details.

August 8: Howell Township’s Movies Under the Stars begins at 6:30pm with activities for kids, and the movie will begin at dusk on the Howell Library Hill (318 Old Tavern Road). This week’s showing will be Paw Patrol – Unleash the Powers. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a fun night with the family! Learn more.

August 9: A Night in Paradise Hawaiian Show (Manchester) begins at 7pm at Harry Wright Lake. You won’t want to miss a free evening of summer family fun – including hula dancers, a live luau band, Tahitian drummers, and fire knife warriors. Get the details here.

August 10: Seaside Spooktacular at Park Bakery in Seaside Park (408 SE Central Avenue) opens at 7am and will be available for participants through 2pm. Get your cameras ready for some summer fantastic Halloween-themed photo ops and a host of spooky activities. Come say “trick or treat” and receive a FREE gift (costumes optional), and enjoy a free craft table for kids of all ages. Learn more on Facebook, or call 732-793-4090.

August 11: Atlantic Highlands Music and Food Truck Festival will take place from noon to 8:30pm at the Atlantic Highlands Marina (10 Simon Way). There will be 19 gourmet food trucks with something for everyone, plus vendors, music, face painting for kids, and a beer/sangria/margarita garden for adults over 21. Admission is free, so bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a fun day by the water! Get additional information.

August 13: Dorbrook Park and Recreation Area (Colts Neck) will be featuring a free event called Under the Summer Stars from 10pm-11pm at the soccer field parking lot. Look for key objects and constellations in the night sky! Bring a chair to rest on as you star search and a flashlight to light your way in the dark. Open to all ages. Find out more.

August 14:

Belmar Free Movie on the Beach begins at 7:30pm with a showing of The Little Mermaid. The movie will be shown at 7^th Avenue Beach. Bring your own blankets and chairs and enjoy a free movie under the stars and fun for the whole family! Learn more here or call 732-681-3700.

Bradley Beach Summer Movie Series begins at 8pm in Riley Park (615 Main Street) with a showing of The Goonies. Don’t forget your lawn chair or a blanket! Get more details here, or view the event on Facebook.

August 15: Howell Township’s Movies Under the Stars begins at 6:30pm with activities for kids, and the movie begins at dusk on the Howell Library Hill. This week’s showing will be Wonka. Learn more or call 732-938-4500, extension 2106.

August 17:

Spring Lake Police Community BBQ will run from 3pm-8pm at Marucci Park (301 South Boulevard). Stop by for an afternoon of family fun including food, games, inflatables, touch-a-truck, ice cream, a DJ and a beer tent for the adults. Meet police officers and other first responders too. See more details on Facebook.

South Toms River Family Fun Day will take place from 10am-4pm at South Toms River Recreation (1 Drake Lane). This is bound to be a day of fun, games, crafts, vendors, touch-a-truck, and activities for kids of all ages! Learn more.

August 18: Butterfly Tent Event (Toms River) takes place from noon to 4pm at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 1623 Whitesville Road. Walk through the butterfly display tent, learn about the butterfly lifecycle, native plants, and more. There will be activities for kids and exhibitors for adults. Call 732-349-1246 for more details, or click here.

August 21: Freehold Free Family Movie Night starts at 8:30pm at the Hall of Records at 1 East Main Street. There will be a showing of The LEGO Movie. Get more details here.

August 22: Howell Township’s Movies Under the Stars begins at 6:30pm with children’s activities, and the movie begins at dusk on the Howell Library Hill. This week’s showing will be Kung Fu Panda 4. Learn more.

August 23: Date Night Free Movie (Seaside Heights) begins at 8pm with a showing of Sleepless in Seattle at 410 Boardwalk. Participants will be seated on the beach in the vicinity of Beach Patrol North Headquarters. This event is for adults only, as the Seaside Heights Business District will be selling beer and wine on the beach for the event. Call 732-830-3700 to find out more, or click here.

August 24: Manasquan Summer Festival and Craft Show will take place from 10am-4pm at Squan Plaza. There will be lots of vendors, food and music! See additional information.

August 28: Belmar Free Movie on the Beach begins at 7:30pm with a showing of The Wizard of Oz. The movie will be shown at 7^th Avenue Beach. Learn more here.

August 31: Fabricated for You Craft Fair (Toms River) will take place from 10am-5pm at 1081 Route 37. With more than 50 outdoor booths and 30 indoor vendors, dive into lots of locally crafted treasures. As you shop, keep an eye out for your chance to win a gift basket through the event raffle. There will be baked goods, unique gifts, handcrafted specialties and more – available for purchase from local NJ artisans. Call 732-608-2040 or click here to learn more.

We hope you have a great August and end of summer!

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 – there are lots available to attend all month long!

July 2:

Howell Township Independence Day Fireworks and Summer Concert Series will begin at 5pm and end at 9:30pm. There will be a free concert, cornhole tournament, rides and activities for kids, food vendors and more, followed by fireworks at dusk. The event will be held at Soldier Memorial Park on Lakewood-Farmingdale Road in Howell Township. Learn more here or call 732-938-4500.

Ocean Township Independence Day Celebration will begin at 6pm and end at 10:30pm at Joe Palaia Park. There will be food trucks, activities, music, and fireworks at dusk. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair! Learn more at https://www.oceantwp.org/ or call 732-531-5000.

July 3:

Asbury Park Fireworks will take place at 9pm at Second and Fourth Avenue beaches. Rain date is July 5th. Learn more here, or call 732-775-2100.

Colts Neck Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration begins at 6pm at Bucks Mill Park (137 Bucks Mill Road). There will be music, an apple pie contest, food and refreshments, a flag ceremony, sweet treats and more! Fireworks will go off at dusk. There is a requested $10 parking donation. Learn more here.

Freehold Borough Fireworks and Celebration will take place from 5:30pm-9:30pm at the Freehold Raceway (130 Park Avenue). There will be food trucks and a DJ. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Backpacks, coolers and pets will not be permitted at the event. Call 732-462-4200 to learn more, or visit Freehold Borough’s website.

Manasquan Fireworks will kick off at 7:30pm at Main Beach with a concert, followed by fireworks at dusk. Call 732-223-0544 to get more details or click here.

July 4:

Brick Summerfest begins at 7pm with a concert at Windward Beach Park (265 Princeton Avenue). Fireworks will take place after the concert at dusk. A food, beer and wine garden will be available for purchases. Complimentary shuttle buses will also be available. Learn more here or call 732-262-1044.

Long Branch Oceanfest begins at 1pm in Pier Village with musicians, dancers, crafters and sculptures, clowns, food vendors and fun! Fireworks will go off at 9pm. Learn more here, or call 732-222-0400.

Pt. Pleasant Fireworks will take place from 9pm-10pm at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. Get more information by calling 732-892-0600 or visit jenkinsons.com

Seaside’s Coca-Cola Fireworks Extravaganza will be happening at 9:30pm on the Boardwalk Promenade in Seaside Heights. Don’t miss it! Find out more here or call 732-793-9100.

July 5:

Barnegat Fireworks and Celebration will begin at 5pm at Barnegat High School (180 Bengal Avenue). There will be a DJ, food trucks, facepainting and more! Fireworks to follow at dusk. Rain date is July 12^th. Call 609-548-6319 or visit barnegat.net

Bradley Beach Fireworks will be taking place at dusk (8pm-10pm) on the beachfront. Call 732-776-2999 for more details, or visit bradleybeach.gov

July 6:

Belmar Fireworks will begin at 8:30pm with a concert in front of Taylor Pavilion, followed by a fireworks display at 9pm and then a computerized lightshow. Donations are recommended, and go to supporting veterans through Rebuilding Warriors. Call 732-681-3700 to get more information, or click here.

Ocean Grove Independence Parade begins at 10:30am rain or shine, and in the evening at 7:30pm there will be a patriotic concert at the Great Auditorium (21 Pilgrim Pathway). Both events are free to attend, however any offerings given at the concert will be gratefully accepted. Call 732-775-0035 to learn more, or click here.

July 7: Marlboro Fireworks and Summer Concert will begin at 7:30pm at the Marlboro Recreation Center Lawn (1996 Recreation Way). There will be live music, concessions, ice cream, and fireworks at dusk. Bring your own chairs and blankets, free admission. Get more information about this event.

July 9: Red Bank Free Movies in the Park takes place from 8pm-10pm at Riverside Gardens Park on West Front Street by the Navesink River. There will be a free showing of Jurassic Park. Call 732-530-2782 to get more details, or click here. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs!

July 10:

Belmar Free Movie on the Beach begins at 7:30pm with a showing of Encanto. The movie will be shown at 7^th Avenue Beach. Bring your own blankets and chairs and enjoy a free movie under the stars and fun for the whole family! Learn more here or call 732-681-3700.

Freehold Free Family Movie Night begins at 8:30pm at the Hall of Records at 1 East Main Street. There will be a showing of Men in Black II. Don’t forget to bring your snacks and lawn chairs and enjoy a fun outdoor night with your family! Get more details here.

The Ocean County Fair (Bayville) begins at 5pm to 11pm and will run through Sunday, July 14^th at 5pm at Pinewald-Keswick Road/Route 530 and Mule Road. Admission is $10 per person, and parking is free. There will be plenty of food, rides and entertainment available for the whole family for the duration of the five-day event! Get more details here, or call 732-914-9466.

Sip and Shop (Toms River) will take place at Garden State Distillery at 13 Washington Street from 5pm-9pm. There will be local craft vendors selling jewelry, crystals, candles, apparel, soaps, beauty products, handcrafted gifts, décor and more. Admission is free, must be 21+ to drink at the distillery. The Cruisin’ Downtown Toms River event will also be taking place outside from 6-9pm. Get more information.

July 13: Freehold Township Day will take place from 4pm-11pm at Michael J. Tighe Park (65 Georgia Road). There will be rides for kids, a DJ, live performances, food trucks, local vendors and a gorgeous fireworks display at 9pm. Learn more here, or call 732-294-2199.

July 16: Red Bank Free Movies in the Park takes place from 8pm-10pm at Riverside Gardens Park on West Front Street by the Navesink River. There will be a free showing of Finding Nemo. Call 732-530-2782 to get more details, or click here. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs!

July 17:

Belmar Free Movie on the Beach begins at 7:30pm with a showing of Despicable Me. The movie will be shown at 7^th Avenue Beach. Learn more here.

Freehold Free Family Movie Night begins at 8:30pm at the Hall of Records at 1 East Main Street. There will be a showing of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Don’t forget to bring your snacks and lawn chairs and enjoy a fun outdoor night with your family! Get more details here.

July 20:

Summer in the Street (Toms River) takes place at 101 Washington Street in Downtown Toms River from 2pm-8pm. There will be vendors, live music, family fun, games for kids, food trucks, and local businesses. Find out more here.

Boots on the Bay (Seaside Park) will take place from 3pm-8pm at J Street and Central Avenue at J Street Marina. Don’t miss this fun country music and food truck festival! There will be live country music, craft vendors, a kids’ zone with a petting zoo and inflatables, food trucks, a beer garden for those 21+ and more. Get more information.

July 23: Red Bank Free Movies in the Park takes place from 8pm-10pm at Riverside Gardens Park on West Front Street by the Navesink River. There will be a free showing of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Call 732-530-2782 to get more details, or click here. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs!

July 24:

Belmar Free Movie on the Beach begins at 7:30pm with a showing of Elf. The movie will be shown at 7^th Avenue Beach. Learn more here.

Freehold Free Family Movie Night begins at 8:30pm at the Hall of Records at 1 East Main Street. There will be a showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Don’t forget to bring your snacks and lawn chairs and enjoy a fun outdoor night with your family! Get more details here.

The Monmouth County Fair (Freehold) begins at the East Freehold Showgrounds at 1500 Kozloski Road from 4pm-11pm. The fair will last until Sunday, July 28^th at 6pm. There will be tons of rides, games, animal races, touch-a-truck, displays and exhibits, food vendors, live music and lots of fun for the whole family. Admission is $10 per person, kids 12 and under are free. Learn more and see the full fair schedule here, or call 732-842-4000 extension 4312 with questions.

July 27 and 28: Italian Festival at Monmouth Park Racetrack (Oceanport) takes place each day from 11am to 5pm. Enjoy mouth-watering Italian favorites from over a dozen of the area’s top restaurants, deli’s, and food trucks. Pair your favorite dish with a sampling of great wines at an Italian wine tasting, for guests ages 21 and up. General admission is $6, parking is free, and if you purchase Italian Festival tickets in advance online you’ll save some money and get them for $13. Purchase in advance today, or call 732-222-5100 for more information.

July 30: Red Bank Free Movies in the Park takes place from 8pm-10pm at Riverside Gardens Park on West Front Street by the Navesink River. There will be a free showing of Godzilla vs. Kong. Call 732-530-2782 to get more details, or click here. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs!

July 31:

Belmar Free Movie on the Beach begins at 7:30pm with a showing of Frozen. The movie will be shown at 7^th Avenue Beach. Learn more here.

Freehold Free Family Movie Night begins at 8:30pm at the Hall of Records at 1 East Main Street. There will be a showing of The Lion King 1 & 1/2. Don’t forget to bring your snacks and lawn chairs and enjoy a fun outdoor night with your family! Get more details here.

We hope you have a great July – there’s so much to do in Monmouth & Ocean Counties!

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 6:

Broadwalk Fresh (Red Bank) kicks off at 5pm on Broad Street in Downtown Red Bank for the summer season until 9pm (every Thursday night until the end of September). This event features a vibrant pedestrian only marketplace with gourmet treats, artisan goods, live entertainment and activities for kids too. Find out more and see other upcoming dates here.

Sunset Canoe Paddle begins with session #1 at 6:30pm at Marlu Lake (Lincroft). Experience adventure and look and listen for wildlife as you paddle under the stars on Thursdays over a 3 week period. Pre-registration and a $60 per person fee is required. The fee includes 3 sunset canoe sessions at different locations in Monmouth County. 6/13 will be at Deal Lake and 6/20 in Middletown. Please also bring a flashlight or head lamp. Learn more and register here.

June 7: Asburyfest begins on Friday night at 5pm and ends on Sunday 6/9 at 6pm at 101 5^th Avenue, across from Convention Hall in Asbury Park. Start with some of the best festival food around, add a dash of music, and a pinch of surprises and you have an annual three-day culinary event you don’t want to miss. Admission is $5 per person, kids ages 6 and under are free. Find out more here.

June 8:

Aberdeen Food Truck & Music Festival begins at 11am and runs through 7pm at Veterans Memorial Park at Ocean Blvd. and Lakeshore Drive in Keyport. There will be 18 unique food trucks, craft vendors, an adult beverage garden for those 21 and up, live bands and activities for kids. Get more information on Facebook.

Bradley Beach Dinner and a Movie in Riley Park on Main Street begins at 7pm if you are participating in the boxed picnic dinner ($25) and an outdoor showing of Wonka begins at 8:30pm (free). Rain date is 6/9, and be sure to bring your own chairs or blankets. Learn more and register here.

June 9: Pour into Summer Wine Festival (Lakewood) takes place from noon to 5pm at Shoretown Ballpark, 2 Stadium Way. There will be over 100 wines to sample and purchase from the top vineyards across New Jersey for ages 21+, alongside food trucks, live bands, vendors and artisan crafters. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you want to stay the day. Advance ticket purchase online is $20 per person for ages 21 and up, and $25 each at the gate. Spectators and under age 21 get free admission. Learn more and buy tickets online here.

June 14: Summer Social at Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) from 6:30pm-8pm. What could be better than starting summer with freshly made ice cream and traditional yard games? Learn about ice cream’s history and significance as you help churn a fresh batch to enjoy. After enjoying this summer treat, have fun engaging in some popular yard games and activities. Cost to attend is $10 per person, ages 3-14 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and kids 2 and under are free. Register to attend here.

June 15:

Atlantic Highlands Classic Car Show runs from 10am – 4pm on First Avenue. There will be over 100 classic vehicles present, family fun, vendors and music. Be sure to also check out the great shops and restaurants in town too! Rain date will be 6/22. Learn more here or call 347-528-5372.

Spring Lake Irish Festival will begin at noon and go until 5pm on Washington Avenue. Enjoy a day of everything Irish – music, dancing, food, shopping, and more! Rain date is 6/22. Find out more here, or call 732-449-0577.

June 16:

Father’s Day at Jenkinson’s (Pt. Pleasant) begins at 12pm with free admission for all Dads (with a paying child) at the Amusement Park, Aquarium, Adventure Lookout Ropes Course, Castaway Cove Mini Golf and Lighthouse Point Mini Golf and the Fun House. Learn more, or call 732-892-0600.

Father’s Day Dogs for Dads at 4JG’s Vineyard (Colts Neck) will take place from noon to 5pm at 127 Hillsdale Road. Spend a relaxing Father’s Day at the vineyard – where hotdogs will be grilled, there will be live music and delicious wine for those 21 and older. Admission is $20 per person. Treat your Dad to a nice day out! Learn more here, or call 908-930-8066.

June 21: The Blueberry Festival begins at Argos Farm (Lacey) from 8am-5pm and will run through July 7^th. Pick your own blueberries, and enjoy live music, photo ops and fun! Advance ticket purchases online are $14.95 per person (ages 2 and up) and at the gate they are $19.95 each. Buy your tickets today!

June 22: NJ Pizza Festival at Monmouth Park (Oceanport) takes place from noon to 6pm. The festival offers not only delicious food, but also live entertainment including music, horse racing, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re a dedicated pizza aficionado or simply enjoy good food, the NJ Pizza Festival offers something for everyone to enjoy. $15 per person entry fee (kids 12 and under are free), rain date is 6/23. Pizza vendors will be selling $2 slices, and there will be additional menu items available for purchase. Admission tickets must be purchased online in advance. For more information and ticket sales, go to https://njpizzafestival.com/

June 26: Family Outdoor Movie Night (Freehold) begins at 8:30pm with a showing of Back to the Future II, located at 1 East Main Street (Hall of Records) in Freehold Borough. This event is free to attend – don’t forget your lawn chairs and snacks! Get more information here.

June 29: Family Fun Fest (Keansburg) begins at noon and runs until 9pm at the Keansburg Baywalk. Setup your beach spot for the day and kick off summer with this annual family event, featuring live music, food trucks and fun. Find out more on Facebook.

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