This is a listing of some of the many events being held during Summer at the Jersey Shore:
Asbury Park
*June 30, July 1 – The 24th Annual Asbury Park Jazz Festival takes place from noon-10 p.m. June 30 and noon to 8 p.m. July 1 in Bradley Park on Ocean Avenue. Admission is free. The event includes jazz, blues and Latin music, an art show, beer garden and children’s activities. 732-897-1111 or www.apjazzfest.com
*July 14 – Automobiles from every era will be on display at the Car Show on Cookman Avenue. There will be live music and prizes. www.asburyparkchamber.com.
*July 20-22 – Sand Blast Weekend is for the GLBT community at the beaches, boardwalk and historic downtown. Events include a pool party, gay beach volleyball tournament, DJ dance parties, beach party, women’s pool party and jazz brunch, and bike fun-ride. Advance tickets, hotel reservations at www.sandblastweekend.com.
Atlantic Highlands
*June 10 – The Taste of Atlantic Highlands will take place from noon-5 p.m. Tickets for the event, which include food and drink tastings at 27 restaurant stops, are $30. Children 10 and under are free. More than two dozen retail shops are participating.For more information, visit www.tasteofatlantichighlands.com.
*June 16, rain date June 17 – A car show featuring classic, exotic and fun cars will take place from noon-5 p.m. along First Avenue. The rain date is June 17. Admission is free. There will be craft and food vendors and live music. Additional information at www.atlantichighlands.org.
*July 3-7, The annual Fireman’s Fair will take place at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Harbor Gazebo, 2 Simon Lake Drive. Fireworks will be presented at 9:30 p.m. on July 6. Additional information at www.atlantichighlands.org.
Avon-by-the-Sea
*June 16 and July 18, The Beachscapes at the Jersey Shore photography workshop with instructor Michael S. Miller will take place from 6-9 a.m. on the beach and boardwalk at the Avon Pavilion, Ocean and Woodland avenues. Additional information at 732-245-6699. The cost is $55. Additional information at www.visionsworkshops.net.
*Aug. 2, Kids of all ages will have the chance to “Meet a Penguin” from Jenkinson’s Aquarium at 1 p.m. at the Boardwalk Pavilion. For more information, visit www.avonbytheseanj.com.
*July 14, rain date July 15, This year’s Boardwalk Craft Fair, sponsored by the Avon Garden Club, will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional information at www.avonbytheseanj.com.
*Aug. 4, rain date Aug. 11 – A Sand Castle Contest will be held at the Norwood Avenue Beach from 9-10:30 a.m. The event is free with several different age group categories. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.avonbytheseanj.com.
*Aug. 11, rain date Aug. 12 – An Art Show will be held in and around the Pavilion on the boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show contains fine art, both original and prints. For more information, visit www.avonbytheseanj.com.
Belmar
*Friday night concerts 7-9:30 p.m. through Aug. 31, Pyanoe Plaza, 9th and Main St. Free. Additional information at www.visitbelmarnj.com.
*June 8, 4-7 p.m.; June 9 and 10, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The 26th Annual Seafood Festival. One of the largest in the nation, takes place at Silver Lake Park, Fifth and Ocean avenues. There will be live entertainment, crafts, a children’s activity tent and craft beer and wine. Additional information at (732) 681-3700 ext. 214 or www.visitbelmarnj.com.
*July 11, rain date July 25 – The 26th Annual Sandcastle Contest will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Judging begins at noon. The competition is free and open to participants of all ages. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the 18th Avenue beach. Three prizes will be awarded in each of six categories. Free giveaways, snacks, drinks and music. Additional information at www.njsandcastle.com.
*July 22 – Belmar’s Bikes n Blues takes place from 12-4:30 p.m. in the Pyanoe Plaza parking lot. Additional information at www.visitbelmarnj.com.
*Aug. 25 -The Monmouth County Arts and Crafts Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Pyanoe Plaza parking lot. Additional information at www.visitbelmarnj.com.
Bradley Beach
*July 7 – The annual Jack Wright Memorial Swim will take place at the Kent Avenue beach on the boardwalk. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the swim begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 732-776-2999 or visit www.bradleybeachnj.org.
*July 7, rain date July 14 – The Borough of Bradley Beach will sponsor its annual fireworks display on the beach at 9:30 p.m. Additional information at 732-776-2999 or www.bradleybeachnj.org.
*July 14 and 15 – The fourth annual Lobster Fest will take place at the boardwalk between Fourth and Brinley avenues. The event features seafood, beer and wine, children’s entertainment, music and crafts. For more information, call 732-897-1111 or visit www.bradleybeachnj.org.
*July 16 – The annual Bradley Beach Lifeguard Tournament will begin at 6:15 p.m. at the Cliff Avenue beach. Call 732-776-2999 for details or visit www.bradleybeachnj.org.
*Aug. 11 – The annual 5K Race Run will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Fifth Avenue Gazebo. For more information, call 732-776-2999 or visit www.bradleybeachnj.org.
Colts Neck
*June 9-10 – The 2012 Relay for Life of Freehold and Colts Neck cancer fund-raiser will be held at Bucks Mill Park, 105 Bucks Mill Road, beginning at noon June 9 with opening ceremonies at 2 p.m. For additional information, visit www.relayforlife.org/freeholdnj.
*June 29-30 – The Colts Neck Country Fair will be held from 4-11 p.m. at Bucks Mill Park, 105 Bucks Mill Road. There will be food, crafts, games, an apple pie-eating contest and a Wild, Wild West Show featuring Cowboy Larry and Brave Beth. Fireworks both nights begin at 10 p.m. Additional information at www.coltsneckfair.com.
Freehold
*July 25-29 – The 38th annual Monmouth County Fair will take place on the showgrounds on Kozloski Road. The hours are 5-11 p.m. July 25-27; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 28; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 29. This year’s entertainment includes a Hell on Wheels BMX Stunt Show, Tommie Turvey’s Extreme Equestrian Experience, the Dock Dogs canine aquatic competition and Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show. There will also be fireworks, a pie-eating contest, pig races, live music, games, rides and 4-H exhibits. Admission is $7 and kids 12 and under are free. For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call 732-842-4000.
Fair Haven
Aug. 12 – Tour de Fair Haven, which will benefit the Fair Haven Foundation, will begin with the first of six races at 7 a.m. The course is along the Navesink on River Road. More than 400 cyclists are expected to participate.
*July 7, Rain date July 8 – The Centennial Regatta will be held between the Oceanic Bridge and a point off of the western side of Fair Haven with two classes of boats – the primary regatta for the Mayor’s Trophy and a regatta for kids. The races begin at 11 a.m. and conclude before 12:30 p.m. Registration is $10 per boat. Following the races, a Parade of Color will proceed past the Fair Haven Dock. Additional information is available at 732-747-0241, Ext. 216.
Highlands
*Aug. 2-5 – The 18th Annual Clam Festival kicks off in Huddy Park, Bay and Waterwitch avenues. The event features fresh seafood, live entertainment, kiddy rides, games, contests, and a beer and wine garden. Admission and parking is free, and the event takes place rain or shine. For more information, call 732-291-4713 or visit www.highlandsnj.com.
Holmdel
*June 9 – An 1890s lacemaking demonstration will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road. The event is free. For more information, call 732-946-3758 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
*June 23 – A Summer Evening at Longstreet Farm takes place from 6-8 p.m. Participants can play old-fashioned games, freeze ice cream and take a wagon ride through Holmdel Park. The cost is $12. Additional information at www.monmouthcountyparks.com
*June 10, July 22 and Aug. 26 – Music Man Rich Marzec will be at historic Longstreet Farm from 1-3 p.m., presenting songs from the turn of the century. The event is free. For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
Little Silver
*July 7, Aug. 4 – The Post Office Museum, located next to the Public Library behind Borough Hall, will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum contains photographs, postal artifacts and memorabilia from Little Silver, including the 50th anniversary quilt comprised of 35 blocks depicting the town’s history. For more information, visit www.littlesilver.org.
Long Branch
*Every Thursday from June 14 to Aug. 30 – Thursday by the Sea concerts will be held each week at 7 p.m. at Festival Plaza at Pier Village. Free admission. Rainouts will be moved to the Ocean Place Hotel. For more information, call 732-923-2044 or visit www.visitlongbranch.com.
*June 16-July 22 – “American Stare” will be presented Thursdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. by the New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway. The dark comedy, written by Tony Glazer, is set in a trailer park in South Florida, and mines the visceral anger of the disenfranchised lower class. Additional information at www.njrep.org or 732-229-3166.
*July 4 – The Oceanfest celebration begins at 1 p.m. Vendors, bands, exhibits and food are all part of this annual rain or shine celebration on the Oceanfront Promenade. Fireworks begin at dusk. Additional information at www.longbranchchamber.org.
*Aug. 25 – The Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival will take place from noon-9:45 p.m. on the Great Lawn (on the boardwalk) at Cooper Avenue, rain or shine. There will be food vendors, crafts, kids’ activities and live music, followed by fireworks at 9:30. Additional information at www.jerseyshorefestival.org.
Middletown
*June 10 – Deep Cut Gardens on Red Hill Road hosts its Open House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free guided tours, lectures, activities, demonstrations and horticultural advice. For information, call 732-671-6050 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
*July 7 – The Middletown Jazz and Blues Festival takes place from noon-8 p.m., rain or shine, at the Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St. The event features jazz and blues music, a youth stage, food and craft vendors, kids’ activities and a beer and wine garden. Additional information at www.jerseyshorefestival.org.
*July 12, 26 and Aug. 9, 23 – The Middletown Summer Concert Series takes place from 7-9 p.m. in Normandy Park, Nutswamp Road. Additional information at www.middletownarts.org.
Ocean Grove
*June 9 – The Annual Spring Vintage Car Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Main Avenue Business District. The event features live Doo Wop music by RB Express and more than 90 cars on display. Additional information at www.oceangrovechamber.org or 732-774-1391.
*July 4 – The annual Independence Day parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. in Neptune and heads down Main Avenue in Ocean Grove at 11 a.m. For more information call 732-774-1391 or visit www.oceangrovechamber.org.
*July 20 – The 44th Annual House and Garden Tour takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting at the Historical Society, 50 Pitman Avenue. The self-guided, walking tour, which will be held rain or shine, will take participants inside Victorian homes, bed and breakfasts and the Great Auditorium. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. For more information, call 732-774-1869 or visit www.oceangrovehistory.org.
*July 28 – A Boardwalk Art Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.oceangrovechamber.org.
Oceanport
*June 10 – The 42nd Annual New Jersey Irish Festival will take place from noon-5 p.m. at Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Avenue. The event includes a pipe and drum band competition, Catholic Mass, food and craft vendors, live music, Irish step dancing, family activities, 50/50 raffle and live thoroughbred racing. Additional information at www.monmouthpark.com.
*July 29 – The nation’s best 3-year-old race horses battle in the $1 million Grade I 2012 Haskell Invitational. Gates at Monmouth Park Racetrack open at 10 a.m. Free Family Fun Day activities including pony rides, face painters, clowns, bounce house and live music by Tim McLoone and the Shirleys. Additional information at www.monmouthpark.com or 732-222-5100.
*Aug. 18-19 – The Shore Chef’s Crab Cake Cook-off will take place from noon-5 p.m. at Monmouth Park Racetrack. Shore chefs will compete for the best crab cake award and the People’s Choice Award. Seafood items from area restaurants will be for sale. For more information, visit www.monmouthpark.com or call 732-222-5100.
*Sept. 1-2 – A BBQ and Craft Beer Festival will be held from noon-5 p.m. at Monmouth Park Racetrack. Additional information at www.monmouthpark.com or 732-222-5100.
Point Pleasant
*June 23 from noon-9 p.m. and June 24 from noon-6 p.m. – The Rhythm at the Shore Music Festival, Arnold Avenue and Route 35 south, offers music, food and wine. Formerly the Jazz and Blues Festival, the event includes unique crafters, vendors and local fare. Admission is free. Additional information at www.pointchamber.com.
*July 21 – The Point Pleasant Jazz and Blues Festival takes place from noon-8 p.m., rain or shine, at Riverfront Park, at the corner of Maxson Avenue and River Road. There will be six bands, art, food and craft vendors, and a beer and wine garden. For more information, visit www.jerseyshorefestival.org.
Red Bank
*June 16 – The George Sheehan Classic 5K Run begins at 8:30 a.m. at Broad Street and Marine Park. Additional information at www.sheehanclassic.com or 732-571-2162.
*June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 – Red Bank Rivercenter presents the Food and Wine Walk, Participants stroll through Red Bank from 4-7 p.m. and sample food and wine from restaurants throughout the business district. Wristbands are $25. Additional information at www.visit.redbank.com.
*July 27-29 – The 58th annual Sidewalk Sale takes place throughout the business district. Hours are: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 am. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Additional information at www.visit.redbank.com.
Rumson
*June 10 – The 3rd Annual Kids Triathlon for Bob Kelleher will begin at 7:45 a.m. in Victory Park on River Road. Kids in age groups 9-14 and 8 and under will swim, bike and run. Additional information, visit www.rumsonrec.org.
*July 15, 29, Aug. 12, 26 – Family Fun Nights will take place at 7 p.m. in Victory Park on River Road. The event, with features live music and puppet shows, is free. Bring a blanket or chairs. For more information, visit www.rumsonrec.org.
Sea Bright
*June 23-24 – The SkimBash Contest, the premier Pro/Am skimboarding contest on the Jersey Shore, will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sea Bright Municipal Beach behind Borough Hall. Beginners and professionals will show off their skills and compete for prizes and cash. Additional information at http://skimbash.com or 732-598-6029.
Sea Girt
*Sundays 2-4 p.m. except June 17 and July 1 – The Sea Girt Lighthouse will be open for guided tours featuring artifacts, rare photos and documents that capture the history of the lighthouse and its keepers. Ocean Avenue and Beacon Boulevard, free but donations appreciated. Additional information at 732-974-0514 or www.seagirtlighthouse.com
*July 14, rain date July 15 – The Manasquan River Group of Artists will display their creations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the annual summer art show and sale on the lighthouse north lawn. Some 15-20 artists exhibit watercolors, pastels, oils, ink and pencil as well as prints capturing seascapes, beach scenes, beach wildflowers, shore homes, and local landmarks. Additional information at www.seagirtlighthouse.com.
*Aug. 4 – The 21st annual Sea Girt 5K, featuring a run, walk and kids races begins at 8:30 a.m. at Sea Girt Plaza. The event includes live music, T-shirts, kids activities, and an after-party at Fratello’s Restaurant, 810 The Plaza. For more information, visit www.seagirt5k.com.
Shrewsbury
*Month of June – “Moneighs , Master Works of Equine Expression,” will be on display at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library, 1001 Route 35. The exhibit features are abstract paintings created by horses, several of them famous thoroughbreds, using their muzzle, whiskers, tail, hooves and mouths. For more information visit
www.rerun.org. or www.monmouthcountylib.org.
*June 21, rain date June 28 – Meet Independent Act, a retired harness racehorse owned by Suzanne D’Ambrose, a member of the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization. The horse, a champion harness racer and winner of several show ribbons, will be at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library, 1001 Route 35, at 11 a.m. For more information, call 866-941-8188 or visit www.monmouthcountylib.org.
Spring Lake
*June 16, rain date is June 17 – Art in the Park, sponsored by the Manasquan River Group of Artists, will take place in Divine Park, Fifth and Warren avenues. Additional information at www.springlake.org.
*July 5 – The Spring Lake Garden Tour begins at 10 a.m. at 302 Washington Ave. and runs to 3 p.m. The annual tour, sponsored by the Garden Club of Spring Lake, covers seven unique, private seaside gardens, followed by refreshments on a scenic Spring Lake porch. Tickets are $25. For information, visit www.visitnj.org/node/22589.
*July 26-28, Aug. 2-4 – Shakespeare in the Park will present Comedy of Errors in Divine Park, Fifth and Warren avenues. For more information, visit www.springlake.org.
