Monmouth County Events 2026

Anniversary celebration at the legendary Stone Pony with special performances and tributes to the venue's storied history.

Annual celebration of the Jersey Shore music scene honoring local artists, venues, and industry professionals at Convention Hall.

Parade along Ocean Avenue passing Stone Pony and Wonder Bar. Live Irish music at local venues before and after.

Independence Day fireworks display over the ocean from Asbury Park beach. Spectacular show with viewing from boardwalk and beachfront.

Two-day music and surf festival on North Beach featuring 25+ bands on three stages (two in sand, one in park), pro surf competitions, and large-scale art installations. All ages.

Annual waterfront festival featuring live music, craft vendors, food trucks, and fireworks over the harbor. Draws 5,000+ visitors to celebrate the maritime community with boat displays and family activities.

Downtown street fair with 100+ vendors, live entertainment, craft beer garden, and local food. Main Street closes for this popular fall kickoff event attracting 3,000+ attendees.

Juried art show featuring 75+ regional artists displaying paintings, photography, sculpture, and crafts. Free admission with live music and artist demonstrations at Harbor View Park.

Annual holiday celebration in downtown with tree lighting ceremony, caroling, visit from Santa, hot cocoa, and festive activities. Community tradition that draws families for the start of the holiday season.

Solemn memorial service at Veterans Memorial Park honoring fallen service members. Parade, wreath laying, and community gathering followed by informal harbor festivities.

Spectacular fireworks display over the harbor with prime viewing from Mount Mitchill and harbor waterfront. One of the best vantage points in Monmouth County with NYC skyline backdrop.

Free weekly concerts at the historic Avon Pavilion featuring live bands, classic rock, jazz, and cover bands. Family-friendly atmosphere steps from the beach.

Independence Day fireworks display over the ocean. Prime viewing from Avon beach and boardwalk with family-friendly celebration.

Community celebration with local vendors, crafts, food, and family activities. Showcases Avon's small-town charm and Victorian heritage.

Traditional Memorial Day observance honoring fallen service members. Community gathering with wreath laying at the beachfront memorial.

Annual boardwalk craft fair featuring 100+ vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, art, and beach items. Supports garden club beautification efforts.

Community Halloween celebration organized by Avon Recreation Department. Family-friendly festivities bringing neighbors together for spooky fun.

Annual holiday tree lighting ceremony celebrating the start of the Christmas season. Community gathering with festive decorations and seasonal cheer on the boardwalk.

53rd annual parade celebrating New Jersey's LARGEST St. Patrick's Day event with 6,700+ marchers, 17 pipe bands, 12 marching bands, and 100,000+ spectators. Pre-parade 5K race and pub crawl.

One of the largest seafood festivals in the country features local restaurants, live music stages, and children's activity area. Three-day celebration of Jersey Shore culinary traditions.

Independence Day fireworks display over the beach. Family-friendly celebration with prime viewing from Belmar beach and boardwalk areas.

Free outdoor concerts throughout summer season at Pyanoe Plaza. Local and regional bands perform in family-friendly beachside atmosphere.

One of the largest sand sculpture competitions on the East Coast draws professional sculptors from around the world. Thousands of spectators watch intricate creations take shape on Belmar beach.

Annual fishing competition at Belmar Marina attracts anglers competing for prizes in multiple categories. Weigh-ins, awards ceremony, and family-friendly activities along the Shark River waterfront.

End-of-summer festival with live music, beach activities, and fireworks. Final major celebration before beach season ends, drawing locals and visitors for last weekend of summer.

Free outdoor concerts at Riley Park featuring tribute bands, classic rock, and beach music. Popular family-friendly series draws 500+ attendees weekly with food vendors and beer garden.

Spectacular beachfront fireworks display launched from the beach, best viewed from boardwalk and sand. Bradley Beach tradition for 50+ years with pre-show entertainment and vendors.

Annual seafood festival on Main Street featuring fresh lobster, clams, live music, craft beer, and ocean-themed vendors. Family-friendly event draws 3,000+ visitors to downtown.

Family-friendly costume parade along Main Street and boardwalk with trick-or-treating at local businesses. Costume contests for kids and adults, DJ entertainment, and pumpkin decorating.

New Years Day tradition with 200+ brave swimmers plunging into the Atlantic. Benefits local charities with costume contests, hot chocolate, and live music at Riley Park pavilion.

Bradley Beach hosts an expanded 5-day celebration of world-class jazz, blues, and community spirit. Features live performances at local venues and beachfront mainstage with renowned jazz artists.

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival kicks off summer with a parade along Ocean Avenue, marching bands, food vendors, and live music. Family-friendly celebration honors veterans and launches beach season.

Bradley Beach Restaurant Week features special prix-fixe menus and dining deals at top local establishments including The Buttered Biscuit, Vic's, and beachfront venues. Great opportunity to explore town's restaurant scene.

Deal honors fallen service members with a traditional Memorial Day ceremony and parade through the historic residential streets. Small-scale, dignified observance reflecting the community's character.

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center presents summer concerts featuring classical music, jazz ensembles, and Broadway performers. Intimate indoor venue with exceptional acoustics in Deal's cultural landmark.

Deal celebrates Independence Day with fireworks launched from the beach. Exclusive beachfront viewing for residents and badge holders creates an uncrowded, upscale July 4th experience.

Annual 5K run around scenic Deal Lake, shared with neighboring Asbury Park. Flat, fast course popular with local runners and families. Post-race gathering at lakefront pavilion.

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center hosts holiday-themed theatrical productions and concerts throughout December. Broadway-quality performances in an intimate 500-seat venue steps from the ocean.

Elberon beachfront offers prime viewing for Long Branch's annual Independence Day fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. The spectacular show draws 15,000+ spectators to the shore.

Free oceanfront concerts at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch, just 10 minutes from Elberon beaches. Features tribute bands, local musicians, and family-friendly performances.

St. James Chapel celebrates Elberon's presidential legacy with guided tours, historical exhibits, and lectures about the seven presidents who worshipped here during the Gilded Age.

One of New Jersey's largest Memorial Day parades honors veterans with marching bands, military displays, and community floats through Long Branch. Easily accessible from Elberon beaches.

Highlands' annual seafood celebration featuring fresh clams, live music, crafts, and family activities. The town's signature event celebrating its clamming heritage with vendors and entertainment along the waterfront.

Free outdoor movie nights at Twin Lights Historic Site with films projected on the lighthouse. Bring blankets and enjoy classic movies under the stars with panoramic bay views. Popular summer series.

Annual fishing competition drawing anglers from across the region. Categories for various species with prizes and weigh-ins at the marina. Celebrates Highlands' deep-rooted fishing culture and waterfront heritage.

End-of-summer waterfront festival with live music, food vendors, craft beer, and kids activities. Celebrates the maritime community with boat displays, seafood specials, and bay views. Family-friendly event.

Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and prepared foods. Runs spring through fall with waterfront location. Community gathering spot for fresh Jersey products.

Deal Lake 5K run along the lake's perimeter trail passes directly through Loch Arbour. Popular community race with ocean and lake views attracting 500+ runners annually.

Loch Arbour beachfront offers prime viewing of Asbury Park's Fourth of July fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. Visible from all Loch Arbour beach locations.

Sea.Hear.Now music and surf festival in adjacent Asbury Park draws 30,000+ attendees. Loch Arbour residents have walking access to this major two-day beachfront festival.

One of New Jersey's premier road races with 10,000+ runners finishing at Seven Presidents Park. Full marathon, half marathon, and relay divisions with ocean views and post-race beach party.

Free weekly outdoor concerts at Great Lawn Amphitheater featuring tribute bands, classic rock, jazz, and family entertainment. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for sunset performances.

New Jersey's largest Independence Day celebration drawing 250,000+ visitors with all-day live entertainment on multiple stages, food vendors, fireworks spectacular over the ocean, and family activities.

Free all-day jazz and blues festival at Great Lawn Amphitheater with regional and national acts, food vendors, and fireworks finale at dusk. Bring chairs and blankets for oceanfront performances.

Annual Halloween parade through downtown Long Branch with costume contest, trick-or-treating at participating businesses, and family activities. One of Monmouth County's largest Halloween events.

Festive oceanfront tree lighting ceremony at Pier Village with Santa arrival, caroling, hot chocolate, holiday shopping kickoff, and photos with Santa. Free and family-friendly.

Biannual dining event featuring prix fixe menus ($25-$45) at 20+ participating restaurants including Rooney's, Sirena, and McLoone's. Excellent opportunity to try upscale venues at value prices.

Manasquan charity plunge at Main Beach benefiting LADACIN Network services for residents with disabilities. Thousands participate annually, raising over $100,000 each year since 2008.

Manasquan 2-mile beach run celebrating 20+ years. Course includes beach walkway and optional sand running, followed by party at Leggett's with free buffet. Popular winter tradition for locals and visitors.

Manasquan Veterans Day parade honoring fallen service members. Organized by VFW Post 1838, the parade starts at 10:30am from the High School, proceeds down Main Street to Old Squan Plaza with wreath ceremony at 11am. Hundreds attend annually.

Manasquan Main Street shopping event featuring boutiques, restaurants, and local merchants. Held spring and summer evenings 4-8pm, rain or shine. Organized by Chamber of Commerce.

Weekly farmers market on Miller Preston Way featuring local produce, artisan goods, and specialty foods. Runs every Thursday 10am-3pm throughout summer. Sponsored by Manasquan Chamber of Commerce.

Manasquan Fireman's Fair is the principal annual fundraiser for Volunteer Engine Company #2. Five-day carnival at Mallard Park features rides, food, games, live music, and beer garden. Draws 30,000+ visitors. Rides $2 per ticket or $30 wristband per day.

Manasquan Independence Day celebration with town-wide parade, bike decorating contest, beach concert by local bands, and fireworks launched from beachfront at dusk. Annual tradition draws thousands.

Manasquan's premier surfing competition requiring pre-1967 longboards. Organized by Manasquan Board Riders Club, this 25+ year tradition features multiple divisions for all ages and genders. Entry $35 includes T-shirt and post-contest buffet.

Monmouth Beach Cultural Center hosts free outdoor concerts featuring jazz, rock, and classical music. Weekly summer tradition draws locals and visitors to the beachfront venue for evening performances.

Monmouth Beach honors fallen service members with a traditional Memorial Day parade through town followed by beachfront ceremony. Community event features veterans organizations, local officials, and residents.

Monmouth Beach celebrates Independence Day with fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. Beachfront viewing makes this small-town celebration special for residents and visitors along the Monmouth County coast.

Monmouth Beach kicks off summer season with beach badge photo day at Borough Hall. Annual tradition lets seasonal residents purchase badges and reconnect with the beach community before summer officially begins.

Monmouth Beach celebrates the end of summer with a community beach party on Labor Day weekend. Family-friendly event features beach games, music, and socializing as the season winds down.

Neptune City Memorial Day Parade honors fallen heroes with a traditional procession through town featuring local veterans, first responders, and community groups.

Neptune City Community Day brings residents together with live music, food vendors, kids activities, and local business showcases at the municipal complex.

Neptune City Halloween Parade features costume contests for all ages, followed by safe trick-or-treating throughout participating neighborhoods with decorated homes.

Neptune City Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holiday season with festive caroling, hot cocoa, visits with Santa Claus, and the official lighting of the town's Christmas tree.

Neptune City Summer Concert Series presents free live music performances in the park every Thursday evening, featuring local bands, classic rock, and family entertainment.

Weekly concerts in the historic 6,500-seat auditorium featuring classical, jazz, gospel, and contemporary artists. Performances range from organ recitals to nationally touring acts under wooden rafters unchanged since 1894.

Annual gathering of Methodist choirs from across the region performing at the Great Auditorium. Features massed choir performances, workshops, and organ showcases celebrating 150+ years of Ocean Grove's musical heritage.

The original purpose of Ocean Grove comes alive during this week of daily worship services, inspirational speakers, and community gatherings. Tent City residents host open houses, offering rare glimpses into 150-year-old traditions.

Ocean Grove's signature festival celebrating Victorian heritage with guided tent tours, historic house tours, antique shows, period fashion displays, and concerts. Draws 10,000+ visitors for unique access to normally private properties.

Juried arts festival transforming Main Avenue into an outdoor gallery with 100+ artisans. Live music at the Great Auditorium, Victorian architecture tours, and ocean views create a uniquely cultured shore weekend.

Self-guided tour of Ocean Grove's most spectacular Victorian homes decorated for Christmas. Rare opportunity to see private interiors of 1880s cottages, plus festive concerts at the Great Auditorium and holiday shopping on Main Avenue.

Port Monmouth residents celebrate Independence Day with township-wide festivities including fireworks, family activities, and community gatherings throughout Middletown.

Port Monmouth honors fallen veterans with community ceremony and wreath laying at local memorials, reflecting the bayshore's strong military and maritime heritage.

Port Monmouth area features free summer concerts at Bayshore Waterfront Park with live music, food vendors, and Raritan Bay sunset views throughout the season.

Sandy Hook's historic 1764 lighthouse opens for seasonal climbs, offering 360-degree views of Sandy Hook Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Manhattan skyline from America's oldest operating lighthouse.

Fort Hancock History Day at Sandy Hook features guided tours of historic military buildings, artillery demonstrations, living history exhibits, and talks by National Park rangers about the fort's coastal defense role.

Sandy Hook hosts volunteer beach cleanup events coordinated by Gateway National Recreation Area and local environmental groups, protecting nesting shorebirds and keeping beaches pristine for visitors.

Sandy Hook's annual striped bass fishing tournament attracts anglers targeting migrating stripers from the beaches and jetties, with prizes for largest fish during the fall run along the Atlantic coast.

Sandy Hook Bird Festival celebrates fall migration with guided bird walks, hawk watching at the Battery, shorebird identification workshops, and expert talks at Gateway National Recreation Area's premier birding location.

Sea Bright's annual New Year's Day polar plunge draws hundreds of brave swimmers to the frigid Atlantic. One of the Jersey Shore's most popular plunge events with post-swim celebrations.

Sea Bright honors fallen veterans with an annual Memorial Day ceremony and parade. Traditional small-town commemoration followed by beach season opening festivities.

Sea Bright's annual fishing tournament celebrates the town's strong angling tradition. Offshore and surf fishing categories with prizes for striped bass, bluefish, and fluke catches.

Sea Bright's Independence Day fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. Beachfront viewing with patriotic celebrations and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

Sea Bright hosts free summer concerts at the beach pavilion featuring local bands and cover acts. Thursday evenings bring music, dancing, and oceanfront entertainment to residents and visitors.

Free Sunday tours of the historic 1896 Sea Girt Lighthouse from 2-4pm. Climb the tower for panoramic ocean views, explore lighthouse keeper exhibits, and learn about the first transatlantic wireless message received in America (1899).

Free outdoor concerts at Sea Girt Plaza featuring jazz, classical, and contemporary musicians. Family-friendly evening entertainment with blanket seating on the lawn. Typically 8-10 concerts per summer season.

Holiday-decorated lighthouse tours with Victorian Christmas displays, period decorations, and seasonal treats. Special programming includes maritime history presentations and children's activities. Free admission with donations accepted.

Solemn Memorial Day observance at the National Guard Memorial honoring military service members. Features wreath laying, military honors, and community remembrance at the historic Sea Girt National Guard Training Center site.

Traditional Fourth of July fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean visible from Sea Girt Beach. Family-friendly celebration with patriotic music and beachfront viewing. Free event with beach badge or after-hours beach access.

Weekly farmers market at Sea Girt Green featuring fresh local produce, artisan crafts, and seasonal goods. Hosted by local volunteers and the Sea Girt Recreation Department. Family-friendly Saturday morning destination with farm-fresh vegetables, flowers, and specialty items.

Sea Girt Lighthouse hosts International Lighthouse Weekend with amateur ham radio operators broadcasting from the lighthouse to 350+ lighthouses across 50 countries. Special demonstrations, radio contests, and enhanced tours highlight the historic 1896 structure. Free admission with donations welcomed.

Summer art exhibition series at the Sea Girt Lighthouse featuring local artists and themed maritime artwork. Rotating monthly displays showcase paintings, photography, and sculptures. Free admission to view exhibits during regular lighthouse hours. Celebrates regional artistic talent in the historic lighthouse gallery.

Kentucky Derby-themed 5K race along Spring Lake's scenic 2-mile boardwalk featuring runners in derby hats, costumes, post-race celebration, and rose presentations for all finishers.

One of New Jersey's most scenic road races along Spring Lake's pristine 2-mile non-commercial boardwalk and through the town's elegant tree-lined residential neighborhoods.

Legendary St. Patrick's Day parade through the Irish Riviera featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, and community organizations celebrating Spring Lake's rich Irish heritage.

Annual holiday tour showcasing beautifully decorated Victorian homes and historic bed-and-breakfasts throughout Spring Lake's pristine residential neighborhoods during Christmas season.

Free outdoor summer concert series at Spring Lake Community House featuring live music, local bands, and family-friendly entertainment on Thursday evenings throughout July and August.

Annual Independence Day fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean viewed from Spring Lake's pristine 2-mile boardwalk, drawing thousands of visitors each year.