Ocean County Events 2026

Climb Old Barney after sunset during full moon nights for spectacular views of moonrise over the Atlantic. Limited capacity, advance registration required through NJ State Parks.

Local artisans showcase jewelry, paintings, and maritime crafts at the working fishing village. Free admission, family-friendly browsing alongside the commercial fishing fleet.

Annual offshore fishing competition based at Viking Village with categories for tuna, marlin, shark, and inshore species. Weigh-ins attract crowds to watch trophy catches come in.

Annual celebration at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park with extended climbing hours, maritime history presentations, and family activities. Commemorates the 1859 lighthouse completion.

Striped bass fishing competition at Barnegat Inlet jetty during peak fall migration. Weigh-in at Viking Village, prizes for largest fish. Popular with surf casters and jetty anglers.

Barnegat Light celebrates with a July 4 parade followed by a sand sculpture contest on the ocean side of 25th Street. Family-friendly holiday festivities in this historic fishing village.

Live music concerts every Monday evening at Bay Breeze Park Pavilion on Bayview Avenue. Summer concerts run from 7-9 p.m., kicking off the first Monday in July with local bands.

Annual maritime tradition honoring Barnegat Light's fishing heritage. The commercial fishing fleet at Viking Village receives a blessing in celebration of the working boats and fishing season. Community gathering at the historic fishing village.

Traditional yacht club opening with sailboat race on Barnegat Bay, ceremony, and member celebration. Marks the start of the summer sailing season for one of the Shore's most prestigious clubs.

Small-town patriotic parade featuring veterans, local organizations, fire department, and community groups along Bridge Avenue. Reflects Bay Head's traditional values and close-knit community spirit.

Fine arts exhibition at Centennial Park and surrounding downtown streets showcasing local and regional artists. Bay Head Business Association's spring celebration of creativity with paintings, sculptures, and crafts.

Annual Bay Head Yacht Club sailing event honoring military service members and their families. Over 100 veterans participate in races on the Metedeconk River with experienced sailors, plus spectator boats available.

Independence Day festivities including morning parade down Bridge Avenue, family activities at town pavilion, and evening fireworks visible from the beach. One of Bay Head's largest community gatherings.

Week-long series of competitive sailboat races on Barnegat Bay featuring various boat classes. Spectators can watch from shore as dozens of sails compete in this prestigious summer tradition.

Community celebration of art and science held at Centennial Park. Bay Head Business Association organizes this summer gathering combining creativity with educational activities, interactive exhibits, and entertainment.

Free outdoor concerts at the municipal pavilion featuring jazz, classical, and light rock bands. Families bring blankets and chairs for these refined summer evening events in the park.

18th annual film festival showcases selections from Sundance and SXSSW on Long Beach Island. Five days of independent cinema, filmmaker Q&As, and beach culture celebration.

Professional summer stock theatre since 1950 presents Broadway-quality productions, children's theatre, and concerts. Ocean County's only professional theatre with Show Place Ice Cream Parlour.

Annual charity 5K and 10K race supporting cancer research and wellness programs. Scenic ocean and bay views along the course through Beach Haven. Family-friendly run/walk with post-race festivities.

Wednesday Night Concerts on the Green feature live music in downtown Beach Haven. Free family-friendly entertainment throughout summer season with local and regional performers.

Independence Day fireworks launch at 9:30pm over the bay near Taylor Avenue. Prime viewing from bay beaches and waterfront restaurants throughout Beach Haven.

Free recreational event at 68th Street ocean beach hosted by Long Beach Township. Beach bonfire gathering for families and friends with ocean views and summer atmosphere.

World-famous culinary event celebrating LBI restaurants and chowder traditions. Thousands of foodies descend on Beach Haven for official end-of-summer celebration with chowder tastings.

Major surf fishing tournament attracting anglers across the Northeast. Largest striped bass catches win prizes. Multi-day competition with weigh-ins at Beach Haven locations. Free to spectators.

Holiday celebration transforms downtown with decorated streets, Santa visits, tree lighting ceremony, and caroling. Family tradition featuring local shops with special hours and seasonal treats.

Brick Township honors fallen heroes with annual Memorial Day parade through downtown. Community ceremony, veterans groups, local organizations, and families gather to pay respects.

Brick Township presents free weekly summer concerts at Windward Beach Park. Family-friendly performances covering classic rock, country, and tribute bands with bay views.

Brick Township celebrates July 4th with spectacular fireworks over Windward Beach Park on the Metedeconk River. Families arrive early for prime viewing spots along the waterfront.

Brick Township annual community festival featuring local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, kids activities, and township organization displays. Celebrates local spirit before Labor Day.

Brick Township families celebrate Halloween with annual costume parade through downtown. Kids march in creative costumes, local businesses distribute candy, community festivities follow.

Brick Township kicks off holiday season with annual tree lighting at Township complex. Santa arrives, caroling, hot chocolate, community photos, and festivities for families.

Annual 5K road race through Harvey Cedars scenic streets benefits local charities. Family-friendly course with bay and ocean views. Post-race refreshments and awards ceremony.

Free community celebration at Sunset Park features live music, kids activities, beach games, and food vendors. Annual tradition brings residents and visitors together for bayside fun.

Free weekly yoga sessions at Sunset Park overlooking Barnegat Bay. Beginner-friendly classes during golden hour with spectacular sunset backdrop. Bring your own mat.

Long Beach Island July 4th fireworks visible from Harvey Cedars beaches and Sunset Park. Independence Day celebration draws island-wide crowds for patriotic beachfront display.

Island Beach State Park offers world-class surf fishing as striped bass migrate north along the coast. Premier destination for anglers during the spring run with excellent beach access.

Island Beach State Park hosts osprey nesting season with 50+ pairs. Guided osprey programs at the nature center showcase these magnificent raptors during peak nesting activity.

Island Beach State Park offers guided kayak tours through sedge islands on the bay side. Reservations required and often book weeks in advance for this popular eco-tour experience.

Island Beach State Park experiences aggressive bluefish feeding along beaches as they migrate south. One of the best surf fishing periods of the year for dedicated anglers.

Island Beach State Park witnesses thousands of monarch butterflies passing through on their way to Mexico. The park's dunes provide a natural corridor for this spectacular migration.

Lacey Township's annual community festival featuring live music, food vendors, kids activities, local crafts, and fire truck displays. Free family event celebrating local community spirit.

Forked River waterfront celebration with marina tours, boat demonstrations, fishing clinics for kids, live entertainment, and seafood vendors along Barnegat Bay. Celebrates local maritime culture.

Lacey Township honors veterans with annual ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. Features wreath laying, military honors, guest speakers, and community tribute to local heroes who served.

Lacey Recreation Department presents free outdoor concerts featuring tribute bands, classic rock, and family entertainment. Bring lawn chairs to Gille Park for summer evening music under the stars.

Lacey Township family Halloween event with costume parade through downtown Forked River, trunk-or-treat at municipal lot, pumpkin decorating, and prizes for best costumes. Popular community tradition.

Lavallette presents free Sunday evening concerts at the Centennial Gazebo on Barnegat Bay from late June through Labor Day. Bring blankets or chairs to enjoy live music by the water, starting at 7pm weekly (8pm for July 4th weekend).

Lavallette celebrates July 4th with a beloved patriotic bike parade on the boardwalk (July 3, 9am-10am) featuring decorated bikes, face painting, and tattoos for kids, followed by a bay-side concert and fireworks display over Barnegat Bay.

Lavallette celebrates community spirit at this free annual festival held on the first Saturday after Labor Day (11am-5pm). The event features rides, amusements, live music, food trucks, and a mobile gaming trailer for all ages.

Lavallette hosts a family-friendly fall festival (3pm-8pm) with hayrides, pony rides, trunk-or-treat, bonfire, live music, and a pumpkin carving contest. This annual event brings autumn fun to the bay-side community.

Lavallette Farmers Market operates Tuesday mornings near the firehouse in downtown Lavallette throughout summer. Local vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and artisanal products in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Lavallette hosts outdoor movie screenings on the bayfront during summer months. Bring blankets or chairs and enjoy family-friendly films with bay views in a charming, small-town setting.

Annual community 5K race that kicks off the summer season in Lavallette. Participants enjoy a scenic route along the bay and beaches, followed by a food truck festival. Open to runners of all abilities.

Lavallette hosts a family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt at Washington Avenue Bay Beach. Children search for hidden eggs on the peaceful bay beach with ocean views, making memories in this quiet community.

Loveladies Harbor hosts free weekly summer concerts featuring jazz, classical, and contemporary music. Part of the acclaimed LBI Foundation arts program with 30+ years of community enrichment.

Loveladies Yacht Club participates in the LBI Race Series with competitive sailing events throughout summer. Features multiple race classes and attracts 100+ boats from Barnegat Bay marinas.

Long Beach Island's annual holiday parade runs through multiple towns including Loveladies. Features festive floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus, drawing 10,000+ spectators to kick off the season.

Long Beach Island's signature fall food festival where restaurants compete for best chowder. Loveladies residents enjoy this LBI-wide culinary event featuring 20+ vendors and live entertainment at multiple venues.

Mantoloking's private beaches open for the season. Extremely limited access for non-residents with daily badges ($15), but no public parking. Beach opening marks the start of the exclusive summer season.

Mantoloking residents observe July 4th privately on the beach and Barnegat Bay. No public fireworks or events. Nearby Point Pleasant Beach hosts public fireworks visible from northern Mantoloking.

Mantoloking residents privately commemorate the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy (Oct 2012), which breached the island and devastated the community. Private memorial, not a public event.

Free outdoor concerts at Fielder Avenue beach featuring live music from local and regional bands. Families bring chairs and blankets for casual evening entertainment by the ocean, typically 7pm start times.

Ortley Beach celebrates July 4th with fireworks launched from the beach at dusk. The beachfront display draws families to the sand for patriotic celebration, with best viewing along the entire beach.

Annual family sandcastle competition on Ortley Beach with categories for all ages. Participants build elaborate sand sculptures judged on creativity and craftsmanship, fostering community spirit and beach tradition.

Annual community gathering honoring resilience after Hurricane Sandy devastation. Held near the Barnacle Bill Giant statue that survived the storm, the event features local speakers, music, and celebration of community strength.

Family-friendly Ortley Beach festival in the 3rd Avenue parking lot featuring live music, food from local vendors, games, bounce house, face painting, and community raffles. Free admission with food available for purchase.

Ortley Beach celebrates summer with kite flying, local artisan crafts, ice cream vendors, live music, and family activities on the 3rd Avenue boardwalk. Professional large-scale kites fly alongside participant kites from late afternoon through evening.

Pet celebration at Ortley Beach honoring four-legged friends with Doggie Dimensions contests, pet vendors, dog trainers, veterinarians, and grooming services. Free admission with vendor activities and refreshments available from 5:30-8:30 pm.

Premier collectibles show at Point Pleasant Beach Community Center draws 100+ vendors selling antique decoys, hunting memorabilia, maritime art, and fishing collectibles. Attracts collectors from tri-state area since 1975.

Annual Irish parade down Arnold Avenue features bagpipe bands, Irish dancers, local organizations, and themed floats celebrating Point Pleasant Beach's Irish heritage. Family-friendly celebration with thousands attending.

Traditional parade from Borough Hall to Veterans Memorial at Jenkinson's Boardwalk honors fallen service members. Local veterans groups, marching bands, and dignitaries participate in solemn tribute ceremony.

Annual car show on Arnold Avenue showcases 200+ classic and custom vehicles from 1920s-1980s. Free to spectators, awards ceremony, 50/50 raffle, benefits local veterans organizations.

Jenkinson's Boardwalk spectacular fireworks show every Thursday night from mid-June through late August starting at 9:30pm. Weather permitting, beachfront viewing.

Free and ticketed live music throughout summer at Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Jenks Club. Local and national acts perform in boardwalk atmosphere with ocean breeze.

Jenkinson's annual Independence Day fireworks extravaganza over the ocean. Premium viewing from boardwalk and beach with special extended show for the holiday.

47th annual seafood festival on Arnold and Bay Avenues features 250 craft vendors, live music, beer and wine garden, and local restaurants serving crab cakes, lobster, paella, and bisques.

Point Pleasant Beach Kiwanis Club hosts family festival on Arnold Avenue with pumpkin decorating, hayrides, local vendors, food trucks, live music, and kids activities. Free admission supports community programs.

Annual holiday kickoff at Bridge Avenue gazebo features Christmas tree lighting ceremony, carolers, visits with Santa, hot cocoa, and local shop festivities. Community tradition marking start of holiday season.

Seaside Heights boardwalk 5K raising funds for Community Options' housing programs for people with disabilities. 11,000+ runners nationally at 48 locations. Fully accessible and pet-friendly.

NJ's LARGEST polar plunge! 8,000+ plungers raise $2.6M+ for Special Olympics NJ. Registration includes t-shirt with $100 fundraising minimum.

One of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades on the East Coast. Marches down the Boulevard with post-parade celebrations at boardwalk bars.

Seaside Heights kicks off summer with beach and boardwalk opening celebrations. Live music, special events, and the unofficial start of the Jersey Shore season draw thousands of visitors.

Free weekly boardwalk concerts featuring tribute bands, classic rock, and cover bands. Thursday nights draw crowds for dancing and entertainment under the Seaside Heights boardwalk lights.

Seaside Heights celebrates Independence Day with spectacular fireworks launched from the beach. Thousands gather on the boardwalk and beach for one of Ocean County's premier July 4th displays.

Seaside Heights closes out summer with fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean. The boardwalk fills with visitors celebrating the final weekend of peak season with live entertainment and special events.

Seaside Heights hosts this 34-year tradition with 3-day Italian Street Festival on Grant Avenue. Parade on Sunday at 1pm features marching bands, floats, mummers. Authentic Italian cuisine and live folk music.

Traditional beach season kickoff with memorial ceremonies honoring veterans, lifeguard stand openings, and first weekend of full beach operations. Marks the start of summer tourism season.

Annual Fourth of July fireworks display over the ocean. Family-friendly beach celebration with best viewing from Seaside Park beaches and boardwalk. Typically draws 3,000+ spectators.

Annual lifeguard competition featuring swimming races, rescue demonstrations, and beach skills contests. Showcases the elite Seaside Park Beach Patrol competing against regional teams.

Traditional end-of-summer celebration marking the close of beach season. Final weekend of full lifeguard coverage and peak beach operations. Popular with families making one last shore trip.

Guided nature walks, beach ecology tours, surf fishing workshops, and birding programs at adjacent Island Beach State Park. Seaside Park serves as the gateway community with lodging and dining for park visitors.

Seaside Park's annual food truck festival and live music event at J Street Marina Lawn. Features regional food trucks, local craft vendors, kids zone, and family-friendly entertainment from 3-8pm.

Free outdoor concert series held Monday evenings at the Seaside Park Municipal Complex. Features local bands and musicians performing classic rock, blues, and cover bands throughout summer.

Annual art show featuring local and regional artists displaying paintings, sculpture, crafts, and handmade goods. Outdoor event held at municipal venue from 10am-4pm with free admission.

Annual chowder festival featuring 30+ LBI restaurants competing for best clam chowder. Sample tastings, live music, and family activities draw 5,000+ attendees to central LBI locations.

Three-month annual surf fishing tournament open to all skill levels. Register at Ship Bottom bait shops for 100% cash payouts in striped bass and bluefish divisions. Fish from LBI shores only.

Ship Bottom craft beer meets craft hot sauce at this beachside festival. Sample 50+ regional breweries, taste artisan hot sauces, enjoy live music and local food on Taylor Avenue waterfront in Beach Haven.

Traditional Fourth of July fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. Best viewing from Ship Bottom beaches and Boulevard. Part of island-wide Independence Day celebrations.

Competitive beach volleyball tournament on Ship Bottom Beach. Amateur and competitive divisions attract teams from across the region. Free spectator viewing of high-level beach play.

LBI Beach Patrol hosts competitive lifeguard championships featuring swimming, rowing, and rescue competitions. Ship Bottom Beach serves as one of the primary competition venues.

Annual 5K charity race running through central LBI including Ship Bottom. Benefits local community organizations. Family-friendly event with kids fun run and post-race festivities.

Annual international kite festival on Ship Bottom Beach featuring hundreds of kites from North America and Europe. Free daytime flying, kids kite making, art kites, and optional evening night fly experience.

Independence Day fireworks display launched from the beach. Thousands gather on the sand and bay for this popular LBI celebration with prime viewing from both oceanfront and bayside.

Annual surfing competition featuring amateur and professional divisions. Showcases LBI's best surf break with contests, demos, and beach festivities celebrating Surf City's namesake sport.

Major road race covering 18 miles from Barnegat Light to Holgate, running through all LBI towns including Surf City. Draws 2,000+ runners with scenic ocean and bay views along the route.

Regional chowder competition featuring restaurants from across Long Beach Island, including Surf City's Country Kettle Chowda. Tastings, voting, and awards for best New England and Manhattan styles.

Summer kick-off celebration with live music, water activities, kids' programs, and bay-side festivities. Features kayaking demos, crabbing workshops, and sunset entertainment along Barnegat Bay.

Three-day celebration of colorful artist-designed kites and giant inflatable kites at Surf City's beach. Includes dual-line and quad-line clinics, indoor kite show, live music, local food, and kids activities.

One of America's oldest surfcasting tournaments since 1954. This legendary 9-week competition offers $25,000+ in prizes for striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, and red drum caught from LBI shores.

Spring fishing tournament across Long Beach Island offering substantial prizes for striped bass and bluefish. Registration-based event that draws competitive and recreational anglers to Surf City's productive fishing grounds.

Weekly outdoor market in downtown Toms River featuring local produce, artisan goods, baked goods, and live music. Popular gathering spot for residents and visitors with 30+ vendors.

Classic car cruise-in along Washington Street in downtown Toms River. Features vintage cars, hot rods, and muscle cars with 100+ vehicles displayed weekly. Free to attend with food vendors.

Large-scale fireworks display over the Toms River at Huddy Park. Thousands gather for this free waterfront celebration with live music, food vendors, and patriotic festivities starting at dusk.

Free outdoor theater performances of Shakespearean classics in various Toms River parks. Professional actors bring the Bard to life under the stars in family-friendly productions.

Free outdoor concerts at Huddy Park featuring tribute bands, classic rock, and family entertainment. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for waterfront music under the stars.

Downtown holiday celebration with decorated Christmas trees lining Washington Street, tree lighting ceremony, carolers, visits with Santa, and holiday shopping. Kicks off the holiday season in Ocean County.

Annual parade through downtown Toms River featuring marching bands, floats, local organizations, and Santa Claus. Draws thousands of spectators to Washington Street for the festive procession.

Tuckerton celebrates maritime heritage with wooden boat displays, traditional Barnegat Bay sneakbox demonstrations, boat building workshops, and live music at the 40-acre Seaport.

Tuckerton Seaport showcases authentic baymen culture with decoy carving demonstrations, boat building workshops, maritime exhibits, and family-friendly activities celebrating Barnegat Bay heritage.

Tuckerton waterfront festival features fresh Barnegat Bay seafood, live music, local craft vendors, and clam bar alongside Tucker's Island Lighthouse with 1,000+ attendees annually.

Tuckerton Seaport hosts New Jersey's premier chowder competition with 20+ restaurants competing, live entertainment, maritime demonstrations, and fall harvest activities drawing 2,000+ visitors.

Tuckerton participates in statewide lighthouse tour event. Climb Tucker's Island Lighthouse replica for panoramic bay views, learn maritime history, and collect stamps from participating lighthouses.