Absolute Guide.com

July 1st Farmer’s Market from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. Rain or shine at 1 East Main Street, Hall of Records in Freehold. July 4th Join the staff at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel as they celebrate the holiday with games and contests from the 1890’s from noon to 3pm. Don Macbeth Fundraiser – Autographed racing memorabilia, artwork, lucky horseshoes, raffles and more. Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. 17th Annual Oceanfest – Day of entertainment and good food, Oceanfront Promenade in Long Branch. Call 732 222 0400 for more details. 4th of July Fireworks Cruise – Enjoy the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks from the best seat in the house… the top deck of a SeaStreak Catamaran. Departs early evening from Highlands. Call 1800BOATRIDE for more information. July 5th Fourth of July Parade at 45 Pilgrim Pathway in Ocean Grove. 732 774 1391. July 6th Matawan Borough Fireworks at dusk (9:00pm). Firework display over Lake Lafferts, Matawan. Monmouth Park Family Fun Day – Free face painters, pony rides, clowns and live music at the Monmouth Park Racetrack on Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. July 8th and 9th Rapunzel – The highly regarded Running Rabbit Family Theatre will present Rapunzel at Pollak Theatre. Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Avenue in West Long Branch. July 9th 38th Annual Summer Motorsports Spectacular – Opens at 5:00pm, show begins at 8:00pm. Old Bridge Township, Raceway Park, 230 Pension Road in Englishtown. Call 732 446 7800 for details. July 11th, 18th and 25th Songwriters’ Workshop at Riverside Gardens Park on W. Front Street in Red Bank. Call 732 842 4244 for more information. July 12th Come to Historic Longstreet Farm from 1pm to 3pm for a demonstration of the old-fashioned method of paper-cutting. Summer Crafter’s Market from 10am to 4pm. Craft market with over 100 vendors at the Historic Allaire Village within Allaire State Park, Rt 524/4265 Atlantic Avenue in Wall. July 13th St. Patrick’s Day in July – Win a trip for two to Ireland. Wear green for free admission. Monmouth Park Racetrack on Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. July 15th Farmer’s Market from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. Rain or shine at 1 East Main Street, Hall of Records in Freehold. July 19th Sea Girt Lighthouse Art Show and Sale, Rain date 7/20. The Manasquan River Group of Artists will present original work in watercolor, oils, pastel and mixed media. Beach Boulevard at the Lighthouse in Sea Girt. July 20th Stocking Stuffer Sale – 2pm, Enjoy holiday shopping for crafts, hand-made by the Allaire Auxiliary members at the Historic Allaire Village within the Allaire State Park, Rt 524/4265 Atlantic Avenue in Wall. Monmouth Park Classic Car Show, Rain date 8/17. Over 150 golden oldie cars on display as well as family fun day activities. Monmouth Park Racetrack on Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. July 22nd Farmer’s Market from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. Rain or shine at 1 East Main Street, Hall of Records in Freehold. July 22nd and 23rd Treasure Island – Treasure Island follows the exploits of Jim Hawkins who happens upon a map to find buried treasure. Pollak Theatre, Monmouth University at 400 Cedar Avenue in West Long Branch. July 23rd – 27th Monmouth County Fair at the East Freehold Park Showgrounds in Freehold from 5pm to 11pm Wednesday through Friday, 11am to 11pm on Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. July 25th – 27th Red Bank’s 54th Annual Sidewalk Sale in Downtown Red Bank. Call 732 842 4244 for more information. July 25th Calligraphy Workshop at Centennial Cottage in Ocean Grove from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Call 732 774 1869 for details. July 27th Monmouth Park Family Fun Day – Free face painters, pony rides, clowns and live music. Monmouth Park Racetrack on Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. 732.222.5100. July 28th Van’s Warped Tour – Old Bridge Township, Raceway Park, 230 Pension Road in Englishtown. Call 732 446 7800 for more information. July 29th Farmer’s Market from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. Rain or shine at 1 East Main Street, Hall of Records in Freehold. July 31st – August 3rd 14th Annual Clam Festival, 4 days of food, events, rides, games, live music and a clam-eating contest. Huddy Park in Highlands. 732 291 4713. August 1st and 2nd August Sidewalk Sale in Manasquan from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Main, South and Broad Streets. August 2nd Ocean Grove History Day, 10:30am in the Community Room at 50 Pitman Avenue in Ocean Grove. August 5th Farmer’s Market from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. Rain or shine at 1 East Main Street, Hall of Records in Freehold. August 6th – 10th Ocean Township Italian Festival. Rides, food, games, entertainment, contests and a petting zoo at the Joe Palaia Park, Deal and Whalepond Rds. in Oakhurst. August 6th 28th Annual All American Jet Car Nationals & Monster Truck Meltdown at Raceway Park on 230 Pension Road in Englishtown. Show begins at 8:00pm. August 9th Woods Hollow Classic Mountain Bike Race from 7am to 10am at Tatum Park, Middletown Holland Activity Center Entrance. Mountain bikes through 7.5 miles (beginner class) or 11.25 miles (sport class for intermediate/advanced riders) or open fields and woodlands. 8:15am for the beginner class and 9:15am for the sport class. Call 732 542 1642 ext 26 for more details. August 10th Monmouth Park Family Fun Day. Free face painters, pony rides, clowns and live music at the Monmouth Park Racetrack on Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. Sandy Hook Birding Program at 7:00am. Rarity Magnet and New Jersey Audubon Society Associate Naturalist Tom Boyle will lead the season’s first trip out to Sandy Hook for early migrant passerines, terns and waders. Meet at Lot B of the Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook. 29th Annual Old Time Drags & Rod Run at the Raceway Park on 230 Pension Road in Englishtown. Call 732 446 7800. August 12th Farmer’s Market, 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. Rain or shine. 1 East Main Street, Hall of Records, Freehold. August 16th Monmouth Park Around the World Wine Luncheon. A wine tour in the Monmouth Park Turf Club. Monmouth Park Racetrack on Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. “Ducky Derby” Special Fundraiser from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Rubber Duck’s race down the Millpond for $500 Grand Prize! Fishing for ducks and child races all part of this fun day. Allaire Village Chapel within Allaire State Park on Rt 524/4265 Atlantic Avenue in Wall. Avon Boardwalk Art Show and Sale, Rain date 8/17. The Manasquan River Group of Artists will present originals and prints in watercolor, oils, pastel and mixed media at the Avon Pavilion on Woodland Avenue and Boardwalk in Avon. August 16th – 17th Spring Lake Sidewalk Sale – Event sponsored by the Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce, Spring Lake. Rain date: 8/23 and 8/24. Call 732 449 0577 for more details. August 17th Monmouth Park Family Fun Day. Free face painters, pony rides, clowns and live music all at the Monmouth Park Racetrack on Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. August 19th Farmer’s Market from 11am to 3pm. Take your pick from fresh fruits, vegetables and plants! This event is rain or shine at 1 East Main Street, Hall of Records in Freehold! August 23rd and 24th Learn how potatoes are grown, harvested and used at Historic Longstreet Farm from noon to 2pm on both days. August 24th Rolling Iron Antique Auto Show from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Vehicle pre-registration suggested, call for pricing. Allaire Village Chapel in Allaire State Park, Wall. 732.919.3500. August 26th Farmer’s Market on 1 East Main Street in Freehold from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. August 29th Ocean Grove Collectibles & Furniture Auction at the Youth Temple in Ocean Grove at 5pm. Preview starting at 3pm. Visit www.oceangrovehistory.org for more information, or call 732 774 1869. September 2nd Farmer’s Market on 1 East Main Street in Freehold from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. September 5th – 7th 42nd Annual NHRA Lucas Oil Sportsman Drag Racing Series at the Raceway Park at 230 Pension Road in Englishtown. Call 732 446 7800 for time. September 7th Monmouth Park Grandparent’s Day – Free admission for grandparents accompanied by a grandchild as well as Family Fun Day activities at the Monmouth Park Racetrack on Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. September 9th Farmer’s Market on 1 East Main Street in Freehold from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. September 11th – 14th Eastern Surfing Tournament – One of the largest surfing tournaments on the East Coast. From 15th – 18th Avenues in Belmar. Call 732 681 2900 if you are interested and would like more information. September 13th 10th Annual Irish Festival at the Jersey Shore – Irish festival featuring traditional Irish music, dancing, food and vendors. Sea Girt National Guard Armory on Sea Girt Avenue and Camp Drive in Sea Girt. Long Branch Day at Jerry Morgan Park in Long Branch. Call 732 923 2044 for details. September 14th Guinness Oysterfest and Taste of the Sea from noon to 6pm. Seafood and Oyster festival with continuous live music on two stages. Cookman Avenue, Main Street and Grand Avenues in Asbury Park. Monmouth Park Family Fun Day with free face painters, pony rides, clowns and live music at the Monmouth Park Racetrack on Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. September 16th Farmer’s Market on 1 East Main Street in Freehold from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. September 19th POW/MIA and Gold Star Mothers Recognition Ceremony. Begins at 11:00am. NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, GSP exit 116, PNC Bank Arts Center, 1 Memorial Lane in Holmdel. September 20th Late Summer Flea Market from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Flea Market with over 100 vendors at the Allaire Village in Allaire State Park, Rt 524/4265 Atlantic Avenue in Wall. Ocean Grove Antiques & Collectibles Show from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Youth Temple in Ocean Grove. Call 732 774 1869 for more information. September 20th and 21st Blue Grass and Pig Roast Festival from noon to 5:00pm. Wine tasting, fresh roasted pork and blue grass music. Cream Ridge Winery, 145 Route 539 in Cream Ridge. September 21st Early 19th Century Fall Harvest Festival from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. A 19th Century market for shopping in Allaire Village in Allaire State Park. September 23rd Farmer’s Market on 1 East Main Street in Freehold from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. September 27th Celebration of Praise Gospel Festival from noon to 9pm. Free multicultural family friendly festival that celebrates expression of gospel music from different cultures around the world. Auditorium Park Square in Ocean Grove. Manasquan Arts & Crafts Festival from 9:00am to 5:00pm. 100 vendors, music, refreshments, pony rides and lots of free family fun. Presented by the Manasquan Chamber of Commerce. Squan Plaza on Abe Voorhees Drive in Manasquan. September 28th Harvest Home Festival from 11am to 5pm. This 1890’s style country fair features exhibits, wagon rides, games and live entertainment. See on-going demonstrations of quilting, rug-braiding, hooking and lace making by authentically dressed interpreters. Other events for the day include home & garden competitions. Monmouth Park Closing Day – Fan Appreciation Day. Free grandstand and ½ price clubhouse admission. Face painters, pony rides, clowns and live music at the Monmouth Park Racetrack on Oceanport Avenue in Oceanport. September 30th Farmer’s Market on 1 East Main Street in Freehold from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. October 3rd and 4th An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, 8pm. Nationally renowned Helen McKenna from the Edgar Allan Poe House, a national historic site in Philadelphia, will perform a dramatization from the haunting tales of Edgar Allan Poe in Allaire Village in Allaire State Park, Wall. October 4th 8th Annual Oktoberfest (Rain date 10/5) in Veterans Park, Highlands. 2:00pm to 10:00pm. Call 732 291 4713 for more information. Antiques by the Atlantic from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Antique appraisal and show, sponsored by the Belmar Historical Society. Taylor Pavilion, 5th and Ocean Avenue Avenue, Belmar. Monmouth Park Polo Classic. A fun-filled day which will feature a Polo match and a halftime presentation by the Monmouth County Hunt. Gates open at 11am, match is from 2pm to 4pm. Maria Gatta Park in Oceanport. October 4th and 5th Colts Neck Art & Craft Show, 10am to 5pm. Woodwill Cottage Crafts show at the Colts Neck Fairgrounds on Bucks Mill Road. October 5th Walnford Day. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the past while learning about evolution of Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold from 11am to 5pm. October 7th Farmer’s Market on 1 East Main Street in Freehold from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. October 11th and 12th 11th Annual Country Jamboree. Country-style street fair with BBQ, Chili Cook-off and music entertainment from noon to 7pm. West Front Street in Keyport. October 12th All Hallow’s Eve from noon to 4pm. A day of family fun for children of all ages at the Historic Allaire Village in Allaire State Park in Wall. October 14th Farmer’s Market on 1 East Main Street in Freehold from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. October 17th and 18th Halloween Hayride: “Oddities and Horrors of the Garden State” from 6pm to 9:30pm. Travel on a hayride through the dark woods surrounding Allaire Village in Allaire State Park, Wall. October 19th Thompson Park Day in Lincroft October 19th and 26th 36th Annual NJ CROP Hunger Event – Huge gathering of people throughout the state raising awareness and funds for hunger needs. Red Bank, Belmar, Freehold and more. Call 888 297 2767 for more information. October 21st Farmer’s Market on 1 East Main Street in Freehold from 11am to 3pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables and plants. October 24th and 25th Halloween Hayride: “Oddities and Horrors of the Garden State” from 6pm to 9:30pm. Travel on a hayride through the dark woods surrounding Allaire Village in Allaire State Park, Wall. October 31st Allentown Halloween Parade beginning at 6pm on Main Street in Historic Allentown. Call 609 208 1141 for more information. November 2nd Election Day and Women’s Suffrage in the 1830’s – 1pm to 2:30pm, Women march for their rights at the Allaire State Park in Wall. November 8th Honoring the Marine Corps 223rd Birthday at 1:00pm, NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. GSP exit 116, PNC Bank Arts Center at 1 Memorial Lane in Holmdel. November 11th Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00am, also at the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial at PNC Bank Arts Center. November 23rd A 19th Century Thanksgiving from noon to 3pm at the Historic Allaire Village, which will be decorated for the festivities and visitors are invited to the Iron Works Manager’s house where historically clad interpreters will prepare a Thanksgiving feast on the open hearth for the Villagers. Allaire State Park in Wall. November 28th and 29th Allentown 3rd Annual Gingerbread Decorating Contest. Entries on display through January 3rd, 2009 at the Allentown Public Library in Historic Allentown. Call 609 208 1141 for details. December 5th – 7th Belmar Winter Festival Weekend – Winter-themed activities and crafts throughout the weekend. Sponsored by the Belmar Tourism Commission in partnership with The Belmar Chamber of Commerce in Belmar. Call 732 681 2700 ext 229 for more information. December 5th Manasquan Tree Lighting at 6pm, Abe Voorhees Plaza and Main Street in Manasquan. Celebrate the Season – Annual Tree Lighting and Caroling at 45 Pilgrim Pathway in Ocean Grove. For more information call 732 774 1391. December 6th The First Vietnam War: Conquest and Counterinsurgency, 1890-1954, at 1pm. Illustrated through Vintage Postcards. NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, GSP exit 116, PNC Bank Arts Center, 1 Memorial Lane, Holmdel December 6th and 7th Christmas at Allaire – Volunteers recreate traditional holiday activities in the historic buildings of the village. Allaire State Park, Wall, noon to 3pm. December 13th Christmas at Allaire-Period villagers lead groups on 90 minute tours through the holiday-decorated village along lantern-lit streets in Allaire State Park between 5pm and 8pm in Wall.