Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this May 2025

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Business Development Rep Samantha

April showers not only brought May flowers, but they brought free and inexpensive activities to enjoy with your family and friends in Monmouth and Ocean Counties all month long.

May 3

Boujee Foodiecon (Oceanport) – If you consider yourself a “foodie” and want to sample some adventurous bites, head over to Fort Monmouth from 12:30pm-7pm on May 3rd or 12:30pm-6pm on May 4th. With appearances from over 40 vendors, as well as family-friendly games and music all day – this event will have something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, with children 10 and under being free to attend. This event will be held rain or shine. Click here to purchase tickets and view the list of vendors.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Toms River) – Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Downtown Toms River on Washington Street from 12pm-6pm. The vendors, music, food, and drinks will give you a taste of authentic Mexican culture and cuisine without having to leave Toms River. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for more information.

Made in Monmouth (Lincroft) – Made in Monmouth is making it easier than ever to shop local, bringing together over 250 Monmouth County vendors from 10am-4pm at the Robert J. Collins Arena & Recreation Events Center at Brookdale Community College. Selling everything from home décor to baked goods, jewelry and craft beverages – you can shop while supporting Monmouth County’s small businesses. Entry is free for all to attend. For more information, click here.

Ocean County Children’s Festival (Toms River) – Bring your little ones down to the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library from 11am-3pm for a fun-filled day. This event promises to have indoor and outdoor programs and activities geared toward children, as well as resources and community connections for families. All children who attend will have the chance to make an original piece of art to take home. The event is free for all to attend, and registration is not required. Click here for additional information.

May 10

Designer Bag Bingo (Surf City) – If playing bingo isn’t enticing enough, you have the chance of winning a designer bag when you play at the Surf City Volunteer Firehouse – with doors opening at 4:30pm and games beginning at 6pm. In addition to bingo, there will be a 50/50 raffle, designer wristlet/wallet raffles, and other raffle baskets to win if you purchase additional tickets. Admission is $35 and includes 13 rounds of bingo and a door prize ticket. If you don’t play, you can’t win – click here to learn more information and try to make that designer bag yours.

May 11

iPlay America Moms Play Free (Freehold) – Treat your mom to a day of fun at iPlay America, opening at 11am on Mother’s Day. Moms get a free 2-hour unlimited video game pass, $10 bonus card, and a carnation flower all day long. Other attendees can add ride, game, or arcade packages to join in on the fun with mom. Click here for additional information.

Spring Bazaar (Asbury Park) – If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate the mothers of all kinds in your life, bring them down to Convention Hall from 12pm-5pm on May 10th, and to Convention Hall and the Asbury Hotel from 12pm-5pm on May 11th. This weekend promises to be full of shopping from local makers, fresh flower bouquets, photos in front of unique stations, delicious food and libations (for those 21+), and live music. There is no entrance fee for all to attend, and there will be various goodies from vendors available for sale. Click here to view a sneak-peak of Mother’s Day weekend at the Spring Bazaar.

May 12

Dave & Buster’s Grand Opening (Freehold) – Join in on the fun at the Dave & Buster’s Grand Opening at the Freehold Raceway Mall at 11am. A longtime staple of family-friendly entertainment and dining, Dave & Buster’s brings together classic and modern arcade games and a full-service restaurant and bar under one roof. The first 100 people in line at the exterior entrance will get free gameplay all day. Click here to learn more about how you and your loved ones can be part of the Dave & Buster’s Grand Opening.

May 16

Jazz Night (Belmar) – The Belmar Arts Center will transform into a lively jazz club from 7pm-10pm. Whether you want to groove out to some smooth tunes or bring your instrument to jump in on a musical number or two, Jazz Night is the place to be to indulge in the rhythms of jazz. You can also bring snacks and drinks (BYOB for those 21+) to enjoy during the evening. There is a $5 entrance fee for all who attend. You can find additional information and purchase tickets here.

May 17

Green Fair (Brick) – Although Earth Day has passed, Brick Township is giving you the chance to learn about how you can keep the Earth green, while putting more “green” back in your pocket from 10am-2pm at the Bob Anstett Cultural Arts Center. This community-wide event is geared toward inspiring people of all backgrounds to embrace sustainable living in budget-friendly ways. There will be educational exhibits, presentations, vendors, giveaways, and door prizes. Admission is free for all who attend. Click here to learn more.

May 18

Runaway Farm Animal Sanctuary Meet and Greet (Bayville) – Bring your family and friends to Runaway Farm from 11am-3pm to meet some furry and feathered friends and learn about the animal sanctuary’s mission. In addition to meeting the friendly faces of the animal sanctuary – there will be live music to enjoy, vendors to shop, baked goods to purchase, and fun giveaways as you explore the farm. Admission is free for all who attend. You can learn more here.

May 24

Memorial Day Bike Parade (Point Pleasant) – Point Pleasant is putting a unique spin on celebrating Memorial Day at 10am, beginning at the For Shore Pool Parking Lot. Everyone is invited to decorate their “wheels” whether they are bikes, strollers, or wagons – in red, white, and blue to march in the parade. If you are interested in participating, you are encouraged to meet in the parking lot at 9:30am. The parade will end with a service honoring our Fallen Heroes at Veteran’s Memorial Park by Little Silver Lake. Admission is free for all who attend. Click here to learn more.

Memorial Day Festival (Bradley Beach) – Bradley Beach is honoring those who have served our country all weekend long during their Memorial Day Festival, beginning on May 24th at 9am on Ocean Avenue and ending on May 26th at 11am at Riley Park. This festival will feature vendors, a parade, and a service. There will also be live entertainment from a variety of local artists all weekend long at the 5th Avenue Beachfront Gazebo. Admission is free for all who attend. Click here to learn how you can join – whether it’s for one, two, or all three of the festival days.

May 25

Sunday Funday at Double Trouble State Park (Bayville) – Enjoy a sunset hike and make a gift to honor our veterans on the night before Memorial Day at Double Trouble State Park, beginning at 7pm. The hike will introduce you to the Pine Barrens ecosystem and offer a window into its history. Since the event begins at 7pm, the park kindly encourages attendees to not only consider bug spray – but dress appropriately for the weather. Admission is free for all ages. Registration ahead of the event is not required. Click here for more information.

May 26

Memorial Day Parade (Farmingdale) – Join Farmingdale in celebrating and honoring those who have served our country at their 52nd Annual Memorial Day Parade, beginning at 1pm on Main Street. The streets of Farmingdale will come alive with music, dancing, classic cars, horse drawn carriages, and more. For the first time in the history of Farmingdale’s Memorial Day Parade, and for those who enjoy shopping – vendors will be selling their unique goods beginning at 11am. Children are encouraged to bring bags to collect thrown candy, and all attendees are encouraged to bring flags to wave as the floats ride by. Admission is free for all who attend. To learn more, click here.

Memorial Day Parade (Freehold) – Join in on the biggest and longest running Memorial Day Parade in Western Monmouth County at 10am, beginning at the corner of Brinkerhoff Avenue and Main Street. There will be countless organizations participating, each bringing different forms of entertainment and creative floats to enjoy with your family and friends. The parade will go all around town, offering plenty of viewing spots. To view the parade route and see how to get a bird’s-eye view, as well as get additional details – click here.

May 31

Ocean Grove Spring Market – You won’t need a metal detector to search for hidden treasures at the Spring Market, taking place at the Great Auditorium on Ocean Pathway from 9am-3pm. Ocean Grove welcomes vendors selling vintage, antique, handmade, and new items – making this event a shopper’s paradise. There is no entry fee to attend. Click here for additional information.

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this April 2025

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Business Development Rep Samantha

The old saying goes that April showers bring May flowers. Hopefully April includes more sunny days than rainy, so you can enjoy these budget-friendly activities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties with your family and friends!

April 5

Easter in the Park (Howell) – Join Howell Township in celebrating Easter from 11am-2pm at Oak Glen Park. The kiddos can enjoy music mixed by DJ Jeff as they get their faces painted, visit the petting zoo, hop on some rides, and meet the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget to equip your youngsters with baskets, as there will be Easter egg hunts arranged by age for those 10 and younger. The event is free for all to attend. Should there be unanticipated bad weather, the rain date will be April 6th. For more information, click here.

Town Wide Garage Sale (Hazlet) – Hidden treasures await you in the town wide garage sale in Hazlet, taking place from 9am-4pm. With the number of residents hosting garage sales at 60 and counting, you will be sure to find something you love. In supporting local sellers, you will find discounted items – which keeps more money in your pocket and more items out of landfills. What better way to celebrate Earth Day early? There is no fee to buy or sell items, but sellers must fill out a form with the town to be listed on the interactive Google Map of the addresses residents can visit. There is a rain date of April 6th. Click here to learn more.

April 6

Yoga at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge (Forked River) – Unroll your yoga mat and experience the serenity of the outdoors at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge at 9am. A yoga instructor will guide you through a one-hour yoga session meant for all experience levels, incorporating the serene outdoors and peaceful sounds of the rescue animals. After the session concludes, you can explore the zoo and meet some of those friendly rescue faces. Admission is $20 and includes the yoga session and access to the zoo. The event is outdoors and weather-permitting, so please dress accordingly. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.

April 10

Tea, Scones, and Easter Egg Hunt (Toms River) – If your little one has ever dreamed of having a tea party with the Easter Bunny, head over to the Mathis House from 6:30pm-8pm. Tea will be served with an array of flavors, as well as scones and desserts to choose from. The Easter Bunny will hang out with your little ones as they take part in an egg-citing Easter egg hunt. Admission is $20 per adult and $10 per child, with children five and under (accompanied by an adult) being free to attend. To make a reservation, call 732.818.7580. You can learn additional information here.

April 11

Spring Disco and Night Market (Asbury Park) – If you’ve been looking to time-travel back to the 70s but never knew how, head down to Convention Hall in Asbury Park from 6pm-11pm. This night out promises to be full of groovy tunes, include life-size versions of your favorite games, and have Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. There will also be items for purchase by the best local makers. The event is for those 21+, allowing all attendees to explore any of the multiple on-site bars. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Click here to view a sneak-peak of the happenings at the Spring Disco and to purchase tickets.

April 12

Spring Craft Show (Tinton Falls) – Coming up soon will be Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation and wedding season – you’ll have a chance to shop for any of these spring events at Fort Monmouth Recreation Center from 9am-2pm. Over 40 local artisans will be selling home décor, jewelry, pottery and ceramics, and countless other handcrafted items perfect for gift-giving to others (or yourself). Admission and parking are free for all who attend. For additional information, click here.

Spring Into Popcorn Park (Forked River) – Bring your friends and family down to Popcorn Park for a day full of fun for the whole family from 9am-2pm. The event kicks off with an Easter egg hunt, with each child permitted to find and keep up to 10 eggs. No basket? No problem – there will be bags available for youngsters to decorate and use in the egg hunt. The rest of the day promises photos with the Easter Bunny and live enrichment demonstrations at the Education Center, giving attendees a chance to meet a few of Popcorn Park’s special rescues. The egg hunt is $10 per child (children 2 and under free) and photos are $25 per group. Adults will pay $10 each for admission to the refuge. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

April 19

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny (Brick) – Hop on over to the Laurelton Fire Company for breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 8am-11am. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door for those ages 2 and above – and includes a delicious pancake breakfast, approved by none other than the Easter Bunny himself! In addition to breakfast, there will be an Easter flower sale from 8am-4pm. Click here to learn more.

April 25

Chef’s Night Out (Toms River) – Competition brings out the best in the innkeeper of the Mathis House, so come sample specialty tapas plates that won’t disappoint – beginning at 7pm. From tea sandwiches to appetizers – you name it, it will be there. Each attendee will receive a grading sheet to score and provide feedback on each tapas plate, eventually crowning the best of the night. There will be live music, and the event is BYOB for those 21+. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for seniors. Click here to learn more, including how to purchase tickets.

April 26

Earth Day Park Beautification (Middletown) – Take spring cleaning from your home to the Murray Farmhouse Garden at Poricy Park from 9am-11am. With the garden looking for a complete refurbish, the event boasts to be the perfect community service opportunity – especially for those not afraid to get their hands a little dirty. The event is free for all to attend for ages 2+, with the park asking all minors to be accompanied by an adult. For more information, click here.

Highlands Fire Department Food Truck Event – Support the Highlands Fire Department and stop by their food truck and vendor event from 12pm-5pm. There will be street foods from all over New Jersey, a pop-up market displaying unique items, activities for little ones, a 50/50 raffle, and a beverage garden for attendees 21+ to enjoy. Admission is free for all who attend. You can find more information here.

Spring Kick Off Car & Truck Show (Lacey) – “Cruise” into the weekend with a car and truck show at Lacey High School from 9am-2pm. With music, food, ice cream trucks, and a lineup of sentimental cars for auto lovers to enjoy – this promises to be a fun day out for the entire family. Admission is free for all who attend, and there is a rain date of April 27th. Click here to learn more.

Things to Do on a Budget in Monmouth & Ocean Counties this March 2025

Posted on March 1, 2025 by Business Development Rep Samantha

You’re in luck – there are plenty of free and inexpensive activities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties to enjoy with your family and friends all month long! We hope March begins to warm up and you can get outside to enjoy these first happenings of spring.

March 1

Downtown Irish Festival (Toms River) – Join Downtown Toms River in celebrating Irish culture from 12pm-6pm on Washington Street. Live entertainment will be provided by The Ryan Express, along with a live bagpipes and drums performance – all of which will introduce you to the sounds of Ireland as you check out local vendors, businesses, and Irish fare. Admission is free for all ages. Click here for additional information.

March 2

Belmar’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Get your green on at the Belmar’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, kicking off at 12:30pm on Main Street. A staple of the Belmar community, this tradition features a lively march with vibrant floats, live pipes & drums bands, and thousands of marchers. Spectating is fun and is no cost. To learn more details about this day of immersion into Irish culture, click here.

March 8

St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Seaside Heights) – If you haven’t been able to enjoy the Irish cheer yet this month, join Seaside Heights for their St. Patrick’s Day parade beginning at 12pm on the Boulevard. Various local businesses, teams, and community members will march alongside a float displaying Irish heritage. More information about the parade can be found here. And you’re in luck – to add to the fun, Casino Pier will be selling $30 Arcade Cards for $15, and will have various food and drink specials between 1pm-5pm. You can find more details about Casino Pier’s St. Patrick’s Day parade party here.

March 9

Belmar Dine & Discover will take you, your tastebuds, and the foodies in your life on a tour of Belmar’s beloved dining establishments from 11:30am-3:30pm, beginning at the Belmar Municipal Building. Participating restaurants will open their doors and offer samples of their various creations – everything ranging from Louisiana-inspired Cajun, to sushi that will make you feel like you are right in Japan. Wristbands are $35 in advance and $40 at the door, and can be picked up at select times during the weekend of the event. Trolleys will be running to take you around town every twenty minutes, so leave your transportation worries (but not your appetite) at home. Click here to learn more, view the participating restaurants, and to purchase tickets.

Comic Book & Toy Show (New Egypt) – Whether you’re hunting for a rare collectible or looking to interact with other comic enthusiasts, come down to New Egypt Elks #2457 from 10am-4pm for a day full of nostalgia. If the promise of exciting collectibles, vintage action figures, and modern toys isn’t enticing enough – the first 100 admissions will receive a free comic pack, and additional door prizes will be given out at random throughout the day. Admission is $5 per person, and children ages 12 and under are free. Click here to learn how you can check out the ‘action’ – no pun intended.

March 12

Flavor of Freehold will transport your tastebuds to Ireland from 5pm-8pm on March 12th and 13th. Equipped with a “Shamrock Passport,” this two-day event allows participants to sample some of the Irish flavors of Freehold’s favorite establishments. The Shamrock Passport is $25 and grants participants access to the participating establishments and their signature samples. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

March 15

Giant Bubble Show (Holmdel) – We know you’re curious at how giant a bubble can be, and we’re sure your friends and family are too, so head down to Bell Works Theater at 12pm or 3pm to see just that. Ringling Brothers’ alumnus Logan Jimenez will bring together circus stunts and artistic ability to create a jaw-dropping bubble show. Ticket prices are $30 and include a facility fee. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.

Spring Fling Sip & Shop (Toms River) – “Spring” into the season at the Spring Fling Sip and Shop Vendor Market from 12pm-4pm at Garden State Distillery. You will have the chance to support local makers, artisans, and small businesses while enjoying craft drinks for those 21 and older. There will be various unique items for all to explore, including jewelry, candles, clothing, beauty products, décor, and more. Admission is free for all ages. You can find additional information here.

March 22

Maple Festival (Manalapan) – Bring your friends and family to Happy Day Farm to learn how tapping trees and boiling sap turns into a pancake’s best friend – maple syrup. Visitors will embark on a tractor ride of the 130-acre farm, followed by an inside look into the process of making maple syrup and an opportunity to give tapping a try. Visitors will be able to purchase pancakes and maple syrup as well. Tickets are $18 for adults and children ages 2 and up, and must be purchased with cash. No reservations are required, and the tour only takes place at select times. Click here for additional information, including time slots for the demonstration.

March 23

Beyond the Counter – Adult Craft Workshop & Tea Tasting (Wall) – Your parents or grandparents might have given you tea as a remedy for any and everything, and the Historic Village at Allaire will explore their reasoning at a tea tasting from 2pm-4pm. Visitors will explore the health and wellness benefits of various teas and herbal infusions as they were seen in the 19th century through today. You will have the opportunity to taste teas and take samples of your favorite concoctions home. Tickets are $25 per person, pre-registration is required, and the event is for adults only. Click here for additional information and to purchase tickets.

March 30

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny (Barnegat) – The Easter bunny is hopping over to Lefty’s Tavern for a special breakfast from 8am-10am. Breakfast is $15 per plate, and all proceeds will go toward developing Barnegat Little League’s team and complex. Seats must be reserved in advance. The last seating is at 9:30am. To learn more and reserve seats for an “egg-cellent” breakfast with your family and friends, click here.