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.