Good morning Monmouth County! The ocean is 73° and the week ahead looks pretty awesome. Perfect time to get a little vitamin sea in before a possibly soggy weekend!

⛈ Monmouth County Storm Relief

🏘 Real Estate Resilience

🌻 Sunflower Festival

🎥 Axelrod Jewish International Film Festival

👻 Haunted Pub Tour

📽 Movies on the Beach

🛟 Inlet Cafe (Highlands) Reopens

🎸 Monthly Jazz Jam at BAC

🛟 Bradley Beach Lifeguard Tournament

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

Monmouth County officials have stepped in with swift emergency assistance to clean up local waterways following the severe flash flooding that struck the region on Monday, July 6. Acting on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, Director Thomas A. Arnone authorized the Department of Public Works to completely absorb the cost and expedite the removal of heavy sediment and sludge that accumulated at the west end of Wesley Lake. The storm caused the lake to overflow its banks, burying nearby infrastructure and threatening local drainage systems shared by both Asbury Park and Neptune Township. County clean-up crews are scheduled to begin the dredging operation on Tuesday, July 14, providing a massive, free-of-charge infrastructure relief effort that local mayors praised for its rapid, collaborative response in restoring the shared coastal waterfront.

Monmouth County's economy and real estate market continue to demonstrate exceptional stability midway through 2026, anchoring the region as one of the most resilient property landscapes in New Jersey. According to mid-year housing market reports, the county-wide single-family median sales price climbed to $837,000—a robust 10.1% year-over-year increase—with well-positioned homes moving in a swift median of just 30 days. This steady appreciation is heavily insulated by a structural inventory constraint; because the coastal region is largely built out and protected by environmental and historic preservation zoning, available housing supply remains tight at 2.7 months. Backed by ongoing downtown revitalization, steady transit infrastructure, and strong commuter demand, the market has fostered long-term ownership confidence, with a growing trend of residents choosing to upgrade within their own towns rather than relocating out of the area.

Little Makers Mondays: Golden Trees Inspired by Gustav Klimpt | 7/13 | 10am-2pm | Asbury Park Art Club, Asbury Park | info

Children's Storytime on Broadwalk | 7/13 | 10:30am-11am | Broadwalk, Red Bank | info

Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay | 7/13 | 11am-12pm | Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth | info

Whale Shark Paper Mache Kids Camp | 7/13-7/16 | 9am-12pm | Over the Moon Art Studios, Asbury Park | info

Extended Equine Lessons | 7/13 | 9am-12pm | Allaire Community Farm, Wall | info

Luminocity Dino Safari | 7/13-8/16 | M/T 5pm-8pm, Th 5pm-8:30pm | Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold | info

Sunflower Festival | 7/13-8/16 | W-Su 10am-5pm | Happy Day Farm, Manalapan | info

Tiday Tuesdays - Seining at Fisherman's Cove | 7/14 | 11am-12pm | Fisherman's Cove, Manasquan | info

Pop-Up Drawing Studio with Zach | 7/14-7/16 | 11am | Monmouth Museum, Lincroft | info

Yosi: DinoKids Rock | 7/15 | 11am-11:45am | Holmdel Library, Holmdel | info

Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay | 7/15 | 11am-12pm | Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth | info

Teen/Tween Songwriting Workshop | 7/15 | 3pm-5pm | Middletown Library, Middletown | info

Highland Cow Visit | 7/15 | 3:30pm | Sea Girt Library, Sea Girt | info

Movies on the Beach- The Incredibles | 7/15 | Wednesday at Dusk | 7th Ave Beach, Belmar | info

Sunset Seining | 7/16 | 6pm-8pm | American Littoral Society, Highlands | info

Bayshore Ice Cream Social | 7/13 | 11am-3pm | Bayshore Family Success Center, Leonardo | info

Pool Fun Day | 7/15 | 5pm-8pm | Long Branch Community Pool, Long Branch | info

Keyport Classic | 7/16 | 4pm-8pm | West Front Street, Keyport | info

Mingle Monday's with DJ MoTalent | 7/13 | 4pm-7pm | Broadwalk, Red Bank | info

Line Dancing on Broadwalk | 7/13 | 7pm-9pm | Broadwalk, Red Bank | info

Social Dance Club | 7/14 | 6pm-7:30pm | Manalapan Library, Manalapan | info

Asbury Park Ghosts of the Boardwalk Tour (Dog Friendly) | 7/14 | 6:30pm | Bradley Park, Asbury Park | info

Free Clothing Swap | 7/14 | 7pm-9pm | 3 BR Distillery, Keyport | info

Belmar Sandcastle Contest | 7/15 | 8am-12pm | 18th Ave Beach, Belmar | info

Private Group Tours of the Paranormal Museum | 7/15 | 12pm, 1:15pm, 2:30pm, 3:45pm | Paranormal Museum, Asbury Park | info

Tiers & Cheers Workshop | 7/15 | 6:30pm-8:30pm | Beach Haus Brewery, Belmar | info

Bridal Show | 7/15 | 7pm | House of Independents, Asbury Park | info

Fishing 101 - A Beginner's Guide to Fishing | 7/16 | 8am-12pm | Manasquan Reservoir, Howell | info

Private Group Tourso of the Paranormal Museum | 7/16 | 12pm, 1:15pm, 2:30pm, 3:45pm | Paranormal Museum, Asbury Park | info

Asbury Park Ghosts of the Boardwalk Tour (Dog Friendly) | 7/16 | 6:30pm | Bradley Park, Asbury Park | info

Beach Game Pop Up | 7/16 | 6pm-8pm | The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach, Highlands | info

Original Asbury Ghost Tour Ghosts and Legends Downtown Tour | 7/16 | 8pm | Paranormal Museum, Asbury Park | info

The Inlet Cafe, a cherished waterfront landmark sitting right on the edge of Sandy Hook Bay at 3 Cornwall Street in Highlands, has officially made its triumphant return to the local dining scene after a three-year closure. Established back in 1966 by the Lentz family, the restaurant has returned to its roots under the direction of second-generation sibling owners Douglas Lentz and Robin Lentz-Sundstrom, who have revived the casual, nostalgic atmosphere that made it a local tradition for decades. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the iconic spot features magnificent views of drifting boats and coastal sunsets alongside an expansive outdoor seating area, a full-service bar, and its signature "dock-and-dine" service for boaters. Newcomers and returning regulars alike can dive into a refreshed summer menu loaded with classic seafood favorites like lobster rolls, fish and chips, raw bar selections, and Cajun fish bites, marking a massive win for authentic Jersey Shore waterfront dining.

Click, Cook, Repeat: Viral Foods Kids Love – 7/13, 12:30pm-3pm, Taste & Technique, Fair Haven info

Bell Works Fresh Farmers & Makers Market – 7/15, 11am-4pm, Bell Works, Holmdel info

Tall Oaks Farm & Makers Market – 7/15, 4pm-8pm, Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery, Farmingdale info

A Greek Feast: Fresh, Bright, and Flavorful Mediterranean Cooking – 7/15, 6pm-8:30pm, Taste & Technique, Fair Haven info

Haunted Pub Tour – 7/15, 7:30pm, Paranormal Museum, Asbury Park info

West End Farmers' Market – 7/16, 9am-2pm, West End Park, Long Branch info

Wall Twp. Farmers Market – 7/16, 2pm-7pm, 1900 Baileys Corner Rd., Wall info

"The Locals" Art Exhibit | 7/13-7/26 | Hours Vary | Art629, Asbury Park | info

Backyard Beekeeping in NJ | 7/13 | 1:30pm-2:30pm | Shrewsbury Library, Shrewsbury | info

Pet Portrait Watercoloring Class | 7/13 | 6pm-8pm | Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery, Farmingdale | info

Geode Painting for Adults | 7/13 | 6:30pm-7:30pm | Middletown Library, Middletown | info

Public Retirement Educational Seminar | 7/13 | 6:30pm-8:30pm | Middletown Library, Middletown | info

Unearth a Story: An Adult Studio Series Inspired by Prehistory: (AM) Pastels: Bone & Shell Studies | 7/14 | 11am-1pm | Manalapan Library, Manalapan | info

Drawing Basics: Line & Texture | 7/14 | 1pm-2:30pm | Sun Moon Studio, Keyport | info

Mosquito & Tick Protection | 7/14 | 1:30pm-2:30pm | Shrewsbury Library, Shrewsbury | info

Drawing Basics: Light & Shade | 7/14 | 4pm-5:30pm | Sun Moon Studio, Keyport | info

Unearth a Story: An Adult Studio Series Inspired by Prehistory: (PM) Earth Palette Pastels: The Hand as Mark | 7/14 | 5pm-7pm | Manalapan Library, Manalapan | info

Beach Watercolor at Sunset | 7/14 | 6pm | Asbury Park Art Club, Asbury Park | info

Boat Tours of the Manasquan River | 7/15 | 2pm, 3pm, 4pm | Manasquan Reservoir, Howell | info

Small Business Startup 101 | 7/15 | 6pm-7:30pm | Manalapan Library, Manalapan | info

Crafty Crab: Painted Seashells Canvas Art Workshop | 7/15 | 7pm-9pm | Bakes Brewing Co, Wall | info

Life in a Freshwater Pond | 7/16 | 11am-12pm | Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen | info

Sewing/Embroidery Training | 7/16 | 2pm-3:30pm | Middletown Library, Middletown | info

Public Retirement Educational Seminar | 7/16 | 6pm-8pm | Middletown Library, Middletown | info

Mixed Media Self-Portraits | 7/16 | 7pm-8:30pm | Middletown Library, Middletown | info

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is ready to captivate Monmouth County cinephiles with the launch of its annual Axelrod Jewish International Film Festival, running from Sunday, July 12, through Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Hosted at the center's main stage at 100 Grant Avenue in Deal Park, the highly anticipated 10-day cultural event showcases a deeply curated lineup of independent international cinema, award-winning documentaries, and narrative features exploring diverse global perspectives. Audiences can look forward to compelling evening screenings at 7:30 pm, including highly anticipated titles such as Dead Language on July 14, Once Upon My Mother on July 16, and The Ring on July 19. By pairing thought-provoking films with community discussions and insight from visiting guest speakers, the festival reinforces the Axelrod's vital footprint as a premier artistic hub for both regional and international storytelling on the Jersey Shore. info

Film Festival: Mazel Tov (Cinema) – 7/13, 7:30pm, Axelrod PAC, Deal (info)

Staged Reading: Harvested – 7/13, 7pm, NJ Repertory Company, Long Branch (info)

Bards - Free Open Mic – 7/13, 7pm-10pm, My Way Cafe, Long Branch (info)

Film Festival: Dead Language (Cinema) – 7/14, 7:30pm, Axelrod PAC, Deal (info)

Young Washington – 7/15, 7/16, 4pm, 7pm, Smodcastle Cinemas, Atl. Highlands (info)

Film Festival: For the Love of a Woman – 7/15, 4:45pm, 7:30pm, Axelrod PAC, Deal (info)

Act Out, Diva! Small Town Icons – 7/15, 7pm-8:30pm, Asbury Book Cooperative, Asbury Park (info)

Keyport - Collective Creativity Open Mic – 7/16, 6:45pm-10pm, Sun Moon Studio, Keyport (info)

Open Mic Comedy Night – 7/16, 7pm, Count Basie- Cinema House, Red Bank (info)

Me and My Girl – 7/16, 7:30pm-10pm, Spring Lake Theater, Spring Lake (info)

Sabor Latino Comedy Showcase – 7/16, 7:30pm, The Showroom, Asbury Park (info)

Skyfall (Cinema) – 7/16, 7:30pm, The Showroom, Asbury Park (info)

Film Festival: Once Upon My Mother – 7/16, 7:30pm, Axelrod PAC, Deal (info)

Never Say Goodbye: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Experience – 7/13, 7pm-8:30pm, Carousel Stage - Pier Village, Long Branch (info)

Chanting & Harmonium with Randy Fotia – 7/13, 6:30pm, Transparent Clinch Gallery, Asbury Park (info)

America 250: Summer Concert Series- Tommy B & The Deep Blue Sea – 7/14, 6pm, Belmar Library Lawn, Belmar (info)

Tuesdays on Broadway- Almost Santana – 7/14, 7pm-8:30pm, 3rd Ave & Broadway, Long Branch (info)

Bands on the Beach- Thom White & the Flatliners – 7/14, 7pm-9pm, Sea Bright Beach, Sea Bright (info)

Open Mic Night with Rob D! – 7/15, 6pm-8pm, Asbury Park Brewery, Asbury Park (info)

Sunset Jam (Kristen Ann Carr) – 7/15, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Transparent Clinch Gallery, Asbury Park (info)

Tobacco Road & Morrissey Blvd – 7/15, 7pm, The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park (info)

Summer Concert Series- Southern Steel – 7/15, 7pm-9pm, Veterans Memorial Park, Aberdeen (info)

Grace Potter- A Rare Club Performance – 7/15, 7:30pm, Count Basie- The Vogel, Red Bank (info)

Renee Maskin and The Wilder Tides – 7/16, 6pm, Transparent Clinch Gallery, Asbury Park (info)

Summer Concert Series- Erik Mason Music – 7/16, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Veterans Park, Highlands (info)

Congress the Band – 7/16, 7pm, The Stone Pony, Asbury Park (info)

Jammy Buffet – 7/16, 7pm, The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park (info)

Thursdays by the Sea- DiscoTeks – 7/16, 7pm-8:30pm, Great Lawn Stage- 3rd Ave, Long Branch (info)

Sounds of Summer Concert Series- Back Beat, The Beatles Songbook – 7/16, 7pm-8:30pm, Townhall, Pondside, Colts Neck (info)

Concerts in the Park- Lady Supreme, Diana Ross Tribute – 7/16, 7pm-8:30pm, Veterans Park, Hazlet (info)

Monthly Jazz Jam Hosted by Jeff Pecca – 7/16, 7pm-9:30pm, Belmar Arts Center, Belmar (info)

Jared Freid: The Table for One Tour – 7/16, 7:30pm, Count Basie- The Vogel, Red Bank (info)

Shordie Shordie "Schools Out Tour" – 7/16, 8pm, House of Independents, Asbury Park (info)

Intro to Qigong and Tai Chi – 7/13, 10am-11am, W. Long Branch Library, W. Long Branch (info)

Yoga for Beginners – 7/13, 6:30pm-8pm, Manalapan Library, Manalapan (info)

Run Club – 7/16, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Bakes Brewing Co, Wall (info)

Game On! Summer of Soccer at Bell Works – 7/10-7/19, Various times, Bell Works, Holmdel (info)

Bradley Beach Lifeguard Tournament – 7/13, 6pm, Bradley Beach, Bradley Beach (info)

Goals by the Sea Watch Party- France vs TBD – 7/14, 3pm, West End, Long Branch (info)

World Cup Semi-Finals – 7/14, 7/15, 3pm-7pm, Sound Booth, Asbury Lanes, Asbury Pool Biergarten, Asbury Park (info)

Belmar Jr. Lifeguard Tournament – 7/16, 9am-2pm, 5pm-7pm, 5th Ave Beach, Belmar (info)

Mon 7/13: Low 12:52am | High 6:55am | Low 12:47pm | High 7:12pm | Sunrise 5:38am | Sunset 8:26pm

Tue 7/14: Low 1:47am | High 7:50am | Low 1:45pm | High 8:05pm | Sunrise 5:39am | Sunset 8:26pm

Wed 7/15: Low 2:39am | High 8:44am | Low 2:41pm | High 8:58pm | Sunrise 5:40am | Sunset 8:25pm

Thu 7/16: Low 3:28am | High 9:37am | Low 3:33pm | High 9:49pm | Sunrise 5:41am | Sunset 8:25pm