☘️The Irish Riviera!!

Good morning Monmouth County! And Happy early St. Patrick’s Day! Apparently over 130,000 (20%) of our Monmouth County neighbors identify as having Irish heritage. From 18th Century indentured servitude to 19th Century post famine industrialization, our Irish history wasn’t all beers and bagpipes. But with modern inventions like Guinness and the Reuben it’s a whole lot of fun now! So let’s enjoy it as we pay homage to the Apostle of Ireland and try not to be hungover on a Wednesday.

☘ St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans

🪧 Monmouth County Auction Coming in April

🧒 New 2 You Kids Huge Consignment Sale

🃏 Texas Hold ‘em Tournament at Monmouth Park

👻 Haunted Pub Tour

🫒 Olive & Oak Charcuterie Going Brick-And-Morter

🇮🇪 History of the Irish Riviera

💃 Tina Turner The Musical

🎙 Paul Byrom Irish Tenor

🎸 Jazz at Triumph Brewery

⚽ Youth Soccer Development Expansion

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

Monmouth County officials have authorized an upcoming online public auction for a variety of surplus property, including vehicles and equipment from various county departments. Bidding is scheduled to open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, and will conclude on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, with items closing at one-minute intervals starting at 6:00 p.m. Interested parties can inspect the items at the Public Works & Engineering Complex in Freehold on April 20 and 21, provided they follow current CDC guidelines. To participate, bidders must register through the USGovBid website, and successful participants will be responsible for making payments via cashier's check or money order in Tinton Falls by April 24. For more specific details and registration links, you can view the official event info.

Ireland - Tea, Food, and Folklore | 3/16 2pm-3:30pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

St. Patrick's Day Shenanigans | 3/16 6:30pm-7:30pm | Hazlet Library (Hazlet) | info

Paul Byrom Irish Tenor: Songs from Home | 3/17 3pm | St. Margaret's Church (Spring Lake) | info

St. Patrick's Day Paw-ty - Doggie Sweets | 3/17 10am-6pm | Doggie Sweets (Long Branch) | info

30th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration | 3/17 1:30pm | Huddy's Inn (Colts Neck) | info

Luck of the Irish After-School Pop-Up! | 3/17 3:30pm-4:45pm | Taste and Technique (Fair Haven) | info

St. Patrick's Day Party | 3/17 4pm-9pm | Moore's Tavern (Freehold) | info

St. Patrick's Day | 3/17 5pm | Brothers Daley (Sea Bright) | info

Genealogy Club - Irish Ancestors | 3/18 2pm-3:30pm | Middletown Township Public Library (Middletown) | info

Sons of Wexford Present Irish Songs and Stories | 3/19 6:30pm-8pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

New 2 You Kids HUGE Consignment Sale | 3/16-19 Mon-Wed 9am-8pm, Thur 9am-1pm | Brookdale- Robert Collins Arena (Lincroft) | info

Photos With The Bunny | 3/16-19 2pm-7pm | Freehold Raceway Mall (Freehold) | info

Dino-Light | 3/16 10:30am-11:30am | Count Basie (Red Bank) | info

Yoga with Miss Kim | 3/19 4pm-4:30pm | Oceanport Library (Oceanport) | info

Monmouth Arts Teen Festival | 3/19 8am | Brookdale CC Arena Drive (Lincroft) | info

Wall Township Library March Book Sale 2026 | 3/16-19 Mon 10am-9pm, Tues-Thur 9am-9pm | Wall Library (Wall) | info

Easter Drive | 3/16-19 10am-2pm | Lunch Break (Red Bank) | info

Easter Basket Drive | 3/16-19 10am-2pm | Lunch Break (Red Bank) | info

One-on-One SHIP Q and A | 3/16 2:30pm-4pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Free Line Dancing Mondays | 3/16 6pm-9pm | Beach Haus (Belmar) | info

Salsa & Bachata Mondays | 3/16 7pm-10pm | House of Independents (Asbury) | info

Beginner's Sewing Class - Puppy Bandannas | 3/17 6:30pm-8pm | Middletown Township Public Library (Middletown) | info

Ballroom Dancing | 3/18 5:30pm-6:30pm | Community Center (Neptune City) | info

Social Dance Club | 3/19 12pm-1:30pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Testing Anxiety Group | 3/18 5pm-6pm | YMCA Counseling & Social Services (Matawan) | info

Business Made Social | 3/18 6pm-8pm | AP Rooftop (Asbury) | info

STEAMpark's 6th Annual Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament | 3/19 7pm-11pm | Monmouth Park (Oceanport) | info

Crimson Knights Foundation Gala Awards | 3/19 6pm | Spring Lake Manor (Spring Lake) | info

Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services will host a resource fair on March 25th at the Manalapan Library. The fair is designed to connect older adults and caregivers with valuable local services. It will bring together organizations offering information on health programs, transportation, housing assistance, and wellness resources. County leaders say the fair is part of an ongoing effort to help seniors remain active, informed, and supported within the community. info

WISE: Wellness Initiative for Senior Education | 3/16 10:30am-12:30pm | Long Branch Library (Long Branch) | info

Marlboro 2026 AARP Tax-Aide | 3/18-19 10am-2:30pm | Marlboro Library (Marlboro) | info

Wall 2026 AARP Tax-Aide | 3/16-17 10am-4pm | Wall Library (Wall) | info

Hazlet 2026 AARP Tax-Aide | 3/16 1pm-5pm | Hazlet Library (Hazlet) | info

One-on-One SHIP Q and A | 3/16 2:30pm-4pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Shrewsbury 2026 AARP Tax-Aide | 3/17&19 9am-5pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Senior Game Time Tuesdays | 3/17 1pm-3pm | Carmen Biase Center (Bradley Beach) | info

2026 AARP Tax-Aide Program | 3/18-19 10am-2:30pm | Marlboro Library (Marlboro) | info

A popular New Jersey charcuterie brand is expanding to a permanent home in Monmouth County with the upcoming opening of a café in Oceanport. Known for its beautifully crafted grazing boards and catering, Olive & Oak is launching its first brick-and-mortar café, giving fans a place to enjoy its signature offerings year-round. The new spot will feature charcuterie boards, sandwiches, specialty bites, and curated provisions, building on the strong following the brand has developed through pop-ups and events across the region. The café is expected to add another unique dining option to Oceanport’s growing food scene while bringing the company’s artful approach to sharing boards and casual dining to a welcoming neighborhood setting. The Grand Opening is scheduled for 3/28/26 at 10am.

Bell Works Fresh Farmers & Makers Market | 3/18 11am-4pm | Bell Works (Holmdel) | info

Fast & Fresh Seafood for Spring WAITLIST | 3/18 6pm-8:30pm | Taste and Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Brushes & Brews: Birdhouse Edition | 3/18 6pm-8pm | Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

Haunted Pub Tour | 3/18 7:30pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury) | info

Girl Dinner | 3/19 3am-9pm | Avenue (Long Branch) | info

Bubbles & Pearls | 3/19 11am-9pm | Avenue (Long Branch) | info

Mozzarella Making Party | 3/19 6pm-8:30pm | Taste and Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Monmouth County’s Irish roots began in the 18th century with a wave of indentured servants and tradesmen who helped build the early colonial infrastructure. However, the population surged dramatically during the mid-19th century as the Great Famine drove thousands of immigrants to the area. These newcomers provided the essential labor for the county’s expanding railroads and bridges, eventually establishing tight-knit communities centered around newly formed Catholic parishes and fraternal organizations in towns like Middletown and Howell.

By the early 20th century, the county’s identity shifted toward the coast, giving rise to the famous "Irish Riviera." Wealthy Irish-American families from New York and Philadelphia began vacationing in shore towns like Spring Lake and Sea Girt, drawn by the coastline’s resemblance to the Irish seaside. This era was epitomized by figures like Martin Maloney, who funded the landmark St. Catharine Church in 1901. Today, this heritage remains a cornerstone of the region, with Monmouth County consistently maintaining one of the highest concentrations of Irish-American residents in the United States.

One-on-One SHIP Q and A | 3/16 2:30pm-4pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Whispers on the Water: Images of Coastal Regions | 3/16-19 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Blossoms & Wings: A Spring Reverie | 3/16-19 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Oldies But Goodies Art Exhibit | 3/16-19 9am-9pm | Middletown Township Public Library (Middletown) | info

Pop Surrealism: From the Dorment Collection | 3/16-19 10am-5pm | MCA- DiMattio Gallery at Rechnitz Hall (Long Branch) | info

Praise & Paint | 3/17 2pm-4pm | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info

A Time Within A Time Exhibit | 3/17-19 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Val Dyshlov: Reflection - Nilson Gallery Exhibit | 3/17-19 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Street Life Art Exhibit | 3/17 & 3/19 10am-4pm | Monmouth Arts (Red Bank) | info

Splendid Spring Stroll at Big Brook Park | 3/18 10am-11:30am | Big Brook Park (Marlboro) | info

Seal & Winter Waterfowl Walk | 3/18 1:30pm-3:30pm | Sandy Hook- Littoral Society HQ (Middletown) | info

Local Origins of Molly Pitcher: Revisited | 3/18 2:30pm-3:30pm | Allentown Library (Allentown) | info

African Antiquities & The World Beyond | 3/19 10am-12pm | Brookdale CC (Lincroft) | info

Preparing for the Spring Vegetable Garden | 3/19 6pm-7pm | Marlboro Library (Marlboro) | info

Birds of Spring | 3/19 7pm-8pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

A new documentary highlighting the Monmouth County’s Revolutionary War history will premiere at the upcoming Garden State Film Festival. Titled Monmouth County at War: Rebels, Raiders, and Revolution, the film explores the dramatic events that unfolded across Monmouth County during the fight for American independence, including local battles, coastal raids, and the experiences of residents caught in the conflict. Through historical research, storytelling, and local perspectives, the documentary aims to bring the county’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War to life for modern audiences. The premiere comes as communities across the country begin preparing to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, offering residents a timely opportunity to rediscover the history that took place in their own backyard.

Staged Reading - Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk | 3/16 7pm | Repertory Company (Long Branch) | info

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical | 3/17&18 7:30pm | Count Basie – HMH Theatre (Red Bank) | info

Open Mic Comedy Night – Basie Center Cinema House | 3/19 7pm | Count Basie – Basie Center Cinema House (Red Bank) | info

Trevor Wallace: The Alpha Beta Male | 3/19 7:30pm | Count Basie – HMH Theatre (Red Bank) | info

Jesus Christ Superstar | 3/19 7:30pm-10pm | Spring Lake Play House (Spring Lake) | info

Voices of a Nation- Monmouth Civic Chorus! | 3/16 6pm | 85 2nd Ave (Long Branch) | info

Jazz Arts Open Jam Sessions | 3/16 6pm-8pm | Triumph Restaurant & Brewery (Red Bank) | info

Welcome Spring! Concert with RB Express | 3/19 2pm-3pm | Howell Library (Howell) | info

Youth soccer opportunities are expanding in Monmouth County as the Monmouth County Alliance continues to grow its regional development program. The alliance recently welcomed two additional clubs—Rumson FC and Peninsula SC—bringing more players into a collaborative system designed to strengthen training and competition opportunities for young athletes. By working together, the clubs aim to provide higher-level coaching, improved player pathways, and more competitive match play for youth soccer players across the county. Local leaders say the expansion reflects the strong demand for development programs that help athletes grow their skills while keeping them connected to community-based teams.

Open Play Pickleball | 3/17 11am-1pm | Community Center (Neptune City) | info

Brookdale CC Baseball vs Roxbury CC | 3/17 1pm | Brookdale CC (Lincroft) | info

Brookdale CC Baseball vs Roxbury CC | 3/17 3pm | Brookdale CC (Lincroft) | info

New Jersey Titans Hockey vs Maryland Black Bears | 3/17 7pm | Middletown Sports Complex (Middletown) | info

The Screamin' Hill 5K Scramble | 3/18 9am-12pm | Screamin' Hill (Cream Ridge) | info

Monmouth U Softball vs U of Maine | 3/18 12pm | Monmouth University (West Long Branch) | info

Monmouth U Softball vs U of Maine | 3/18 2pm | Monmouth University (West Long Branch) | info

Mon 3/16: Low 12:28am | High 6:37am | Low 1:02pm | High 7:04pm | Sunrise 7:05am | Sunset 7:04pm

Tue 3/17: Low 1:15am | High 7:21am | Low 1:44pm | High 7:44pm | Sunrise 7:04am | Sunset 7:05pm

Wed 3/18: Low 2:00am | High 8:04am | Low 2:25pm | High 8:23pm | Sunrise 7:02am | Sunset 7:06pm

Thu 3/19: Low 2:45am | High 8:46am | Low 3:06pm | High 9:01pm | Sunrise 7:00am | Sunset 7:07pm