Good morning Monmouth County! Spring has definitely sprung for us this weekend with tons of fun of every kind. Great food, theater, music and much much more.

🌳 Scudder Preserve

🥩 Jersey Shore Restaurant Week

🦊 Firefox the Puppy

🧗 Climb Time at Shark River Park

🎩 Flea Market at Historic Village at Allaire

🎣 Trout Contest for Kdis

🐻‍❄ Character Brunch at iPlay America

🪁 Kites at the Pier Festival

🌮 TacoKase Event

💰 AARP Tax Aide

🐶 Pet First Aid & CPR Training

🏃‍♀ Run-A-Palooza

⚾ Monmouth U. Sports

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

Preservation efforts at the Scudder Preserve in Middletown have reached an historic milestone following the Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s (MCF) official acquisition of the 90-acre property in April 2024. This transition from New Jersey Audubon to MCF marks a new chapter for the land, which serves as a critical 480-acre continuous green space connection to Huber Woods Park. A central focus of the current preservation strategy is the implementation of a comprehensive, five-year ecological management plan funded by a $500,000 grant from New Jersey Resources. This plan targets the restoration of native habitats through invasive species control, deer management, and the protection of unique botanical landmarks, such as the recently designated "Signature Tree"—a 201-year-old tulip tree that stands as the second-largest of its kind in New Jersey. info

Beyond biological restoration, the foundation is actively transforming the preserve into a "living classroom" for the Monmouth County community. Efforts are underway to enhance public accessibility through the mapping of new trails on AllTrails, the installation of educational signage, and the introduction of diverse public programming, including Full Moon Walks and "Climb Time" style family events. Environmental consultants have completed a year-long Natural Resource Inventory, documenting nearly 90 bird species and a variety of rare wildlife, which will guide future educational outreach and bioswale planning to improve local water quality. As the first permanent landholding fully owned and managed by MCF, the Scudder Preserve now stands as a model for how historic private estates can be successfully integrated into public conservation networks while maintaining their rugged, natural character. info

Climb Time is a popular, family-friendly outdoor program hosted by the Monmouth County Park System that provides a free opportunity for the public to experience the thrill of rock climbing on a 25-foot portable wall. Designed to build confidence and coordination, the event is open to participants ages 8 and up, provided they meet the minimum height requirement of 42 inches. These sessions are typically held at various scenic locations, such as Shark River Park in Wall or during major community celebrations like Earth Day open houses. Staff provide all necessary safety equipment and guidance, making it an ideal "drop-in" activity for beginners who want to test their limits in a safe, supervised environment.

U-Pick Tulips: Spring Spectacular | 4/10-4/12 9am-5pm | Holland Ridge Farms (Cream Ridge) | info

Climb Time at Shark River Park | 4/10 12pm-3pm | Shark River Park (Wall) | info

Family Pool Night | 4/10 6pm-7:30pm | Freehold YMCA (Freehold) | info

Parents' Night Out at Camp Zehnder | 4/10 6pm-9pm | Camp Zehnder (Wall) | info

Fairies & Forest Friends | 4/10-4/11 7pm-9pm | Historic Village at Allaire (Wall) | info

Tulip & Dinosaur Festival | 4/10-4/12 10am-5pm | Arrowhead Farmstead (Manalapan) | info

Trout Contest for Kids | 4/11 8am-1:30pm | Spring Lake-Mercer Ave (Spring Lake) | info

Annual Kites at the Pier Festival | 4/11 9am-4pm | Chelsea Ave Beach-Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

Tiny Hands Studio | 4/11 10am | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info

Character Brunch | 4/12 11am-2pm | iPlay America (Freehold) | info

Firefox the puppy is currently the focus of a major rescue effort by the Monmouth County SPCA after being found abandoned in a crate on the side of a road in Marlboro. Weighing just 3 pounds and severely emaciated, the Pomeranian mix was discovered in such a frail state that he was given a Body Condition Score of 1—the lowest possible rating before death. Despite being unable to walk and suffering from trauma-induced blood sugar spikes, Firefox has survived his first critical nights under round-the-clock monitoring and specialized refeeding protocols. The community has already rallied behind his recovery, raising over $24,000 to fund the intensive hospitalization, physical therapy, and nutritional support he needs to regain his strength. info

Dance it Out: Women's Dance Event | 4/10 6pm, 7pm | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info

Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps | 4/11 9am-12:30pm | Multiple Locations (Monmouth County) | info

Flea Market | 4/11 8am-2pm | Historic Village at Allaire (Wall) | info

Antique, Vintage, & Collectibles Marketplace | 4/11 9am-3pm | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info

Dog Adoption Day | 4/11 12pm-4pm | The Robinson Ale House (Long Branch) | info

Knitting for a Cause with Each Stitch Counts | 4/11 1pm-2:30pm | Marlboro Library (Marlboro) | info

Pokemon Market with Liquid Games | 4/12 9am-5pm | Main Atrium-Bell Works (Holmdel) | info

Howell Twp Spring Fling & America's 250th Anniversary Celebration | 4/12 12pm-4pm | Soldier Memorial Park (Howell) | info

Wedding Expo | 4/12 12pm-4pm | Porta (Asbury Park) | info

Patriots Parlor Tea Party | 4/12 12:30pm-2:30pm | Bicentennial Hall (Fair Haven) | info

Middletown 2026 AARP Tax-Aide | 4/10-4/11 9am-9pm | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

Hazlet 2026 AARP Tax-Aide | 4/10 1pm-4pm | Hazlet Library (Hazlet) | info

Wall 2026 AARP Tax-Aide | 4/10 1pm-4pm | Wall Library (Wall) | info

Shrewsbury 2026 AARP Tax-Aide | 4/11 9am-1pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Tomorrow kicks off Jersey Shore Restaurant Week-a premier culinary celebration that invites locals and visitors to explore the diverse and vibrant food scene of our area at a fraction of the usual cost. Running from April 10 to April 19, 2026, the event features dozens of participating restaurants across Monmouth and Ocean counties, each offering curated three-course prix-fixe menus typically priced between $32 and $42. Beyond the discounted dining, the week is anchored by high-energy signature events like the Chefs Invitational kickoff and specialized tastings, such as the Great American BBQ and summer wine showcases. Founded in 2009 by Jim Flynn, this biennial tradition—occurring every spring and fall—serves as a vital boost for local businesses during the off-season while giving food enthusiasts the perfect excuse to discover new favorite shore spots. info

Cork & Explore-Wine Tasting Experience | 4/10 6pm-8pm | Avenue-Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

TacoKase Event | 4/10-4/11 4pm-8pm | Barrio Costero (Asbury Park) | info

BeerFest | 4/10-4/11 6pm-10pm | The Robinson Ale House (Long Branch) | info

Chopped: Italian Market Challenge-Home Chef Edition | 4/10-4/11 6pm-9pm | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week | 4/10-4/19 Varies | Multiple Locations (Monmouth County) | info

Mexi Boys Food Truck at Bakes | 4/11 2pm-8pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info

Locale Pizza Pop-Up | 4/11 2pm-8pm | Skinny Flowers Brewing (Oceanport) | info

Bubbles Brunch & Bowling | 4/12 11am-3pm | Asbury Lanes (Asbury Park) | info

What the Fork Food Truck | 4/12 12pm-7pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info

Latradizione Pasta Food Truck | 4/12 12pm-6pm | Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

Jazz Brunch with Mike Noordzy & Chris Welcome | 4/12 12pm-3pm | Porta (Asbury Park) | info

Shuck n' Sip Cocktails and Oyster Brunch | 4/12 12pm-3pm | 3BR Distillery (Keyport) | info

Pasta Making Class | 4/12 2pm | Twin Lights Brewing (Tinton Falls) | info

Pet First Aid & CPR Training | 4/10 7pm-9:30pm | Doggie Sweets-Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

April is National Poetry Month | 4/10-4/12 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Blossoms & Wings: A Spring Reverie | 4/10-4/12 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

A Time Within a Time: Juried Art Exhibition | 4/10-4/12 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Val Dyshlov Reflection Art Exhibition | 4/10-4/12 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Grave Market Dedications | 4/11 10am-11am | Bay View Cemetery (Middletown) | info

Zen Doodle Meditative Drawing | 4/11 10am-12pm | Over the Moon Studios (Asbury Park) | info

Piano Ballads from the Turn-of-the-Century | 4/11 1pm-3pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info

Junk Journal Club | 4/11 2pm-4pm | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info

Roaring 20's Speakeasy Casino Night | 4/11 6pm-10pm | InfoAge Science & History Museums (Wall) | info

Intro to Gel Plate Printing | 4/11 6pm-8pm | Sun Moon Studio (Keyport) | info

Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford | 4/11-4/12 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm | Historic Walnford (Upper Freehold) | info

Gelli Print Magic | 4/12 11am-1pm | Over the Moon Studios (Asbury Park) | info

Blacksmith Demonstration | 4/12 1pm-3pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info

Second Sunday Lecture: Abraham Lincoln's Sense of Humor | 4/12 2pm | Monmouth Battlefield Visitor Center (Manalapan) | info

Rich Francese's Italian American Night of Comedy | 4/10 8pm | Count Basie-The Vogel (Red Bank) | info

Sins of a Mother | 4/10-4/12 F 7pm, S 2pm & 7pm, Su 2pm | NJ Repertory Company (Long Branch) | info

Company: The Musical | 4/10-4/12 F 7pm, S 2pm & 7pm, Su 2pm | Brookdale PAC (Lincroft) | info

An Evening with Bernstein | 4/10-4/11 F 7:30pm, S 2:30pm & 7:30pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info

Paranormal Cirque Nightmare | 4/10-4/12 F 7:30pm, S 6:30pm & 9:30pm, Su 5:30pm & 8:30pm | Freehold Raceway Mall (Freehold) | info

Sexy Laundry | 4/10-4/12 F 7pm, S 2pm & 7pm, Su 3pm | Bell Theater-Bell Works (Holmdel) | info

Performing Arts Ensemble: Carnival of Animals and Sleeping Beauty | 4/11 2pm-3pm | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

ComedySportz Improv | 4/11 7pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info

Poetry in the Port | 4/11 7pm-10pm | Brew Coffee Bar (Matawan) | info

Ugly Pancake's Running Joke Comedy Show | 4/11 7pm-10pm | Wild Air Beerworks (Asbury Park) | info

Carrie (Cinema) | 4/11 8pm | The Showroom (Asbury Park) | info

Midnight Madness (Cinema) | 4/11 10pm, 11:59pm | Basie Center Cinemas (Red Bank) | info

The Burners Jazz Trio | 4/10 2pm-3:15pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Gab Cinque Band | 4/10 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

Bad Suns Acceleratour USA 2026 | 4/10 7pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen | 4/10 8pm | Count Basie-HMH Theater (Red Bank) | info

The Nerds | 4/11 1pm-3:30pm | Carousel Stage-Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

Rolling Stones Day for Rescue Ridge | 4/11 2pm-6pm | Bar Anticipation (Lake Como) | info

Zero 9:36 | 4/11 5pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Chris Kasper with Greg Amici | 4/11 5pm | Transparent Clinch Gallery (Asbury Park) | info

Zimmy Shelter: The Music of Dylan and The Dead | 4/11 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

Glen Hansard | 4/11 7pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

Xian Conducts Prokofiev and Strauss | 4/11 7:30pm | Count Basie-HMH Theater (Red Bank) | info

The Best of the 70's with DizzyFish & The Uptown Horns | 4/11 8pm | Count Basie-The Vogel (Red Bank) | info

Emo Night | 4/11 10pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Harpin' Help: Food Drive & Charity Concert | 4/12 12pm-8pm | Bar Anticipation (Lake Como) | info

Sunday Showcase | 4/12 1:15pm-7:30pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

Daytime Disco | 4/12 2pm-6pm | Watermark (Asbury Park) | info

Sandy Mack's Wonder Jam | 4/12 2:30pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

An Opera Celebration | 4/12 3pm | Algonquin Theater (Manasquan) | info

Run-A-Palooza | 4/11 8:30am | Convention Hall (Asbury Park) | info

Open Shoot Archery | 4/11 10am-1pm | Thompson Park Activity Barn (Lincroft) | info

Basketball 1v1 Tournament | 4/11 1pm-3pm | Red Bank YMCA (Red Bank) | info

The New Jersey Spring Half, 10k, 5k | 4/12 9:30am | Monmouth Battlefield State Park (Englishtown) | info

63rd Annual Captain Zinn Memorial 5k Races | 4/12 9:30am | Dorbrook Park (Colts Neck) | info

Bubbakoo's Taco Trot 5k Run & Walk | 4/12 10am | Municipal Complex (Wall) | info

Monmouth U. Men's Tennis vs Drexel | 4/10 2pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Monmouth U. Softball vs Stony Brook U. | 4/10 2pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Monmouth U. Baseball vs Towson | 4/10 3pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Blue Claws vs Brooklyn | 4/10-4/12 F 6:35pm, S 4:05pm, Su 1:05pm | Shoretown Ballpark (Lakewood) | info

Monmouth U. Men's Soccer vs LIU | 4/10 7pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Monmouth U. Men's LAX vs Fairfield | 4/11 11am | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Monmouth U. Softball vs North Carolina A & T | 4/11 12pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Monmouth U. Baseball vs Rider | 4/11 1pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Monmouth U. Women's LAX vs Towson | 4/11 2pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Monmouth U. Softball vs Stony Brook U. | 4/12 12pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Brookdale Baseball vs Bergen Community College | 4/12 12pm | Brookdale CC (Lincroft) | info

Monmouth U. Baseball vs Towson | 4/12 1pm | Monmouth U. (W. Long Branch) | info

Fri 4/10: High 1:35am | Low 8:11am | High 2:18pm | Low 8:16pm | Sunrise 6:26am | Sunset 7:30pm

Sat 4/11: High 2:32am | Low 9:14am | High 3:15pm | Low 9:27pm | Sunrise 6:25am | Sunset 7:31pm

Sun 4/12: High 3:32am | Low 10:07am | High 4:13pm | Low 10:25pm | Sunrise 6:24am | Sunset 7:30pm