Good morning Monmouth County! Pretty tasty weekend of food festivals ahead. Seafood, vegan fare, and the best of Keyport.

🚉 NJ Transit Launches MicroLink Program

🏸 Youth Pickleball League

🦞 NJ Seafood Festival in Belmar

🍆 Vegan Food Festival

🥙 Taste of Keyport

🎭 Pippin at Algonquin Theater

🕯 Candlelight Concerts

🎭 Old Love at First Ave Playhouse

🏃‍♀ Marine Corps 5k

🏎 NASCAR Weekly Series

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

NJ TRANSIT has officially launched "MicroLink," a two-year microtransit pilot program designed to bridge the gap between residential neighborhoods and major transportation hubs. Launched in April 2026, the service currently operates in select portions of Bergen and Monmouth counties, specifically targeting "transit deserts" where traditional bus routes may be limited. By utilizing a fleet of ADA-compliant electric and gas-powered vans, the program provides a flexible, on-demand solution for residents to reach local rail stations and bus terminals.

The initiative is powered by Via’s ride-sharing technology and is entirely free for riders during the initial two-year testing phase. Funded by a $7 million federal grant, the pilot aims to reduce reliance on personal vehicles and provide a scalable model for the future of public transportation in New Jersey. Officials plan to monitor ridership data and community feedback throughout the pilot to determine if the service will become a permanent fixture or expand into additional counties across the state.

NJ Makers Day | 5/15 12pm-5pm | InfoAge (Wall) | info

Teen Nights at Camp Zehnder | 5/15 6pm-9pm | Camp Zehnder (Wall) | info

Free Weekend Workshop | 5/16 & 5/17 11am-2pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Ocean Fun Day! | 5/16 & 5/17 11am-3pm | Grant Consortium Building (Sandy Hook) | info

Spring Into Action Disability Fair | 5/16 12pm-3pm | Long Branch Senior Center (Long Branch) | info

Model Railroad Open House | 5/16 12pm-5pm | InfoAge (Wall) | info

Shrewsbury Borough Centennial Celebration | 5/16 12pm-7pm | Manson Park (Shrewsbury) | info

The Little Mermen & The Princess Pals | 5/16 6pm-7:30pm | Marlboro Recreation Amphitheater (Marlboro) | info

Teen Nights at the Red Bank Family YMCA! | 5/16 7pm-10pm | Red Bank YMCA (Red Bank) | info

Raritan Valley Hi-Railers (Model Trains) | 5/17 8am-5pm | InfoAge (Wall) | info

Blue Dog Brunch! | 5/17 11am-2pm | The Bistro- iPlay America (Freehold) | info

Manasquan Spring Sidewalk Sale | 5/15-5/16 10am-5pm | Business District (Manasquan) | info

Town Wide Garage Sale | 5/16-5/17 8am-4pm | Various locations (Middletown) | info

Annual Town-Wide Yard Sale | 5/16-5/17 9am-3pm | Various locations (Bradley Beach) | info

Grange Spring Sale | 5/16 10am-2pm | Various locations (Howell) | info

Manasquan Backyard Crawl | 5/16 2pm-5:30pm | Various locations (Manasquan) | info

Vinyl Record Sale | 5/17 10am-5pm | The Red Bank Record Riot (Red Bank) | info

FBAC Porch Fest | 5/17 12pm-5pm | Various locations (Freehold) | info

Spring Garden Days Plant Sale | 5/15-5/16 Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm | Rutgers Agriculture Bldg (Freehold) | info

Sidewalk Sale | 5/15-5/17 11am-8pm | Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

Private Group Tour of the Paranormal Museum | 5/15 12pm-3:45pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

Original Asbury Park Ghost Tour | 5/15 & 5/16 8pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

2000's Night | 5/15 9pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Native Plant Exchange at Deep Cut Gardens | 5/16 8:30am-10:15am | Deep Cut Gardens (Middletown) | info

Spring Craft & Vendor Show | 5/16 10am-4pm | The Historic Village at Allaire (Wall) | info

High Tide Makers & Artisan Market | 5/16 11am-6pm | Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

Dog Walk on BroadWalk | 5/16 12pm-4pm | Broadwalk (Red Bank) | info

Asbury Park Vintage Market | 5/16 12pm-5pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

DAYSHIFT "World's Biggest 30+ Day Party" | 5/16 5pm-9pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Lunar Faire Night Market | 5/16 5pm-10pm | East Freehold Showgrounds (Freehold) | info

Gimme Gimme Disco | 5/16 10pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Yappy Hour Sundays | 5/17 12pm-4pm | Carousel Bar at Wave Resort (Long Branch) | info

Beyond the Counter - Flower Pressing Workshop | 5/17 2pm-4pm | The Historic Village at Allaire (Wall) | info

Asbury Park’s Ghosts of the Boardwalk Tour (Dog Friendly) | 5/17 6pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

The NJ Seafood Festival returns to Belmar's Silver Lake Park this weekend, transforming the scenic coastal space into a premier destination for food lovers and families alike. Running from Friday through Sunday, this highly anticipated event showcases an expansive selection of fresh, local delicacies ranging from classic lobster rolls and coconut shrimp to artisanal clam chowders served up by the region's favorite vendors. Beyond the incredible menu, visitors can browse a variety of local craft booths, enjoy live music from local bands, and soak in the festive atmosphere just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean. It remains one of the shore's most iconic traditions, offering a perfect opportunity to celebrate the community spirit and culinary heritage of Monmouth County.

The Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival returns to Bradley Park this weekend, May 16 and 17, bringing a massive two-day celebration of plant-based living to the Jersey Shore. Starting at 12:00 PM each day, the event features a curated selection of the East Coast’s finest vegan vendors serving up everything from "veganized" boardwalk classics and giant pizza slices to gourmet cannolis. In addition to the extensive food lineup, attendees can enjoy live music all afternoon, browse cruelty-free fashion and lifestyle gear, and visit an outdoor bar stocked with vegan-friendly cocktails and mocktails. Situated right across from the iconic Convention Hall, the festival offers a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere where everyone—from long-time vegans to the "veg-curious"—can gather to enjoy great food and sunshine.info

The Taste of Keyport returns this Saturday, May 16, offering a flavorful self-guided tour through the charming "Pearl of the Bayshore." From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, ticket holders can stroll through the historic downtown and waterfront to sample signature "small bites" and specialty offerings from a diverse array of participating local eateries. The event kicks off at the Mini Park on West Front Street, where check-in begins for an afternoon of culinary discovery that highlights the unique flavors of the borough’s independent restaurant scene. Perfect for foodies of all ages, the festival provides a lively community atmosphere, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore new dining spots while enjoying the scenic views of the Raritan Bay. info

NJ Seafood Festival- Belmar | 5/15-5/17 Fri-Sun Varies | Silver Lake Park (Belmar) | info

Taste of Napoli- Food Truck | 5/15 & 5/16 Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 12pm-7pm | Tall Oaks Farm + Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

Mediterranean Made Easy: Greek Edition | 5/15 6:30pm-9pm | Taste and Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Community Farm Stand | 5/16 9am-10:30am | Corner of Bangs and Memorial Ave (Asbury Park) | info

Hamilton Sing-Along Drag Brunch | 5/16 11am | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Bell Fresh Farmers & Makers Market | 5/16 11am-4pm | Bell Works (Holmdel) | info

2026 Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival | 5/16 & 5/17 12pm-7pm | Bradley Park (Asbury Park) | info

Taste of Keyport | 5/16 12pm-4pm | Mini Park on West Front Street (Keyport) | info

A Taste of Thai | 5/16 12pm-2:30pm | Taste and Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Rescue Rolls- Food Truck | 5/16 12pm-6pm | Kane Brewing Company (Ocean Township) | info

Bakes Gone Wild | 5/16 1pm-8pm | Bakes Brewing Co (Wall) | info

Keansburg 8th Annual Food Truck Festival | 5/16 2pm-7pm | 1 Beachway Ave (Keansburg) | info

Asbury Fresh Farmers & Makers Market | 5/17 9am-2pm | Press Plaza (Asbury Park) | info

Howell Farmers Market | 5/17 10am-2pm | Echo Lake Park (Howell) | info

Shuck N' Sip: Cocktails Oyster Brunch | 5/17 12pm-3pm | 3BR Distillery (Keyport) | info

Drea's Tapas- Food Truck | 5/17 12pm-6pm | Tall Oaks Farm + Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

High Tide Oyster Pop Up | 5/17 1pm-5pm | Bakes Brewing Co (Wall) | info

Boots, Brews and Two-Steppin' Tunes | 5/17 5pm-8pm | Tall Oaks Farm + Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

Taking Care of Your Home | 5/15 10:30am-11:30am | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Garden State Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition | 5/15 11am-4pm | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info

Steven Ujifusa Author Visit: "The Last Ships from Hamburg" | 5/15 2pm-4pm | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Workshop: Paint your Zodiac | 5/15 7pm-9pm | Over the Moon Studios (Asbury Park) | info

Art Reception Debra S. Bruno: Beauty & Blooming | 5/15-5/17 Fri-Sun Varies | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Exhibit Showcasing Shrewsbury's Centennial 1926-2026 | 5/15-5/17 Fri-Sun Varies | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Pigment of Your Imagination- Justin "Lefty" Lefkowitz | 5/15-5/17 10am-4pm | Nilson Gallery- Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Friends of MTPL Book Sale | 5/15-5/16 10am-4pm | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s | 5/16 1pm-3pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info

19th Century Woodworking Demonstration | 5/16 1pm-3pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info

Glass Mosaic Workshop | 5/16 & 5/17 Sat-Sun Varies | Over the Moon Studios (Asbury Park) | info

Workshop: Pet Portraits | 5/17 11am-1pm | Over the Moon Studios (Asbury Park) | info

Opening Reception - Native Americans of New Jersey: Past and Present | 5/17 4pm-6pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

“Vibrant” – A Colorful Art Exhibit | Now-6/21 Varies | Art629 (Asbury Park) | info

Old Love | 5/15-5/17 Fri-Sun Varies | First Ave Playhouse (Atlantic Highlands) | info

MK Happy | 5/15 8pm | The Showroom (Asbury Park) | info

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) | 5/15 10pm | Count Basie- Cinema House (Red Bank) | info

First Contact Film Festival - 2026 | 5/16 & 5/17 Varies | Smodcastle Cinemas (Atlantic Highlands) | info

Kick Performing Arts: Shine On | 5/16 1:30pm | Count Basie- HMH Theatre (Red Bank) | info

Pippin | 5/16 & 5/17 Sat-Sun Varies | Algonquin Arts Theatre (Manasquan) | info

Daddy Long Legs | 5/16 & 5/17 2pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info

Close-Up Series | 5/16 2pm | Count Basie- Cinema House (Red Bank) | info

ComedySportz: New Show Every Week! | 5/16 7pm-9pm | JSAC (Ocean Grove) | info

Sisters | 5/16 8pm | The Showroom (Asbury Park) | info

Candlelight Concert Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons | 5/15 6pm | Pollak Theatre (W. Long Branch) | info

Connor Bracken Des and the Swagmatics | 5/15 7pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

Reprise | 5/15 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

Starsighted Super Jam | 5/15 7pm | Asbury Lanes (Asbury Park) | info

Karaoke Night: Hosted by Sing & Sway! | 5/15 7pm-10pm | Twin Lights Brewing (Tinton Falls) | info

DECADE – Neil Young Tribute | 5/15 & 5/16 7:30pm | Count Basie- The Vogel (Red Bank) | info

Start Making Sense & The Ocean Avenue Stompers Horns | 5/15 7:30pm | Count Basie- HMH Theatre (Red Bank) | info

Candlelight Concert Tribute to Adele | 5/15 8:30pm | Pollak Theatre (W. Long Branch) | info

Waiting on Mongo | 5/16 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

Dark City String | 5/16 7pm-10pm | Navesink Library (Navesink) | info

Sandy Mack's Wonder Jam | 5/17 2:30pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

Goodnight Moonshine & BYOB | 5/17 3:30pm | Belmar Arts Center (Belmar) | info

MAC Music Café | 5/17 4pm-6pm | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info

ATREYU | 5/17 6pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

Drake Milligan | 5/17 7pm | Asbury Lanes (Asbury Park) | info

Jersey Shore Pickleball Club at Bell Works in Holmdel will be hosting a youth pickleball league for kids age 7-13 starting June 22nd. Sessions will run Monday-Friday and you can choose from a 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm time slot. Participants will receive professional pickleball instruction as well as JSPC swag.

Family Historic Bike Ride | 5/16 9am-11am | Lincroft Village Green (Middletown) | info

Marine Corps Run for Freedom 5K | 5/16 9:30am | Runners High iPlay America (Freehold) | info

Shark River Row | 5/15 6pm | Shark River Hills (Neptune) | info

BlueClaws vs Greensboro | 5/15-5/17 Fri-Sun Varies | Shoretown Ballpark (Lakewood) | info

Monmouth U Baseball vs North Carolina | 5/15 & 5/16 1pm | Monmouth U (W. Long Branch) | info

NASCAR Weekly Series | 5/16 6pm | Wall Stadium (Wall) | info

Tatum Park Hunter Pace | 5/17 9am-12:30pm | Tatum Park- Holland Center (Middletown) | info

Fri 5/15: Low 12:33am | High 6:35am | Low 12:32pm | High 6:54pm | Sunrise 5:41am | Sunset 8:05pm

Sat 5/16: Low 1:26am | High 7:26am | Low 1:23pm | High 7:42pm | Sunrise 5:40am | Sunset 8:06pm

Sun 5/17: Low 2:19am | High 8:18am | Low 2:15pm | High 8:32pm | Sunrise 5:39am | Sunset 8:07pm