Good morning Monmouth County! Today is World Hypertension Day. Who knew? And if you didn’t know, happiness and a positive mindset can lower your blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular disease. So keep reading for loads of fun to keep the happiness and positivity flowing.

🎥 Eatontown Releases Netflix Community Benefit Funds

⛳ Mini Golf Tournament

🍓 U-Pick Strawberries at Battleview Orchards

🏸 Youth Pickleball League

🚚 Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival

🍨 Scoop N Scootery Red Bank

🦀 Horseshoe Crabs in Monmouth County

🎸 Cole Hallman at TCG

🎭 Comedy Night

🏃‍♀ Bakes Run Club

🏐 Beach Volleyball Tournament

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

Eatontown Borough has officially announced the rollout of its first-round grants funded by Netflix, injecting more than $811,000 directly into local schools, civic organizations, and youth programs. The payouts represent the opening wave of funding from a massive $5 million Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) negotiated between borough leadership and the streaming giant, which is currently transforming nearly 300 acres of the historic former Fort Monmouth property into a state-of-the-art, $900 million East Coast production hub. According to Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr., the initial allocations were the culmination of an intensive public selection process designed to ensure the Hollywood windfall directly impacts everyday residents, utilizing input from social media and open-house events before a specialized committee evaluated formal requests from the community.

The resulting funding spreads the wealth across a diverse cross-section of Eatontown, providing crucial financial boosts to grassroots organizations, infrastructure, and public education. Major civic beneficiaries include the Eatontown Lions Club, which received $115,000 to support its youth initiatives and local Food Co-Op, and the historic Mt. Zion AME Zion Church, which secured $33,000 to construct a new chairlift and overhaul its structural stairs for improved accessibility. Additionally, Eatontown Public Schools and the district PTA took home a combined $71,000 to expand after-school arts and STEM programs, while local scouting troops, youth sports leagues, and the Elks and Knights of Columbus lodges all secured vital capital to upgrade facilities and purchase equipment. As Netflix continues construction on its massive 12-soundstage campus across the Eatontown and Oceanport sections of the fort, this initial wave of distribution proves that local officials are successfully turning Hollywood’s arrival into immediate, tangible victories for the neighborhood.

🍓 U-Pick Strawberries at Battleview Orchards

Pick your own strawberries is going on at Battleview Orchards in Freehold but the schedule varies based on weather and ripening. So be sure to call or check up on their Facebook page. info

Beginner Horse Experience | By Reservation | Francisco Family Farm (Matawan) | info

Stargazing for Everyone! | 5/19 7pm-9pm | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

Kids Karate on BroadWalk | 5/20 11am-12pm | Downtown Red Bank (Red Bank) | info

Raritan Valley Hi-Railers (Model Trains) | 5/20 12pm-5pm | InfoAge (Wall) | info

Kids Takeover | 5/21 4pm-6pm | Downtown Red Bank (Red Bank) | info

Pokemon Trading Night: Ages 5-8 | 5/21 6pm-6:30pm | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

Ocean Senior Spring Fling | 5/21 1pm-2pm | West Park Rec Center (Ocean Twp) | info

WINGS (Widowed Inspiring Growth & Strength) Group | 5/21 6:30pm-8:30pm | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

Line Dancing on BroadWalk | 5/18 7pm-9pm | Downtown Red Bank (Red Bank) | info

Mini Golf Tournament | 5/18 5:30pm-7:30pm | Blue Grass Mini Golf (Oceanport) | info

Mead & Magic Craft Workshop | 5/19 6pm-8pm | Beach Bee Meadery (Long Branch) | info

Sip & Paint | 5/19 7pm-9pm | Pier Pins (Long Branch) | info

Tedx Asbury Park Presents Hot Takes & Ale | 5/20 5pm-6:30pm | Wild Air Beerworks (Asbury Park) | info

DIY Earring Workshop | 5/20 6pm-8pm | Beach Bee Meadery (Long Branch) | info

Haunted Pub Tour | 5/20 7:30pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

Car Charm Workshop | 5/21 6:30pm | Beach Bee Meadery (Long Branch) | info

Private Group Tours of The Paranormal Museum | 5/21 & 5/22 12pm-3:45pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

The beloved Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival is officially making its grand return to Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport over Memorial Day weekend, spanning three full days from May 23 to May 25. Serving as the ultimate culinary kickoff to the summer season, the massive event will feature over 30 of the region’s top mobile kitchens serving up everything from fresh lobster rolls and wood-fired pizza to artisanal empanadas and gourmet ice cream sundaes. Alongside high-stakes thoroughbred racing and live musical performances from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM each day, families can take advantage of free Family Fun Day activities on Saturday and Sunday, complete with clowns, face painters, pony rides, and a massive bounce house in the track's picnic area. info

Downtown Red Bank is buzzing with excitement following the grand opening of Scoop N Scootery at 21 East Front Street, marking the viral, late-night ice cream chain’s very first New Jersey location. Owned by Monmouth County native Kim Barcenilla, the Boston-born concept completely reinvents the traditional dessert outing by moving away from simple single scoops to focus entirely on massive, over-the-top, fully loaded sundaes. Lines have been stretching down the block as eager crowds gather to try signature masterpieces like the "Cream & Sugar"—a decadent mix of coffee Oreo ice cream, marshmallow fluff, hot fudge, Oreos, and toffee bits. Perfect for satisfying after-hours cravings, the vibrant new storefront stays open until midnight Tuesday through Saturday and even features its own dedicated late-night delivery service, making it an instant hotspot. info

Dinner on the Farm- Cooking Class | 5/20 6pm-8:30pm | Taste and Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Fresh Farmers & Makers Market | 5/20 11am-4pm | Bell Works (Holmdel) | info

Art Reception Debra S. Bruno: Beauty & Blooming | 5/18-5/21 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Exhibit Showcasing Shrewsbury's Centennial 1926-2026 | 5/18-5/21 9am-9pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Garden State Watercolor Society - Juried Exhibition | 5/18-5/30 M/W/Th/F 11am-4pm | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info

Figure Drawing Class | 5/18 6pm-8pm | Art629 (Asbury Park) | info

New Jersey's Revolutionary Rivalry: The Untold Story of Col. Tye & Capt. Huddty | 5/18 7pm | Old Wharf (Oceanport) | info

Casual Birder at Manasquan Reservoir | 5/19 9am | Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center (Howell) | info

Emergency Preparedness | 5/19 2pm-3pm | Holmdel Library (Holmdel) | info

Genealogy Club - Open Discussion | 5/20 2pm-3:30pm | Middletown Library (Middletown) | info

Meet the Author: Guy Scarpelli | 5/20 6pm-8pm | The Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center (Long Branch) | info

Nature Lecture: Horseshoe Crabs in Monmouth County | 5/20 7pm-8pm | Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center (Port Monmouth) | info

The History of Zeppelins: From a Weapon of War to an Aeronautic Marvel | 5/20 7pm-8pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Murder, They Wrote: The Fraud by Zadie Smith | 5/21 10am-11:30am | Manalapan Library (Manalapan) | info

Painting Class | 5/21 5:30pm-7:30pm | Art629 (Asbury Park) | info

Canvas of Hope Art Auction | 5/21 6pm-8pm | Parlor Gallery (Asbury Park) | info

Author Event: Justin Campana – “Black Widow” | 5/21 6pm-8pm | The Book House (Long Branch) | info

Stephen King Book Club: Heart-Shaped Box In-Person | 5/21 7pm-8pm | Atlantic Highlands Library (Atlantic Highlands) | info

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

Stage Reading - Portrait of a Woman in Repose | 5/18 7pm | West End Arts Center (Long Branch) | info

Bards Open Mic - Poetry/Comedy/Debauchery | 5/18 7pm | My Way Cafe (Long Branch) | info

The Basie Awards | 5/19 7pm | Count Basie- HMH Theatre (Red Bank) | info

“War Comes To Monmouth” Screening – Opening Night (Cinema) | 5/20 5pm-7pm | Thompson Park Visitor Center (Lincroft) | info

Open Mic Comedy Night | 5/21 7pm | Basie Center Cinema House (Red Bank) | info

Comedy Night | 5/21 8pm-10pm | Wave Resort (Long Branch) | info

Jazz Arts Jam Sessions- Open Mic | 5/18 6pm | Triumph Restaurant & Brewery (Red Bank) | info

Happy Mondays: Kiersten Blue, Maggie Glassman, S0ulfood | 5/18 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

Red – End Of Silence 20th Anniversary Tour | 5/19 5:30pm | House of Independents (Asbury Park) | info

FBAC Open Mic Night | 5/19 6:30pm-9pm | The American Hotel (Freehold) | info

Open Mic Night - Asbury Park Brewery | 5/20 6pm-7pm | Asbury Park Brewery (Asbury Park) | info

The Whitmore Sisters | 5/20 6:30pm | Belmar Arts Center (Belmar) | info

Here, There and Everywhere; A tribute to the best of the Beatles | 5/21 1pm-2pm | Marlboro Library (Marlboro) | info

Cole Hallman | 5/21 6pm | Transparent Clinch Gallery (Asbury Park) | info

Punk Show: Fat Bangs, Break Luck, Bury Mia, Take It or Leave It | 5/21 6pm | Wild Air Beerworks (Asbury Park) | info

Buckethead | 5/21 7pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

Unofficial Start to Summer featuring The Eddie Testa Band | 5/21 7pm-8:30pm | The Carousel Stage (Long Branch) | info

The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals | 5/21 7pm | House of Independents (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.

Introduction to Qigong and Tai Chi | 5/18 10am-11am | W. Long Branch Library (W. Long Branch)

Run Club | 5/21 6:30pm-8:30pm | Bakes Brewing Co (Wall)

Yoga in the Park | 5/21 6:30pm-7:30pm | Lincroft Village Green (Lincroft)

Riptide-Cawes Mountain Bike Race & Triton Pizza Pop Up | 5/21 5:30pm-8pm | Screamin' Hill Beer Farm (Cream Ridge) | info

2026 YMCA Summer Camp Scholarship Golf Tournament | 5/18 11am-7pm | Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club (Farmingdale) | info

The Greater Long Branch Beach Classic- Volleyball Tournament | 5/21 10am | Beach Volleyball courts between North and South Bath Ave. (Long Branch) | info

Mon 5/18: Low 3:11am | High 9:12am | Low 3:08pm | High 9:24pm | Sunrise 5:39am | Sunset 8:08pm

Tue 5/19: Low 4:02am | High 10:09am | Low 4:00pm | High 10:22pm | Sunrise 5:38am | Sunset 8:09pm

Wed 5/20: Low 4:54am | High 11:10am | Low 4:54pm | High 11:22pm | Sunrise 5:37am | Sunset 8:10pm

Thu 5/21: Low 5:49am | High 12:11am | Low 5:53pm | Sunrise 5:36am | Sunset 8:11pm