Good morning Monmouth County! There’s seriously so much fun stuff to to this weekend. As soon as we get past Memorial Day Weekend we start having more to do than you can realistically do. But what a great problem to have!

🎥 Monmouth Film Fest

🏃‍♀ Healthy Asbury Park

👩‍🍳 Chef Aishling Stevens at The Grand Tavern

🇬🇷 Jersey Shore Greek Festival

🚂 Model Trains at InfoAge

🥃 AP Distilling Co. Tours

🍓 Strawberry Festival at Arrowhead Farmstead

🍎 Farmers Markets

👻 Haunted Pub Tour

🎸 Belmar Friday Night Concert Series

🏃‍♀ Avon 5k

🏈 RBC’s Tartamella to Play for Navy

🌊 Ocean Temp/Tides

The City of Asbury Park has officially secured the prestigious 2025 New Jersey Healthy Town designation, marking the sixth consecutive year the community has taken home the top honor. Awarded by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, the designation recognizes towns that go the extra mile to improve municipal public health. Driven locally by the Asbury Park Mayor's Wellness Committee, the city was celebrated alongside a record 45 communities statewide for its sustained, year-round commitment to enhancing food access, encouraging daily physical activity, and expanding mental and emotional well-being programs for residents of all ages.

This year’s winning application specifically put a spotlight on the "Blue Bishops Living Well" initiative, a collaborative three-year effort uniting city leaders, healthcare providers, local nonprofits, and residents. Key programs driving the city's success include the Free Year-Round Farm Market hosted at the Asbury Park Public Library and the "EpiCurious Kids" culinary program, both of which have been instrumental in delivering fresh, nutritious food directly to local families. Celebrating the achievement, Mayor John Moor emphasized that the designation reflects a hardworking community where "neighbors are looking out for neighbors," proving that wellness remains deeply woven into the city's identity rather than treated as an afterthought.

Families and children are heading to Historic Allaire Village in Farmingdale this weekend, May 30th and 31st, for the highly anticipated return of the annual Rubber Duck Derby. Running from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day, the family-friendly event transforms the historic site’s decorated millpond stream into a racetrack, sending hundreds of bright yellow rubber ducks splashing downstream in head-to-head competition. With a new race launching every half hour—totaling 10 competitive heats per day—young spectators have plenty of chances to root for their favorite duck and win fun local prizes. Alongside the fast-paced river action, families can round out their afternoon by exploring the 19th-century iron-working village, experiencing live historic trade demonstrations, and enjoying interactive field games across the beautiful state park grounds. info

U-Pick Strawberries | 5/29 10am-5pm | Arrowhead Farmstead (Manalapan) | info

Storytime & Crafts: Waiting for Wings | 5/29 11am-11:30am | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Strawberry Festival | 5/30 & 5/31 10am-5pm | Arrowhead Farmstead (Manalapan) | info

Sea Girt Celebrating America's 250th Birthday | 5/30 11am-3pm | Baltimore Park (Sea Girt) | info

Duck Derby! | 5/30 & 5/31 11am-4pm | The Historic Village at Allaire (Wall) | info

Marlboro Library Big Book Sale | 5/29 1pm-4:30pm | Marlboro Library (Marlboro) | info

Private Group Tour of the Paranormal Museum | 5/29 12pm, 1:15pm, 2:30pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

Senior Prom (Ages 52+) | 5/29 4pm-6pm | Red Bank Family YMCA (Red Bank) | info

Yappy Hour | 5/29 5:30pm-7pm | Doggie Sweets (Pier Village, Long Branch) | info

Original Asbury Park Ghost Tour Ghosts & Legends Downtown Tour | 5/29 & 5/30 8pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

Raritan Valley Hi-Railers (Model Trains) | 5/30 & 5/31 8am-5pm | InfoAge (Wall) | info

Spring Market | 5/30 9am-3pm | Auditorium to The Ocean (Ocean Grove) | info

High Tide Makers & Artisan Market | 5/30 11am-6pm | Pier Village (Long Branch) | info

Kickoff to Summer Weekend | 5/30 & 5/31 12pm-10pm | Wave Resort (Pier Village, Long Branch) | info

Road to Liberty Block Party | 5/30 4pm-7pm | Kings Highway (Middletown) | info

Seaport Craft Show | 5/31 10am-5pm | Huddy Park (Highlands) | info

Yappy Hour Sundays | 5/31 12pm-4pm | Carousel Bar at Wave Resort (Pier Village, Long Branch) | info

Asbury Park’s Ghosts of the Boardwalk Tour (dog friendly) | 5/31 6pm | The Paranormal Museum (Asbury Park) | info

Big news for the Monmouth County culinary scene this week and just in time for summer as highly acclaimed Chef Aishling Stevens officially takes the reins of the kitchen at The Grand Tavern in Neptune. Stevens brings nearly three decades of global and regional industry experience to the venue, spanning from her foundational culinary training in Australia to managing a Michelin Bib Gourmand farm-to-table country pub in the United Kingdom. Prior to her coastal move, Stevens spent an incredibly successful decade leading the massive culinary program at Crystal Springs Resort in Sussex County. There, she oversaw six separate dining outlets, steered the logistics for the prestigious New Jersey Wine & Food Festival, and redeveloped the four-star Restaurant Latour into one of the most celebrated fine-dining destinations in the state.

This transition marks a deliberate return to community-centered cooking for Stevens, bringing her elite expertise closer to her home by the beach in Monmouth County. Known for a culinary philosophy heavily rooted in high-quality, seasonal ingredients, she thrives on building deep, personal connections with local purveyors. Stepping into the intimate atmosphere of The Grand Tavern allows Stevens to work directly with the coastal region's neighborhood farmers and fishermen. The move not only highlights Monmouth County’s rapidly growing reputation as a hub for premier culinary talent, but it also promises local shore diners an elevated, hyper-seasonal dining experience right in their backyard.

The highly anticipated 12th annual Jersey Shore Greek Festival is officially returning this weekend, kicking off three days of culture, community, and incredible food from Friday, May 29th through Sunday, May 31st. Hosted on the sprawling grounds of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church on West Park Avenue in Ocean Township, the beloved family-friendly event promises an authentic celebration of Greek hospitality. Visitors can expect an overflow of traditional homemade delicacies—including mouthwatering gyros, souvlaki, and honey-drenched baklava—alongside continuous live music, vibrant traditional dance performances, a bustling marketplace, and big-prize raffles. To ensure a smooth experience for the thousands of guests expected to attend over the weekend, convenient parking with free, continuous shuttle bus service will be operating just down the road at the Ocean Township Intermediate School.

Jersey Shore Greek Festival | 5/29-5/31 Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat 1pm-10:30pm, Sun 12pm-8pm | St. George Greek Orthodox Church (Ocean Township) | info

Taste of Napoli Food Truck | 5/29 & 5/31 Fri 4pm-8pm, Sun 1:30pm-6pm | Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

Sips, Slices & Sweets: A Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting Experience WAITLIST 5/29 6:30pm-8pm | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Farmers Market at Hazlet | 5/30 9:30am-1:30pm | 1776 Union Ave (Hazlet) | info

Scrumps & Yum Yum Food Truck | 5/30 12pm-7pm | Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery (Farmingdale) | info

Apple Pie Baking Contest | 5/30 1pm | Baltimore Park (Sea Girt) | info

Mexi-Boys Food Truck | 5/30 1pm-8pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info

Distillery Tour | 5/30 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm | Asbury Park Distilling Co. (Asbury Park) | info

Asbury Fresh Farmers & Makers Market | 5/31 9am-2pm | Press Plaza (Asbury Park) | info

Marlboro Farmers Market | 5/31 9am-1pm | 444 Route 520 (Marlboro) | info

Belmar Farmers Market | 5/31 9am-1pm | Pyanoe Plaza (Belmar) | info

Howell Farmers Market | 5/31 10am-2pm | Echo Lake Park (Howell) | info

Ohana Best Friend Brunch | 5/31 11am-2pm | iPlay America- The Bistro (Freehold) | info

Spring Soiree: Mixology & Small Bites WAITLIST | 5/31 11am-1:30pm | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info

Cousins Maine Lobster | 5/31 1pm-8pm | Bakes Brewing Co. (Wall) | info

Farm to Fork Cooking Class WAITLIST | 5/31 2:30pm-5pm | Taste & Technique (Fair Haven) | info

“Vibrant” – A Colorful Art Exhibit | 5/29-6/21 Varies | Art629 (Asbury Park) | info

Native Americans of New Jersey Past & Present | 5/29-9/2 Tu-Su 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Pigment of Your Imagination: Just Lefkowitz Art Exhibit | 5/29-9/2 Tu-Su 10am-4pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Exhibit Showcasing Shrewsbury's Centennial 1926-2026 | 5/29-5/31 Fri & Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm | Shrewsbury Library (Shrewsbury) | info

Susu Pianchupattana Art Exhibit | 5/29-5/31 11am-6pm | ArtSpot (Asbury Park) | info

Free Weekend Art Workshop | 5/30 & 5/31 11am-2pm | Monmouth Museum (Lincroft) | info

Portraits Artifacts Living Timeline | 5/30 12pm-3pm | Garden State Classical Academy (Sea Girt) | info

Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford | 5/30 & 5/31 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm | Historic Walnford (Upper Freehold) | info

Boat Tours of The Manasquan Reservoir | 5/30 & 5/31 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm | Manasquan Reservoir (Howell) | info

Cookstove Demonstration | 5/31 11am-3pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info

Paint Red Bank: Plein Air Event & Exhibit | 5/31 12pm-4pm | ArtSpace (Red Bank) | info

The Monmouth Film Festival is this weekend! Proudly presented by the Monmouth Film Institute, the festival stands as a premier New Jersey celebration of independent cinema and a globally recognized launchpad for emerging artists. Hosted inside the iconic Bell Works "metroburb" and the state-of-the-art Bell Theater in Holmdel, this multi-day event focuses on a highly curated, single-venue experience where every story is given the spotlight it deserves. By connecting creators from across the globe with local audiences, the festival serves as a critical stepping stone for filmmakers whose works frequently go on to find homes on major platforms like Netflix, HBO, and PBS. For more event details and scheduling, you can check out the official travel and tourism info.

Beyond its captivating screenings, the festival transforms into a dynamic educational hub and networking environment for industry professionals and movie lovers alike. Attendees can participate in free workshops, professional development seminars, and panel discussions featuring major media leaders from networks like ABC and Disney. Complete with the Reel Tech Digital Film Expo—which highlights the newest creative tools and digital media innovations shaping the future of cinema—the weekend fosters a vibrant atmosphere of artistic growth, collaboration, and community.

Monmouth Film Fest | 5/29-5/31 | Bell Works (Holmdel) | info

Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" | 5/29-5/31 F/S 8pm, Su 2pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info

Old Love | 5/29 & 5/30 F/S 7:30pm | First Ave. Playhouse (Atl. Highlands) | info

Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Concert | 5/29 7:30pm | Count Basie- HMH Theatre (Red Bank) | info

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) | 5/29 10pm | Count Basie- Cinema House (Red Bank) | info

The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD | 5/30 1pm | Pollak Theater (W. Long Branch) | info

ComedySportz Live Improv | 5/30 7pm | Jersey Shore Arts Center (Ocean Grove) | info

Stolen Kingdom (Documentary) | 5/30 7pm | Smodcastle Cinemas (Atl. Highlands) | info

Seven Guitars | 5/30 & 5/31 Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm | Middletown Arts Center (Middletown) | info

Blow Out (Cinema) | 5/30 8pm | The Showroom (Asbury Park) | info

Comedy Night at Birdsmouth Beer | 5/30 8pm | Birdsmouth Beer (Oceanport) | info

Baby Doll (Cinema) | 5/31 3pm | The Showroom (Asbury Park) | info

Kevin Smith's The 4:30 Movie | 5/31 4:30pm | Smodcastle Cinemas (Atl. Highlands) | info

Dance Gavin Dance | 5/29 5pm-10:30pm | Stone Pony Summer Stage (Asbury Park) | info

Friday Night Concert Series: Dragon Fly | 5/29 6pm | Pyanoe Plaza (Belmar) | info

Ed & Co | 5/29 6pm | Broad St. (Red Bank) | info

The Nerds | 5/29 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

Kevin Hill & Secret Sound | 5/29 7pm | Asbury Lanes (Asbury Park) | info

Blue Moon Full Moon Party with Quincy Mumford | 5/29 7pm-10pm | The Asbury Hotel (Asbury Park) | info

Piano Ballads from the Turn of the Century | 5/30 1pm-3pm | Historic Longstreet Farm (Holmdel) | info

Separate Ways: Journey Tribute | 5/30 6pm | The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) | info

Rated R Band | 5/30 6pm | Broad St. (Red Bank) | info

Hudson Freeman with lots of hands | 5/30 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

Turn Two | 5/30 7pm | Asbury Lanes (Asbury Park) | info

The British Invasion Years: A 60’s Musical Revolution | 5/30 7:30pm | Count Basie- The Vogel (Red Bank) | info

Johnny Nameless New LP Release | 5/30 8pm | ArtSpot (Asbury Park) | info

Rock'n Music Academy | 5/31 12pm | Asbury Lanes (Asbury Park) | info

High Fade | 5/31 7pm | The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) | info

Jesse Malin SOLD OUT | 5/31 7pm | Transparent Clinch Gallery (Asbury Park) | info

Avon 5K Run/Walk | 5/30 8:30am | Ocean Avenue and Norwood Avenue (Avon By The Sea) | info

Sea Bright Beach Yoga | 5/29-5/31 8am | Sea Bright Pavilion (Sea Bright) | info

Tutu Trot 5K Run/Walk | 5/31 9am | Middletown South High School (Middletown) | info

Miles for Mick, Run Like a Unicorn | 5/31 9am | Monmouth Battlefield State Park (Manalapan) | info

Red Bank Catholic standout defensive end Lorenzo Tartamella announced his verbal commitment to Navy, choosing the Midshipmen over more than 20 scholarship offers from Power Four and Ivy League programs. The rising senior edge rusher is coming off a dominant first-team All-Shore junior campaign where he tallied 65 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and six sacks, anchoring a stellar defense that helped propel the Caseys to a division title. Tartamella's decision makes him the second high-profile recruit from the Shore Conference's top-ranked football program to commit to a military academy in the last two seasons. He joins a rising Navy program coming off an impressive 11-2 season and a No. 23 final ranking in the Associated Press national poll.

Harry Hoehn Memorial Row | 5/29 7am | South Side (Bradley Beach) | info

Free Pickup Soccer Friday with FC Monmouth | 5/29 6:30pm-8:30pm | Home Turf (Ocean) | info

BlueClaws vs Frederick | 5/29-5/31 F/S 7:05pm, Su 1:05pm | Shoretown Ballpark (Lakewood) | info

Shark River Golf Course Championship | 5/30 & 5/31 6am | Shark River Golf Course (Neptune) | info

AVP Volleyball LEAGUE WEEK 1 | 5/30 & 5/31 Sat 1pm, Sun 1:30pm | 100 Ocean Ave (Belmar) | info

NASCAR 602 Iron Revolution 100 | 5/30 6pm | Wall Stadium (Wall) | info

Fri 5/29: Low 12:36am | High 6:42am | Low 12:34pm | High 7:02pm | Sunrise 5:31am | Sunset 8:18pm

Sat 5/30: Low 1:20am | High 7:25am | Low 1:15pm | High 7:40pm | Sunrise 5:31am | Sunset 8:18pm

Sun 5/31: Low 2:02am | High 8:05am | Low 1:56pm | High 8:17pm | Sunrise 5:30am | Sunset 8:19pm