We can finally enjoy the Spring sun and warming weather! Don’t forget to take advantage of our local parks and enjoy a bike ride, a hike, play basketball or even a have a family picnic this month. It’s a free, fun and a great way to stay active and get some fresh air at the same time. And, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13th so don’t forget to appreciate Mom! Check out some more free or inexpensive activities below that you can enjoy this month with your family and friends.
May 5: Spring Fling Arts & Crafts Show in Ocean Grove from 10am-4pm. Free admission to the event, which includes over 200 crafters and artisans, and live music. The event will be held rain or shine. Learn more at http://www.oceangrovenj.com/ or call 732-774-1391.
May 6: County Seat Jazz and Blues Fest in downtown Freehold from 12-6pm. This event takes place on West Main Street between Court Street and Throckmorton Street. Many vendors are participating with a variety of items such as jewelry, t-shirts, clothing, handmade dog biscuits, soaps, honey, unique crafts, and more. Food provided by Big Harlie BBQ and House of Cupcakes. Learn more about the event here, or call 732-333-0094.
May 12: Late Spring Flea Market at Allaire Village (Farmingdale) from 8am-3pm. Enjoy a day of bargains, treasures, artwork and more. Then enjoy a stroll through the Historic Village, General Store, and Village Bakery. $1 admission. To learn more call 732-919-3500 or click here.
Mommy and Me Tea Party at Allaire Village (Farmingdale) takes place between 11am-2pm also on May 12th. Seating times at 11am, noon, 1pm, and 2pm.This event is designed for children up to age 10, but all ages are welcome. Feel free to bring a fuzzy friend and a fun hat! There will also be storytelling. The event fee is $5 per person, and pre-registration is required. Please be sure to park in the main parking lot for Allaire State Park and come to the Row House & Village Museum (aka Visitor Center) for the event check-in. Please arrive 30 minutes in advance of your seating time. Call 732-919-3500 for details or click here to register online.
May 13: Mother’s Day at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (Pt. Pleasant). Moms receive FREE admission to the Aquarium, Fun House, Mini Golf, Rides and Adventure Lookout all day with a paying child! FREE Chair Massages for Moms across from the aquarium from 1pm-4pm. Enjoy Arts & Crafts, Face painter and Balloonists from 1pm-4pm too. Details at http://www.jenkinsons.com/ or call 732-892-0600.
May 18-20: Annual Seafood Festival in Belmar. The event takes place at Silver Lake Park (5th and Ocean Avenues) from 4-8pm Friday, 11am-8pm Saturday, and 11am-6pm Sunday. Free admission, live music, children’s activities, beer tent & wine garden, seafood & specialty vendors, and more. Go to http://www.visitbelmarnj.com/ or call 732-681-3700 to learn more.
May 19: Ocean Grove Vintage Car Show from 10am-4pm, rain or shine. Over 90 cars will be on display on Main Avenue, as well as live music for everyone to enjoy. $5 donation for car admission or bring a canned good with you. Canned goods and donations will go to the Lunch Break organization. Call 732-774-1391 or go to http://www.oceangrovenj.com/ for more information.
Annual NJ State Chili and Salsa Cook-Off on Main Street in downtown Toms River, 11am-5pm. Come taste the best chili from your local restaurants and chefs and vote for your favorite! If chili isn’t your thing, there will also be food trucks offering up everything from hamburgers and hot dogs to gyros, empanadas and more. Toms River Fire Co. #1 will have a beer & wine garden. Live entertainment, merchandise vendors, and kids rides. Free parking downtown during the event, and free admission. Tasting kits for sampling chili are $7. Go to www.downtowntomsriver.com or call 732-341-8738.
May 26 & 27: Spring Lake Race Day and Sidewalk Sale. Spring Lake’s annual 5 mile run starts at 8am on May 26 and you can register at www.springlake5.org. The race day sidewalk sale starts on Third Avenue at 10am on May 26 and goes until 5pm on May 27. Learn more here or call 732-449-0037.
May 26-28: Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at Monmouth Park (Oceanport). This year’s annual food truck festival will feature 45 trucks including fresh-made empanadas, to ocean-fresh lobster rolls, to warm and gooey Belgian Waffle sundaes. 5/26 and 5/27 gates will open earlier at 11am, and 11:30am on 5/28. There will be live music each day and on 5/27 and 5/28 face painting, pony rides, a bounce house, and more. Admission is $5, and kids 12 and under are free. Learn more here, or call 732-222-5100.
