The summer may be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do before the weather gets colder and the kiddos go back to school. Whether you’re looking to jam out at a concert or if you want to experience nature with family and friends, there are plenty of fun events to celebrate the end of summer in New Jersey.
Check out some of these fun activities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
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Listen to some classic rhythm and blues while enjoying the great outdoors during this spectacular concert. Tickets include a dining reservation, which occurs two hours prior to showtime with dinner and drinks sold separately.
Have you ever been interested in getting into knitting or crocheting? Or are you an expert working on a project and just need some assistance? This event is open for anyone to work at their own pace with Historic Longstreet Farm staff on hand to help.
Get some shade from the summer heat and indulge in a cold treat. Head to the ice house in Historic Walnford to crank up ice cream using recipes from the 19th century and then consume the results of your labor.
The award-winning comedian will get back in action for her new standup show. A VIP meet and greet package includes a photo with Iliza, an autographed tour poster, and more.
Hear all about the mechanics of Historic Longstreet Farm’s machinery for one day only. The farm’s horse-drawn implements and household equipment will be on display as staff discuss everything you’ve always wanted to know.
Whether you’re a fan of the Beatles or the Beach Boys, there is a show for you at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club. These tribute bands are sure to recreate the sounds of your favorite groups. The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson personally selected High Tide to perform at the California Beach Boys historical landmark dedication in 2005 while Paperback Writer is known for their national Beatles show throughout Disneyland, Disney Entertainment and major cruise lines, theaters and casinos across the country.
The Clayton Park Activity Center lets you climb to new heights with this event. Park staff will put up a 25-foot portable climbing wall for you and the kiddos to climb to your heart’s content.
The past year may have been difficult due to the pandemic but you can measure all 525,600 minutes in love when you attend Algonquin Arts Theatre’s production of Rent. Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical details a year in the life of young New Yorkers as they experience triumphs and troubles during the rise of AIDS. Indulge in some of your favorite showtunes, including Seasons of Love, No Day But Today, La Vie Bohème, and more.
This event is sure to hit the bullseye. You can practice your archery skills at the Thompson Park Activity Barn with all equipment provided. Please note this is not a beginner instructional program and if you are new to archery, you should register for one of the park’s “Take a Shot” classes before attending.
The up and coming comedian’s star is on the rise. You may have enjoyed Chris Distefano’s podcasts and TV appearances but now it’s time to enjoy his standup show at the Suneagles Golf Club.
Enjoy the sights of beautiful birds while taking a laid-back 90-minute morning stroll. A limited number of binoculars will also be available for the avid bird watchers.
Brothers Osborne heads to The Stone Pony Summer Stage for The We’re Not For Everyone Tour. Jam out to the duo along with special guests Travis Denning and Tenille Townes.
Enjoy some sweet melodies during your visit to Historic Longstreet Farm. Folk musicians will play some classic accordion songs, which were a staple of the mid 19th century. Receive a history lesson all while relaxing to some beautiful tunes.
Catch the sights of some beautiful dolphins along the Monmouth County shores. A park system naturalist will provide a presentation on the ecology, the importance of dolphins to the local marine ecosystem, the factors affecting their survival, and ways you can help them.
The star of the TLC reality series Long Island Medium brings her live experience to the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park. Theresa Caputo will share personal stories, explain how her gift works, and deliver healing messages to audience members with loved ones who have passed.
Celebrate a community tradition of legendary and contemporary jazz and blues at the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Festival. Scheduled acts include Kelly, Ellis, & Flynn; Charlie Apicella & Iron City featuring Madam Pat Tandy; and Sonny Kenn Band. In addition to sweet tunes, you and the kids will be able to enjoy food, crafts, kids’ activities, fireworks, and more.
See what lives and swims in Sandy Hook Bay as you and the family discover various crabs, fish and other sea creatures as the staff of Bayshore Waterfront Park pull a long seine net along the edge of the bay. Reserve a date by calling 732-872-7369.
Whether you’re a novice paddler or an expert, you’ll want to experience the kayak nature tour at Swimming River. Up to 12 participants can use single or tandem kayaks on a first come, first served basis. All equipment is provided so there’s no excuse not to experience this nature tour.
Join park system naturalists as they narrate a 45-minute tour of local wildlife — including turtles, egrets, herons, ospreys and perhaps a bald eagle — at the Manasquan Reservoir. All tours leave from the visitor center and are both weather and water-level dependent.
Enjoy the great outdoors with fun activities for the whole family. At various Monmouth County parks, you can take part in a mini-nature lesson and an activity. Plus, you can walk for 30-60 minutes just to enjoy the environment.
Explore the newly restored Historic Battery Lewis in the Rocky Point section of Hartshorne Woods Park. The restoration project of the historic former coastal defense site includes repairs to interior concrete walls and steel doors; new steel gates; electrical service; and the addition of a 16-inch gun barrel and interpretative exhibit. Now, you can experience its rich history for free.
1. Summer Doo Wop Spectacular
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Listen to some classic rhythm and blues while enjoying the great outdoors during this spectacular concert. Tickets include a dining reservation, which occurs two hours prior to showtime with dinner and drinks sold separately.
- Cost: $39-$59
- Location: Suneagles Golf Club, 2000 Lowther Drive Eatontown, NJ
- Time: 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 6
- Who it’s for: Adults
- Link for more information: Count Basie Center for the Arts
2. Yarn Bee
Have you ever been interested in getting into knitting or crocheting? Or are you an expert working on a project and just need some assistance? This event is open for anyone to work at their own pace with Historic Longstreet Farm staff on hand to help.
- Cost: $5
- Location: Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ
- Time: 12-2:30 p.m. on Aug. 7
- Who it’s for: Ages 10 and up but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Link for more information: Historic Longstreet Farm
3. Edible History Series at Historic Walnford: Ice Cream
Get some shade from the summer heat and indulge in a cold treat. Head to the ice house in Historic Walnford to crank up ice cream using recipes from the 19th century and then consume the results of your labor.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Historic Walnord, 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ
- Time: 2-3 p.m. Aug. 7
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: Historic Walnford
4. Iliza: Back In Action Tour
The award-winning comedian will get back in action for her new standup show. A VIP meet and greet package includes a photo with Iliza, an autographed tour poster, and more.
- Cost: $39-$69
- Location: Suneagles Golf Club, 2000 Lowther Drive, Eatontown, NJ
- Time: 7 p.m. on Aug. 7
- Who it’s for: Adults
- Link for more information: Count Basie Center for the Arts
5. Machinery Expo at Historic Longstreet Farm
Hear all about the mechanics of Historic Longstreet Farm’s machinery for one day only. The farm’s horse-drawn implements and household equipment will be on display as staff discuss everything you’ve always wanted to know.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ
- Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 8
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: Historic Longstreet Farm
6. Beach Boys and Beatles Tributes
Whether you’re a fan of the Beatles or the Beach Boys, there is a show for you at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club. These tribute bands are sure to recreate the sounds of your favorite groups. The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson personally selected High Tide to perform at the California Beach Boys historical landmark dedication in 2005 while Paperback Writer is known for their national Beatles show throughout Disneyland, Disney Entertainment and major cruise lines, theaters and casinos across the country.
- Cost: $25 plus a $25 per person food and beverage minimum
- Location: Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
- Time: 7 p.m. on Aug. 9 (High Tide) and Aug. 10 (Paperback Writer)
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: Asbury Park Boardwalk
7. Climb Time at Clayton Park
The Clayton Park Activity Center lets you climb to new heights with this event. Park staff will put up a 25-foot portable climbing wall for you and the kiddos to climb to your heart’s content.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Clayton Park Activity Center, 202 Davis Station Road, Cream Ridge, NJ
- Time: 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 10
- Who it’s for: Ages 8 and up but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Must be 42” or taller.
- Link for more information: Monmouth County Park System
8. Rent
The past year may have been difficult due to the pandemic but you can measure all 525,600 minutes in love when you attend Algonquin Arts Theatre’s production of Rent. Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical details a year in the life of young New Yorkers as they experience triumphs and troubles during the rise of AIDS. Indulge in some of your favorite showtunes, including Seasons of Love, No Day But Today, La Vie Bohème, and more.
- Cost: $30-$40
- Location: The Algonquin Arts Theatre, 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ
- Time: Various times Aug. 13-22
- Who it’s for: Ages 13 and older
- Link for more information: The Algonquin Arts Theatre
9. Open Shoot Archery
This event is sure to hit the bullseye. You can practice your archery skills at the Thompson Park Activity Barn with all equipment provided. Please note this is not a beginner instructional program and if you are new to archery, you should register for one of the park’s “Take a Shot” classes before attending.
- Cost: $10
- Location: Thompson Park Activity Barn, 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ
- Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 14
- Who it’s for: Ages 10 and up but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Link for more information: Open Shoot Archery
10. Chris Distefano
The up and coming comedian’s star is on the rise. You may have enjoyed Chris Distefano’s podcasts and TV appearances but now it’s time to enjoy his standup show at the Suneagles Golf Club.
- Cost: $39 – $59
- Location: Suneagles Golf Club, 2000 Lowther Drive, Eatontown, NJ
- Time: 7 p.m. on Aug. 14
- Who it’s for: Adults
- Link for more information: Count Basie Center for the Arts
11. The Casual Birder
Enjoy the sights of beautiful birds while taking a laid-back 90-minute morning stroll. A limited number of binoculars will also be available for the avid bird watchers.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Hartshorne Woods Park (Claypit Creek parking lot), 239 Locust Avenue, Locust, NJ; Dorbrook Recreation Area, 353 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ
- Time: 9 a.m. on Aug. 17 at Hartshorne Wood Park and on Aug. 31 at Dorbrook Recreation Area
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: The Casual Birder
12. Brothers Osborne
Brothers Osborne heads to The Stone Pony Summer Stage for The We’re Not For Everyone Tour. Jam out to the duo along with special guests Travis Denning and Tenille Townes.
- Cost: $50
- Location: The Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
- Time: 5 p.m. on Aug. 19
- Who it’s for: Adults
- Link for more information: Asbury Park Boardwalk
13. Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Enjoy some sweet melodies during your visit to Historic Longstreet Farm. Folk musicians will play some classic accordion songs, which were a staple of the mid 19th century. Receive a history lesson all while relaxing to some beautiful tunes.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ
- Time: 1-3 p.m. on Aug. 21
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: Historic Longstreet Farm
14. Dolphins: Facts & Tales
- Cost: Free
- Location: Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ
- Time: 7-8 p.m. on Aug. 26
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: Nature Lecture Series
15. Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience
The star of the TLC reality series Long Island Medium brings her live experience to the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park. Theresa Caputo will share personal stories, explain how her gift works, and deliver healing messages to audience members with loved ones who have passed.
- Cost: $40-$99
- Location: The Paramount Theatre, 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
- Time: 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 26
- Who it’s for: Adults
- Link for more information: Asbury Park Boardwalk
16. Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival
Celebrate a community tradition of legendary and contemporary jazz and blues at the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Festival. Scheduled acts include Kelly, Ellis, & Flynn; Charlie Apicella & Iron City featuring Madam Pat Tandy; and Sonny Kenn Band. In addition to sweet tunes, you and the kids will be able to enjoy food, crafts, kids’ activities, fireworks, and more.
- Cost: Free
- Location: 28 Mckinley Avenue, Long Branch, NJ
- Time: 3 p.m.-7 p.m. on Aug. 28
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation
17. Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay at Bayshore Waterfront Park
See what lives and swims in Sandy Hook Bay as you and the family discover various crabs, fish and other sea creatures as the staff of Bayshore Waterfront Park pull a long seine net along the edge of the bay. Reserve a date by calling 732-872-7369.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Bayshore Waterfront Park, 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ
- Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Aug. 27
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: Bayshore Waterfront Park
18. Drop-In Nature Kayak Tour of Swimming River
Whether you’re a novice paddler or an expert, you’ll want to experience the kayak nature tour at Swimming River. Up to 12 participants can use single or tandem kayaks on a first come, first served basis. All equipment is provided so there’s no excuse not to experience this nature tour.
- Cost: $25
- Location: Swimming River Park, 475 W Front Street, Red Bank
- Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m Aug. 3, 25, 26, and 27
- Who it’s for: Ages 12 and up but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Link for more information: Monmouth County Park System
19. Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir
Join park system naturalists as they narrate a 45-minute tour of local wildlife — including turtles, egrets, herons, ospreys and perhaps a bald eagle — at the Manasquan Reservoir. All tours leave from the visitor center and are both weather and water-level dependent.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Manasquan Reservoir, 311 Windeler Road, Howell Township, NJ
- Time: Various times and dates
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: Manasquan Reservoir
20. EnviroQuest
Enjoy the great outdoors with fun activities for the whole family. At various Monmouth County parks, you can take part in a mini-nature lesson and an activity. Plus, you can walk for 30-60 minutes just to enjoy the environment.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen, NJ; Crosswicks Creek Park, Allentown, NJ; Emley's Hill Road, Upper Freehold, NJ; Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone, NJ
- Time: 11 a.m. on various dates
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: Monmouth County Park System
21. Historic Battery Lewis Tours
Explore the newly restored Historic Battery Lewis in the Rocky Point section of Hartshorne Woods Park. The restoration project of the historic former coastal defense site includes repairs to interior concrete walls and steel doors; new steel gates; electrical service; and the addition of a 16-inch gun barrel and interpretative exhibit. Now, you can experience its rich history for free.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Hartshorne Woods Park, 1402 Portland Road, Highlands, NJ
- Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays through Oct. 9
- Who it’s for: All ages
- Link for more information: Hartshorne Woods Park
