FREEHOLD – Summer doesn’t end because the calendar says it’s September, especially in Monmouth County.

 

Labor Day might signal the end of the season elsewhere, but Monmouth County is alive with events, attractions and activities that thousands of people enjoy at the peak season: concerts, farmer’s markets, car shows, beach activities and more for any taste.

 

The Labor Day weekend is traditionally long and there is plenty to do. Watch a movie on the Belmar beach, and enjoy pony rides, live music and more at a free family fun day at Monmouth Park. The Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival ends with fireworks on the beach, and Ocean Grove’s Great Auditorium hosts the Doo Wop Extravaganza.

 

“Monmouth County is one of the finest vacation spots on the Eastern seaboard, and many people vacation here past Labor Day,” said Freeholder John D’Amico, liaison to the county’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “The beaches, farms, parks, dining, theaters and shopping give the county its flavor, and September is one of the best months in which to enjoy them.”

 

Spring Lake’s annual Labor Day End of Summer Celebration & Sale/Art Walk is Sept. 5 through Sept. 7. Asbury Park’s eclectic First Saturday is Sept. 5, and the Thursday by the Sea concert is at Pier Village in Long Branch Sept. 3. The Garden State Wine Growers and Historic Allaire Village bring jazz, wine tasting, arts and crafts to Allaire State Park in Wall Sept. 5 and Sept. 6.

 

“Look at the county’s calendar of events and see how many activities there are,” said Jeanne DeYoung, the county’s tourism director. “There are concerts, art exhibits, a surfing tournament, opera, theater, car shows and more. September is a great month to enjoy the Jersey Shore.”

 

Log onto www.visitmonmouth.com and click on “tourism” to see the Calendar of Events. It’s updated daily to provide the latest on activities throughout the county.

 

September brings the Belmar Pro Eastern Surfing Tournament Sept. 11 and 12. Ocean Grove’s legendary Fall Flea Market is Sept. 12. Also Sept. 12 is “The Best of The Met,” encore performances from the Metropolitan Opera Co. at Monmouth University. Sea Bright’s Bonfire on the Beach with the annual skim boarding contest and Long Branch Day are Sept. 12, too.

 

Brookdale Community College’s Emerging Artists Series in Lincroft continues with a gallery of works by Rachel Liebman through Sept. 13. Long Branch’s New Jersey Repertory Company presents “The Rant,” a murder mystery, through Sept. 20. Allaire Village’s Concert Series is Sept. 11 and12, and its Late Summer Flea Market is Sept. 19. The Sea Cruise vintage car show in Bradley Beach is Sept. 13.

 

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial at Garden State Parkway Exit 116 in Holmdel has the POW/MIA and Gold Star Mother Recognition ceremony Sept. 18. The 33^rd Annual US Diesel Truckin’ Nationals launches on Sept. 19 at Old Bridge’s Raceway Park in Englishtown. The Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea presents its annual concert in the Ocean Grove Great Auditorium Sept. 19.

 

Belmar’s Antiques by The Atlantic, the eighth annual Twin Lights Bike Ride, and the Fall Crafter’s Market at Allaire Village are all Sept. 26. Monmouth Park Racetrack’s last day of the season is Sept. 27, as is the Battleground Historical Society’s 40^th Anniversary Celebration.

 

Those are some of September’s highlights. The county’s Web site, www.visitmonmouth.com, has much more, so check in often and find something to enjoy throughout the month.

 

If you prefer, call 1-800-523-2587 to request a package of brochures and it will be mailed within 24 hours. Or visit the Monmouth County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, 1 E. Main St., Freehold, to explore an extensive collection of information and brochures available in the lobby.

 

 

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