For Immediate Release:
May 27, 2011
Summer is about to heat up in Monmouth County
FREEHOLD, NJ – Summer begins to heat up in June, and not just the weather. Beaches, concerts, car shows, shopping, history, festivals, theater and art of all kinds abounds. Monmouth County has them in abundance every June, but the roster this year is longer, better and more diverse.
The Monmouth County Division of Tourism’s Calendar of Events is a comprehensive source for all such things. Find it by clicking on the Tourism icon at www.visitmonmouth.com. Call 800-523-2587 and ask to have a packet of information mailed to you, or stop by E. Main St., Freehold, to browse the extensive literature between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The calendar is updated nearly every day, so it’s the best source for current information.
Some of New Jersey’s biggest and best June events are right here. For example, Red Bank Riverfest has been described as one of the 100 best attractions in the nation. The three-day celebration of food, crafts and live music attracts some of the biggest names in music to Marine Park June 3, 4 and 5.
The 25th annual New Jersey Seafood Festival draws huge crowds to Silver Lake Park in Belmar June 10, 11 and 12 to sample some of the finest seafood from some of the state’s best restaurants.
The Irish Festival at Monmouth Park in Oceanport channels the inner Irish in thousands of visitors with live music, food, heritage and more June 12.
The Battle of Monmouth, a pivotal event in the Revolutionary War, was June 28, 1778. It is reenacted every year at Battleground State Park, Manalapan, attracting large crowds to watch two “armies” fight it out. The reenactment is June 18 and19 this year.
The Asbury Park Jazz festival is June 25 and 26 in Sunset Park on Main Street. It features the numerous forms of this quintessential American art and attracts jazz lovers from all over.
The Ocean Grove spring flea market is June 4 in the park on Pilgrim Pathway. Also, the Summer Flea Market at Historic Allaire Village in Allaire State Park, Wall, is June 11, and the Eco-Elephant Family Flea Market is June 25 at Dorbrook Recreation Area in Colts Neck.
Long Branch presents the 17th annual Cruise to the Jersey Shore, a large beachfront gathering of customs, hot rods classics and collectibles. Live music, food, vendors and more attract crowds all day. It’s June 19 on the Oceanfront Promenade.
Speaking of cars, the Ocean Grove Vintage Car Show is on Main Avenue June 11. Belmar Cruise Night is in Pyanoe Plaza is June 16. Wall Stadium’s Friday Night Cruise Night is June 24. The Atlantic Highlands Classic Car Show is June 4.
Spring Lake’s history and charm comes alive with the Spring Lake Historical Society house tour on June 2. The borough’s Irish Festival and “Art in The Park” are June 18. The Atlantic Highlands Historical Society’s house tour is June 25. The annual Atlantic Highlands Firemen’s Fair begins on June 25. And Keyport’s fourth annual International Festival, which brings culinary delights from around the world, is also June 25.
Rumson’s famed Two Rivers Garden Tour visits five estates June 4 and 5.
More history: The “Preservation Looks Forward: 2011 Historic Preservation Conference” promotes New Jersey heritage at Monmouth University on June 3. “Mel Hood’s World War II Salute” appears at the Algonquin Theatre, Manasquan, June 4.
Historic Allaire Village in Wall reenacts Maria Allaire’s wedding and reception June 5, and “School Days in the 1830s” is at Allaire State Park, Wall, on June 12. The village also has its Independence Day Celebration, complete with 1835 Militia muster and General Fanfare, on June 26.
The great outdoors beckon, too. Perhaps the best known race is the annual George Sheehan Classic Run for all runners on June 18 at Red Bank’s Marine Park. “Walk for Empowerment for Spina Bifida” raises funds for a cure with a walk on the Long Branch boardwalk June 5. Equestrian fans can enjoy events June 11 and 18 for “The Monmouth County Horse Show/Local Series” at East Freehold Park Showgrounds, on Kozloski Road in Freehold Township.
“Freehold Idol” attracts talent from all over. Its third annual summer run begins at the Hall of Records June 1 and continues weekly through August. There are also free weekly concerts from Belmar to Sandy Hook. Red Bank’s famed Count Basie Theatre has a full schedule. There’s a weekly farmers’ market near you. Just click on the Calendar of Events at www.visitmonmouth.com to find them.
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