(Mother’s Day Weekend Edition!)
Here are some great Monmouth County,
Here are some great Monmouth County NJ events this weekend if you’re looking for something fun to do — and lucky you, because this weekend is stacked. It’s Mother’s Day weekend, Monmouth Park is back, and the Jersey Shore is officially waking up. Let’s go!
Here’s your complete guide to the best Monmouth County, NJ events happening this weekend, organized by day and time so you can easily plan. (You’re welcome, fellow over-planners.)
Friday, May 8, 2026
🎭 PIPPIN at Algonquin Arts Theatre — Manasquan (8 PM)
The beloved musical PIPPIN runs May 8–17 at the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan. If you haven’t been to Algonquin in a while, this is the perfect excuse. Great local theater, great community vibes, and honestly — way more fun than scrolling your phone all night.
📍 60 Abe Voorhees Dr, Manasquan | 🎟 Tickets required
Saturday, May 9, 2026
🏇 Monmouth Park Opening Day — Oceanport (Gates Open 11 AM | First Race 12:50 PM)
IT’S BAAAAACK! Monmouth Park’s 2026 live racing season officially opens Saturday, May 9. Gates open at 11 AM with the first race at 12:50 PM. General admission is $7 — kids 12 and under are free. Coolers and BYO are allowed in the picnic area, free parking, and the energy on Opening Day is unmatched. This is one of the best traditions on the Jersey Shore and a perfect way to kick off the season. Go. Just go. Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
📍 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport
🎨 Creative Arts & Music Festival — Thompson Park, Lincroft (10 AM–4 PM)
Come to Thompson Park in Lincroft for this art festival featuring works from artists and fine crafters in all mediums — pottery, jewelry, painting, and more. Admission and parking are completely free. It’s beautiful out there this time of year, and nothing beats browsing amazing local art while getting some fresh air. Bring the fam! Monmouth County
📍 Thompson Park, Lincroft | 🆓 FREE
🛍️ Asbury Park Spring Bazaar — Convention Hall (12–5 PM)
The Asbury Park Spring Bazaar runs Saturday AND Sunday, May 9 & 10, noon to 5 PM, in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall. Local makers, vintage finds, handmade goods — with the ocean literally right outside the door. This one is always a good time and very Mother’s Day gift friendly, hint hint. 😉 Asbury Park Bazaar
📍 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park
🎸 Fleshwater + Midrift — The Stone Pony, Asbury Park (Evening)
Fleshwater and Midrift take the stage at The Stone Pony on Saturday, May 9. If you’re looking for a fun night out in Asbury Park, you can’t go wrong with a show at the iconic Stone Pony. Grab dinner nearby and make a full evening of it. JamBase
📍 913 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park | 🎟 Tickets required
Sunday, May 10, 2026 — Happy Mother’s Day! 💐
🏇 Mother’s Day at the Track — Monmouth Park, Oceanport (12–5 PM)
Treat Mom to Mother’s Day at the races at Monmouth Park from noon to 5 PM. Opening weekend at the track + Mother’s Day = a winning combo. Fresh air, exciting races, great food, and a beautiful setting. Honestly, what mom doesn’t want a day out that involves zero dishes? Firstffcu
📍 175 Oceanport Ave, Oceanport
🛍️ Asbury Park Spring Bazaar — Day 2 (12–5 PM)
Didn’t finish your Mother’s Day shopping on Saturday? Day 2 of the Spring Bazaar has you covered. Same great vibe — local artisans, vintage treasures, Convention Hall charm.
📍 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park | 🆓 Free to browse
🔨 Blacksmith Demonstration — Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel (1–3 PM)
Head to the blacksmith shop at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel and watch a craftsman in action while learning about the rich history behind the forge. This is such a cool, unique thing to do — and a great low-key Sunday activity for the whole family. Also totally free, which is a love language around here. Monmouth County Park System
📍 Longstreet Farm, Holmdel | 🆓 FREE
All Weekend Long 🌊
🎭 PIPPIN at Algonquin Arts Theatre
Running all weekend through May 17 — great option for a Friday or Saturday night out.
🌊 Asbury Park Boardwalk & Nightlife
All weekend, Asbury Park is THE place to be. Grab brunch on Cookman Avenue, walk the boardwalk, pop into the Spring Bazaar, and end the night with live music. It’s May, it’s warm-ish, and the Shore is calling.
🎡 Sandy Hook — Ocean Fun Days (11 AM–3 PM, Sat & Sun)
Marine scientists, researchers, and environmentalists host educational exhibits plus hands-on programs, animal touch tanks, family-friendly workshops, games, and crafts at Sandy Hook — no entry fee required. Perfect for families with little ones! Firstffcu
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Mother’s Day Weekend in Monmouth County, NJ 🌺
This is honestly one of the best weekends of the year in Monmouth County. Monmouth Park is back, the weather is (fingers crossed!) gorgeous, the Shore is waking up, and there is something for literally every kind of mom — the outdoorsy mom, the artsy mom, the “I just want to bet on horses and drink a rosé” mom. I see you all and I salute you. 🥂
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there — especially the ones who somehow also manage to buy and sell homes while cheering at soccer games! 🙋♀️⚽
💬 Thinking About Making a Move in Monmouth County?
I’m Cori Dunphy, your Monmouth County real estate expert with over 20 years of experience helping buyers, sellers, and first-time homeowners all across Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties. Whether you’re ready to list or just starting to dream — I’d love to chat!
📱 Call/Text: 732-213-0325 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 www.CoriSellsNJ.com
Follow along for weekly local events, market updates, and everything you need to know about living (and loving it!) in Central Jersey!
💬 Let’s Make Your Real Estate Goals Happen
I’m Cori Dunphy, a Monmouth County real estate expert and lifelong New Jersey resident with over 25 years of experience helping buyers and sellers across NJ.
If you’re thinking about making a move—or just want to learn more about living in Monmouth County—I’d love to help.
📱 Call/Text: 732-213-0325
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.CoriSellsNJ.com
Follow me for weekly local updates, events, and everything you need to know about living in Monmouth County, NJ!
