Join us for these annual Monmouth County Park System Special Events & Races. Applications for races can be downloaded using Adobe Reader. If you have trouble opening an application, please call 732-842-4000.
2018 DATES
Seashore Open House
Sunday, January 21 from 1-4 p.m.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch
It may be winter but you can still enjoy some time at the beach. The Activity Center is a great place to bring back memories of the summer or to learn more about the seashore. Stop in during our Open House for seashore fun and light refreshments. Engaging hands-on activities will entertain and educate you and your family about the shore and the sea. Speak with a Park System Naturalist about your own shell collection or the aquatic animals on display. You can even create a beach keepsake to take with you. FREE!
WinterFest
Saturday, January 27 from 12-4 p.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft
Celebrates the fun that winter brings with wagon rides, cross-country skiing and so much more during this family-friendly festival. Admission, parking and most activities are free.
Parks & Programs Guide Release
Fridays, February 2, March 2, May 4, July 20 & TBA
Meet new friends, learn a new craft or outdoor skill, explore nature or a museum through the many programs, activities, and events listed in the Monmouth County Park System's Parks & Programs Guide. Pick up a free copy at your local county park or library. Or, have the most recent edition mailed directly to your home. Call 732-842-4000, ext 4313 to receive a copy or email us. (free)
E. Murray Todd Half-Marathon
Sunday, March 4 at 8:30 a.m.
13.1 mile course loops through the residential sections of Lincroft, Holmdel and Colts Neck.
Race starts at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft.
For information, call 732-542-1642, ext. 27.
See race results.
Spring Plant Swap
Saturday, April 21
Plant Intake from 8:30-10 a.m.
Plant Selection from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tatum Park, Red Hill Road, Middletown - Please note that this event has been moved from Deep Cut Gardens to Tatum Park.
Calling all Gardeners! It's time for the Spring Plant Swap. It's fun, free, easy. Bring plants in one-quart, one-gallon or two-gallon containers and take home the same size and number of plants. Herb and vegetable seedlings may also be exchanged. For information, call 732-671-6050.
Spring Craft Show
Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls.
Find the perfect home decoration or gift during this craft show. Admission and parking are free.
Earth Day Activities
Saturday, April 21 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sheep Shearing/Wool Days
Saturday & Sunday, April 28 & 29 from 12-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Step back into the 1890s and experience Victorian era farm life. This annual demonstration allows visitors to appreciate the work of an old-fashioned sheep shearer. FREE!
Creative Arts & Music Festival
Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft
This juried arts festival features fine artists from all mediums including pottery, jewelry, photography and painting. Learn more.
Walnford Day
Sunday, May 20 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the past while learning about the evolution of this small village, plantation, and country estate through hands-on activities. Historic Walnford features a late 19th century gristmill, the 18th century Waln family home, a carriage house, and an assortment of farm buildings. For more information, please call 609-259-6275. Admission and parking are free.
Eco-Elephant Family Flea Market
Saturdays, June 16 & August 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck
Browse vendors including Grown in Monmouth at this outdoor market at for the one-of-a-kind item you did not even think you needed. Admission and parking are free.
Monmouth County Fair
Wednesday-Sunday, July 25-29
Wednesday-Friday from 5-11 p.m.
Saturday from 3-11 p.m.
Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
East Freehold Showgrounds, Freehold
Enjoy the old-fashioned fun of this country fair including 4-H exhibits, amusement rides, entertainment, fireworks, home and garden competitions, and other special attractions.
9/11 Memorial Remembrance Ceremony
Tuesday, September 11
Mt. Mitchill Scenic Overlook, Atlantic Highlands
Join us for a remembrance ceremony at the site of Monmouth County’s 9/11 Memorial.
Wind & Sea Festival
Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
From boating to kiting and so much in between, discover all the fun that the wind and the sea provide. Admission and parking are free.
Fall Plant Swap
Saturday, September 22
Plant Intake from 8:30-10 a.m.
Plant Selection from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
Calling all Gardeners! It's time for the Fall Plant Swap. It's fun, free, easy. Bring plants in one-quart, one-gallon or two-gallon containers and take home the same size and number of plants. Houseplants are also welcomed. For information, call 732-671-6050.
Harvest Home Festival
Sunday, September 30 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
An old-fashioned fair reminiscent of the 1890s. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, games and live entertainment. There is also ongoing crafts demonstrations and a Home & Garden competition. Admission and parking are free.
Timberbrook Triathlon
Saturday, October 6 at 8:30 a.m.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
Something different for athletes who like a challenge. First, complete a 3 mile run. Next, canoe or kayak 2 miles. Then, finish with a 5-mile mountain bike ride. The natural scenery of this 1,200 acre facility provides an exceptional setting for the event. (fee)
Timberbrook Triathlon Map 2018
Thank you to our race sponsor:
Thompson Park Day
Sunday, October 14 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft
Celebrate fall by attending this festival which features pumpkin painting, a Scarecrow Contest, wagon rides, food vendors, crafts, entertainment & Strut Your Mutt Dog Costume Contest. (Admission & parking are free, some activities have a fee.)
Woods Hollow Classic Mountain Bike Race
Saturday, November 3
Tatum Park, Middletown
Try this exciting race for beginners (7.5 miles) or more experienced riders (11.25 miles), challenge the open fields and woodlands of Tatum Park. (fee)
Fall Craft Show
Saturday, November 10 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls
Get a jump on your holiday shopping during this craft show.