12 Events To Enjoy This Month

It’s still spring, but these May happenings feature summer fun for everyone.

May has a way of getting everyone out of the house—and in Monmouth County, the calendar fills up fast. From waterfront festivals and live music to outdoor markets and family-friendly happenings, this is the month when everything starts to feel like summer again.

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a date night or something fun with the kids, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of it. Here’s a look at what’s coming up around the county this month.

May 15–17

• Is there anything better than seafood along the Shore? Check out the New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar at Silver Lake Park and enjoy live music and dozens of food trucks and vendors. Stop by for scallop kabobs, lobster rolls, coconut shrimp, crab legs and more! This event starts at 4 p.m. on Friday and at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

May 16

• Fine tune your sporty skills during Monmouth County Parks’ open shoot archery at Thompson Park Activity Barn in Lincroft. Stop in any time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to practice your skills at the indoor range. Guests should dress appropriately, as the barn is neither heated nor air conditioned. Register and find out more online.

May 16–17

• Whether you’re curious about dietary changes or enjoy great-tasting food, the Asbury Park Vegan Food Festival is a great way to spend a weekend. The two-day event takes place from noon to 6 p.m. each day at Bradley Park near Convention Hall and features vegan and plant-based food from local chefs, restaurants, food trucks and product developers. Tickets are available online and at the gate.

May 17

• Bring the entire family to The Bistro at iPlay America in Freehold for a special Character Brunch. Little ones can meet their favorite Blue Dog and his friends while enjoying a kids’ coloring book and kid-friendly menu. The fun starts at 11 a.m.
• Help Shrewsbury celebrate a milestone at its Centennial Celebration. Head to Manson Park starting at noon for live music, historical presentations, kids’ games and activities, a classic car show and more.
• Everyone’s favorite DIY music festival comes to Freehold! Freehold Borough Art Council’s Porch Fest stages area bands on front lawns and porches throughout downtown. Bring your friends and family for a celebration of music and community spirit. Everything kicks off at noon.
• Stop by the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft at 4 p.m. for the opening reception of Native Americans of New Jersey: Past and Present. The exhibit brings together the stories, histories and living cultures of New Jersey’s Native American communities, offering an opportunity to experience their past, present and future in one place. The program is free, but RSVP is requested.

May 23

• Check out the classic autos at the Port Monmouth Fire Company Car Show. The charity event raises money for pancreatic cancer research and will include music, food and drinks, auctions, prizes and more. The fun starts at 10 a.m.

May 23–24

• In Bradley Beach, you can enjoy the borough’s Memorial Day Festival. You’ll find over 50 local vendors to browse, great bites from restaurants, music and a parade to honor our servicemen and women, all on the beachfront promenade. This event will be held rain or shine, and begins at 9 a.m.

May 23–25

• A beloved tradition returns over Memorial Day weekend when the Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival takes place at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport. Stop by for three days of mouth-watering food trucks (over 30 will be in attendance, offering everything from mac and cheese to fried Oreos), live music and activities for kids and grown-ups alike. Gates open at 11 a.m.

May 29

• See the galaxy far, far away as you’ve never seen it before at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, which is hosting Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Concert! The New Jersey Symphony will play the recognizable score live as you take in all the space battles, lightsaber duels and high-energy action of this story. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30.

May 31

• Support a great cause at Run Like A Unicorn 2026: Miles for Mick, held at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan. This 5K raises money for childhood cancer research. This year, the event is dedicated to 3-year-old Mick from Hazlet, who is in the midst of his cancer battle and receiving maintenance chemotherapy through August. The race starts at 9 a.m.

What fun events are you attending this summer? Share your favorite photos with us on Instagram @monmouthmagazine.