Be There

From festivals and fundraisers to concerts and competitions, there’s something for everyone this month in Monmouth County.

NOV 9

Jumpstart your holiday shopping at Fort Monmouth Recreation Center’s annual FALL CRAFT SHOW in Tinton Falls. More than 50 unique, local vendors will sell their handmade projects from 9 a.m to 2 p,m. Best yet? Admission is FREE, all the more reason to buy more stuff while you’re shopping! Learn more—and find out how to sign up to be a vendor—by calling 848.456.4268 extension #5. 

NOV 9

While you’re in the shopping mood, scour through pretty and unique vintage finds at the “best flea market on the Jersey Shore,” also known as the LATE FALL FLEA MARKET at The Historic Village at Allaire in Allaire State Park in Wall. From 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., shop for vintage books, art, knick-knacks and handmade items at can’t-beat prices. A food truck, a bakery and a general store will also be open. Admission: $2, which go towards The Historic Village at Allaire. Learn more at allairevillage.org/.

NOV 14

Whether you’re simply looking to get outdoors or are a bird-watching expert, enjoy a laid-back morning with nature at THE CASUAL BIRDER birdwalk at Crosswicks Creek Park in Upper Freehold. For one hour, meander around the park to spot the wildlife—a limited number of binoculars will be available for use free of charge. Admission is FREE, and open to anybody age 8 or older. Meet at the Province Line Road parking lot at 9 a.m. Co.monmouth.nj.us has more details.

NOV 14

Treat yourself to a mouthwatering four-course meal made fresh by Chopped winner Chef Lauren Covas at the FAMILY STYLE FARM-TO-TABLE DINNER at the greenhouse of Beyond Organic Growers in Freehold. Some of the delicious menu items include a fresh burrata appetizer, a BLT salad, marinated pork tenderloin entree and individual New York-style cheesecakes for dessert. The meal is $99 per person and BYOB, and there will be live music while you dine. Learn more and get tickets at beyondorganicgrowers.com.

NOV 16

If you’ve got a little bit of experience with a bow and arrow, show ‘em what you’ve got at OPEN SHOOT ARCHERY at the Thompson Park Activity Barn in Lincroft. You’ll practice your skills Hunger Games style at this indoor range from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where all equipment is provided. Just be sure to dress accordingly, as the barn is not heated! Admission is $10 per person via cash or check—ages 10 and up are welcome. Check out facebook.com/MCPSThompsonPark to learn more.

NOV 19

Swing into the season at Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, which hosts Grammy Award winner BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA at 7:30 p.m. As part of its Christmas Rocks! Tour, the band, which features a 19-piece orchestra, will perform songs from its four best-selling holiday albums. Tickets range from 
$35–$125. For more information or to reserve your seats, visit thebasie.org.

NOV 21

If you’re looking for ways to rev up your business in 2020, get a head start at the DARE TO BE DIFFERENT presentation at the Shrewsbury branch of the Monmouth County Library. Public speaker and former business owner of Red Bank Limo Bill Atkins will bring humorous anecdotes and engaging conversation with tips on how to grow your business and increase your customer base. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is FREE but guests must register in advance at eventbrite.com.

NOV 22–JAN 4

Load your car with blankets and snacks and bring the entire family to the MAGIC OF LIGHTS festival, a drive-through Christmas lights display at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. Motorists can pass through the facility from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The display will be closed on New Year’s Eve. Vehicle passes start at $20 online and can be purchased at magicoflights.com/newjersey.

NOV 30

Whether you fancy cats or prefer pooches, you’ll want to drop by the Monmouth Museum for the opening of PETOPIA, a holiday exhibit of pet portraits. Each work highlights the bond between owner and pet. The opening reception takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Admission is $10. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more info, visit monmouthmuseum.org.

NOV 30

Walk off all those sweet potatoes and pie at Matawan borough’s 5K TURKEY TROT & FITNESS WALK. The race, which kicks off at 10 a.m., will take participants through the officially certified 5K course throughout Terhune Park. There will also be a FREE kiddie run at 10:45 a.m. for the little ones. Tickets for the adult race go for $20 and proceeds benefit Matawan’s programs and events programs. Learn more at runsignup.com.

NOV 30

Skip Black Friday and put on your spending shoes for the kickoff of the ASBURY PARK HOLIDAY BAZAAR, which opens for the season at 11 a.m. in the Grand Arcade and Convention Hall. The sale features local and regional artists and vendors, who will sell their unique, vintage and handmade items. Stick around for the Christmas tree lighting, which takes place at 7 p.m. Can’t make it on this day? The bazaar will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in December until Christmas. For more information, visit asburyparkbazaar.com.