20 Fun Events To Kick Start Summer

From World Cup watch parties and live theater to festive concerts and open mic night, there’s something for everyone happening this month.
Cheryl De Leon,
Wide Shot Photo Of Male Athlete Impressively Bicycle Kicking A Soccer Ball While In Mid Air

School’s almost out, summer is warming up and June is bursting with reasons to get out and celebrate! Here in Monmouth, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your calendar with family-friendly adventures

This month delivers all the fun with something for everyone, including 5Ks, fireworks, Pride events, soccer watch parties and more! So, grab your sunglasses, round up the family and check out some of the can’t-miss events coming up in our county.

Now through June 28

  • Broadway isn’t the only place for great theater. This month, the Two River Theater in Red Bank is staging Elephant Shoes, a romantic musical comedy that tells the story of Cy, a deaf tech developer. Cy is brilliant at finding the words for everything, except the ones that matter most. Check the theater’s website for showtimes and tickets.

Now through July 19

  • Calling all soccer fans! If you can’t make it to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, hurry over to Bell Works in Holmdel for Summer of Soccer. Daily watch parties will take place here through the duration of the tournament.

June 12

  • All are invited to Long Branch’s West End Park to celebrate Pride in the Park. The free event will include live music by Des & the Swagmatics. The fun begins at 6 p.m.

June 12 & 19

  • American rockers Yellowcard headline two shows on The Stone Pony’s Summer Stage in Asbury Park. As part of the “Up Up Down Down Tour,” the concerts will feature the band’s pop-punk, alternative jams. The packed bill also features New Found Glory and Plain White T’s. The shows start at 5:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are available online.

June 12–14

  • The annual AsburyFest returns to the park across Convention Hall for three days of family fun. Enjoy dozens of local and unique vendors, inventive food trucks and a beer garden, live music and more. As part of North to Shore, the event will benefit local charities. Check out their website for times and ticketing info.

June 13

  • Find your next treasure at the Historic Village at Allaire in Wall, which is holding its monthly flea market. Shop for vintage items and artisan goods at this popular event, which takes place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Get a unique tour of the Cream Ridge Winery at the Run the Vineyards 5K. The scenic course travels along paved country roads, passes horse farms and ends in the vineyard. Enjoy complimentary wine (21 and over) and a party at the finish line. The race starts at 9 a.m., and registration can be completed at runsignup.com.
  • Don’t miss the public opening of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music in Long Branch. Swing by starting at 10 a.m. and be among the first to experience and tour the new facility.
  • The luck of the Irish continues in Spring Lake, which is holding its annual Irish Festival at noon. Stop by for traditional music, dancing, shopping, food and plenty of family fun. In the event of rain, the festivities will take place on June 14. Check the Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce’s website for full details.

June 16

  • Going to summer concerts is great, but don’t you want to take the stage too? The Freehold Borough Arts Council is hosting open mic night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at The American Hotel in Freehold. Stop by to read your own poetry, sing your favorite song and more!

June 16, 23, 30

  • Beach day gets better when the sun goes down at Seastreak Beach in Atlantic Highlands. Every Monday is Trivia and Tapas from 6 to 8 p.m., bringing together great friends, refreshing drinks and plenty of trivia questions to put your knowledge to the test.

June 18–19

  • Bring your soccer friends to Count Basie Park in Red Bank for the free Red Bank Watch Party. The Thursday festivities for the Mexico vs. South Korea game start at 7 p.m., while the Friday fun begins at 1 p.m. for the USA vs. Australia match.

June 20

  • For a day of family fun, head to the Manalapan Recreation Center for Manalapan Day 2026. The free festivities include exhibits, entertainment on two stages, food vendors, games, rides, a petting zoo and more. All the action takes place from 3 to 10 p.m.

June 21

  • For a serene start to Father’s Day, take Dad to Monmouth County Parks System’s annual Freshwater Fishing Derby. Visit Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold to fish for fun—or get competitive and vie for prizes in three different categories. Limited equipment rentals are available, and live bait is included with registration (online or in-person).
  • Relive ’90s alt-rock when The Breeders perform at the Count Basie Theater. The concert is part of the band’s tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of its smash album, Last Splash. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.

June 22

  • Whether you’re ready to play 18 or just want to ride in the cart, participation in the annual Swing for the Kids golf outing is for a good cause. Set for 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, the fundraiser benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County and also includes lunch, dinner and prizes. Find out more and register at bgcmonmouth.org.

June 27

June 28

  • Roll up to Monmouth Park in Oceanport for the annual Classic Car Show & Oldies Day event. Treat your crew to a day of free family activities and live music with more than 120 antique cars as the backdrop. The fun takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission into the park for horse racing is extra.

What are your plans for June? Share your favorite photos with us on Instagram @monmouthmagazine.

 

Categories: Monmouth Health & Life