Savor The Dog Days Of Summer
Beat the August blues with amazing music, fantastic festivals and beach day adventures for all.
August often feels like it passes in the blink of an eye, and this month gets called the “dog days” for a reason. You’re probably already thinking about back-to-school shopping and school routines when you’re not lamenting how hot it is outside.
But there’s plenty of summer fun remaining in Monmouth. Before you say farewell to the season of the sun, make sure you enjoy the following.
Get all wet. Our beaches need no introduction, whether you want Long Branch’s bustling boardwalk or the more sedate pace of Middletown’s Bayshore Waterfront Park. If you’re craving water but not sand, check out splash pads (combining playground and water features—perfect for kids) at the Dorbrook Recreation Area in Colts Neck, Veteran’s Memorial Park in Keyport (this one has a pirate ship) or the Asbury Splash Park in Asbury Park. Or try the pool at Fort Monmouth Recreation Area in Tinton Falls, which is open daily and offers day passes for all.
Go to the fair. Nothing says summer like a carnival, and there are lots of fairs and festivals to check out. Monmouth Park in Oceanport, for example, holds the Surf & Turf Seafood Festival Aug. 15–16 and the famous, end-of-summer Labor Day sendoff BBQ and Craft Beer Festival on Sept. 5–7. Or swing by Long Branch Aug. 29 for the Jazz & Blues Festival, filled with swinging rhythms, vendors and great food. For even more great bites, head to the Second Annual Asbury Park Seafood & BBQ Festival on Aug. 28.
Hear tunes. There’s still time to listen to music under the stars! At the gazebo in downtown Freehold, check out “Funky Fridays” (weekly until Sept. 25), “Saturday Serenade” (weekly until Sept. 26) and Jazz, Blues & More Summer Concert Series (Sundays through Aug. 30), all beginning at 7 p.m. Other options: Hazlet’s Concerts in the Park at Veterans Park on Thursdays (Aug. 6, 13 and 20, 7 p.m.), Long Branch’s “Bands on the Beach” at West End Park (Sundays through Aug. 30, 7 p.m.) and Bradley Beach’s summer concerts in Riley Park (Aug. 15, 22 and 29, 7 p.m.).
Head to an event. You’ll never run out of things to do in Monmouth, whether you’re looking for a fun daytrip or fun in the evenings. For cool cars and great community, head to the Middletown Elk’s Car Show in Middletown at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 16. Take in two tastes of the season at 4JGs Winery, which hosts a Wine and Watermelon celebration on Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. (Watermelon Frosé slushies are on the menu). From Aug. 17–23, the Indie Street Film Festival returns to Red Bank for the best and brightest in movies from near and far. To celebrate the institution’s centennial, Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank is hosting the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. And, for great vibes for a great cause, stop by the Asbury Park Clearwater Festival from Aug. 22–23 starting at noon for live music, food trucks, family fun and environmental advocacy.
For even more local events and happenings, make sure you’re following us on Instagram @monmouthmagazine!
