What’s Better than a Jersey Shore Weekend?

Not much! This week we’ve gone through some April showers, and it may be bringing us flowers, but it’s also bringing us lots of events this Jersey Shore weekend.

If you’re a sports nut, head out to opening day for just a buck! Interested in maintaining a garden this year that’s worthy of a Pinterest post? We’ve got that too. Or are you trying to get healthy for the coming summer months? (We’ve all put on the hibernation weight – it’s been a tough winter!) We’ve got you covered too.

There’s something for everyone this Jersey Shore weekend. So keep the umbrella and rain boots in the car and head out to explore what our budding Garden State has to offer this spring!

We’re heavily focused on Monmouth this weekend, as it seemed Monmouth had more going on than Ocean County this weekend. If we missed something, please let us know in the comments below.

Your Jersey Shore Local Weekend Calendar

Opening Weekend at Lakewood BlueClaws
Location: BlueClaws Stadium, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood
Date: Thursday, April 9th – Sunday, April 12th
Cost: $1
Description: Play ball this Jersey Shore weekend with the Lakewood BlueClaws Minor League Baseball team as they kick off their opening weekend! Celebrate on Thursday with Jenkinson’s Boardwalk featuring dollar beers and soda and 50-cent wings. On Friday and Saturday, watch the game for just $1 and enjoy post-game fireworks on Friday. If you’re ready for a triple-header, celebrate Buster’s birthday on Sunday when kids eat free. It’s a home run all around!

Asbury Park Film Festival
Location: Asbury Park
Date: April 10th-12th
Cost: $20 for downtown day pass
Description:
The first Asbury Park Film Festival will be held this weekend, fusing the rich musical heritage of Asbury Park with filmmakers and industry leaders from around the world. During this Jersey Shore weekend, hang out in the music city by the sea as you catch music influenced films and videos with an extra special plug for Jersey Shore filmmakers. The Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten will be capping off the weekend with piano virtuoso John Colianni playing live to classic films of the silent era. Fascinating movies, live music, and delicious beer – we’re so in.

Nature Walk and Talk at Fair Haven Fields
Location: Ridge Road parking lot at Fair Haven Fields, 202-352 Ridge Rd., Fair Haven
Date: Saturday, April 11th 10:00am
Cost: Free
Description:
Take a walk with Jeff Dement of the American Littoral Society as he teaches you more about local flora and fauna. You’ll also learn more about the history of the park and maybe even why that certain bird is always spotted in that one tree. Leave your furry friends at home for this hike! You can always fill them in on the history with another walk, they won’t resist! After you’ve made your trek through the woods with your favorite pals, both furry and not, celebrate the coming of spring by grabbing a bottle of your favorite wine from Little Silver Bottle Shop and heading to Zoe’s An American Bistro for a fresh ending to a fresh Jersey Shore spring day.

Red Bank Street Fair
Location: Red Bank
Date: Saturday, April 11th 11:00am
Cost: Free
Description:
Walk the streets of Red Bank for one of their street fairs filled with vendors of all kinds. Eat till your heart is content or find that one of a kind t-shirt that’s perfect for your nephew. While strolling through downtown Red Bank, stop in some of our favorite restaurants for a treat including Whipped for a sweet crepe, Teak for an out of this world cocktail, and Patrizia’s for one of those Italian meals that you’ll never forget. It doesn’t get much better than a sunny spring day in Red Bank!

Fourth Annual Wellness Expo
Location: Casino Auditorium, Georgian Court University, 900 Lakewood Rd., Lakewood
Date: Saturday, April 11th 11:00am – 4:30pm
Cost: Free
Description:
Spring into health this Jersey Shore weekend at Georgian Court University’s Fourth Annual Wellness Expo for a full day of presentations, yoga classes, and workshops. Learn how to balance your hectic lifestyle, live well drug-free, and naturally lose weight. Find out the facts on popular remedies including reflexology, acupuncture, and herbalism by talking with experts. Or just get some wellness goodies from over 50 exhibitors who will be on hand to share their tips on living a healthy life.

Invasive Species Training at Deep Cut Gardens
Location: Deep Cut Gardens, 152 Red Hill Rd., and Middletown
Date: Saturday, April 11th 1:00 – 3:00pm
Cost: Free
Description:
If you’re a gardener, we’re positive that you’ve had some problems with “invasive species” ruining your Jersey tomatoes. Well it’s time for you to strike back with the help of The Invasive Species Strike Team from New Jersey Audubon. On Saturday, they’re conducting a free workshop for gardeners at Deep Cut Gardens to help you be 110% prepared for when that pesky pest starts eating through your garden this summer. You’ll be guaranteed to have the last laugh and great salsa this summer!

Cinderella, A Storytale Ballet
Location: Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank
Date: Saturday, April 11th 3:00pm and Sunday, April 12th 3:00pm
Cost: Starting at $20
Description:
Who isn’t a fan of the classic fairytale Cinderella? This weekend, bring your kids to experience the beautiful story of Cinderella in a colorful choreograph of Prokofiev’s adaptation. And if you don’t have kids, celebrate the kid in you because you know we all know that at some point in our lives, we wanted to wear that glass slipper and have a fairy godmother. Since it’s a matinee, head out for a post-show afternoon drink and snacks. Our pick? How about “catching on” at Catch, Red Bank’s latest seafood restaurant (even though you may be reminded of The Little Mermaid instead of Cinderella – just go with it!)

RENT at Brookdale Community College
Location: Brookdale Community College Performing Arts Ctr., Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft
Date: Saturday April 10th and Sunday, April 11th 8:00pm
Cost: $12 ($10 seniors and faculty; $5 BCC students)
Description:
It’s the season of love (well, almost), so why not sing along with the cast of RENT during Brookdale Community College’s student production of the Tony and Pulitzer Award winning show, RENT. Learn more about the production during the cast and crewmember’s “talkback” session. Also get in touch with local community members from Project R.E.A.L. and the Prevention Resource Network in Asbury Park.

Early Spring Flea Market
Location: Historic Village at Allaire, 4265 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale
Date: Saturday, April 11th, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: $1 per adult, children under 12 free
Description:
It’s the beginning of flea market season – where you get rid of your old junk to make way for new pieces. It’s a cycle, one that we participate in as well. Get in the spirit of spring-cleaning by helping others get rid of their wares while you go on the hunt for that eclectic, historic, and ridiculously awesome table that cost you just $25. Epic.

TEDxNavesink: Accelerators
Location: Monmouth University, 400 Cedar Ave., West Long Branch
Date: Saturday, April 11th 9:00am – 6:00pm
Cost: Starting at $25
Description:
Feel the need to be inspired? If you’re like us and constantly send TED talk links to your friends and family, this is your opportunity to actually be there to hear that “aha” moment in person! TEDxNavesink is hosting an all-day live event where speakers and attendees will learn how today’s “accelerators” are shaping our future with game-changing innovation and cutting edge thought. After this full day event, you’ll be ready to be your own catalyst for change!

Made in Monmouth
Location: Monmouth University, MAC Center, West Long Branch
Date: Saturday, April 11th 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: Free
Description:
Monmouth University is the hub this weekend for all things creative this Jersey Shore weekend. Shop local this weekend by perusing the booths of over 160 Monmouth County-based manufacturers. Purchase everything and anything from custom furniture to items for your garden. Shop local – made easy!

Women, Wine, and Wellness
Location: Integrative Wellness Group, 800 Main Street #109, Belmar
Date: Saturday, April 11th 6:00 – 9:00pm
Cost: $25 in advance and $30 at the door
Description:
Grab your best girlfriend and head to an evening of wine and wellness this Jersey Shore weekend. Enjoy complementary glasses of organic wine all with a side of hair styling, energy healing, all-natural nail polishing, massage, and of course, organic and gluten free snacks. It’s a happy hour that’s actually good for you! Keep the healthy glow by bringing your friends to experience the artfully crafted dishes at Matisse for a late night dinner. It might be one of the best nights of your life, one that won’t be followed by a hangover!

4th Annual Garden State Beard & ‘Stache Competition
Location: Asbury Lanes, 209 Fourth Avenue, Asbury Park
Date: Saturday, April 11th
Cost: $20
Description:
Facial hair competitions are always one of those events that we really can’t stay away from. Check out what these competitors have to offer before they decide that their interesting beard is too hot to handle this summer. You’ll see who takes home the bearded prize in categories including Natural Traveler, Hot Mess Beard, Stuck Up ‘Stache, and even Goddamn Gandalf: The Wizard of Asbury Park. Admission gets you dancing the night away with DJ Illexxandra and human pincushion acts (yes – we know we can just stop there). Continue to rock on with Asbury Park’s self-proclaimed rock star at Confections of a Rock$tar for a sweet ending to a very hairy evening.

18th Annual Brookdale Guitar Show
Location: Brookdale Community College, Warner Student Life Center, Newman Springs Rd./ Rt. 520, Lincroft
Date: Sunday, April 12th 10:00am – 5:00pm
Cost: $10 advance, $12 door
Description:
Rock on like your favorite guitarist and don’t miss out on the 18th Annual Brookdale Guitar Show where you’ll learn everything there is to know about all things stringy. This can’t miss event features free clinics, technique workshops, panels and even live music. And of course they’ll be plenty of guitars that you can see, touch, and taste… well maybe not taste but at least get a taste of how it would feel to rock out with it!

Open Ceramics at Thompson Park
Location: Thompson Park, Newman Springs Rd./ Rt. 520, Lincroft
Date: Sunday, April 12th 12:30 PM – 04:30 PM
Cost: $6 per hour
Description:
This Saturday, channel Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore to make your very own pottery pieces at the Creative Arts Center in Thompson Park. Choose from a large selection of bisque fired pottery pieces to glaze and make your very own. Just don’t get too into the moment; you’re going to want to pick your piece up in a week after it’s fired. (Just a friendly heads up).