It’s that time of week again. When you’re done with sitting at the desk and you’re just ready to take in everything that this weekend has to offer. This is exactly why we put together our top picks for Jersey Shore weekend events.

One of our picks is the Jersey Shore Festival at the Seaside Heights Boardwalk where over 200 artists from around the world will be playing at all of your favorite Seaside Heights establishments.

As for the rest of the weekend, there are a ton of opportunities to get outdoors in Monmouth and Ocean County. From learning about some of your favorite species at Jenkinson’s Aquarium to taste testing some chili and salsa and then maybe rowing it all off in the Navesink. You might need to take Monday off just to recuperate.

Jersey Shore Weekend Events

Jersey Shore Festival
Location: Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Date: Thursday, May 14th – Sunday, May 17th 12:00 – 9:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: It may not be Memorial Day weekend yet, but Seaside Heights is kicking off the summer early this year at the Jersey Shore Festival. This Jersey Shore weekend event takes the crown as the first festival of the year featuring live performances by over 200 artists from around the world. Summer really does start sooner at the Jersey Shore!

Craft Beer Week
Location: Jersey Shore locations
Date: Tuesday, May 11th – Friday, May 15th
Description: Visit some of your favorite local bars for the chance to taste some new beers from craft breweries across the country with some special discounts. Visit Off the Hook for $1 off your favorite craft beers including Lagunitas IPA.

Beach Haus Beer Grand Opening
Location: Beach Haus Brewery, 801 Main St, Belmar
Date: Friday, May 15th – Sunday, May 17th
Description: Celebrate with the brewers at Beach Haus Brewery as they officially open their doors to the public and release their brand new Black IPA, Beach Haus Toast in true celebratory fashion. Sip on some of the Jersey Shore’s finest beer as you take in works of local artists and photographers. Do you need any other excuse to drink beer? We didn’t think so.

Bengal Block Party
Location: 180 Bengel Boulevard, Barnegat Barnegat High School
Date: Friday, May 15th 4:00 – 10:00pm
Cost: $10 Admission
Description: Support the Barnegat High School Interact Team this weekend while also having a ball at their Bengal Block Party that benefits the David’s Dream and Believe Center. They’ll be live music, a lightshow, tons of food, and vendors to check out all for a cause.

Artist’s Opening Reception at the Oyster Point Hotel
Location: Oyster Point Hotel, 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank
Date: Friday, May 15th
Cost: Free
Description: Indulge your inner artist by attending the Artist’s Opening Reception this weekend at the Oyster Point Hotel. Artist Lisa Ficarrelli-Halpern will be displaying her works in oil pigment throughout the hotel until the end of June. To celebrate, they’ll be complimentary passed hors d’oeuvre’s and wine.

Sea Bright Fireman’s Fair
Location: Peninsula House lot, 1099 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright
Date: Friday, May 15th – Sunday, May 17th 5:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: Pack the kids up and head to the annual Sea Bright Fireman’s Fair for rides, games, live music and of course, your favorite carnival treats. When you need a break, walk across the street to Dive where you can enjoy a cold cocktail while your kids munch down some tacos. It’s a happy ending for the entire family.

Navesink River Rowing Spring Open House
Location: Navesink River Rowing, Foot of Maple Avenue, Red Bank
Date: Saturday, May 16th 9:00am – 1:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: If you’ve only ever stared at the Navesink River and have never had the opportunity to actually enjoy it, be sure to take a free mini-rowing lesson at the Navesink River Rowing Spring Open House. If that sparked interest, check out the summer youth programs, boat use memberships and adult lessons. After, keep the nautical theme going with a dinner at Catch. The fresh seafood just may inspire you to get back out on the Navesink this summer.

Little Silver Sidewalk Sale
Location: Locations around Little Silver
Date: Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: Shop small this weekend at the Little Silver Sidewalk Sale where all of your favorite shops will be outside to share all of their favorite items with some of their favorite customers – you. While making your rounds don’t forget to say hi to one of our favorite shops, Little Silver Bottle Shop, to try some new wines and maybe even bring that brand new bottle to Zoe Bistro for a delicious dinner.

Combat Paper Project Workshop
Location: New Jersey Vietnam’s Veteran Memorial, 1 Memorial Lane, Holmdel
Date: Saturday, May 16th 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: If you or someone you have loved has ever served in uniform, you know just how important a family support system really is. This weekend, bring your worn uniform to create your own works of art that you and your family can cherish and hang in a place of gratitude during the Combat Paper Project Workshop at the New Jersey Vietnam’s Veteran Memorial.

Keyport Antique and Artisan Festival
Location: West Front Street, Keyport
Date: Saturday, May 16th 11:00am – 6:00pm (Rain Date May 17th)
Cost: Free
Description: This Saturday, see what Keyport has to offer as boutiques and antique vendors showcase their wares on West Front Street. Not only can you go home with that unique find, but they’ll also be music and poetry readings to spark your creative side. If you’re feeling lucky, try bidding on fantastic pieces of art in the Art Society of Keyport’s Annual Art Silent Auction. And if you’re coming from afar, enjoy the complimentary trolley rides between the Matawan train station and the festival. If you’re still hungry (and really who isn’t for a good meal), walk over to 28 East Enoteca for a spring dinner that will satisfy your cravings.

Bradley Beach Paint the Park Pink Event 
Location: Riley Park, Bradley Beach
Date: Saturday, May 16th 11:00am – 3:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: Come out to Riley Park in Bradley Pink (aka Bradley Beach) this weekend for a day filled with food, fun, games and prizes all in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Start off with free yoga and Zumba classes then enjoy a relaxing chair massage. They’ll be a pink bake sale and even temporary Bradley Pink tattoos. After your pinked out, stroll Main Street and maybe stop in with the locals at Pagano’s UVA Restaurant and Bar for happy hour!

Make-A-Wish Carnival at RBC
Location: Red Bank Catholic High School, 30 Peters Pl., Red Bank
Date: Saturday, May 16th 11:00 am – 4:00pm
Cost: $5 adults/ $10 all access wristband
Description: Contribute to one of the nation’s favorite causes, Make-A-Wish this weekend at the RBC Carnival where kids of all ages (yes even those above 40) can get in on the action with laser tag, a video game trailer, fire truck rides, and more. When you can’t lose one more time to your kid at the racing game, tempt them with some Hansel ‘n Griddle concoctions like their famous BBQ Bacon Chicken Crisp.

26th Annual NJ State Chili & Salsa Cook-Off
Location: Downtown Toms River
Date: Saturday, May 16th 11:00am – 5:00pm
Cost: Free Admission
Description: Nothing says summer quite like chili and salsa, which is exactly why Toms River is hosting its 26th Annual NJ State Chili and Salsa Cook Off. Join in as a tester for just $7 and decide whose chili and salsa you would want at your next BBQ. With live music, food, vendors, and rides, the award winning chili and salsa are really just one of many reasons to attend.

Ocean Fun Day Festival at Island Beach State Park and Sandy Hook
Location: Island Beach State Park and Sandy Hook
Date: Saturday, May 16th 11:00am – 3:00pm at Island Beach State Park and Sunday, May 17th 11:00am – 5:00pm at Sandy Hook
Cost: Free
Description: The Atlantic Ocean is just one of the reasons why the Jersey Shore is home to all of our favorite things. This weekend, take a trip to two of our favorite shore parks for NJNG’s 12th Annual Ocean Fun Days. Celebrate the wonders of the Jersey Shore with hands-on exhibits, classes, nature tours, and tons of children’s activities. You’ll learn all about how to preserve our coastal resources from marine scientists, researchers, and environmentalists for years to come.

The Ocean Grove Vintage Car Show
Location: Ocean Grove
Date: Saturday, May 16th 11:00am – 3:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: Take a step back in time and visit a classic Jersey Shore town this weekend to check out vintage cars that your grandparents loved. The flashback continues with live doo-wop music and a visit to Ocean Grove’s Great Auditorium.

First Food Truck of 2015 at Laurita Winery
Location: Laurita Winery, 35 Archertown Road, New Egypt
Date: Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th
Cost: Free
Description: The dawn of food trucks is upon us and they’re heading first to Laurita Winery for the first food truck event of 2015. Snack on your favorite meals on wheels as you enjoy live music and fireworks all weekend.

Yard, Garden and Native Plant Fair
Location: Jakes Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Road, Beachwood Twp.
Date: Saturday, May 16th 12:00 – 4:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: We can never get enough plants in our garden, which is exactly why we’re heading to the 4th Annual Yard, Garden, and Native Plant Fair this weekend. Learn from environmental organizations as they share literature and resources that will help the home gardener with any dilemma.

Endangered Species Day at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Location: Jenkinson’s Aquarium,
Date: Saturday, May 16th 1:00 – 4:00pm
Cost: Cost of Aquarium Admission
Description: Jenkinson’s Aquarium continues to educate kids on the importance of protecting and preserving plants and animals. Your kids will learn what they can do to protect their favorite animals at Jenkinson’s Endangered Species Day by participating in activities, games, and chats.

Asbury Park Skate and Surf Festival
Location: Asbury Park Oceanfront, Bradley Park and Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park
Date: Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th 2:00pm
Cost: $64.99 per day or $114.99 for two days
Description: Grab your boards and check out Asbury Park’s Skate and Surf Festival this weekend at the Asbury Park oceanfront. The festival began in 2001 and hasn’t been back to its Asbury Park roots for eight years. Check out live music from the Dropkick Murphy’s, Manchester Orchestra, and The Gaslight Anthem all on four stages. Before you get ready to rock, grab some grub at The Speakeatery on Cookman where the Blind Pig or The Ole Steak (Sang-Gweech) will hold you over long into the third set. The recently relocated Taka Restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner. Beside’s being one of the area’s best Japanese Restaurants,  Taka Restaurant now offers one of the region’s best collections of premium Japanese whiskies. Dino’s On Main will be open and offering their their great gourmet sandwiches (we love the #4) along with a lengthy menu of homemade dishes. For the sweet-tooths, you need hit one of the Jersey Shore’s hottest bakeries, Confections of a Rock$tar! Last time we were in we found a little piece of heaven with IPA donuts.

Bayshore Fishing Derby
Location: Bayshore Waterfront Park, 719 Port Monmouth Rd., Port Monmouth
Date: Saturday, May 16th 4:00 – 7:00pm
Cost: $8 per person/ $4 each addl. family member
Description: It’s time to reel in your biggest catch yet as the Monmouth County Parks Systems invites you to compete in the Annual Saltwater Fishing Competition at Bayshore Waterfront Park. If you’re new to fishing, don’t worry, they’ll be plenty of avid fishermen on hand to help you cast and rig a pole. Maybe it’ll be beginner’s luck?

Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Location: Island Beach State Park
Date: Sunday, May 17th 6:30am
Cost: Free
Description: This Sunday, partake in the 24th Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament at Island Beach State Park. Registration starts bright and early at 5:00am and then cast your pole into the ocean at 6:30am. We’re not sure if Governor Christie will be there to award the prize, but winning will be just as sweet either way.

Red Bank Farmer’s Market
Location: The Galleria, West Front St. bet. Bridge and Shrewsbury Ave., rear-parking area, Red Bank
Date: Sunday, May 17th 9:00am – 2:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: New Jersey produce is finally making an entrance with the opening day of the Red Bank Farmers Market. Take your pick of the freshest spring vegetables, locally made food items, and hand-grown crafts. It’s a Sunday morning staple all summer long. And if all that food got you thinking of lunch, stop in at Puglia of Red Bank for a quick bite that will surely satisfy you until you can dig into your fresh produce!

Paws 4 Vets Beach Party Benefit
Location: Chef Mike’s ABG, 24th & Central Avenue, South Seaside Park
Date: Sunday, May 17th 2015, 12:00 – 4:00pm
Cost: $50 adult/$20 children
Description: Party on the beach this weekend at Chef Mike’s ABG as they host the Paws 4 Vets Beach Party Benefit. Chef Mike along with other restaurants will be serving up delicious beach food. Try out beers from eight breweries and wineries and listen to some classic live music. Kids can enjoy face painting, crafts, and more. It’s one of this week’s Jersey Shore weekend events that can’t be missed.

Marvel Hero Within at iPlay America
Location: iPlay America, 110 Schanck Road, Freehold
Date: Sunday, May 17th 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Cost: $9.95 – $27.95
Description: All of your kid’s favorite superhero’s including Spider-Man, Captain American, Iron Man and even Thor will be coming together at iPlay America’s Marvel Hero Within, an action packed show that will leave your kids hanging on the edge of their seats. Laugh along as the superheroes outwit the Evil Green Goblin.

35th Anniversary of the B-Street Band
Location: Pt. Pleasant Boardwalk and Beach
Date: Sunday, May 17th 1:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: If you’re from New Jersey, odds are that you’re a huge Bruce fan, which is exactly why you have probably also heard of the B-Street Band. This weekend, celebrate their 35th Anniversary at Pt. Pleasant Beach and boardwalk. And if you have one Jersey all star you have to also represent another favorite. Sing along with a Bon Jovi tribute band and even an Elvis impersonator while your kids enjoy face painters, magic tricks and balloons.