If you’re planning your September calendar, there’s more to enjoy beyond apple picking and Oktoberfest. Monmouth and Ocean County are packed with festivals, markets, live music, and family-friendly activities all month long. From food and craft fairs to community celebrations, our roundup highlights the best local events you won’t want to miss.

Make Waves: Create Your Own Mini Textured Seascape Workshop

Fri Sept 19 – 10am

Join the Ocean County Artist Guild for the Make Waves: Mini Textured Seascape Workshop from 10 AM – 1 PM for a hands-on creative experience. For $30, you’ll design your own 5×7 seascape on an oval wood plaque using textured paint, sand, shells, and ocean-inspired hues to sculpt waves and capture the shore. All materials are included, and by the end of the session you’ll take home a finished piece perfect for gifting or displaying—a little art, a little sand, and a lot of joy.

22 Chestnut Ave, Island Heights https://www.facebook.com/share/1X4vBjRgGo/

Epoxy Art Beach in a Seashell at Jersey Shore Paint Party

Fri Sept 19 – 1-3pm

Join Jersey Shore Paint Party for a unique Epoxy Art Beach in a Seashell workshop, where you’ll create your own ocean-inspired keepsake inside a real scallop shell. Using epoxy resin, sand, starfish, and sparkling crushed glass, you’ll design a coastal masterpiece for $39. Open to adults and teens, projects will need to stay overnight to harden and can be picked up the following day—just be sure to dress for a mess, as epoxy can damage clothing!

323 Drum Point Rd, Brick https://www.facebook.com/events/784974677435288/

Jersey Shore Walk

Sat Sept 20 – 8am

Join the Jersey Shore Walk with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Bar Anticipation in Belmar, NJ. Check-in begins at 8:00 AM and the walk starts at 9:00 AM; registration is free for this Community Walk. To volunteer on the Event Committee or day-of, email beth00759@gmail.com, and for questions contact Beth Fitch at 732-904-0411 or Elizabeth Clemens at eroithmayr@afsp.org. Register today and help raise awareness, funds, and hope.

Bar Anticipation https://www.facebook.com/share/16wSEopTzV/

Downtown Toms River Comfort Food Festival

Saturday, Sept 20 – 12pm

The Downtown Toms River Comfort Food Festival is back for 2025, bringing a full day of delicious eats, live music, and family fun. Enjoy activities, games, and attractions for kids, plus browse local crafts and vendors offering unique finds for all ages. It’s the perfect way to celebrate community, friendship, and comfort food right in the heart of Downtown Toms River.

33 Washington St, Toms River https://www.facebook.com/share/1CvRqzau3t/

Albert Music Hall – Pinelands Heritage & Americana Fest

Saturday, Sept 20 – 12pm

Albert Music Hall invites you to the annual Pinelands Heritage & Americana Fest on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, from 12–5 PM (rain date September 21st). This free, family-friendly event features over 30 booths of local artisans, crafters, authors, and vendors, plus a full lineup of Americana, Country, and Folk performances alongside clogging, kids’ activities, food, and more. Bring a chair, settle in for the music, and enjoy a day of community spirit, followed by Albert Music Hall’s regular Saturday evening show starting at 5 PM.

131 Wells Mills Rd, Waretown https://www.facebook.com/share/173cP284Bq/

Adoption Event at Lucky’s Bed & Biscuit

Saturday, Sept 20 & Sun Sept 21 – 10am-4pm

Lucky’s Bed and Biscuit is celebrating its 17th Anniversary Adoption Event on September 20th and 21st from 10 AM to 4 PM. Meet adoptable pets from Associated Humane, Homeless Paws, and other rescues while enjoying baskets, music, and food trucks throughout the day. It’s the perfect opportunity to find your next furry family member and join in a weekend of community fun.

508 East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin https://www.facebook.com/share/19Sw1YEYuB/

Howell Day

Saturday, Sept 20 – 3-8pm

Howell Day returns on Saturday, September 20th at Soldier Memorial Park for a full day of community fun. Families can enjoy inflatables, games, touch-a-truck, and live music, all leading up to a dazzling fireworks show at dusk. Mark your calendars and come out to celebrate with neighbors and friends at this annual town tradition.

558 Lakewood Farmingdale Rd, Howell https://www.facebook.com/share/171t6pBPbo/

Fall Harvest Festival at Allaire Community Farm

Sat Sept 20 – November 10

Celebrate the season at the Farm’s Fall Harvest Festival, running from late September through late November. Stroll through the pumpkin patch, meet friendly animals at the petting zoo, enjoy wagon and train rides, and shop the market filled with autumn produce, mums, hay bales, and cornstalks for your seasonal décor. With admission just $3 for kids and $6 for adults, every visit supports the Farm’s nonprofit mission to care for rescued animals and serve special needs populations, at-risk youth, and veterans with PTSD.

1923 Baileys Corner Rd, Wall Twp https://www.facebook.com/share/17Hfg11SSi/

Fall Day at Papa’s Farm

Sun Sept 21 – 11am

Celebrate the season at Papa’s Farm and Mini Friends on Sunday, September 21, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Families can enjoy gift bags, snacks, designing a fall-themed cowboy hat, petting and feeding animals, and bouncing around in the inflatable. Basic entry is $40 per family, while VIP entry at $75 per family includes special perks like a pony ride and hayride for an extra dose of autumn fun.

140 Maxim Rd, Howell https://www.facebook.com/share/15uM2AQMpT/

Open Mic Lunch at Garden State Distillery

Sun Sept 21 – 1-4pm

Spend your Sunday at Garden State Distillery with TR Open Mic and Pure TR Yoga for a day of music, community, and connection. Local artists will share songs, poetry, and stories in an inviting open mic setting, while guests enjoy a handcrafted cocktail and brunch plate included with each ticket. With a portion of proceeds benefiting Together We Shine to support suicide prevention and mental health, it’s a chance to gather with friends, enjoy great food and music, and contribute to an important cause.

13 Washington St, Toms River https://www.facebook.com/share/19aptqk5Pb/

Learn How to Distill & Age Your own Whiskey

Sun Sept 21 – 3-6pm

3BR Distillery invites you to a hands-on whiskey experience unlike any other. Learn the art of making your own “cut” of whiskey distillation, then take home a 1L new American oak barrel to age your spirit to perfection. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail of your choice and master two classics—the Old Fashioned and the Whiskey Smash—for a day that blends education, craft, and great taste.

7 Main St, Keyport https://www.facebook.com/share/19Y3iQACTq/

Asbury FRESH Farmer’s Market

Sun Sept 21 & 28 – 9am-1pm

The Asbury FRESH Farmer’s Market is back for its 13th year, bringing together farmers, makers, and the community in the heart of Downtown Asbury Park. A staple for both locals and visitors, the market offers fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and unique finds every week. Come shop, connect with local vendors, and enjoy one of Asbury Park’s most beloved traditions.

Press Plaza Asbury Park https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cf3sZwEep/

Argos Farm Fall Festival

Saturdays & Sundays Now – Nov 2^nd

Argos Farm is kicking off the season with its 2025 Fall Festival, running select dates from September 13 through November 2. Families and friends can enjoy classic autumn activities like the pumpkin patch, corn maze, fall photo ops, and farm animal encounters, along with live music on select weekends, tasty seasonal treats, and refreshing drinks. With attractions, games, and festive fun for all ages, it’s the perfect way to make lasting fall memories.

1250 Lacey Rd, Forked River https://www.facebook.com/share/1CG2rzvdrE/

Patio Palooza at The Wharfside Patio Bar

Wed Sept 24 – 4-10pm

The Wharfside Patio Bar is proud to present the 15th Annual Patio Palooza on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, from 4–10 PM. This incredible evening will feature live performances from some of the Jersey Shore’s best bands, along with raffles, prizes, giveaways, and exclusive Patio Palooza T-shirts available for $20. Sponsored by Ritchie & Page Distributing, the event benefits Mary’s Place By The Sea, with a portion of proceeds supporting their mission to provide integrative care and healing for women undergoing cancer treatment.

101 Channel Dr, Point Pleasant Beach https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gr4XEeHo4/

Fall Paint n Sip

Wed Sept 24 – 6pm

Join J&J Sip N Paint at The Robinson Ale House in Pier Village, Long Branch, on Tuesday, September 24th from 6–8 PM for a fun and creative evening. For $35, you’ll paint a farmhouse fall pumpkin tablescape on an 11×14 canvas with step-by-step guidance from skilled artists—no experience needed! A $20 food and drink minimum applies during the event, so bring your friends, sip, paint, and take home your own autumn masterpiece.

66 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch https://www.facebook.com/share/1DmwrkGMG8/

Lacey Day

Sat Sept 27 – 12pm

Lacey Day 2025 is set for Saturday, September 27th from 12–4 PM at Gille Park in Lacey Township. This family-friendly event will feature food trucks, trackless train rides, a petting zoo, local vendors, nonprofits, and a Battle of the Bands. Celebrate community spirit and enjoy an afternoon full of fun, food, and entertainment for all ages.

102 Manchester Ave, Lacey https://www.facebook.com/share/1B24DoCHSB/

Long Branch Book Fair

Sat Sept 27 – 1pm

Rediscover the joy of a book fair at the Long Branch Free Public Library’s Main Library, where thousands of gently used books for all ages will be available for just 50¢ to $2. Beyond the books, browse book-themed merch from local vendors, meet area authors, and enjoy tasty bites from food trucks—all while soaking in the nostalgic book fair atmosphere. The event will take place both indoors and outdoors, rain or shine, and no library card is needed to join the fun.

328 Broadway, Long Branch https://www.facebook.com/share/18oYDm8zer/

Rock 2 Adopt Festival at Veteran’s Park Bayville

Sat Sept 27 & Sun Sept 28 – 10am-10pm

Rock 2 Adopt 2025 takes over Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ, on September 27–28 for its 12th year (14 including Petstock), bringing two days of music, food, and family fun—all to support local animal charities. With wristband admission, guests get access to a packed schedule featuring more than a dozen bands across two stages, acoustic sets, comedy, magic, kids’ activities, yoga, Zumba, wrestling matches, art workshops, and meet-and-greets with adoptable dogs from the Jersey Shore Animal Center. Add in food trucks, vendors, a Spooktacular kids’ area, and plenty of community spirit, and this evolving festival remains one of the Jersey Shore’s most exciting weekends—all while raising funds for the Jersey Shore Animal Center of Brick and Charlotte Farms Animal Sanctuary of Bayville.

Veterans Park, Bayville https://www.facebook.com/share/19rShakPea/

Asbury Park Fall Bazaar

Sat Sept 27 & Sun Sept 28 – 12-5pm

The Asbury Park Fall Bazaar 2025 returns to the Grand Arcade at Convention Hall on Saturday and Sunday, September 27–28, from 12–5 PM. This free, family-friendly, and pet-friendly event celebrates local makers, music, and art with a curated marketplace of designers, artists, and collectors offering unique gifts and goods. Guests can enjoy kids’ activities, live music, immersive photo moments, vinyl record shopping, permanent jewelry bars, exclusive giveaways for early shoppers, and delicious food and drinks from local favorites like SHUCKED Local 130 Seafood, Mutiny BBQ, Betty’s Ice Box, and Offshore Coffee Co.

Convention Hall https://www.facebook.com/share/1C8ppkHBfa/

Pups & Pints

Sun Sept 28 – 12pm

Get ready for Casino Pier’s Annual Pups & Pints, a tail-wagging day of fun for dogs and their humans from 12–5 PM. Treat your pup to $3 doggy sundaes at Mrs. C’s Waffles & Ice Cream while you enjoy $3 domestic pints at Pier Pub, Surf Bar, and Waves Bar, plus take advantage of a special $29 unlimited ride wristband. Don’t miss the 3 PM dog costume contest, where the best-dressed pups will compete for prizes—making it the perfect outing to enjoy the boardwalk with your four-legged friends.

Casino Pier Seaside Heights https://www.facebook.com/share/1YdTS2WA2n/

Peanut Butter Lick Painting For Dogs

Sun Sept 28 – 12-4pm

Smokey’s Doggy Café is bringing back the popular Doggy Paint Day on Sunday, September 28th from 12–4 PM! Bring your pup and let them create their own masterpiece with paint on canvas, sealed in a bag, and topped with peanut butter from Paw Power Nutrition for them to lick into art. It’s a fun afternoon activity and the perfect way to make a unique holiday gift for any dog lover.

30 W Front St, Keyport https://www.facebook.com/share/1aYkLQb47o/