Free events in Monmouth County, NJ

Stop by Doggie Sweets for Yappy Hour with your pup and grab a free ice cream for your dog. It’s a fun chance to treat your pet and enjoy some sweet time together.

Sail the Bay Day 2026 is a free afternoon of sailing and beach fun around Sandy Hook Bay. You’ll board Hobie catamarans with experienced skippers for short sailing jaunts, plus there will be hot dogs and burgers for attendees. The event runs for about three hours and is open to all ages, with anyone under 18 needing to be with a parent or legal guardian. The activity is weather-dependent, so it’s a good idea to check for last-minute event alerts before heading over.

Enjoy the New Brunswick Heart Festival, a free, outdoor, family-friendly celebration of the arts, culture, and history of New Brunswick and Middlesex County. Expect live music and dance performances, plus free kids dance classes, craft and visual art vendors, face painting, henna, balloon animals, and a health and wellness area. There will also be food vendors and chances to win ticket and swag giveaways.

Enjoy an evening of live music at Hopewell Valley Vineyards. This event is free and runs from early evening into the night, with live music happening throughout the weekend.

Explore the Howell Farmers Market at Echo Lake Park, featuring fresh-from-the-farm produce, fresh-baked treats, handcrafted items, and other beloved local picks. New finds appear each week, making it a welcoming spot for a family outing while supporting local businesses. Enjoy a relaxed market day and see what is new this week.

As part of the Westside Jazz Concert Series, the Eddie Allen Quintet performs at Johnny Jazz Park. Organized by The Jazz Arts Project alongside the Red Bank Division of Parks and Recreation, this free concert welcomes the community. Support is provided in part by Monmouth Arts, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.

The Red Bank Division of Parks & Recreation presents a screening of Superman at Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank. Before the film, the Red Bank Charter School PTO will lead activities for kids. Admission is free for everyone.

Tempo Alegre takes the stage at the Broadway Band Shell as part of the City of Long Branch Free Concert Series. This installment of the 2026 Tuesdays On Broadway lineup highlights one of the summer’s featured bands, with other weeks showcasing artists such as Tito Puente, Jr., Almost Santana, David Cedeno & Orchestra, El Grupo K’ndela, Xol Azul, Rumbaile, and Grupo Warachando, and one Tuesday set aside with no performance. If the weather turns, the concert will be relocated to the Long Branch Senior Center.

The AP Concert Band performs in the bandshell with live music and no cover charge. Make it a relaxed night out by enjoying dinner during the show.

Excitement is building for the market. Anticipation is high.

Held on Thursdays at West End Park, this farmers market highlights locally grown and locally made foods. Look for organic, locally grown Jersey Fresh produce, plus flowers, jams, baked treats, cheeses, salsas, soups, and other seasonal fare. Fresh finds are added every week, and operations depend on weather and the availability of produce.

Presented by Jazz Arts Project in collaboration with the Red Bank Division of Parks and Recreation, this Jazz in the Park performance features The Rhythms of the Heart Band at Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank. Spread out a picnic and relax in a scenic setting with views of the Navesink River as the music fills the park. Admission is free for everyone.

Mark Diomede and Dan Donovan keep the OVP party going with a summer run of Thursday shows at Olde Village Pub. Expect sets with special guests that explore the music of the Grateful Dead and more. Enjoy tasty food and drink specials, and there is no cover charge. Bright tie-dye fits the vibe for this easygoing celebration of the season.

2026 Thursdays By The Sea presents live music on the Great Lawn Stage as part of the City of Long Branch Free Concert Series. This show features 80s Revolution. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Long Branch Senior Center.

Captain Cream & The Forest Fires return for a mid-August Thursday night free concert on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. The band will perform on the beachfront stage starting at 8:00 PM, and there is no cover charge.