Events in Ocean County, NJ

Connect with fellow yarn crafters in a relaxed, welcoming setting. These free, drop-in meetups are open to every skill level, from complete beginners to experienced stitchers. Bring a project if you want, trade pattern ideas and techniques, chat with others, and collaborate on group makes. No reservation is required. This is a social club, not an instructional class.

Kickin Wing delivers a rockin live performance at Captains Inn Tiki Bar in Forked River.

Enjoy a lively mix of rock, country, dance, and alternative music. There is no cover charge.

Set aside an evening for a quarterly Paint & Sip with Gina Cannone that blends creativity, connection, and self expression in a calm, welcoming setting. The experience suits every skill level and offers a lighthearted way to unwind while making something meaningful. All materials are provided, including a pre drawn canvas and step by step instruction. Gina leads the process while encouraging intuitive choices so each participant can personalize the artwork. No prior painting experience is needed. Guests may bring their own wine, beverages, and light snacks. Pre registration is required, and the fee is $55. This gathering centers on an Autumn Angelic Being with crystal wings, inviting reflection on protection, guidance, spiritual support, inner strength, and a sense of divine connection. It offers a gentle space to explore spirituality through art and symbolism and is suitable for a girls night out, a date night, or anyone seeking a creative and nurturing evening.

Presented by Our Parish, Roadmap to Reality highlights the witness of teenage mystic Carlo Acutis, encouraging audiences to look beyond a culture saturated with screens and consider the answer he offered. Hosted at the Historic Strand Theater, it is noted as a strong fit for teens. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tickets are $15. For more information, call St. Mary of the Lake at 732-363-0139.

Seaside Heights, New Jersey sets the stage for the seventh annual celebration of modern muscle, bringing together hundreds of performance cars from across the Northeast. The day centers on horsepower and style, as enthusiasts converge for a memorable showcase of contemporary machines and the culture that surrounds them.

At Robert J. Novins Planetarium, a fulldome film led by showman The Great Schiaparelli invites viewers into his remarkable Observatorium for a high-energy journey through space and time. Glide from Mercury’s blistering terrain to the frozen outskirts near Pluto, then venture farther still as thrills and discoveries reveal how rare and valuable Earth is. The Observatorium is not just a spectacle... it places the audience in the midst of some of the Solar System’s most dangerous locations, and only nimble piloting will get everyone back safely. Suited for grade 1 and older, this immersive experience runs 25 minutes.

This Yu-Gi-Oh! locals event welcomes duelists to bring their best decks and face off against local competitors in a spirited showdown to see who will be crowned the ultimate duelist.

At the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, a live presenter leads an in-depth tour of the current night sky over New Jersey. This Sky Talk changes with the season and highlights visible constellations, standout stars, planets in view, notable deep-sky objects, and timely celestial sights. Constellation stories and recent happenings in the sky are included. Guests are encouraged to ask and answer questions in a relaxed, conversational setting. Recommended for grades 6 and up. The program runs 60 minutes.

This community ride features on-site registration at the firehouse and a route through the Pines. It is open to motorcycles, Slingshots, dirt bikes, trikes, cams, and side by sides, and groups are welcome to participate. A rain date is planned.

A full day of casual, multiplayer Commander pods for Magic: The Gathering. Commander, also known as EDH, invites players to select a legendary creature as their commander and build a deck around that card’s color identity and signature abilities. Decks consist of 99 cards plus the chosen commander. Except for basic lands, each individual card can appear only once. The card pool spans the breadth of Magic’s history, creating a flexible and social way to play.

A weekly casual Warhammer session featuring game demos and ample space for matches. The focus is on connecting with the community and setting up friendly games. Players can request matchups, ask questions, and share lists through the Warhammer Battleforged at ECG Facebook group and the ECG Discord.

A nurturing ceremony weaves ceremonial cacao with a live soundscape of singing bowls, gong, drumming, handpan and other instruments, complemented by Reiki and energy clearing. Cacao is honored here as a sacred plant that supports circulation and gently opens blood vessels, including the heart. In a held setting, the vibrations of sound help cultivate emotional awareness and a deeper connection with the light and love within. As bodies and minds soften, the sounds move through the space and participants are supported in meeting inner truth and developing a deeper relationship with the higher self, feeling grounded and supported in the heart. The container encourages balance, clarity, steady presence and heart coherence. Experiences naturally vary, from quiet reflection to tears, joy, insight or stillness, and every authentic response is welcome. Comfort items are encouraged. Bring a blanket, pillow, eye mask, warm socks and any personal allies such as a favorite stuffed animal, crystals, malas or oracle cards, plus a mug for cacao and water. Preparation suggestions include fasting for three hours beforehand and avoiding caffeine, dairy, alcohol for twenty-four hours and other plant medicines to receive cacao’s benefits with full presence. A closing sharing circle offers time to be heard and witnessed as integration begins. Attendance is intimate, limited to ten participants. The energy exchange is $55, with a minimum of six attendees. Safety notes: connect privately in advance if taking antidepressants, anti anxiety medications or heart medications. Cacao contains mood-elevating compounds similar to those targeted by some antidepressants, so serving size may need adjustment. It can raise heart rate by about ten to twenty percent and, as a naturally fermented food, contains tyramine, both of which some cardiac medications advise limiting. Those who are pregnant can still enjoy cacao, typically at a smaller dose that varies by trimester. Questions are welcome.

Michael Jackson’s music takes center stage in a laser show set to a soundtrack of his most iconic songs. Dynamic laser effects create a vivid tribute to the artist’s lasting influence on music, dance, fashion, and filmmaking. Presented at Robert J. Novins Planetarium, the program runs 49 minutes. Please note that it features flashing lights and rapidly changing imagery, which may affect people with photosensitivity.

At The Thirsty Piney, the evening starts with live country music and then transitions to Thursday night football, offering back-to-back entertainment for music lovers and game fans.

Silverton marks the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company’s 75th anniversary with a community day that blends the Annual Fall Festival with an 80 to 100 mile Motorcycle and Classic Car Poker Run, plus the fourth SVFC 5K and Fun Run throughout Silverton. The poker run features motorcycles, classic cars, and hot rods, with fees set at $25 per entry, $15 for an additional passenger, and $25 for a classic car or hot rod. Prizes are awarded to the three best poker hands. Runners can take part in the SVFC 5K or opt for a fun run on local streets. The festival offers live music by The Phil Engel Band, complimentary inflatable attractions for children, food along with beer and wine available for purchase, displays of firefighting equipment, demonstrations by police K9 and motorcycle units, extrication and fire demonstrations, and a range of craft and community vendors with more to discover. Sponsored by the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary.

Rock for Awareness is a 2026 event associated with The Nicholas Hudanish Foundation.

The 5th Annual Field of Dreams Car & Truck Show invites car enthusiasts and families to a community gathering on the Field of Dreams playground. There is no registration fee for vehicle entrants or spectators, and donations to the Field of Dreams are appreciated. All proceeds support accessible and inclusive recreation for kids and adults with special needs in New Jersey. Enjoy live music by Grand Theft Audio, fresh BBQ, raffles, and vendors in a family friendly setting that is open to the public. Vehicle registration is on site only, first come, first served, with limited spots and no pre registration this year. For spectator safety, the parking lot will close to traffic.

The TRHHC Partnership Committee Meeting brings together agencies, church organizations, and community members for a focused conversation about homelessness. Participants will explore available resources and programs that support people in need, sharing information and insights to help connect the community with assistance.

A monthly accessible community sound bath at Riverfront Park offers a calm reset with crystal bowls, an ocean drum, chimes, and other gentle tones in the open air. Settle in by lying down or sitting to simply listen, with no expectations and the option to step away at any time. Fresh air, sunshine, birdsong, and a welcoming group enhance the atmosphere. Bring a blanket or chair and dress for the weather. This family friendly gathering welcomes all ages and abilities, and the park features paved access and accessible restrooms. Attendance is free, with optional donations supporting the Special Hearts Adaptive Wellness program, which expands access to personalized, therapeutic, student led wellness experiences for adults with varying intellectual and developmental disabilities. Consider packing a bagged lunch to enjoy under the bayside pavilion afterward. No RSVP is required, and the event will be canceled if it rains.

Celebrate the songs of Bob Dylan with The Bob Band at The Strand Theater. This Washington, D.C. based tribute group is made up of veteran musicians who aim to capture the sound, character, and arrangements of Dylan's original recordings. The performance travels across five decades of material, moving through folk, rock, country, blues, and gospel for a faithful tour of his catalog.

A party featuring Rock Bottom is happening at Water Street Bar and Grille in Toms River.

At RWJBarnabas Health Arena, the Garden State Home Show brings a wide mix of companies together in one place, making it easy to compare options and save time. Explore fresh ideas and unique products for your home and outdoor spaces. Connect with companies and services across home improvement, landscaping, and design to plan your next project.

Agency Day at the Housing Center brings community services and partners together in one place. If Not for Grace Mobile Showers will provide access to showers, and Helping Assist with Meliss will offer free haircuts during a limited portion of the event. Representatives from AHA (Affordable Housing Alliance), Ocean County Social Services, the Ocean County Health Department, Family Promise, the Mental Health Association of NJ, LivWell Healthcare, Ocean County Library, Home Sharing, South Jersey Legal Services, and others will be on site to assist. Meals and snacks will be available, along with blessing bags for those in need. Walk-ins are welcome. For questions, call 848-223-7284.

Country music on the bay at Sun Harbor Seafood and Grill.

Peace Of Tia will be part of the Downtown Toms River fall festival, a free celebration featuring music, craft vendors and more, along with food trucks. Mention the event post for a complimentary crystal gift.

An in-person Baby & Kids Expo at Ocean County Mall brings together local experts, family-focused businesses, and community resources for expectant and new parents, caregivers, and families. Attendees can explore educational exhibits, discover products and services for pregnancy, babies, and young children, and enjoy family-friendly activities and entertainment. The event offers opportunities to connect with professionals and other parents who support every stage of family life. Admission is free.

The Ocean County Women's Book Club meets for its October discussion featuring Weyward by Emilia Hart. Women 18 and older who enjoy reading are invited to participate, and there is no membership fee. Each attendee should secure their own copy of the monthly selection. New participants are encouraged. The gathering takes place at Panera Bread.

Enjoy a live country performance at The Thirsty Piney.

East Coast Gamers hosts a Star Wars: X-Wing XWA Squadron Championship tournament using the XWA ruleset. The competition is structured for three to five rounds of Swiss pairings, and entry is $20 per player. Prizes include the X-Wing Alliance 2026/2027 Squad Championship Kit. The champion receives a Light Up Bounty Puck, a matching base plate and dial cover, an alt-art Hera Syndulla promo, and a bye at a Regional Championship. The runner-up earns a matching base plate and dial cover plus an alt-art Hera Syndulla promo. Third through eighth place receive a matching base plate and dial cover. All participants take home alt-art Precision-Tuned Cannons, Seeker Missiles, and Burst Laser Turret cards along with two XWA acrylic shield tokens. Players who finish with one win gain an extra shield token, and those with two wins gain another, making it possible to collect up to four in total.

A spirited Halloween showcase at The Strand Theater features a high-energy blend of music, dance, and comedy. Expect crowd favorites like The Monster Mash, Ghostbusters, and Thriller, plus selections from The Rocky Horror Picture Show and a few eerie originals. The performance weaves in choreographed routines, quick wardrobe swaps, comedic bits, and surprises throughout. Costumes are encouraged. Attendees can enter a costume contest for a chance to take home a prize. With the theater’s century-plus history, 1920s attire fits the setting and offers a playful nod to the Overlook Hotel. A bar area inspired by The Shining adds extra atmosphere with lighthearted touches, and the scares are kept gentle for kids so the whole family can enjoy the show... even those in room 237.

Half Moon Point will feature a live musical performance.

MR. SPEED brings an evening devoted to KISS to the Strand Theatre as part of the all-new 2026 edition of the No Apologies Tour.

This Halloween event features an 80s dance party led by The SUSPECTS and includes a costume contest that encourages standout looks.

This partnership committee meeting brings together local agencies, church groups, and residents for a community conversation about homelessness. The discussion highlights services and programs available to people who need support.

Kickin Wing takes the stage at Water Street in Toms River for a lively rock performance.

A Jersey Shore volunteer day at Community Park invites the community to give back together. Take part in hands-on service projects that involve making or preparing items, drop off donations for more than 40 local nonprofits and school-based groups, or stop by to learn about local organizations. Donations may be delivered in the park or through a drive-up dropoff, where volunteers will bring items to participating groups. Do not leave donations at the curb... wait until a volunteer at the designated dropoff area confirms what is needed. Give respectfully by ensuring any accepted used items are in good condition. If weather turns poor, activities move to the gym at Point Pleasant Beach High School. Nonprofits and school groups can request a free station for their organization, with limited spots available. Families, including children, are welcome at this day focused on community service.

Celebrate fall with an 80s dance party featuring The SUSPECTS, an 80s dance party band. Dance along to 80s music.

HITME returns to Water Street Bar And Grill in high spirits, marking a happy comeback.

Jim Mayer's Tropical Friends brings an island-inspired soundtrack to Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 for a lively afternoon suited for friends and families. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere, upbeat music, and a welcoming setting. The event benefits the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation and is presented by the Coastal Jersey Parrot Head Club. Tickets are available for purchase.

Agency Day brings a range of community partners to the Housing Center to serve people. Representatives from AHA, the Affordable Housing Alliance, Ocean County Social Services, Family Promise, the Mental Health Association of NJ, LivWell Healthcare, and VNA Harm Reduction, along with additional groups, will be on site offering support and resources. Complimentary meals, snacks, and blessing bags will be available for those in need. Walk-ins are welcome. For questions, call 848-223-7284.

At The Thirsty Piney, the evening begins with live country music and continues with Thursday night football.

Agency Day at the Housing Center brings together essential services and community support in one place. If Not for Grace Mobile Showers will provide hygiene services, and Helping Assist with Meliss will offer free haircuts. A variety of partners will be available to assist attendees, including AHA, the Affordable Housing Alliance, Ocean County Social Services, the Ocean County Health Department, Family Promise, the Mental Health Association of NJ, LivWell Healthcare, the Ocean County Library, Home Sharing, South Jersey Legal Services, and other organizations. Meals, snacks, and blessing bags will be available for people in need. Walk-ins are welcome. For questions, call 848-223-7284.

Celebrate a little early with festivities ahead of Thanksgiving featuring 40North and country music. A country-themed gathering to set the tone for the holiday.

Shake off the chill as Riv's Toms River Hub turns up the beat with 80s dance favorites. Classic tracks fuel a lively party atmosphere and keep the energy high throughout the event.

Enjoy live performances of country music at The Thirsty Piney.

A party featuring Rock Bottom takes place at Primetime Tavern in Forked River.