Hey neighbors…
Are you ready for two gorgeous fall days in the low 70s this weekend? Make Friday and Saturday count!
It's also Columbus Day weekend, so the Italian Festival is taking over Seaside Heights, with the big parade stepping off Sunday.
And that's just the start. There's a haunted trail in Lacey, bluegrass in the Pines, fireworks in Point Pleasant, a Halloween parade in Stafford, a farm-to-table meal at the winery, and plenty of laughs to be had.
Grab a sweater (and maybe a cannoli), and let's get into it.
Table of Contents
A First Look at The Shore Things Coupon App!
We have a big update! We’ve developed the early prototype of our upcoming high-value coupon app dedicated to the Ocean County area.
We had a good response last week, so we thought we’d share some screenshots with the group.
The home page after you log in (currently with generic data)
Clip coupons to your wallet
Use coupons once they’re added to your wallet
Pull up a coupon and use it at the register!
More updates to come!
If you have any questions or ideas for our team while we’re building this (or you want us to try to get a specific company’s discounts, BOGOs, and similar deals in there), shoot us a note at [email protected].
This week in Ocean County...
Friday, October 9th
MORNING
Christ Episcopal Church Rummage Sale
Hunt for secondhand treasures at this two-day church rummage sale in Toms River, which kicks off Friday morning and runs through Saturday afternoon. Find out more here...
Common Grounds Coffee
Bring a friend to the Charles A. Smith Community Center in Forked River for food, fun, and a hot cup of coffee with Lacey Recreation, the Municipal Alliance, and the Rotary Club of Forked River. Find out more here...
Ocean County Connection at the Waretown Library
Stop by the county's mobile unit in Waretown for passport photos, notary services, and a rundown of local resources from county departments and nonprofits. Find out more here...
AFTERNOON
Stafford Library Opening Week Ice Cream Social
Help the brand new Stafford Branch in Manahawkin celebrate its opening week with scoops from Ice Cream Emergency, courtesy of the Ocean County Library Foundation, while supplies last. Find out more here...
Ocean County Italian Festival
Grant Avenue in Seaside Heights becomes a three-day Italian street fair with food, vendors, and live entertainment, running all weekend ahead of Sunday's parade. Find out more here...
EVENING
Nightmare at Gille
Lacey Recreation turns Gille Park in Forked River into a haunted trail, with an early sensory-friendly walk before the full scare after dark. Find out more here...
Farm to Table Dinner
Laurita Winery in New Egypt hosts a luxurious dinner replete with appetizers, entrees, and desserts made from produce, cheese, and honey sourced from local farmers. Find out more here...
Rock Bottom at Water Street
Wrap up the week with a late-night waterfront set from Rock Bottom at Water Street Bar & Grille in Toms River. Find out more here...
Did you know… about the three sisters, their moms, and a pair of lakes?
In 1832, Joseph W. Brick of Burlington County purchased a failing iron ore business. His oversight led the business to blast off again, employing nearly 200 people by 1884. Renamed the “Bergen Iron Works,” it became the heart of the community.
When Joseph Brick died, the settlement was renamed “Bricksburg.” Even better? Two local lakes were renamed in the family’s honor.
A smaller lake was named “Manetta” for the family matriarch, Margaret. And the larger lake? It was called Carasaljo, combining the nicknames of the Bricks’ three daughters, Carrie, Sally, and Jo. Find out more here…
Saturday, October 10th
MORNING
Race to Remember 5K
Runners and supporters gather at the Stafford Municipal Complex for the second annual 5K honoring the memory of Frankie Petillo Jr. Find out more here...
Southern Sports Card & Collectibles Show
Dig through vendor tables full of sports cards and memorabilia at Southern Regional Middle School in Manahawkin, with proceeds supporting boys lacrosse. Find out more here...
Defense of Little Egg Harbor 248th Commemoration
Little Egg Harbor honors a pivotal Revolutionary War battle and the Polish American patriots who helped defend the town, with ceremony, reflection, and local history. Find out more here...
32nd Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree
Wells Mills County Park in Waretown celebrates Pinelands culture with all-day music from Albert Music Hall regulars, handmade crafts, nature displays, and kids' activities. Find out more here...
Point Pleasant Beach Tug of War
Teams battle it out in beachfront tug-of-war heats, including kids' and charity divisions, with proceeds supporting causes like Tunnel to Towers. Find out more here...
AFTERNOON
Stafford Halloween Parade
Costumed kids and grown-ups line up at the Stafford firehouse and march to Manahawkin Lake Park, with prizes across age groups. Find out more here...
South Toms River Food Trucks & Craft Beer Festival
Mathis Plaza fills with food trucks and craft beer for an afternoon-into-evening fundraiser hosted by South Toms River EMS. Find out more here...
Stafford Fall Harvest & Wine Festival
Heritage Park in Manahawkin pours New Jersey wines alongside live music, food, and artisan shopping, and it runs Saturday and Sunday. Find out more here...
Fall Fireworks Festival
Riverfront Park in Point Pleasant hosts live music, children's amusements, food vendors, and a beer garden before a fireworks finale. Find out more here...
A Hot Rod Haunting
Adventure Crossing in Jackson hosts a free Halloween car show with trophies, trunk-or-treat, and costume and car-decorating contests benefiting The Mission. Find out more here...
EVENING
Dueling Pianos at the New Egypt Elks
The Piano Dudes bring an all-request, sing-along piano battle to the New Egypt Elks Lodge, and you're welcome to bring your own snacks. Find out more here…
Nightmare at Gravity Hill
Brave 35 minutes of haunted trails through a ghost town, a graveyard, and haunted fields at Cicconi Farms in Jackson, home of the Weird NJ–famous hill where cars seem to roll uphill on their own. Find out more here...
A look at the weather…
This week is cool but clear! Make sure to dress warmly and bring a sweater if you’ll be outside for any events.
Also, while most of the weekend is clear, Sunday night has a decent chance of rain!
Sunday, October 11th
MORNING
Nature Photography at Cloverdale Farm
Bring your camera for a guided walk through the cranberry bogs and trails of Cloverdale Farm County Park in Barnegat. Find out more here...
Solving STEM Problems with LEGOs
Kids and adults tackle hands-on engineering challenges with LEGOs at Cloverdale Farm County Park in Barnegat. Find out more here…
Meet Captain Jack Sparrow at Jersey Shore Pirates
Little buccaneers can set sail from Brick and meet Captain Jack Sparrow at the dock during this special weekend adventure. Find out more here…
AFTERNOON
Sunday Funday at Ocean County Park
Ocean County Park in Lakewood throws a family afternoon with a magician, a juggler, games, a petting zoo, food trucks, and hayrides. Find out more here...
35th Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade
Floats, marching bands, antique cars, and plenty of Italian American pride step off down the Boulevard in Seaside Heights. Find out more here...
Harvest Hootenanny in the Pines
Albert Music Hall in Waretown hosts six bluegrass, country, and folk acts, plus chili, apple cider donuts, and jams in the Pickin' Shed. Find out more here...
A Holocaust Survivor's Story
Holocaust survivor Arthur Spielman shares his firsthand story at the Ocean County Historical Society museum in Toms River. Seats must be reserved by email. Find out more here...
The Outcrops Sunday Matinee
The Outcrops return to the Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton for an afternoon of extended jams and soulful covers. Find out more here…
EVENING
Sienna Hubert-Ross at Uncle Vinnie's
Sienna Hubert-Ross, known for her sharp wit and viral impressions, closes out the weekend with a comedy show (adult-only recommended) at Uncle Vinnie's Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach. Find out more here...
Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure
Great Adventure in Jackson turns terrifying after dark with scare zones, live shows, and haunted mazes, including new ones inspired by Friday the 13th and Final Destination, best for ages 13 and up. Find out more here...
Jacks & Lights at Argos Farm
Stroll a trail of thousands of glowing jack-o'-lanterns at Argos Farm in Forked River, then take on the flashlight corn maze and grab a pumpkin shake on the way out. Find out more here...
That’s it for this week.
The harvest season is in full swing in Ocean County… and so is the Halloween fun!
Make your plans, stay warm, enjoy the parade, and we’ll see you next week!
P.S.
Know a local business, maker, restaurant, nonprofit, or hidden gem we should feature? Send them our way. (Here’s that email again: [email protected].)
We continue to have a string of great local spotlights lined up, and we want to keep introducing you to the people and businesses that make Ocean County special.