For Immediate Release:
May 14, 2014
Jump into June in Monmouth County!
Food and festivals kick off the summer season
FREEHOLD, NJ – Sand in your toes, music in your ears, food in your belly and fun on your calendar, that is what you can expect this month in Monmouth County. If our beaches and boardwalks don’t thrill you, we’re sure that our world-class shopping and dining, concerts, festivals and entertainment will!
“As the weather starts to heat up, so does Monmouth County’s tourism,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “With such a wide variety of activities, there is something for everyone. I encourage you to get out and enjoy yourself this month.”
Here in Monmouth County, we don’t waste any time. Two of the biggest events of the summer are happening within the first two weeks of June. Enjoy three days of sun, sunsets and stars with the best Red Bank area restaurants at Red Bank Riverfest on May 30, 31 and June 1 in Marine Park. On June 13, 14 and 15 make sure your appetite is ready and your stomach is empty for the Belmar Seafood Festival. Taking place in Silver Lake Park, you can anticipate great seafood, crafters and live entertainment at one of the largest seafood festivals in the nation.
There is something for everyone in the family at the Asbury Park Blues and Brews Festival on June 7 with live music, food and kid’s activities and at the Irish Festival at Monmouth Park on June 8.
One of the best types of food is our “Jersey Fresh” produce. You will find a wide selection of ripe, local fruits and veggies at weekly farm markets in Keyport on Thursdays and Atlantic Highlands on Fridays. You can find details on our Tourism Calendar of Events at www.visitmonmouth.com.
On almost any given day of the week, outdoor music can be heard in all corners of the County. If you’re looking to be a part of the show, Freehold Idol is the place for you! Every Wednesday from June 4 through August 20 talented singers aged 10 and older are given the spotlight to show off their vocal abilities in front of the Hall of Records in downtown Freehold.
But that’s not all. Blues by the Beach, a Sunday night music series featuring local bands playing jazz and blues takes place in West End Park in Long Branch; Sandy Hook’s summer concert series begins June 18 and offers live entertainment every Wednesday at Sandy Hook’s Beach Area E; Thursdays by the Sea is a week-night music series starting June 12 at Festival Plaza, Pier Village in Long Branch, and Thursday’s Rock in Freehold with a concert series starting June 12 in front of the Hall of Records.
In addition to talented local artists, big name musicians fill the calendar this June. Enjoy the sounds of performers such as Rascal Flatts, Dave Matthews Band and Toby Keith at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel as well musical delights from Ringo Starr & his All Starr Band at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, X Factor’s Fifth Harmony at iPlay America in Freehold and the American Idol Live! 2014 Tour at Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University in West Long Branch. Visit our Tourism Calendar of Events to browse the full list of great music.
If you’re interested in dabbling in some history this month, you have several options. Historic Allaire Village’s Civil War Encampment will be staged on May 31 and June 1, providing a weekend of family fun. Meet with soldiers, shop at period stores, witness artillery demonstrations and hear music from the 1860’s.
Looking for somewhere to take Dad on Father’s Day on June 15? Head to Father’s Day at Monmouth Park, the Annual Cruise to the Jersey Shore with live rock n’ roll on the Boardwalk Oceanfront Promenade in Long Branch or a pig roast at 4JG’s winery in Colts Neck.
As always, Monmouth County’s Calendar of Events will provide you with even more June entertainment. For a complete listing of events, go to www.visitmonmouth.com and click on the Tourism tab to find the Calendar of Events. Compiled by the Monmouth County Department of Public Information and Tourism, it is a comprehensive source for things to do and places to go and is updated regularly. You can also call 1-800-523-2587 to have a packet of information mailed to you, or stop by 1 East Main St., Freehold to browse the extensive literature between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
The next time you are on Facebook be sure to “like” the Monmouth County Tourism Page. If you use Twitter, follow us on there, too.
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