For Immediate Release:

Have some fun in the sun in May

Enjoy fun for the family outdoors and get ready for summer’s start

“We invite you to get to know all of Monmouth County,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the County’s Department of Public Information and Tourism. “From our Atlantic beaches to sprawling horse farms, you are sure to find out why Monmouth County is the place you want to be.”

You can spend the first weekend in May at Ocean Grove’s Spring Arts and Crafts Festival on May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or perusing the Spring Arts Festival at Thompson Park in Lincroft on May 2 and 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

History buffs may choose to participate in “Weekend in Old Monmouth,” a self-guided historic tour which includes more than 40 historic sites throughout the County.  The tour takes place May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 3 from noon to 5 p.m.

For those looking to pump some adrenaline, don’t miss Atlantic Highland’s Amazing Race on May 16 beginning at Et al fine food & events. Spring Lake’s 5-Mile Run begins at 8:30 a.m. on Ocean and Sussex Avenues on May 23 and the Superhero Fun Run is at Dorbrook Recreation Area on May 30 beginning at 9 a.m.

If you have a love of music and theatre there is plenty to consider this May.  You can catch shows and performances all month long at iPlay America in Freehold, Two River Theater and County Basie Theatre in Red Bank, Monmouth University in West Long Branch and Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre. 

Craft festivals, flea markets, sidewalks sales and the like the will be popping up throughout the County all month long.  Check the Tourism Calendar of Events for dates and specifics at www.visitmonmouth.com.

Celebrate opening day at Monmouth Park Racetrack on May 9 and receive free grandstand admission all day long!  Be sure to re-visit the track on May 23 through 25 for samples from the most popular Food Trucks in the area at the Jersey Shore Food Truck Wars.  Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

The start of Monmouth County’s summer season begins on Memorial Day Weekend.  Here’s a sampling of items for the weekend, and a taste of what you can expect this summer at the Shore:

• May 23 at 5:30 p.m. – Manasquan Memorial Day Celebration with fireworks at dusk on Main Street and First Avenue
• May 24 at 10 a.m. – The Seaport Craft Show takes place at Huddy Park in Highlands
• May 24 at noon – Check out Art in the Park, a judged art show and sale, at West End Park in Long Branch
• May 23 and 24 – The Spring Lake annual sidewalk sale happens throughout the business district
• May 23 through 25 – Bradley Beach Memorial Day Celebration on the Boardwalk

Many towns will host services and parades for the men and women in whose honor Memorial Day is dedicated.  Please check our Tourism Calendar of Events to find an event close to you.

End the month at Red Bank’s Riverfest from May 29 to 31 and the Jersey Born Music Festival on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park on May 31.

As always, Monmouth County’s Calendar of Events will provide you with even more May 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 3 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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