👋Hey, Monmouth friends!

September is going out with a bang—and possibly a drone show. This week brings porch concerts, fall festivals, farmers markets, live theater, library programs, fresh-baked treats and a visit from a Beatle. Grab the calendar; Monmouth County is keeping us busy.

🎉 Local Events — Music, markets, theater and a very busy weekend
🍎 Local Flavor — Paris Baguette opens in Freehold
📚 Beyond the Books — Games, dancing, health programs and more
🏈 Game-Day Eats — Three recipes ready for kickoff
🍂 In the Parks — Stories, swaps and old-fashioned fall fun
🎃 Day Trippin’ — Fall festivals worth the drive
📰 Prime Time News — Health, counseling, care and technology
📅 Mark Your Calendar — Howl-O-Ween fun for senior dogs

Up first…

🥕 Fresh produce and handmade treasures. Browse locally grown fruits and vegetables, prepared foods and one-of-a-kind goods at the Bell Works Fresh Farmers & Makers Market. Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Sept. 30, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel. Info

🎭 A small town opens its doors—and its heart. The Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away tells the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, following the Sept. 11 attacks. Performances Sept. 23–Oct. 4 at Bell Theater, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel. Info

🎹 One piano. Two siblings. Generations of family history. August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning The Piano Lesson follows a brother and sister battling over whether to sell or preserve their family’s treasured heirloom. Performances Sept. 23–Oct. 4 at Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. Info

🎸 The blues are calling—and they brought a guitar. Frank Fotusky brings inventive arrangements, masterful picking and soulful singing to the Belmar Arts Center. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7–9 p.m. at 608 River Road, Belmar. Info

🍅 Fill your tote before the tomatoes call it a season. The West End Farmers’ Market offers Jersey Fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, cheeses, jams, soups, salsas and other locally made treats. Thursday, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at West End Park, 607 Ocean Ave. N., Long Branch. Weather and produce permitting.

🖼️ Belmar talent with a touch of Rome. See paintings by local artist Suzanne Anan, whose work has also been exhibited in Italy. Thursday, Sept. 24, 4–8 p.m. at the Belmar Arts Center, 608 River Road, Belmar. Free. Info

🪕 Bring an instrument—or simply bring your ears. The Oakley Farm Thursday Old Time Jam welcomes acoustic musicians and listeners of every skill level for an evening of traditional music. Thursday, Sept. 24, 6:30–9 p.m. at Oakley Farm Museum, 189 Wemrock Road, Freehold. Info

🥖 Last call for Friday farm-fresh finds. Shop seasonal produce, artisan breads, jellies, body-care products and locally made gifts during the final Atlantic Highlands Farmers Market of the season. Friday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Veterans Park, 111 First Ave., Atlantic Highlands. Free parking.

🏴‍☠️ Pirates, swordplay and a Major General with plenty to say. Pirates! The Penzance Musical gives the Gilbert and Sullivan favorite a lively New Orleans makeover filled with Caribbean rhythms, French Quarter flair and shiploads of comedy. Friday, Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 26, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2 p.m. at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank. Info

👻 Asbury Park has plenty of spirits—and we don’t mean the cocktail menu. The Asbury Park Ghost Tours uncover haunted buildings, forgotten tragedies, shipwrecks, mysterious fires and local legends during walks through downtown and along the boardwalk. Friday, Sept. 25, 8–10 p.m., beginning at The Paranormal Museum, 621 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park.

🎶 The best seat in the house might be someone’s front steps. At Asbury Park PorchFest, local musicians turn neighborhood porches into stages for a free day of live music. Follow the sound and see where it takes you. Saturday, Sept. 26, Asbury Park. Rain date: Sunday, Sept. 27.

🛍️ Browsing counts as a fall activity. The Asbury Park Fall Bazaar brings more than 30 local makers and small businesses to the Grand Arcade at Convention Hall each day. Expect art, vintage finds, handmade goods, treats and music. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26–27, noon–5 p.m., Asbury Park. Free admission.

🚗 The British are coming—with polished chrome. Brits on the Beach fills downtown Ocean Grove with more than 150 classic and modern British cars, motorcycles and vintage tractors, plus British rock, a live DJ and afternoon awards. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. along Main Avenue, Ocean Grove. Free. Info

🎨 Handmade is having a very big day. The Fall Craft & Vendor Show features more than 150 crafters, Allaire artisans, exhibits and demonstrations in the Carpenter, Blacksmith and Tinsmith shops. The General Store, bakery and a food truck will also be open. Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale. Info

🎃 Fall has entered the park. Ocean Township’s Fall Fest brings vendors, crafts, pumpkin painting, fire truck rides, food and music to Joe Palaia Park. Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at 240 Whalepond Road, Oakhurst. Info

🖼️ Art looks even better with a garden backdrop. More than 50 local artists will display their work during Art in the Garden, Calgo Gardens’ longest-running event. Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia Road, Howell.

🍺 Here’s a toast with a waterfront view. Brew by the Bay offers samples from eight local breweries, live music and cozy fire pits at The Seafarer. Tickets include eight 4-ounce tastings and one full pint; additional beer and food will be available for purchase. Saturday, Noon–5 p.m. at The Seafarer, 1 Atlantic St., Highlands. Ages 21 and older.

🛍️ Sip, shop and celebrate local. The Tall Oaks Farm + Brewery Fall Festival combines craft beer, food, handmade goods and creative activities for all ages. Saturday, Noon–5 p.m. at Tall Oaks Farm + Brewery, 450 Colts Neck Road, Farmingdale.

🎆 Thirty years deserves fireworks. Lake Como Day features food trucks, vendors, a beer and wine garden, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo and live music from the E-Boro Bandits and Shut Up Gus. The 30th annual event finishes with fireworks. 3–9 p.m. along the Lake Como lakefront, 600 North Blvd., Belmar.

🇺🇸 Community Day: Monmouth 250 features family activities, entertainment, food trucks and a drone show commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. 3:30–8:30 p.m. at Sycamore Recreation Complex, 977 Sycamore Ave., Tinton Falls. Info

🦇 Shop on the dark side. The Farmingdale Dark Market kicks off spooky season with local crafters, artisans and eerie fun suitable for the whole family. 4–8 p.m. at the Farmingdale Community Center, 11 Asbury Ave., Farmingdale.

🌶️ Things are heating up in Atlantic Highlands. Chilifest serves unlimited chili tastings, hot dogs and doughnuts alongside an open bar, wine and nonalcoholic beer. New Yacht City provides the live music, with an opening performance by The Elastic Waist Band. 5–9 p.m. at Charles J. Hesse Parish Center, 55 South Ave., Atlantic Highlands.

📼 Leg warmers optional. Singing along practically mandatory. The Big ’80s Music Bingo Brunch features an expanded buffet, three rounds of music bingo, games, prizes and plenty of favorite throwback hits. ’80s outfits are encouraged. Sunday, Noon–3 p.m. at The Squire Restaurant & Bar, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch. Info

🫖 Pinkies up—it’s officially fall. Autumn’s Arrival: Afternoon Tea pairs a seasonal menu with fine teas served on vintage china. Afterward, stroll the grounds and browse the garden center and gift shop. Sunday, 2–3:30 p.m. at Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia Road, Howell.

🛒 Kids outgrow their things—but a good bargain never gets old. The New 2 You Kids Consignment Event offers thousands of gently used children’s clothes, toys, books, baby gear, furniture and household goods. Sunday, Sept. 27 through Thursday, Oct. 1 at Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. Sunday’s presale requires registration; Monday through Thursday are open to the public. Most items are 50% off Wednesday and Thursday unless marked “no discount.”

🥁 A little help from his friends—and one unforgettable drummer. Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band bring Beatles favorites, Ringo’s solo hits and classics performed by a lineup that includes Steve Lukather, Gregg Rolie and Todd Rundgren. Sunday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel. Info

🥐 Freehold’s newest bakery café has arrived just in time for pumpkin season. Paris Baguette is now open at 280 West Main St., Freehold, serving handcrafted cakes, pastries, sandwiches and specialty drinks daily from 6 a.m.–9 p.m.
The bakery chain also has a location in Red Bank, with another Monmouth County café coming soon to Manalapan.
Its limited-time menu includes caramel apple and pumpkin pastries, cakes and seasonal drinks. Savory choices range from a turkey, cranberry and goat cheese pastry sandwich to a pesto chicken pizzetta and harvest chicken salad.
PB Rewards members can receive a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase on Tuesday, Sept. 29, in celebration of National Coffee Day. Learn more at Paris Baguette Rewards.

See what’s happening at Monmouth County libraries this week.

♠️ Play your cards right and you could have a new Wednesday routine. Intermediate players are invited to Bridge at the West Long Branch Library for friendly competition. Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Sept. 30, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at 95 Poplar Ave., West Long Branch. First come, first seated; no seat saving.

🗂️ Your family tree may be hiding in the county archives. Research archivist Mary Hussey explains how to use property documents, genealogy materials and other records held by the Monmouth County Archives—and shares tips for making your research more productive. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1:30–2:30 p.m. at the Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury.

💙 Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, but support can help. The Lost and Found Bereavement Support Group offers a welcoming place to share experiences, feelings and ideas for moving forward after the loss of a loved one. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6:45–8 p.m. at Library Headquarters, Manalapan, and Monday, Sept. 28, 12:30–1:30 p.m. at the Marlboro Branch.

🀄 Thursday is game day—and Holmdel means it. Choose Mahjongg or Bridge during casual, player-led games with tables and supplies provided. Thursday, Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Holmdel Branch. First come, first seated.

🎒 When trouble knocks, it helps to have a “go bag” ready. Chris Tomaszewicz of the Monmouth County Office of Public Health explains which emergencies New Jersey residents should prepare for, what supplies people and pets may need, and how to create a practical family disaster plan. Thursday, Sept. 24, 10–11:30 a.m. at Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

💃 Two left feet are welcome—and they may not stay that way for long. Instructor Lloyd “Silqui” Davis leads the Social Dance Club through salsa, swing, tango, cha-cha, hustle, rumba, waltz, foxtrot and more. Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome, and partners rotate throughout the session. Thursday, Sept. 24, noon–1:30 p.m. at Library Headquarters, Manalapan. No partner needed.

🀄 Craks, bams and dots—oh my! Experienced players can enjoy a friendly afternoon at the Holmdel Mah Jongg Club. Tables and sets are provided, and spectators are welcome. Thursday, Sept. 24, 1–4 p.m. at the Holmdel Branch. Limited to 20 players; first come, first seated.

🎺 Cue the brass—and bring a little patriotic spirit. The St. Peter’s Brass Quintet celebrates America’s 250th birthday with the Armed Forces Salute, God Bless America, Stars and Stripes Forever and other favorites. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2–3 p.m. at the Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury. Free.

💉 Roll up your sleeve and cross one thing off the fall checklist. The Monmouth County Health Department will provide free flu vaccines for anyone age 6 months and older. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1–3 p.m. at the Allentown Branch. Vaccines are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

🐝 Here’s an event worth buzzing about. Master Gardener and beekeeper Angela Juffey explores the world of honey bees, from life inside the hive to honey harvesting and the simple ways we can protect these powerful pollinators. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🏟️ No ticket? No problem. The real action is at the snack table. Football season calls for easy, crowd-pleasing food—and Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. has three recipes ready for kickoff:

🍟 BBQ Beef Waffle Fry Nachos — Crispy waffle fries piled with shredded beef, baked beans, barbecue sauce, melted cheese and all the nacho fixings.

🌮 On-the-Go Beef Tacos — Open a small bag of corn chips, add seasoned beef and fresh toppings, and grab a fork. Easy to carry and even easier to clean up.

🍔 Oklahoma Onion Burgers — Smash-style burgers pressed with thinly sliced onions for plenty of caramelized flavor without a long ingredient list.

Still hungry? Browse the full game-day recipe collection for more tailgate-worthy ideas. Just remember: cheering with your mouth full is strictly a rookie move.

Here’s what’s happening in Monmouth County Parks this week.

📖 Pull up a chair and stay for the stories. Local performers will share memorable moments inspired by a variety of prompts during Everyone Has a Story. Audience members may even get a chance to tell a tale of their own. Saturday, Sept. 26, 6–8 p.m. at the Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft. Free.

🚜 Party like it’s 1890-something. The Harvest Home Festival brings an old-fashioned country fair to Historic Longstreet Farm, complete with wagon rides, traditional games, live entertainment and craft demonstrations. Look for vintage-style base ball, a pie-eating contest and a plowing competition, too. Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Free admission.

👗 Trade last year’s fright for a new delight. Donate a clean, gently used children’s, adult’s or pet costume and receive a token to select a “new-to-you” look during the Eek-O-Fabulous Costume Swap. Costumes may be dropped off Sept. 23–29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at the Huber Woods Environmental Center in Middletown or Thompson Park Visitor Center in Lincroft. The swap takes place Sunday, Oct. 4, 2–3:30 p.m. at the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center in Aberdeen. Free. No token is needed for a baby costume.

Fun fall festivals happening close to home and across the state.

🎃 Six thousand pumpkins—and not one of them needs carving in your kitchen. The Skylands Stadium Jack O-Lantern Experience in Augusta lights up the season with a 45-minute Halloween walk surrounded by hand-carved creations. Stick around for s’mores, warm apple cider, pumpkin painting, live music and craft beer. September through November.

🐷 Come for the pumpkins. Stay for the pig races. The Happy Day Farm Fall Festival in Manalapan offers more than 35 activities, including a themed corn maze, pony rides, slides, Pumpkinville photo ops and pick-your-own sunflowers and pumpkins. Save room for fresh-squeezed lemonade and apple fritters. Sept. 10–Oct. 12.

🌻 Pick a bouquet—and clear some space on your camera roll. The Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Festival in Cream Ridge fills the fields with sunflowers, gladiolus, dahlias and other colorful blooms available for picking at $1 per stem. Food trucks, photo props, a farmers and makers market, live music and family activities round out the day.

🌽 Go big or gourd home. Von Thun’s Country Farm Market Fall Festival Weekends feature more than 20 attractions, including hayrides, a six-acre-plus corn maze and pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. It’s an easy way to squeeze an entire season’s worth of fall fun into one day.

🎃 Fall called. It wants the whole family outside. Thompson Park Day packs the park with rides, entertainment, archery, pumpkin painting, wagon rides and children’s races. The friendly competition includes a scarecrow contest, jack-o’-lantern contest and dog costume parade—because even Fido deserves a little fall flair. Sunday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. Admission and parking are free; some activities require a fee or advance registration.
Find contest details and additional information at Monmouth County Parks.

The latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

👟 Wearable Foot Sensors Match Motion Capture for Knee Arthritis Gait: Foot-strapped sensors are as good as motion capture in tracking a person’s stride. The data could be used to track arthritis progression and potentially explore treatments. HealthDay News, Sept. 17.

💬 Why So Few Older Americans Get Counseling – And How It Could Help: The role of counseling in older adulthood is broader than addressing illness, loss and bereavement. These are important concerns, but counseling can also help people navigate changes in work, health, abilities, relationships, independence and identity, and consider what comes next. The Conversation, Sept. 14.

🏥 Nursing Home Beds Are Becoming More Scarce: As the oldest baby boomers turn 80, researchers worry there won’t be enough room in nursing facilities for a rapidly graying nation. The New York Times, Sept. 19.

💻 The Best Tech Gear to Help Aging in Place: Aging in place has obvious appeal, but it also may pose substantial challenges. Fortunately, staying put through old age can be made easier thanks in part to a wide range of technological advances. The New York Times, Sept. 17.

Saturday, Oct. 17, noon–5 p.m. at Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, 118 Route 526, Allentown.

🐾 Old dogs, new costumes and one tail-wagging fall festival. Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary will host its annual Howl-O-Ween Family Fest, an afternoon of pet-friendly fun benefiting senior dogs in need.

The festivities include a canine costume contest, dog-and-human pie-eating contests, mini swim sessions, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, local vendors, raffles and visits with some of the sanctuary’s four-legged residents. Costume-contest registration closes at 2:15 p.m. Proof of rabies vaccination is required for dogs participating in the swim sessions.

Proceeds help provide medical care, housing and specialized attention for senior dogs who have lost their homes.

That’s plenty of fall fun for one week! Whether you’re catching a concert, browsing a market, learning a dance step or simply tracking down a pumpkin pastry, we hope you find something that makes the week a little brighter!

Know about a local event, opening or bit of good news? Reply to this email and send it our way. And if a friend would enjoy the Scoop, send them this link to subscribe. It’s free!

See you next time,
The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

Disclaimer: Dates, times, prices and availability can change. Please confirm details with the venue before heading out. Also, The Monmouth Senior Scoop does not offer medical, legal or financial advice. Check with a professional before making important decisions.😊