👋Hey, Monmouth friends!

Costumed pups, acoustic favorites, craft-market finds and a very spirited potato situation: Monmouth is making a strong case for getting out this week.

🍂 Monmouth County happenings: Music, markets and Halloween fun
📚 Beyond the Books: Book clubs, games, crafts and Medicare Q&A
🎃 Take the Grandkids: Treats and a little history at Walnford
📅 Mark Your Calendar: Carriage rides, Porchfest and theater
🧳 Wanderlust Weekly: Five places for your 2027 wish list
🥔 In the Kitchen: Spuds with a spooky side
🎂 Birthday Cheers: Happy 72nd, Ellie Thompson!

Up first…

🥐 Lunch with a creative streak. Fall for the Arts pairs a catered luncheon with entertainment, raffles and a hands-on creative activity, all supporting the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Bring a friend and make an afternoon of it. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove.

🐾 The competition has four legs and a fabulous costume. The Bell Works Fresh Pawrade brings its annual pet parade and costume contest to market day. Come for the outfits; stay for the dogs who clearly have opinions about wearing them. 3–4 p.m. | Bell Works, Holmdel.

🎻 Your playlist could use a little porch music. Bring an acoustic instrument or settle in to listen at the Oakley Farm Thursday Old Time Jam. Beginners, experienced players and appreciative listeners are welcome. 6:30–9 p.m. | Oakley Farm Museum, Freehold.

😂 Give the headlines a night off. Comedian Joe DeVito at the American Hotel finds the funny in relationships, family and everyday life. Make it a downtown evening and let someone else deliver the punch lines. American Hotel, Freehold. Check the ticket listing for showtime; a two-item minimum per guest applies.

🍬 The grandkids have been training for this. Belmar’s Halloween Costume Contest and Trunk or Treat includes DJ entertainment, free hot dogs and ice cream from Coney Waffle. The costume contest is open to children in pre-K through eighth grade. Costume registration 5–5:45 p.m.; judging around 5:45 p.m.; trunk-or-treat around 6 p.m. | Dempsey Park, Belmar.

🎸 A little “Harvest Moon” for your autumn calendar. Decade at Belmar Arts Center brings acoustic Neil Young favorites to an intimate setting, with a seasonal nod to his haunting side. Friday at 7:30 p.m. or Saturday at 3:30 p.m. | Belmar Arts Center, Belmar. Tickets $25. Doors open 30 minutes before each performance.

🛍️ Start the holiday shopping before it becomes a contact sport. The Fall Craft Show at First Presbyterian Church of Belmar features more than 40 vendors, a gift auction, children’s activities and refreshments. Bring a food pantry donation along with your shopping bag. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church, Belmar. Admission with a food pantry donation.

🎨 Main Street, meet your next favorite maker. Browse the Fall Squan Artisan Market, then leave yourself time for a downtown lunch or coffee stop. A little shopping, a little strolling — a perfectly respectable Saturday itinerary. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Main Street, Manasquan.

🍁 Your shopping trip just developed a seasonal subplot. Fall Fest at The Grove at Shrewsbury adds a fall celebration to an afternoon out. Check the event listing for the activity lineup. Noon–3 p.m. | The Grove at Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury.

👻 Small-town charm, with candy on the side. Bring the grandkids in costume for Ocean Grove’s Halloween Trick-or-Treat, part of the downtown’s seasonal festivities. Ocean Grove. Check with the chamber for participating businesses and hours.

🐾 Who wore it best? Probably the dog. The Ocean Grove Halloween Pet Parade puts four-legged participants in the Halloween spotlight. Come for the costumes; stay for the canine scene-stealers. Saturday, Oct. 24 | Ocean Grove.

🧙 Put a spell on your Saturday. Make room on your fall calendar for Bewitched Keyport, a Halloween-season outing in this bayside town. Check the linked event post for activities and timing. Saturday, Oct. 24 | Keyport.

🕯️ History has a spooky side, too. All Hallows Eve Along the Burlington Path brings a Halloween-season gathering to Colts Neck, hosted by the Historical Preservation Committee. 5–8 p.m. | Colts Neck Fire Company No. 1, Colts Neck. Check the organizer’s listing for activities and admission details.

🧺 Your “just browsing” promise may not survive this one. The Asbury Park Fall Bazaar fills Convention Hall’s Grand Arcade with local makers, art, vintage finds, handmade goods, treats and music. These are the organizer’s updated weather dates. Noon–5 p.m. both days | Convention Hall, Asbury Park.

🍴 Come hungry. Leave hauntingly happy. The Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck & Music Festival brings food trucks, music and vendor browsing to Bradley Park. Consider it a perfectly good excuse to let someone else handle lunch. Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 24–25, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. | Asbury Park.

🍬 Halloween, before the fun-size candy bars. The 1830s All Hallows’ Eve Trick-or-Treating Celebration brings seasonal fun to the Historic Village at Allaire. Bring the grandkids for a Halloween outing with a little history in the mix. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Historic Village at Allaire, Wall. See the organizer’s website for tickets.

🎭 The sidewalks are the best seats in the house. March in costume or enjoy the creativity from the sidelines at the Freehold Halloween Spooktacular Costume Parade. It’s a downtown tradition where people-watching comes with capes, wigs and the occasional inflatable dinosaur. 1 p.m. | Downtown Freehold. Free.

🎃 Make a whole afternoon of the Halloween business. Bradley Beach’s Halloween festivities include trunk-or-treat from 1–3 p.m., a Halloween band in Riley Park from 3–5 p.m., and a parade from 5–6 p.m. Bring the grandkids, admire the costumes and pace yourselves on the candy. Bradley Beach.

🛍️ Your Wednesday errands just got more interesting. Shop local makers, bakers and creators at the Bell Works Fresh Wednesday Farmers & Makers Market. The Main Atrium offers plenty of opportunities to discover something delicious or something you hadn’t realized you needed. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Bell Works, Holmdel.

🪩 The disco ball would like a word with your calendar. Disco After Dark at Bar Bella combines live music, cocktails and an annual costume contest for Bell Works’ Halloween party. Bring your friends and an outfit worthy of an entrance. 6:30–9:30 p.m. | Bar Bella at Bell Works, Holmdel.

Prefer a good game, a little music or a fresh chapter? Your library card has plans for you, too.

📚 This book club is going places. The Monmouth County Library’s new MCL Book Club Tuesday Touring Company takes popular book discussions on the road, bringing them to different branches around the county. Your next good read might come with some new company.

Upcoming discussions:

All discussions are open to the public. Visit the Monmouth County Library or contact the hosting branch for details.

🎃 Keep your head — there’s a story behind this legend. The True Story of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow puts Washington Irving’s spooky tale in the spotlight for a seasonal library evening. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m. | Marlboro Library, Marlboro. Check the library listing for registration.

♠️ Play your cards right. Intermediate bridge players can find a seat at Bridge at West Long Branch Library. Participation is first come, first served, with no saving seats — even for your favorite partner. Wednesdays, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | West Long Branch Library.

🗂️ Local history has receipts. Archivist Mary Hussey presents Using the Records Collection at the Monmouth County Archives, introducing the county’s preserved records and how to use the collection. A good starting point for anyone who enjoys following a historical paper trail. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🎲 Your next game night could use a plot twist. Try beginner-friendly favorites such as Sushi Go!, Splendor and Ticket to Ride at Modern Board Game Night, coordinated by board game enthusiast Alex K. Come ready to learn — and perhaps discover a competitive streak. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6–8 p.m. | Library Headquarters, Manalapan.

🀄 Thursday is looking like a winning hand. Thursday Is Game Day offers player-led Mahjongg and bridge, with five tables and supplies available. Thursday, Oct. 22, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Holmdel Library.

🀄 Already know your tiles? Pull up a chair. The Holmdel Mah Jongg Club offers friendly, casual play for experienced players. Tables and sets are provided; instruction is not. Thursday, Oct. 22, 1–4 p.m. | Holmdel Library.

🎸 Friday afternoon, unplugged. Guitarist and songwriter Tal Naccarato performs original and traditional Americana and folk-blues, weaving in discussion and demonstrations of the music’s history. An afternoon soundtrack with a little storytelling on the side. Friday, Oct. 23, 2–3 p.m. | Wall Township Library.

🎭 Broadway dreams, sensible-budget ambitions. Theater enthusiast Brian Stoll presents Broadway on a Budget, exploring Broadway, the history of the Playbill and enjoying theater without letting your wallet steal the drama. Friday, Oct. 23, 2–3:30 p.m. | Online. Registration required.

🧶 Bring your yarn. Find your people. Kelly’s Knit and Crochet Circle, led by instructor Kelly Cavanaugh, welcomes everyone from first-timers to seasoned stitchers. Bring your own yarn, needles and other supplies. Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Howell Library.

📋 Bring your Medicare questions. One-on-One SHIP Q&A offers free, confidential, unbiased Medicare information through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Walk-ins are welcome, with assistance available first come, first served. Monday, Oct. 26, 2:30–4:30 p.m. | Zoom Room at Library Headquarters, Manalapan. This is an in-person service.

🤝 You don’t have to navigate grief alone. Lost and Found Bereavement Support Group at Headquarters provides a welcoming setting to connect with others coping with loss. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6:45–8 p.m. | Library Headquarters, Manalapan. No registration required.

For one more outing with your favorite little candy collectors, head west to Historic Walnford.

🎃 A little history, a little candy — everybody wins. Bring the grandkids to Trick-or-Treat at Walnford, where they can stroll from building to building, collect treats and pick up fun facts about this historic site along the way. Bring a basket for the goodies!

Sunday, Oct. 25, noon–2 p.m. | Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Free!

Links to the latest news on aging.

Lung Cancer Is Affecting Nonsmokers — and Younger People, Too: When many people think of an average lung cancer patient, they often imagine an older man smoking. But the face of lung cancer has changed. The Conversation, Oct. 13.

‘Masked’ High Blood Pressure Poses a Fall Risk for Seniors: Seniors older than 78 with “masked” high blood pressure have a 70% higher risk of falls than those who’ve been properly diagnosed, according to results presented at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting on hypertension. HealthDay News, Oct. 12.

12 Symptoms ENT Doctors Say Never to Ignore: Otolaryngologists treat conditions involving the ears, nose, throat, and much of the head and neck. Time, Oct. 16.

Medicare Mistakes Could Cost You Thousands. Here’s What to Know Before 65: A new survey reveals troubling gaps in Medicare knowledge that could lead to unexpected medical bills & costly enrollment penalties. TheStreet, Oct. 15.

Aging Life Care Managers Can Be a ‘Godsend’ for Families: The Aging Life Care Association was founded in the 1980s and has grown to more than 2,000 members, but care managers still have a persistent public awareness problem. KFF Health News, Oct. 14.

These outings fall after Oct. 29, but they’re worth a little advance planning.

🐴 Let the horses handle the evening commute. Allentown’s Haunted Halloween Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides offer narrated rides along Main Street, departing every 20 minutes. Seating is limited, so advance registration is recommended. Friday, Oct. 30, 6–9 p.m. | Pete Sensi Park, Allentown.

🎶 The neighbors are making a beautiful racket. Asbury Park Porchfest turns neighborhood porches into stages for a free afternoon of live music. Come in costume, follow the performance map and build your own concert itinerary. Saturday, Oct. 31, noon–4 p.m. | Asbury Park. Free. Rain date Nov. 7.

🎬 You may never look at a camping trip the same way. The Blair Witch Project: Film Screening and Q&A pairs the horror film with an appearance by its three stars — Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams — sharing stories and answering questions. Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m.; doors at 7 p.m. | Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank.

🍲 Some family recipes come with extra feelings. In Stir at Two River Theater, two siblings reconnect while trying to recreate their mother’s black bean recipe. Expect a comedy about family, memory and the things that bring us back together. Oct. 31–Nov. 22 | Two River Theater, Red Bank. Check the performance calendar for times.

🇺🇸 Give America’s big birthday an orchestral soundtrack. America at 250 celebrates the nation’s history and spirit through music. Sunday, Nov. 1, 3 p.m. | Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan.

Once the local calendar is sorted, there’s always room for a little farther-afield dreaming.

Frommer’s turns 70 in 2027, and the travel publisher is celebrating with its Best Places to Go list. These five U.S. picks offer plenty of reasons to dust off the suitcase:

Art, nature, music or a little Dolly — where would you go first?

Give the candy bowl a little competition. These Halloween potato recipes from Potatoes USA bring something savory to the party — and give the grandkids a perfectly good reason to play with their food.

💀 Spooky Spud Skulls: Crispy, skull-shaped potatoes topped with cheese and pepperoni make a frightfully fun appetizer. Think pizza’s potato-loving cousin.

👾 Monster Mash: Green mashed potatoes give a familiar side dish a monstrous makeover. Cue the song. You know the one.

🧟 Mashed Potato Mummy Meatloaf Cupcakes: Individual meatloaves dressed up with mashed potatoes turn dinner into a Halloween decorating project. Finally, cupcakes that count as supper.

Find more recipe inspiration at PotatoGoodness.com.

See what’s new on TV this week.

Mother knows best. But is she really Mother? Sam Nivola, who broke out in Season 3 of The White Lotus, stars opposite fellow alum Connie Britton in the half-hour mystery “Phony.” After a crash lands a high schooler in the hospital, he becomes convinced the woman claiming to be his mother — who also runs his school — is an impostor. That should make parent-teacher conferences interesting. Two episodes debut Tuesday, Oct. 20, on Hulu, followed by weekly releases.

Chris Pratt has another mission. Your mission is finding the remote. Pratt returns as Navy SEAL James Reece in “The Terminal List” Season 2, heading to Mozambique in an adaptation of Jack Carr’s True Believer. Olga Kurylenko, Costa Ronin and Arnold Vosloo join the international cast. All eight episodes arrive Wednesday, Oct. 21, on Prime Video.

Checking in, with a little drama. Lisa Vanderpump races to open her namesake hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in “Vanderpump Rules: Lisa Las Vegas.” Expect decorating decisions, deadlines and considerably more glamour than your last hotel check-in. The three-episode series begins with two episodes Wednesday, Oct. 21, on Peacock; the finale follows Thursday, Oct. 22.

First comes love. Then comes sharing closet space. Kristen Bell’s Joanne and Adam Brody’s Noah move in together as “Nobody Wants This” returns, with Joanne’s decision to convert to Judaism continuing to shape their relationship. All 10 episodes stream Thursday, Oct. 22, on Netflix.

Even a gentleman thief has a bad day. Omar Sy’s Assane Diop begins Season 4 of “Lupin” behind bars, with his family still in danger. The French-language mystery returns after a three-year wait — plenty of time to have forgotten where you hid the valuables. All eight episodes stream Friday, Oct. 23, on Netflix.

And for country fans, there’s a double helping of familiar favorites:

Stand by your remote. PBS’ “Great Performances — Tammy Wynette: Forever Yours” celebrates the country legend with performances from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Wynonna Judd, Ann Wilson, War & Treaty, Valerie June, Brittney Spencer and others lend their voices to Wynette’s songbook. Premieres Friday, Oct. 23, on PBS, with streaming on pbs.org/gperf and the PBS app. Check local listings for airtime.

A whole lot of love for Dolly. “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” brings together Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, Ashley McBryde, Kristin Chenoweth and more for a two-hour tribute from Nashville. Airs Wednesday, Oct. 21, on ABC and Disney+, with streaming on Hulu beginning Thursday, Oct. 22.

A very happy 72nd birthday to Ellie Thompson of Red Bank! Ellie, we’re sending you a big Monmouth Senior Scoop cheer and wishing you a year full of good company, new adventures and at least 2 slices of cake! Enjoy your celebration — 72 deserves a little fanfare! 🎉

Whether your week calls for a bridge hand, a handmade find or a dog dressed as a pumpkin, we hope you find something that makes you smile. And if your biggest adventure is making green mashed potatoes with the grandkids, we’d say that counts.

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See you around Monmouth,

😎The Monmouth Senior Scoop team

The fine print, minus the magnifying glass: Event dates, times, prices and availability may change. Check the linked organizer listings before heading out. Also, the Monmouth Senior Scoop does not offer medical, legal or financial advice. Check with a professional before making important decisions.