Monmouth Senior Scoop: Weekend Plans, Statewide Fun & Learn Something New

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👋 Hello, Monmouth friends!

The weekend is here, and New Jersey is booked and busy. We’ve got fairs, concerts, markets, art, history, yoga, gardening, board games and a fishing derby on deck. In other words: if anyone says there’s nothing to do, please forward them this newsletter.

🗺️ Statewide Weekend Roundup
🎶 Free Thompson Park Concerts
🏃 Flag Day 5K Reminder
🎭 Sunday Stage Picks
📚 Learn Something New
🧶 Crafty Corner
🃏 Card Sharks
🎣 Mark Your Calendar

From film festivals and food trucks to street fairs, concerts, heritage celebrations and one very spicy hot sauce situation, this June weekend calendar is packed with events happening across the state!

When: June 10–14; times vary by screening
Where: Long Beach Island, Ocean County

Film lovers can head to LBI for several days of screenings, events and movie magic near the beach. Popcorn plus salt air? Honestly, a strong combo. Info

When: Friday, June 12, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Historic Smithville & Village Greene, Galloway, Atlantic County

Classic cars roll into Smithville for an evening cruise. Bring your best “they don’t make them like that anymore” commentary. Info

When: Friday–Sunday, June 12–14
Friday: 3–11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Camp Sacajawea, 127 Yellowbrook Road, Farmingdale, Monmouth County

Music, wellness, art, community and good-vibes energy take over Farmingdale. Info

When: Friday–Sunday, June 12–14
Friday: 6–10 p.m.
Saturday: Noon–11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–10 p.m.
Where: St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, 526 Easton Ave., Somerset, Somerset County

Authentic food, music, dancing, pastries and community fun. Come hungry. Info

When: Friday–Sunday, June 12–14
Friday: 5–10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Asbury Park, Monmouth County

Asbury Park brings the summer festival goods: food, music, vendors and prime shore-town people-watching. Info

When: Saturday, June 13, 1–5 p.m.
Where: Seaside Heights, Ocean County

Pizza at the Shore. That’s it. That’s the event. No further argument needed. Info

When: Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Taylor Avenue Waterfront, 325 Taylor Ave., Beach Haven, Ocean County

Hot sauce, food, craft beer and live music hit Beach Haven. Great for people who believe “mild” is a missed opportunity. Info

When: Saturday, June 13; starts at 10 a.m.
Where: Stafford Township, Ocean County

Stafford celebrates Founders Day with hometown pride, a parade and community festivities. Info

When: Saturday & Sunday, June 13–14, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Road, Columbus, Burlington County

Knights, costumes, performances and ye olde weekend fun return to Burlington County. Huzzah, but make it New Jersey. Info

When: Sunday, June 14, 2 p.m.
Where: State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, Middlesex County

Ben Folds joins the New Jersey Symphony for an afternoon concert. Info

When: Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Where: Historic Smithville & Village Greene, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Galloway, Atlantic County

GM and GM-powered vehicles take over Smithville. Info

When: Sunday, June 14, 9 a.m. start
Where: Joe Palaia Park, 240 Whalepond Road, Ocean Township, Ocean County

Runners and walkers come together for a meaningful 5K supporting cancer-related care and research. Info

When: Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, Middlesex County

East Brunswick celebrates Polish culture with food, music, heritage and community. info

The Monmouth County Park System is bringing back its annual series of free concerts at Thompson Park, located at 805 Newman Springs Road in Lincroft. The concerts are open to all ages. For outdoor performances, bring your own lawn chairs or blankets, plus food and soft drinks.

When: Friday, June 12, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Thompson Park Theater Barn, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft

America’s 250th anniversary gets the big band treatment with Sentimental Journey Big Band, featuring vocalist Altha Morton. Expect classic patriotic-themed melodies from the 20th century.

When: Friday, July 17, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft

New Jersey’s own Jackson Pines brings folk rock from the Pine Barrens to Thompson Park.

When: Friday, August 21, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft

This band puts its own spin on funk and soul favorites, including music made famous by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Kool & the Gang, The Commodores and more.

When: Saturday, August 22, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Registration: Required

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Creative OPERAtions presents I Hear America Singing, an indoor Theater Barn performance featuring three professional vocalists, a pianist and projected visuals.

Register at MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000, ext. 1.

Monmouth County’s Stars & Strides Flag Day 5K & 1-Mile Freedom Walk is this Sunday at Bell Works.

When: Sunday, June 14
Check-in: Begins at 7 a.m.
Where: Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Cost: $35 for the 5K or 1-mile walk

Expect live entertainment, family-friendly activities, red-white-and-blue spirit, and Uncle Sam on stilts. Get more information here.

When: Sunday, June 14, 2–4:30 p.m.
Where: Old Yellow Meeting House, 70 Yellow Meetinghouse Road, Cream Ridge

Enjoy a free concert with Charlie Zahm performing traditional early American music, plus a chance to explore the Parsonage Open House. Info

When: Sunday, June 14, 5–9 p.m.
Where: Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia Road, Freehold/Howell area

It is Beatles vs. Stones at Calgo Gardens, with The Wag playing the music of The Beatles and Anthony Walker & The Dead Flowers taking on The Rolling Stones. Bring a beach chair and the whole family. It is a free BYO summer concert. Info

Monmouth County Library has a smart little lineup next week for anyone who wants to stretch, learn, garden, write or figure out whether that video online is real.

When: Monday, June 15, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Where: Holmdel Library Branch
Registration: Suggested, not required

This welcoming chair yoga session includes guided breath work, seated stretching, mindful movement and a brief sound immersion to help you reset for the week ahead.

When: Monday, June 15, 1–2 p.m.
Where: West Long Branch Library
Registration: Required
Seats: 20 available

Presented by Thomas Phair of the AARP Speakers Bureau, this talk explores how AI can be used to create deepfakes, clone voices and make fake content look alarmingly real.

When: Monday, June 15, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Library Headquarters, Manalapan, Rooms 1 & 2

Presenter Jason Goldman, a naturalist, garden designer and ecological educator, will explain why native plants matter and how they support the world buzzing, fluttering and creeping around us.

When: Tuesday, June 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Colts Neck Library Branch
Registration: Encouraged
Seats: 15 available

Yoga instructor Kim Manganelli leads a slow-paced, low-impact class focused on stretching, mindfulness, quiet reflection and guided meditation. Bring your own mat or towel.

When: Tuesday, June 16, 7–8:45 p.m.
Where: Allentown Library Branch
Registration: Requested, not required
Info: 609-259-7565

Local author Michael Pedowitz leads this in-person workshop where writers can share work and receive constructive feedback. Attendees should bring 5 copies of up to 1,500–2,000 words, double-spaced and single-sided.

When: Wednesday, June 17, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Library Headquarters, Manalapan, Rooms 1 & 2

Presenter Tanya Dinova will explore how even small acts of growing can foster resilience, mindfulness and joy. Translation: yes, fussing over your tomatoes may actually count as self-care.

When: Tuesday, June 16, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Where: Eastern Branch Library, Shrewsbury, Adult Meeting Room
Registration: Required

Local artist Teresa Bonner will introduce travel sketching techniques for capturing memories on the go — from urban scenes and trees to food, objects and whatever catches your eye. The program is geared to beginners, but all are welcome.

When: Monday, June 15, 6–8:30 p.m.
Where: Library Headquarters, Manalapan

This Monday evening bridge session is intended for experienced players who already know the game and want to enjoy playing together. Seats are limited and available first come, first seated.

When: Tuesday, June 16, 1–4 p.m.
Where: West Long Branch Library

Mahjongg has arrived at West Long Branch Library. The library will supply the tiles; players should bring their own Mahjongg cards. Beginner level, but some knowledge is required.

When: Wednesday, June 17, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Library Headquarters, Manalapan, Lower Gallery
Registration: Required
Seats: 8 available

Want to try modern board games without reading a rulebook the size of a phone directory? This session features easy-to-learn favorites like Sushi Go!, Ticket to Ride and Catan.

The Monmouth County Park System’s Freshwater Fishing Derby is happening next weekend.

When: Saturday, June 20
Clinic: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Derby: 2–5 p.m.
Where: Manasquan Reservoir, Howell

When: Sunday, June 21
Clinic: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Derby: 2–5 p.m.
Where: Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold

Both days start with a free hands-on fishing clinic where Park System staff will cover casting, rigging and all the “wait, am I doing this right?” basics.

Prizes will be awarded each day for the longest fish in three categories. Bring your own pole or rent one for $5.

Cost: $34 per family of four or $10 per person
Includes: A container of worms
Registration: Pre-registration suggested; walk-ins welcome
Info/Register: MonmouthCountyParks.com or 732-842-4000

That’s the weekend, friends. Get outdoors and enjoy it! See you Monday!

Have a great weekend,
Monmouth Senior Scoop

Disclaimer: As always, event details can change. Please check with organizers before heading out. Monmouth Senior Scoop is here to keep you informed and entertained, but we’re not your doctor, lawyer, financial adviser or GPS.