Join us for these annual Monmouth County Park System Special Events & Races. Applications for races can be downloaded using Adobe Reader. If you have trouble opening an application, please call 732-842-4000.
Seashore Open House
Sunday, January 27 from 1- 4pm
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch
It may be winter but, you can still enjoy some time at the beach. The Activity Center is a great place to bring back memories of the summer or to learn more about the seashore. Stop in during our Open House for seashore fun and light refreshments. You can even create a beach keepsake to take with you! Free admission. For more information, call 732-872-2670.
Activity Directory Release
Friday, February 8, March 1, May 3 and August 2
Meet new friends, learn a new craft or outdoor skill, explore nature or a museum through the many programs, activities, and events listed in the Monmouth County Park System Activity Directory. Pick up a free copy at your local county park or library. Or, have the most recent edition mailed directly to your home. Call 732-842-4000, ext 4313 to receive a copy or email us. (free)
E. Murray Todd Half-Marathon
Sunday, March 3 at 9am
Race Results
13.1 mile course loops through the residential sections of Lincroft, Holmdel and Colts Neck.
Race starts and finishes at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft.
For information, call 732-542-1642, ext. 23
EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS
Saturday, April 20 from 11am-5pm
Earth Day at Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
Come celebrate Earth Day, and our blue planet, by joining us for our Water is Wonderful festival. Kids games, crafts, eco boat tours, and exhibitors are just some of the days events.
Sunday, April 21 from 11am -5pm
Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth
Celebrate the Shore: Discover cool coastal animals like whales, dolphins, crabs, and even tiny plankton during this interactive show and tell program. Tours will also be given of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, which dates back to the early 1700s. FREE!
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
Spring Plant Walks: The flowers are back in bloom. Discover the park’s floral beauty, hidden places, and native plants. Find out how to become an earth-friendly gardener and ways to compost. FREE!
Holmdel Park Shelter Building, Holmdel
Nature Walks: Returning birds, emergent buds, and blooming wildflowers are just some of the sights we may enjoy while wandering with the Park System’s Roving Naturalist. Binoculars provided. FREE!
Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown
Snakes & Reptiles: This family-oriented show gives you the chance to see live snakes and reptiles found in NJ. There will also be freshwater pond creatures on view and a chance to identify animal scat. FREE!
Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft
Eco-Fashion Fun!: Need to spruce up an old outfit? Join us while we help people look fabulous this spring by creating eco-friendly fashion jewelry and accessories from recycled materials. FREE!
Spring Plant Swap
Saturday, April 27 from 10am - 2pm
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
Calling all Gardeners! It's time for the Spring Plant Swap. It's fun, free, easy. Bring plants in one-quart, one-gallon or two-gallon containers and take home the same size and number of plants. Houseplants are also welcomed. For information, call 732-671-6050.
Sheep Shearing/Wool Days
Saturday & Sunday, April 27 & 28 from 12noon-3pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Step back into the 1890s and experience Victorian era farm life. This annual demonstration allows visitors to appreciate the work of an old-fashioned sheep shearer. FREE!
Family Funtathlon
Saturday, May 4
Thompson Park, Lincroft
This exciting event offers families the opportunity to compete in a variety of outdoor adventure challenges including canoeing, archery, athletics, problem solving and more! Teams comprised of two to six members (any combination of adults/children) & race against the clock and each other as they traverse Thompson Park solving problems and completing challenges.
Dorbrook 500
Saturday, May 11 from 10am-1pm
Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck
This non-competitive event features tots racing in their Cozy Coupes or similar self-propelled vehicle along a marked, paved trail. Competitors will be divided into age groups and race at different times. (fee)
Outdoor Adventure Expo
Sunday, May 19 from 11am-5pm
Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold
Discover the many wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities that abound in Monmouth County. Activities during this expo for the “outdoors” person (or those interested in becoming one) include rock climbing, snake shows, and hands-on demonstrations. Admission and parking are free.
Eco-Elephant Family Flea Market
Saturday, June 22 from 9am - 1pm
Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck
Come and browse our vendors to find that one-of-a-kind or "green" item you didn't even know you needed. | Application
Monmouth County Fair
Wednesday-Sunday, July 24-28
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 5-11pm
Sunday from 11am-6pm
East Freehold Park Showgrounds, Freehold
Enjoy the old-fashioned fun of this country fair, including 4-H exhibits, amusement rides, entertainment, fireworks, home and garden competitions, an antique & classic auto show, and other special attractions.
Eco-Elephant Family Flea Market
Saturday, August 24 from 9am - 1pm
Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck
Come and browse our vendors to find that one-of-a-kind or "green" item you didn't even know you needed.
9/11 Memorial Remembrance Ceremony
Wednesday, September 11
Mt. Mitchill Scenic Overlook, Atlantic Highlands
Join us for a remembrance ceremony at the site of Monmouth County’s 9/11 Memorial.
Fall Plant Swap
Saturday, September 28 from 10am - 2pm
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown
Calling all Gardeners! It's time for the Fall Plant Swap. It's fun, free, easy. Bring plants in one-quart, one-gallon or two-gallon containers and take home the same size and number of plants. Houseplants are also welcomed. For information, call 732-671-6050.
Manasquan Reservoir 5 Mile Run
Sunday, September 22 at 9am
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
Join us for our annual Manasquan Reservoir 5 Mile Run at the Manasquan Reservoir. Ideal for newcomers or seasoned runners. 5 miles of scenic running on the perimeter trail.
2012 Results - ALL | See Photos on our Facebook page
Harvest Home Festival
Sunday, September 29 from 11am-5pm
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
An old-fashioned fair reminiscent of the 1890s. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, games and live entertainment. There is also ongoing crafts demonstrations and a Home & Garden competition. Admission and parking are free.
Walnford Day
Sunday, October 6 from 11am-5pm
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the past while learning about the evolution of this small village, plantation, and country estate through hands-on activities. Historic Walnford features a late 19th century gristmill, the 18th century Waln family home, a carriage house, and an assortment of farm buildings. For more information, please call 609-259-6275. Admission and parking are free.
Timberbrook Triathlon
Saturday, October 12 at 8:30am
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
Something different for athletes who like a challenge. First, complete a 3 mile run. Next, canoe or kayak 2 miles. Then, you finish as you take your mountain bike for a 5-mile ride. The natural scenery of this 1,200 acre facility provides an exceptional setting for the event. (fee)
Application | Racer Information
Thompson Park Day
Sunday, October 20 from 11am to 5pm
Thompson Park, Lincroft
Celebrate fall by attending this festival which features pumpkin painting, a Scarecrow Contest, wagon rides, food vendors, crafts, entertainment & Strut Your Mutt Dog Costume Contest. (Admission & parking are free, some activities have a fee)
Woods Hollow Classic Mountain Bike Race
Saturday, November 2 at 8 & 9:30am
Tatum Park, Middletown
Try this exciting race for beginners (7.5 miles) or more experienced riders (11.25 miles), challenge the open fields and woodlands of Tatum Park. (fee)
Please note that due to storm damage, this race was cancelled in 2012.