Outdoor movie screenings and canoe rentals highlight a week of outdoor offerings in local parks.
Pay no attention to those displays of back-to-school supplies, and put aside all thoughts of pre-season football, post-season baseball, and campaign-season roller derby. Yes, the summer of 2016 is still a thing (even at the Rio Olympics, where technically it’s winter), and the parks, beaches and portable stages of the Greater Red Bank Green still offer a plethora of open-air entertainments and recreational options in the coming days and nights — almost all of them free of charge.
It begins tonight, as Shore Flicks returns to Red Bank’s Riverside Gardens with an 8:15 p.m. screening of a truly golden oldie, 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz.” Bring a canned food donation with those folding chairs and beach towels, pick up some cooling seasonal treats from Gracie and the Dudes, and enjoy Dorothy and the Dudes as they once again undertake the screen’s most memorable road trip. Follow Shore Flicks on Facebook or Twitter for up-to-the-minute information on weather-related cancellations or other schedule changes (including a recently added batch of fishy features at Sea Bright’s Municipal Beach) — then take it around the bend for more fun beneath the sun and stars.
Wednesday, August 10, 6 p.m.: Free Zumba classes continue at Riverside Gardens every third Wednesday through late September (in rotation with free yoga and pilates sessions). Open to all who’d love to unwind after a hump-day workday or kick off a summer evening in energized style, it’s presented to the general public by Red Bank Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Community YMCA, with no registration necessary — just add (your own bottled) water. Call (732) 741-2504 x10 for weather-related updates and other information.
Wednesday, August 10, 6 p.m.: The American Littoral Society invites participants to to help pull a 40-foot seine net through the bay, and experience the excitement of learning about the fish and other marine life caught during a Sunset Seining session on Sandy Hook. Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and meet at the Littoral Society’s building in the Fort Hancock area at the northern end of the Hook. It’s $5 to participate (free to member families) — and more info can be had by calling (732)291-0055.
Wednesday, August 10, 6 p.m.: The summertime series of Sandy Hook Beach Concerts continues on the portable stage and sandy seating of Beach Area E, with natural A/C, complimentary sunsets and party-starting sounds brought to you by the Sandy Hook Foundation. Tonight, Rip Tide performs at 6, preceded by a special 5:30 p.m. warmup set featuring the Sam Sims Band. Beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and in case of severe weather forecast, cancellations are made at 2 p.m. on the day of the show. Go here for our full rundown of the 2016 series or call (732) 291-7733 for details.
Thursday, August 11, 7:30 p.m.: It’s a local debut for Eddie Allen and his Quintet, as the Brooklyn-based trumpeter takes to the outdoor stage at Riverside Gardens as the latest in the July-August series of free Jazz in the Park concerts, presented by Red Bank Parks and Rec and programmed by Jazz Arts Project. Check the Parks and Rec Facebook page or call (732) 530-2782 for weather-related inquiries.
Friday, August 12, 12 p.m.: It’s Climb Time again at Lincroft’s Thompson Park, as the homebase of the Monmouth County Park System invites ages 8 and up (42 in. or taller; under 18 with adult) to try and conquer the 25 ft. portable climbing wall. Meet on the lawn in front of the Theater Barn, and call (732) 842-4000 ext. 43240 for more info.
Friday, August 12, 8:30 p.m.: Free Movies in the Park return once more to Fair Haven Fields with an encore presentation of the original hit animation “Shrek,” with Mike Myers (as the amiable ogre-achiever) joined by fellow voice artists Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow and Antonio Banderas.
Saturday, August 13, 10 a.m.: Disc Golf returns as part of a busy day of activities at Lincroft’s Thompson Park, as the Monmouth County Park System invites all ages to try out the free mini disc golf course that’s been set up. Just sign in at the Visitor Center and receive the course map and use of disc. Also on Sunday, August 14, 10 a.m.
Also beginning at 10 a.m., canoe rentals continue on Thompson Park’s Marlu Lake, with the Park System offering boats and all equipment for a cost of $15 per boat (accommodating 1 to 3 people) per two-hour rowing session. It’s open to ages 3 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by adult), and payable by cash or check. Also on Sunday, August 14, 10 a.m.
Sunday, August 14, 4 p.m.: “Drop In” kayak tours return to the Navesink River, as the Claypit Creek area of Middletown’s Hartshorne Woods Park serves as the departure point for a series of leisurely guided excursions for experienced or novice paddlers. It’s first-come, first-served, and open to ages 12 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by adult); participants must be physically fit and all equipment (including single or tandem kayaks) is provided. Call (732) 787-3033 x2 to register, as well as for further info on weight limits and weather (each tour limited to 10 participants).
