A BUSTLING SUMMER WEEKEND AWAITS

Local farmers and craftspeople fill the parking lot at the Galleria every Sunday morning this time of year. Steven Jacobson, the 17-year-old author of “One Last Season,” below, reads from his novel Saturday. (Click to enlarge)

Friday, July 12:

LINCROFT: Royalty graces Lincroft when Shakespeare’s witty early comedy, “Love’s Labor’s Lost,” comes to the Great Lawn at Brookdale Community College.  Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets (rain site: Performing Arts Center). The performance begins at 7 p.m. Park in lot 2. Lawn outside PAC building/Newman Springs Road/Route 520.

RED BANK: The Summer Jazz Café returns to Two River Theatre’s “black box” performance space Friday and Saturday nights. Joe Muccioli and the Jazz Arts Project present jazz innovator, trombonist and seashellist Steve Turre. The night promises a big city club vibe with coffee and refreshments served throughout the performance. Tickets are $22 and the show begins at 8 p.m. 21 Bridge Avenue.

RED BANK: Come to Count Basie Theatre to see the con man Harold Hill trick the small town of River City, Iowa in the musical comedy, “The Music Man.” The show is presented by Phoenix Productions, tickets are $22, $26, $32 and the show begins at 8 p.m. 99 Monmouth Street.

MIDDLETOWN: An adventure through Europe with a traveling circus, “Madagascar 3” is the movie of the week for the Shore Flicks free summer movie series. The film will be presented at the Tonya Keller Community Center in North Middletown. Bring blankets, chairs, and nonperishable food items to donate to local pantries. The film starts around 8:15 p.m. Check Shore Flicks Facebook and Twitter for cancellations and updates. 50 Bray Avenue.

MIDDLETOWN: “The Yellow Birds,” a novel by Iraq war veteran Kevin Powers that follows two young soldiers trying to survive war, is the director’s choice for the monthly book discussion at the Middletown Main Library. The discussion begins at 9 a.m. with coffee. 55 New Monmouth Road.

Saturday, July 13:

SHREWSBURY: Manage your money at the first-time buyers’ program, “Keys to Homeownership” at the Monmouth County Eastern Branch Library. Representatives of the nonprofit Money Management International host a workshop intended to educate consumers on budgeting and credit use, obtaining a mortgage, shopping for a home, the appraisal and inspections processing, mortgage closing, and life as a homeowner. The workshop begins at 10 a.m. 1005 Route 35 North.

SHREWSBURY: Meet the author of “One Last Season,” a story about a father, his estranged son, and the game of baseball, at the Monmouth County Eastern Branch Library. Author Steven Jacobson is high school student and baseball player for Ranney. The event begins at 11 a.m. 1001 Route 35 North.

RED BANK: Red Bank Library’s Avice Noblett Children’s Room transforms into a museum “reptile room” when The Lizard Guys come to visit, introducing live lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs and various bugs. The event begins at 11 a.m. 84 West Front Street.

MIDDLETOWN: Middletown Main Library holds an opening reception for the July/August group art exhibit, “A Blend of Art Society,” to showcase the work of local artists. The reception runs 2 to 4 p.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.

RED BANK: Gregg G. Brown and Linda Jade host the monthly River Read Series poetry slam and open mic event, which has been relocated to Manhattan Bagel. The poetry slam begins at 3 p.m. 20 Water Street.

Sunday, July 14:

SEA BRIGHT: Shore Flicks brings Santa to Sea Bright with Will Ferrell’s holiday comedy favorite “Elf.” Screening shortly after 8:15. Bring chairs and blankets as well as nonperishable food donations. Check Shore Flick on Facebook and Twitter for weather cancellations and updates. Sea Bright Municipal Beach.

RED BANK: Step up to the mic with Rob Dye and Mike Ghegan at Jamian’s Food & Drink. 8 p.m. 79 Monmouth Street.

RED BANK: The Galleria Red Bank Farmers Market presents fresh produce from local farms and highlights area eateries and unique crafts. Support the local agriculture and crafts community. The market runs every Sunday through November from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Corner of Shrewsbury Avenue and West Front Street.