The final weekend of the fair plays out in Fair Haven, and giant-tomato growers weigh in at Sickles Market. (Photo below by Peter Lindner. Click to enlarge)
Friday, August 30:
RED BANK: Halloween returns to Red Bank a little early for the Jersey Shore Ghost Tour season. Take a guided, lantern-lit stroll through the hauntingly historic sites of Red Bank, the perfect event for any paranormal fan. The tour meets in front of the Dublin House and runs every Friday through Halloween, rain or shine. Tickets are $12 ($10 for kids) and reservations are recommended. 30 Monmouth Street.
RED BANK: Original rock cover band Backbeat puts a modern spin on the old ’60s classics you know and love at the Walt Street Pub. The music begins at 8 p.m. 180 Monmouth Street.
RED BANK: The Black River Band brings its original music and lyrics to Molly Maguire’s Black Point Inn. The show begins at 9 p.m. 132 East River Road.
SHREWSBURY: Dale Toth rocks C.J. McLoone’s in Shrewsbury for a Friday night set starting at 9 p.m. 560 Shrewsbury Avenue.
FAIR HAVEN: Things heat up at the River Road Fire House for the second and concluding weekend of the Fair Haven Fireman’s Fair. The firehouse grounds are transformed into a carnival, complete with a Ferris wheel and fire truck rides. The “Out Back” snack bar and seafood kitchen will take care of your culinary needs. The fair runs from 6 to 11 p.m. 645 River Road.
Saturday, August 31:
LITTLE SILVER: The competition gets juicy at Sickles Market Biggest Tomato Contest. Local gardeners weigh in to win a $100 Sickles gift certificate. Kids ages 5 to 13 can also enter in the children’s category. No registration is required, but participants must be present at judging in order to receive their prize. The weigh-in begins at 1 p.m. 1 Harrison Avenue.
RED BANK: Red Bank StreetLife returns to town for the 13th season of musical sidewalk showcases. Performers and locations to be announced. StreetLife runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
RED BANK: Keep up with The Jonzes when they hit the Walt Street Pub at 10 p.m. for some Saturday night tunes. 180 Monmouth Street.
MIDDLETOWN: American Sign Language instructors Sarah and Phoebe host a morning workshop on the dexterous language at the Middletown Main Library. All ages are welcome and no registration is required. The session starts at 10 a.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.
MIDDLETOWN: Brush up on your French at the French study group held at the Middletown Main Library. No registration is necessary and the session begins at 11 a.m. 55 New Monmouth Road.
RUMSON: Frank Crow and Karl hit Molly Maguire’s Black Point Inn for a Saturday night set. The music begins at 9 p.m. 132 East River Road.
Sunday, September 1:
RED BANK: The Galleria Red Bank Farmers Market presents fresh produce from local farms and highlights area eateries and unique crafts. Support the community and gain knowledge about local business development. Jewelry, soaps, and china are also sold. The market runs every Sunday through November form 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Corner of Bridge Avenue and West Front Street.
LONG BRANCH: It’s lucky number six for the Holiday Express Sunset Benefit Clambake. Reserve now for the annual fundraiser held on September 13 with Tim McLoone and the band serve as the guests of honor and the night’s entertainment along with open bar, buffet, gift auctions and more. Register online or call 732.554.8010 to reserve in advance. Tickets for the Clambake are $225 and the clambake runs from 5 to 9 p.m. 1 Ocean Avenue.