Yoga, Pilates and zumba share a Wednesday night rotation schedule in Riverside Gardens Park. Below, vocalist Layonne Holmes joins the New Standard for a free concert there Thursday night.
Whether you’re on stay-cation — or simply navigating your way through daily life here in on the Greater Red Bank Green — there’s no denying that July offers a fairly awesome menu of open-air entertainments and recreational options. We’ve got a rundown of outdoor events — mostly free of charge — designed to entice you out of the house in the coming midsummer nights and days.
It all starts tonight, July 12, as Shore Flicks returns to Red Bank’s Riverside Gardens with an 8:15 p.m. screening of the gleefully anarchic animation “Minions.” Bring a canned food donation with those folding chairs and beach towels, and enjoy some ice cream from the newly opened Gracie and the Dudes stand in the park. Take it to our redbankgreen roundup for details on the entire summer screening schedule and weather-related updates. Then take it around the bend for more fun and adventure beneath the summer sun and stars.
The Red Bank Farmers’ Market sets up tables every Sunday at the Galleria.
Wednesday, July 13, 11 a.m.: The folks at the Monmouth County Park System invite all ages to Bayshore Waterfront Park (Port Monmouth Road at Wilson Avenue in Middletown Township) for a weather-permitting session of Seining at the Bayshore — a close-up look at local marine life, captured in a seining net and released back in the shallow waters of Sandy Hook Bay. It’s open to ages 5 and up; under 18 accompanied by adult (sorry, no groups) — and more info can be had by calling (732) 787-3033 ext. 2. Also on Friday, July 15, 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 13, 6 p.m.: Free Yoga classes continue at Riverside Gardens every third Wednesday through late September (in rotation with free Zumba 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 bring a mat and water. Call (732) 741-2504 x10 for weather-related updates and other information.
Wednesday, July 13, 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, Jersey Shore music legend (and walking pop/rock encyclopedia) Bobby Bandiera returns to the peninsula with full band and free sounds. 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, July 14, 7 p.m.: The annual Shakespeare on the Lawn production continues at Brookdale Community with the Bard’s tragicomedy “Measure for Measure” presented free of charge — just bring your own seating and refreshments (snacks will also be available for purchase on site). Call (732)224-2411 with weather-related inquiries, and take it here for our look at this 15th annual project from the Brookdale Summer Shakespeare Ensemble. Also on July 15-16 at 7 p.m.; July 17 at 6 p.m.
Thursday, July 14, 7:30 p.m.: Another Shore music mainstay, vocalist Layonne Holmes returns to the outdoor stage at Riverside Gardens for some sets of classic songbook jazz with The New Standard. It’s 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 — and go here for the deep-dish details on this and other summertime jazz happenings in the birthplace of Basie.
Saturday, July 16, 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, July 17, 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, July 17, 10 a.m.
And, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the Lincroft headquarters of the Monmouth County Park System invites ages 12 and up (under 18 with adult) to join a park naturalist on a Butterfly Walk of approximately one mile to identify the various species of butterflies found locally. Meet at the park’s Visitor Center; no registration necessary.
Saturday, July 16, 6 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).
Sunday, July 17, 9 a.m.: What would a weekend out of doors be without an encore visit to the Red Bank Farmer’s Market, continuing weekly (right through the middle of November) until 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Galleria building at Bridge Avenue and West Front Street. Fresh, locally grown produce from some of the area’s finest farms vie for attention with handmade crafts, lovingly crafted foodstuffs and more, during this Sunday staple of local life.
