Monmouth GuideMid-October in Monmouth County brings a stretch of mild, mostly sunny days before rain moves in at the end of the week. It is good timing for farm festivals, a morning bird walk and the last of the season's outdoor markets, with plenty to fill the hours between Columbus Day and Sunday.
Here is what is happening from October 12 through 18, 2026, starting with the forecast and moving through weekday plans, weekend outings and a few places to eat. Dates and times come from the organizers, so check ahead before you head out in case anything shifts.
This week’s weather
Expect a warm middle of the week, with Wednesday reaching near 82 degrees, before Thursday cools off and Friday brings a good chance of rain showers.
- Columbus Day: Mostly Sunny, high near 73°F
- Tuesday: Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny, high near 78°F, 3% chance of rain
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 82°F, 5% chance of rain
- Thursday: Mostly Sunny, high near 67°F, 7% chance of rain
- Friday: Rain Showers Likely, high near 72°F, 68% chance of rain
Monday to Thursday
Monday through Thursday leans toward farms, art and the outdoors, including a sunflower festival at Holland Ridge Farms and a free morning bird walk at Holmdel Park.
Monday, October 12
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U-pick Sunflower: Fall Festival - Holland Ridge Farms
9:00 AM · Holland Ridge Farms, 108 Rues Rd, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514This festival is more than just a day at the farm—it's a unique experience to create unforgettable memories. Ride the tractor shuttle or wander through massive fields…
familyvia Monmouth County Tourism -
Pinstripe World Founding Artists Open Call (online)
9:00 AM · 1st Avenue Green Space, Asbury ParkPinstripe World is a free 3D art world you explore in your browser, with seven islands, one for each art form: paintings, sculpture, photography, videography, toys,…
communityFreevia Asbury Park Chamber
Tuesday, October 13
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On Display Rose Reilly Leonard Annual Student Art Show
9:00 AM · Wall Township BranchOn display at the Wall Township Library. Stop in the Wall Library Meeting Room and enjoy the Rose Reilly Leonard’s students exhibit of watercolors.
artsvia Monmouth County Library -
9:00 AM · Holmdel
Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk at Holmdel Park, Holmdel. We’ll meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds…
outdoorsFreevia Monmouth County & Parks
Wednesday, October 14
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All day
The Park System has a number of sites listed on the National Registers of Historic Places that open for free tours. Schedules vary by site. (Please note that not all…
outdoorsFreevia Monmouth County & Parks -
What Haunts You and/or poems written as a dialogue
7:00 AM · MiddletownExplore or recite literary works during a time of alliteration, rhythm and verse. All are welcome to read your work aloud or read work from your favorite poet(s). Must…
familyFreevia Monmouth County & Parks
Thursday, October 15
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9:00 AM · Brighton Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740marketvia City of Long Branch
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9:30 AM · West Long Branch NJ 07764
https://www.westlongbranch.org/calendar.aspx?EID=1005
sportsvia West Long Branch
Friday to Sunday
The weekend fills up with markets, farm fun and a fundraiser, from the Fall Harvest Festival at Happy Day Farm to Saturday's Walk-A-Thon and 5K in Neptune Township.
Friday, October 16
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9:00 AM · City Hall Parking Lot at 1 Municipal Plaza · Asbury Park
Help keep local kids warm this winter! The City of Asbury Park is teaming up with United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for the Warmest Wishes Coat Drive. Donate…
communityvia Asbury Park Chamber -
Fall Harvest Festival- Happy Day Farm
10:00 AM · 106 Iron Ore Rd, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726Enjoy a full day of fall fun at happy Day Farm! From the pumpkin patch and giant corn maze to farm animals, fun games, picture-perfect photo opportunities, festival…
familyvia Monmouth County Tourism
Saturday, October 17
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Asbury Park Sunset Farmers Market
8:00 AM · Fireman’s Park, Asbruy Park · Asbury ParkCommunity farmer’s market featuring seasonable fresh fruit and vegetables, cut flowers. Bread, cheese and Italian pastries and stuffed breads,
marketvia Asbury Park Chamber -
8:30 AM · Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ 07732
The Highlands Business Partnership’s traditional 32nd Annual Farmers’ Market begins every Saturday morning from June 20 through November 21st, 2026. Fresh-picked juicy,…
marketvia Monmouth County Tourism -
Mary's Place by the Sea: Walk-A-Thon and 5K Run
8:30 AM · Ocean Ave N & Ocean Pathway, Neptune Township, NJ 07756Join the fun for this wonderful cause and walk, run, dance, and celebrate in support of the incredible women of Mary’s Place by the Sea. This year celebrates 17 years…
sportsFreevia Monmouth County Tourism
Sunday, October 18
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Allaire Ghost Tours - The Historic Village at Allaire
8:00 AM · 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, NJ 07727Go places in Allaire Village that are not open to the General Public and learn of documented ghost stories. Dive deep into the spookier history of Allaire Village.…
artsvia Monmouth County Tourism -
9:00 AM · Marlboro , 444 CR-520, Marlboro Township, NJ 07746
The market is set on 56 acres of preserved land that was once the Stattel Farm. It provides a venue for small family farmers to sell locally grown produce directly to…
marketvia Monmouth County Tourism -
10:00 AM · Echo Lake Park, Echo Lake Pavilion, 1205 Maxim Southard Rd, Howell Township,…
The Howell Farmers Market is a seasonal outdoor farmers market, featuring a curated selection of local farmers, food vendors, and handmade makers. Shop fresh produce,…
marketvia Monmouth County Tourism
Where to eat this week
If you are making a night of it, here are a few restaurants around the county worth keeping in mind this week.
Asbury Park
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Hadaka
Japanese omakase · Omakase counterIntimate BYOB omakase counter serving 12- or 18-course sushi tastings, the first of its kind at the Shore.
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El Rey Rosticeria y Restaurante
Mexican · Yelp top-rated in Asbury ParkRelaxed BYOB Mexican spot known for birria tacos, tortas, huaraches and rotisserie favorites.
Wall Township
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Scarborough Fair
New AmericanRomantic special-occasion restaurant in a 19th-century farmhouse, with midweek live music and outdoor fire pits on Fridays.
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Lubrano's Trattoria
ItalianItalian trattoria serving brick-oven pizza, pasta, steaks and veal since 2000.
That is the week ahead in Monmouth County. Whether you spend it at a farm, a Saturday market or a dinner out, check times and details with the organizers before you go, and we will see you back here next week.
Quick answers
What's happening in Monmouth County this week?
For Oct 12–18, highlights include U-pick Sunflower: Fall Festival - Holland Ridge Farms on Monday in Holland Ridge Farms, Fall Harvest Festival- Happy Day Farm on Friday in Manalapan and Asbury Park Sunset Farmers Market on Saturday in Asbury Park. This guide lists 16 events day by day.