Local Knowledge. Shore Results.
A nor'easter rearranged nearly the entire lineup this week. A Greek festival that runs rain or shine, a fall fest that moved indoors and a police fundraiser on Monday all stayed on, while most of the weekend's festivals, fundraisers and fireworks moved to new dates. Here's what's happening this week:
Still on:
- Saint Barbara 54th Annual Greek Festival (Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Toms River) Fri and Sat, Sept 25 to 26, 12 to 11 PM, Sun, Sept 27, 12 to 7 PM: Rain or shine, with Greek food, homemade pastries, Greek dancing, a live band, games and raffles. There's no on-site parking, so take the free shuttle from Ocean County College.
- Township of Ocean Fall Fest (Municipal Gym, 1100 West Park Ave.) Sat, Sept 26, 9 AM to 2 PM: Moved indoors because of the weather. Free admission, with a vendor and craft fair, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, food and musical entertainment.
- Toms River PBA 137 Fall Fest (Washington Street, Downtown Toms River) Mon, Sept 28, 5 to 9 PM: Inflatables, face painting, police demos, a live radio broadcast, axe throwing and food trucks, all supporting local police. Rain date Oct 5.
Postponed to new dates:
- Patio Palooza 2026 (Wharfside Patio Bar) Now Wed, Sept 30, 4 to 10 PM: Live music benefiting the Ashley Lauren Foundation, which supports NJ families affected by pediatric cancer.
- Wingfest for Vetwork (Caffrey's Backyard, Forked River) Now Sat, Oct 3, 12 to 4 PM: All-you-can-eat wings, live music and a gift auction for $20, benefiting Vetwork.
- Lacey Day 2026 (Gille Park, Lanoka Harbor) Now Sun, Oct 4, 12 to 4 PM: A battle of the bands, kids' river games, local vendors and food trucks.
- Lake Como Day & Fireworks (Lake Como Lakefront) Now Sat, Oct 10, 3 to 9 PM: The 30th anniversary celebration, with live music, food trucks, free rides, a petting zoo and fireworks.
- American Angler Surf Fishing Classic (Long Beach Island) Now Sun, Oct 18: A surf fishing tournament on LBI.
- Asbury Park Fall Bazaar (Convention Hall, Asbury Park) Now Sat and Sun, Oct 24 to 25, 12 to 5 PM: Art and makers, live music, kids' activities, photo stations and food.
Postponed, new date to be announced:
- Neptune City Fall Festival (Memorial Park, Neptune City): Live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, a classic car show and a beer and wine tent.
- Rock 2 Adopt Charity Music Festival (Veterans Park, Bayville): Two stages of live music, food trucks and live wrestling, supporting pet adoption and animal care.
- Red Bank Mac & Cheese Festival (Red Bank): A mac and cheese festival supporting JBJ Soul Kitchen.
Cancelled:
- Highlands Brew by the Bay (Highlands): Cancelled due to the weather.
This week's featured events: the Saint Barbara Greek Festival, which ran rain or shine all three days, the Township of Ocean Fall Fest in its new indoor home, and Lake Como Day's 30th anniversary fireworks, now moved to Oct 10. With plans still shifting, check with the event organizer before heading out.
This roundup gets posted fresh every week, right here and on Instagram and Facebook. For the current week's events plus everything else happening at the Shore, visit Living at the Jersey Shore ». If you're a local business or event organizer and want to be included in a future week's guide, reach out directly.
Matthew Quinn, United Real Estate Associates
(609) 709-2742
matt@mattquinnsellshomes.com