Down the Shore

Vol. 43 - Week of July 5

July 07, 2026

We hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend, especially during this year's Semiquincentennial celebration (that most of us just called America's 250).

We spent ours at Fair Haven's first-ever Fourth of July procession. The Declaration of Independence was read, the Continental Union flag was lowered in favor of Betsy Ross's stars and stripes, and the mayor spoke about building something today that future generations will enjoy tomorrow—a fitting message given the new waterfront park planned for the very spot where the ceremony took place.

For the next couple of weeks, we're taking a little summer breather while we travel and enjoy the season, so consider this a mini edition of Down the Shore. We'll still be popping into your inbox with a handful of things we think are worth knowing while you're hopefully spending less time reading emails and more time enjoying summer.

5 Things to Know This Week

  1. Eat: The Hotel Albatross in Ocean Grove kicks off July Après weekends - a summer-long series of rotating food pop-ups from around the tri-state area. This coming weekend July 11-12 features The Hive, a beloved Hoboken bakery known for their epic cinnamon rolls. And yes you can go even if you’re not a hotel guest - according to their IG, it’s “public access, VIP energy.”

  2. Watch: Big Night turns 30 this year. Did you know Louis Prima was expected to come to dinner at the Jersey Shore? The classic film starring Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub filmed many of its exterior scenes in Red Bank and Keyport, whose timeless streets stood in for the 1950s. While the restaurant's Shore town is never named, we're proud to know it was one of our Shore towns. Celebrate with a bowl of pasta followed by movie night.

  3. Listen: The Bowery Boys Cover The Jersey Shore Shark Attacks of 1916. This episode came out in 2025, but it’s worth a download this time of year to hear about the real-life Jaws (unless it makes you fearful of the beach). The initial attack took place in Beach Haven, but the bellhop of the Essex and Sussex Hotel in Spring Lake was unfortunately a victim five days later.

  4. Go: The B-52’s Play at ParkStage. This new open-air concert venue in Freehold is hosting their first summer concert series, and in our opinion, “Rock Lobster” seems like the perfect Jersey Shore-coded tune to get down to on a July evening. (Get tix)

  5. Make: Get crafty with Lavender at Pleasant Valley Farm. Can’t make it to Provence this summer? This lavender farm in Morganville (right outside Holmdel) might be your answer. They’re hosting a lavender-making wand workshop today 7/7, a wreath-making workshop on Friday 7/10, and a Teacup Candle Workshop on Saturday 7/11. 

Weekly Forecast

We have a very different week ahead - cool, cloudy, and drizzly. At least the weekend is shaping up beautifully for beach time.

Tuesday 7/7 - 71°/65° Cloudy

Wednesday 7/8 - 79°/66° Cloudy

Thursday 7/9 - 83°/68° Rain

Friday 7/10 - 86°/71° Light Rain

Saturday 7/11 - 81°/67° Partly Sunny

Sunday 7/12 - 79°/65° Sunny

And for the surfers out there, here are the weekly surf conditions in Belmar courtesy of Surf Captain:

Surf Conditions

Tues 7/7

AM: Choppy, 3+ ft

PM: Choppy, 2-3 ft

Weds 7/8

AM: Choppy, 2-3 ft

PM: Choppy, 2-3 ft

Thurs 7/9

AM: Choppy, 1-3 ft

PM: Choppy, 1-3 ft

Friday 7/10

AM: Clean, 1+ ft

PM: Clean, 1-2 ft

Farmers Market Roundup

And if there are any markets we should definitely feature this season, let us know!

Happenings Down the Shore

Here’s a shortlist of one event we have our eye on each day this week. As always, if there’s an upcoming event you’d like us to cover, feel free to pass it along!

Tuesday 7/7

Wednesday 7/8

Belmar - Movies on the Beach: The Emperor’s New Groove (Dusk)

Thursday 7/9

Red Bank - The Cliffs at Red Rock Tap + Grill (7 pm - live music)

Friday 7/10

Ocean Grove - Grease opening night at Jersey Shore Arts Center (7 pm - get tix)

Saturday 7/11

Spring Lake - Uncle Sam’s Patriotic Paddle for a Cause (10 am)

Sunday 7/12

Long Branch - Ocean Avenue Stompers at Bands on the Sand (7 pm - live music)

Did we miss an event? Let us know.

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