Down the Shore

Vol. 5 - Week of October 5th

October 06, 2025

We spent our Sunday afternoon at the Asbury Park boardwalk, which was unexpectedly bustling. Whether it was the unseasonable 80-degree October day, or the multitudes of dogs we saw dressed in costume (about 80% were Dachshunds specifically - anyone know what event brought out these Halloweenies?), the boardwalk was the place to be! We grabbed burgers at Mayfair and enjoyed them seaside, then strolled through the convention hall for gift shopping as a Bavarian Oompah band played merrily on.

After that exciting end to the week, here’s what’s going on Down the Shore this coming one:

👻 Fright Up the Night 

The Historic Village at Allaire in Wall is starting their Night of Fright Series this weekend, running through to the end of October. Stroll the 18th and 19th-century grounds and catch all sorts of mystical happenings from Glow-in-the-Dark Bubble Shows, Fire Juggler & Sword Swallower, Fortune Teller, Scary Storytelling at the Chapel, and a special wedding scene at Mr. Allaire's House. Do you have goosebumps yet? Because we do! Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children (under 3 are free).

🌅 Meet at the Corner

Not ready to say goodbye to summer? Carlson’s Corner isn’t either. Word of Mouth from one of our readers is that the Manasquan staple is now open all year long. Enjoy live music on Thursdays and Saturdays while watching the sunset on the inlet.. Maybe you’ll even see Bruce…

🇩🇪 Wish You Were Bier

Red Bank’s Oktoberfest is Saturday October 11th from 1-5 pm, rounding out a season of many Oktoberfests across Monmouth County. We’re hopped up with excitement about the many local breweries represented - among our favorites are Triumph Brewing, Asbury Park Brewery, Last Wave, Beach Haus, and Kane Brewing (we recently tried the Parker Lager, nice and light!).

There’s also a craft vendor market, feats of strength, and a kid’s zone if visiting with the family. 

🍅 Eat Your Veggies

Here’s our weekly roundup of farmers markets to check out:

🎸 Live Music Roundup

Did we miss a show? Let us know.

Thursday 10/9

Asbury Park - Think:X at Wonder Bar (7 pm)

Red Bank - Gabe Plotkin Trio at Triumph Brewery (7:30 pm)

Friday 10/10

Asbury Park - Chemical Wave with Mike Z & Ted Wrigley at Palmetto (9 pm)

Asbury Park - Surfer Girl with Bikini Trill and Tessellated at Wonder Bar (7 pm)

Belmar - Louis Montesano at Beech Haus (7 pm)

Brielle - Plan A Band at The Pig & Parrot (8 pm)

Holmdel - Tom Vincent Full Band at Fox Hollow Vineyards (6 pm)

Manasquan - The Vinyl Trio at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm)

Red Bank - Kevin Hill & Secret Sound at Triumph Brewery (8:30 pm)

Sea Bright - The Get Down Committee at Donavan’s Reef (6 pm)

Saturday 10/11

Asbury Park - Salsa Fiesta with Xol Azul at Palmetto (10 pm)

Asbury Park - Start Making Sense (Talking Heads tribute) at The Stone Pony (7 pm)

Asbury Park - Young Gun Silver Fox at Wonder Bar (7 pm)

Brielle - Gravy Train at The Pig & Parrot (8 pm)

Holmdel - Shade Tree Mechanics at Fox Hollow Vineyard (2 pm)

Manasquan - Jay & Amy at Harpoon Willy’s (8:30 pm)

Red Bank - Ocean Avenue Stompers at Triumph Brewery (8:30 pm)

Sea Bright - West End Dogs at Donavan’s Reef (6 pm)

And if you haven’t had enough from the ground, look to the skies…the Harvest Moon turns full at 11:49 p.m. EST on Monday, Oct. 6. *Cue Neil Young*

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