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Community Special Events
Movie in the Park
Location TBD
Free!
Join us while we watch a movie outside at the park. Make sure to pack your chairs and some snacks to enjoy this movie with your family!
Featured Movie: TBD
Community Fossil Hunt
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
Music in the Parks Summer Concert Series
Tuesday, July 7 & 21, 2020 | 7:00pm - 9:00pmMiddletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Free! July 7: TBD
July 21: TBD
The free concerts are held from 7 - 9 p.m. on the Middletown Art Center's northern lawn. The public is invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. Alcohol is prohibited. Free parking is on site. Call 732-706-4100 for more information.
Community Fossil Hunt
Sunday, July 26, 2020 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00 (NR)
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
Ideal Beach Party
Ideal Beach, Middletown, NJ
FREE!
Don’t miss this great family event filled with fun and games, music and dancing! Bring a beach chair or towel. Games, activities and prizes for all children. Watch the beautiful sunset overlooking the Sandy Hook Bay. Make sure to stick around for our movie!
Movie in the Park
Thursday, July 30, 2020 | 7:30pmLocation: Ideal Beach
Free!
Join us while we watch a movie on the beach! Make sure to pack your chairs and blankets. Bring your favorite snack and sit back and relax while watching a family favorite film.
Music in the Parks Concert Series
Tuesday, August 11 & 25, 2020 | 7:00pm - 9:00pmMiddletown Arts Center, Middletown, NJ
Free!
The free concerts are held from 7 - 9 p.m. on the Middletown Art Center's northern lawn. The public is invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. Alcohol is prohibited. Free parking is on site. Call 732-706-4100 for more information.
Movie in the Park
Thursday, August 27, 2020 | 7:30pmLocation: TBD
Free!
Join us while we watch a movie in the park! Make sure to pack your chairs and blankets. Bring your favorite snack and sit back and relax while watching a family favorite film.
Community Fossil Hunt
Sunday, August 30, 2020 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
9/11 Memorial
Middletown Arts Center- World Trade Center Memorial Gardens, Middletown, NJ
Free!
Please bring a candle and join us for a moment of silence and wreath tribute to honor the 37 Middletown friends and neighbors we lost in the World Trade Center attack.
Middletown Day
Croydon Hall
Free!
The fall festival boasts activities for all ages including a business and community showcase, craft fair, live local music, children's activities, a petting zoo, hayrides, and a food court. For a complete listing, please see our special Middletown Day website.
Community Fossil Hunt
Sunday, September 27, 2020 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
Santa Ferry Ticket Sales
Wednesday, October 7, 2020 | 7:00pm
Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road
Join us on this special evening sale to be the first to purchase your tickets! Make sure to arrive on time as tickets are limited. All tickets must be purchased in person. Sales will resume business hours on Thursday.
This pre - sale is for Middletown Township residents only and for our Santa Ferry event. Households are only allowed to purchase a max of 8 tickets. All non - resident purchases can be made starting 10/14.
Be prepared: download and fill out the registration form prior to purchase!
Mayors 5K Challenge
Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
5K Race: $30
5K Fitness Walk: $15
1mi Fun Run: $15
Join us for our Mayor's Challenge with all proceeds to benefit a cause of Mayor Perry's choosing (TBD). The race route meanders through one of the hidden gems of Middletown - Poricy Park! The trail consists of wide grass paths, as well as some sections of single track. Poricy Park is not flat - beware of the hills! Check back soon for a copy of the race map.
All participants will receive a long sleeve shirt (while supplies last). Racers in both the 1mi Fun Run and 5K Race will additionally receive a bib with timing chip, and medal.
Approximate start times:
5K Fitness Walk: 8:45am
1mi Fun Run: 9:00am
5K Race: 9:30am
Harvest Hullabaloo
Saturday, October 17, 2020 | 4:00-7:00pmPoricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Free! - Middletown Residents Only
This spooktacular evening presented by Middletown Recreation and the Middletown Arts Center, includes costume contests, cartooning with the Doodle Dude, haunted hayrides, a Trunk or Treat and more! Be sure to bring a flashlight! Ice Cream treats will be available for purchase. Costume contests for several age groups and groups of 2 or more begin at 4:15pm. Hayrides start at 5:30pm. A limited number of free reusable trick or treat bags will be given out prior to the Trunk or Treat.
The Murray Farm House: Will be using our old cider press to make fresh cider. We also will be offering tours of the Farm house and barn.
Veteran's Day Parade
Sunday, November 9 | 1:00pm
Parade steps off from Bayview Elementary School at 1:00pm. Parade route travels to the VFW Post 2179 located at 1 Veterans Lane, Port Monmouth. Join the crowd at the Grand Stand in Campbell's Junction.
All residents and community members are cordially invited to have lunch with veterans at the VFW Post 2179 upon the parade's conclusion. Please join us and "Thank a Veteran".
Turkey Soccer Shootout
Saturday, November 21, 2020 | 10:00am - 11:00amCroydon Turf Field
Per person: $5.00 (R), $6.00 (NR)
Ages: 6 to Adult
Pre-registration preferred
- Age categories: 6-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-17, Adult (18+)
- Preregistration is not necessary, but preferred
North vs. South Alumni Soccer Game
Saturday, November 21, 2020 | 11:30am
Croydon Turf Field
Fee: a nonperishable canned good is requested for admission
Santa Ferry Ride
Saturday, December 5, 2020
8:30am | 10:30 | 1:00pm
NY Waterway Belford Ferry Terminal - 10 Harbor Way
Fees: General (ages 1+) $17.00 / $21.00 (NR)
Infants (ages 1-) $5.00/ $6.00 (NR)
Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and their friends on a festive ferry ride! The township’s Santa Ferry Ride will be held on Saturday, December 5th. The yuletide ride features visits from Santa and friends, goodie bags, and a wonderful scenic view of the Statue of Liberty. Ferries leave and return to the NY Waterway Belford Ferry Terminal at 10 Harbor Way.
**Tickets will go on sale 10/7, 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Poricy Park. After these dates tickets will be on sale during regular office hours. Non-residents can purchase tickets 10/14**
Christmas Tree Lighting
Sunday, December 6, 2020 | 5:00Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
FREE - Middletown Residents Only
Join us in kicking off the holiday season with an exciting tree lighting ceremony. The day’s FREE art activities and entertainment will be enjoyed by hundreds of local families and features an art exhibition, tree lighting, visit from Santa, carols, children’s crafts, and much more! Funded and managed by the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council and Middletown Recreation. For more information, please call 732-706-4100.
Annual Dodgeball Tournament & Toy Drive
Saturday, December 12, 2020 | 8:00amCroydon Hall Gymnasium
Co-Sponsor: Middletown Social Services
Pre- registration Required - Registration begins September 1
Fees: $55 per team & 1 unwrapped toy per person
Get ready for some family fun. Join us for our 12th Annual Dodgeball Tournament and Toy Drive! Registration fee is $55 per team. We ask that all participants bring an unwrapped toy the day of the tournament. All toys will be given to Middletown Social Services. Registration deadline is November 25 - NO exceptions. Division start times will depend on final number of teams. Times listed below are estimates!
Space is limited in each division - sign up fast! Pre-registration is REQUIRED! Registration is from September 1 - November 25. No registrations will be taken after the deadline.
Team Registration Form
2019 Waiver
2019 Dodgeball Rules
2019 Dodgeball Tournament Schedule
Juniors
A Little Bit Older
Teen A + B
Adults
2019 Tournament Schedule
Please note: game times are subject to change
Divisions:
- Juniors (Grades 1-3)
- A Little Bit Older (Grades 4-6)
- Teen A* (Grades 7-9)
- Teen B* (Grades 10-12)
- Adult (Ages 19+)
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, Jan 18, 2020 | 3:00-4:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:3-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Slime Workshop
All slime, all the time. Come learn about these amazing non-Newtonian fluids—from oobleck to slime to silly putty. We’ll try fluffy slime, butter slime, super stretchy slime, and more. Space is limited, sign up early.
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Middletown Preschool Information Fair
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2020 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Middletown Public Library
Free!
Middletown Recreation is bringing preschools throughout the town together in one place for your convenience! Representatives from various organizations will be present to speak to you regarding class options, program structure and help answer any other questions you may have! This year, we will have activities to entertain the children while parents talk to the representatives, so no need to worry about a babysitter!
Schools attending our Information Fair:
- Child's Place
- Ivy Hill Preschool
- King of Kings Preschool
- Middletown Preschool
- Sandy Hook Child Care
Mother-Son Mini Golf Tournament
Monster Mini Golf, 749 Hope Road, Eatontown
$32.00 per pair, $16 per additional child (non-resident fees apply)
Pre-registration required.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 3:00-4:00pm
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:3-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Maple Sugaring
With cold nights and warm days, February is the perfect time for maple sap in New Jersey. Join us outside as we tap some trees. Taste fresh maple sap and compare to the finished, concentrated product.
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Daddy-Daughter Dance | Princess Ball
Friday, March 6, 2020 | 6:00-9:00pm
Grades K-5
Jacques Reception Center
500 Palmer Ave, Middletown
Adult: $50 (R) / $60 (NR)
Child: $45 (R) / $54 (NR)
SOLD OUT!
Hear Ye, Hear Ye...
All Princes & Princesses from across the land are gathering for an event that's sure to be grand! Limited seating available.
Girls may be escorted by a relative or family friend, 21 or older. As with all Township events, alcohol is prohibited. Your evening includes:
- Complete buffet dinner
- DJ music, fun and games
- Souvenir photo with frame
- Special Keepsake
*Tickets for this are SOLD OUT!
Community Science at Poricy Park
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
$3.00 per child
Pre-registration required
Animal lovers needed! Make some new friends at Poricy Park by meeting our little menagerie. We’ll be bringing out our turtles, bugs, and guinea pig to play. We’ll discuss the care and diet of all our animals and be asking for some help with their feeding.
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Easter EGGstravaganza
Location: Middletown Arts Center
FREE!
Come join us for an Easter fun-filled day! The first 500 children will receive goodie bags. Parents bring your cameras to get your photo op with the Bunny! Enjoy the famous Doodle Dude, arts and crafts, and more!
Spring Break Camp
Ages: 3-5 years old
Poricy Park Nature Center
Fees Apply:
Resident: $84.00 for the week
Non-Resident: $101.00 for the week
Pre-registration required
Topic: Eggs
Let’s celebrate the spring with a week focused on eggs, and the different animals that lay eggs – it’s not just birds! Join us for four fun-filled days of stories, experiments, games, creating, and of course time spent outside looking for animals at Poricy Park.
Middletown March Madness Skills Challenge
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 | 6:30pm CANCELED
Croydon Hall Gym
$5.00 + 1 non-perishable good
Pre-registration required.
Join us and test your basketball skills. We will be first looking at your dribbling agility. Then you will grab a partner and perfect your passing. Lastly, you'll hit the net and aim for the best score to win our awesome friendly competition.
Community Science at Poricy Park
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:5-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Topic: Owl Pellets
Come to Poricy to discover what's hidden in an owl pellet. Use tweezers to dissect a pellet to find the bones of mice, shrews, or even small lizards,Lots of treasures to be found!
Community Fossil Hunt
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. Ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by and adult.
A Weekend in Old Monmouth
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Free!
A Weekend in Old Monmouth is an annual two-day event when 50 of the Monmouth County history sites open their doors to visitors and waive their admission fees. A Weekend in Old Monmouth is a self-guided tour, there is a printable tour booklet as well as an interactive tour map available online.
This event is run by the Monmouth County Historical Commission, and the Murray Farmhouse and Barn are one of the many stops that will be open. For more information, visit the Commission's website at: https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=3464
Community Science at Poricy Park
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Ages:5-12, $3.00 (R), $4.00(NR)
Pre-registration required
Topic: Netting in the Pond
Find whats at the bottom of the Murray Pond. Look for frogs, turtles, and snakes. Use our nets to catch tadpoles, fish, insect larve, snails, and other critters. Dress to get muddy!
*All children must be accompanied with an adult throughout the whole program.
Town Wide Garage Sale
Middletown Township
Pre-registration required
$5.00
Sign up to be on the township map. This map will include your address and any featured items. Don't worry if your home isn't on a main street, the map allows buyers to hit all the houses they want in Middletown! The map also helps buyers look for specific items.
2019 Town Wide Garage Sale Map
*Please check back closer to May 16th for an updated map!
Memorial Day Parade
Parade begins at Bayshore Middle School. The route is as follows: Leonardvile Road to Appleton Avenue to Center Avenue to Brevent Avenue; turn right onto Highland Avenue, then left on Leonard Avenue and right on Viola Avenue to the American Legion Post home on Route 36. Parade ends at approximately 11:30am.
Community Fossil Hunt
Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Ages: 5-12,$5.00 (R) $6.00
13+, $8.00 (R) $10.00 (NR)
Pre-registration is necessary in order to run program.
Calling all amateur paleontologists! Come dig up some Middletown history at Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Meet at the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short orientation before travelling to the fossil beds. An experienced guide will provide you with a trowel and sifter, as well as help you identify your treasures. Please wear rubber boots or old sneakers as your feet will get wet. Sandals, flip-flops, and other slip-on footwear are prohibited. All children must be accompanied by and adult.