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Community Special Events
Summer Recreation Programs
Don't forget to check out our variety of camps and programs for the summer! Please click here for more information.
FREE Music in the Park - Summer Concert Series
Music in the Park kicks off 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.
Day: Tuesday
Date: 7/12/2022
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Band: Check our social media for band announcement!
Fee: Free!
Middletown Night at Jersey Shore BlueClaws
Join us for Middletown Night at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws on Friday, July 22nd. Cheer on the local team, watch fireworks and enjoy Marvel Night with Thor. Mayor Perry throws out the first pitch!
Day: Friday
Date: 7/22/2022
Time: 7pm
Location: ShoreTown Ballpark (2 Stadium Way, Lakewood)
Fee: $18 ticket includes hot dog, soda, ice cream, and boardwalk game ticket.
Purchase your tickets here! For large groups wishing to sit together - it is recommended tickets be purchased in the same transaction to have a better chance of being together.
FREE Music in the Park - Summer Concert Series
Music in the Park continues 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.
Day: Tuesday
Date: 7/26/2022
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Band: Check our social media for band announcement!
Fee: Free!
FREE Summer Movie in the Park - The Jungle Cruise
Movies in the Park continues at Ideal Beach! Bring your family, friends, beach chairs and blankets as we watch the hottest movie titles all summer long. Movie snacks are welcome, food & drinks will be available for purchase.
Day: Thursday
Date: 7/28/2022
Time: Sundown (check back for timing)
Location: Ideal Beach
Movie: Disney's The Jungle Cruise. Rated PG-13.
Fee: Free! Registration recommended.
National Night Out
NNO 2022 will be celebrated at Middletown North High School this year! Middletown Township Police will be on site to meet the public, give demonstrations, and have fun! Activities include fingerprinting, K-9 demonstrations, police equipment displays, impaired driving simulator, inflatables, giveaways, food and more!
Day: Tuesday
Date: 8/2/2022
Time: 5pm-8pm
Location: North High School, 63 Tindall Rd, Middletown
Free for all!
FREE Music in the Park - Summer Concert Series
Music in the Park continues 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.
Day: Tuesday
Date: 8/9/2022
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Band: Check our social media for band announcement!
Fee: Free!
FREE Music in the Park - Summer Concert Series
Music in the Park concludes 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.
Day: Tuesday
Date: 8/23/2022
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Band: Check our social media for band announcement!
Fee: Free!
FREE Summer Movie in the Park - Sing 2
Movies in the Park concludes at Croydon Hall! Bring your family, friends, beach chairs and blankets as we watch the hottest movie titles all summer long. Movie snacks are welcome, food & drinks will be available for purchase.
Day: Thursday
Date: 8/25/2022
Time: Sundown (check our social media for timing closer to the event)
Location: Croydon Hall Fields, 900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo
Movie: Sing 2. Rated PG.
Fee: Free! Registration recommended.
Middletown Soccer Showdown
Sign your team up for the inaugural Middletown Soccer Showdown, a double-elimination, 4v4 tournament to be crowned the winner of your division. This year's theme is World Cup - teams are encouraged to dress and represent a different country. All participants receive a commemorative patch. Divisions based on age (U7-U12), gender (boys and girls) and skill level (recreation & travel). More information and registration can be found here.
Day: Monday - Recreation Division ONLY
Date: 8/29/2022
Time: 5pm-8:30pm
Location: Normandy Park Turf Fields, 625 Nutswamp Rd
Day: Wednesday - Travel Division ONLY
Date: 8/31/2022
Time: 5pm-8:30pm
Location: Normandy Park Turf Fields, 625 Nutswamp Rd
Locals Summer Beach Bash
Come soak up the best part of being a local - summer weather without the crowds! Enjoy a family fun evening filled with a DJ, activities, sand castle building contest, beach games and more! Bring your own beach chairs and blankets.
Day: Saturday
Date: 9/17/2022
Time: 4pm-6pm
Location: Ideal Beach, Bayside Parkway, North Middletown
Fee: Free to all! Registration recommended.
MIDDLETOWN DAY!
Save the date! More information coming soon....
Day: Saturday
Date: 9/24/2022
Time: 11am-5pm
Location: Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo
Adult Pickleball Tournament
SAVE THE DATE - Middletown Recreation's inaugural adult pickleball tournament kicks off Friday, September 30th for Mixed Doubles and Saturday, October 1st for Women's & Men's Doubles! This double-elimination tournament includes divisions across 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5+ ratings. Check back soon for more information and registration.
Adult Pickleball Tournament
SAVE THE DATE - Middletown Recreation's inaugural adult pickleball tournament kicks off Friday, September 30th for Mixed Doubles and Saturday, October 1st for Women's & Men's Doubles! This double-elimination tournament includes divisions across 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5+ ratings. Check back soon for more information and registration.
Mayor's Challenge - 5k Run/Walk & 1mi Fun Run
Join us for the Mayor's Challenge 5k! Event is on the scenic, challenging trails of Poricy Park. Registration includes a long-sleeved shirt (while supplies last), bib with timing chip, and a medal. Prizes to the top finishers by age range.
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022
Times: 8:45am 5k Fitness Walk || 9:00am 1mi Fun Run || 9:30am 5k Run
Location: Poricy Park Trails, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Fees: Register early! Prices increase as the date gets closer.
All proceeds support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Click here to register!
Preschool Fair
Finding the perfect preschool for your child can be tough, we're here to save the day! Middletown Recreation is bringing preschools throughout the town together in one place for your convenience. Representatives from various schools will be present to speak to about class options, program structure and answer any questions you may have.
Day: Wednesday
Date: 10/26/22
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: Middletown Public Library, 55 New Monmouth Rd, Middletown
Age: Parents of preschool aged children
Fee: Free for participants & attendees! Registration recommended.
Preschools interested in tabling can reach out to Recreation at 732-615-2260 or recreation@middletownnj.org
Halloween Hullabaloo
This Spooktacular evening presented by Middletown Recreation and the Middletown Arts Center includes a costume contest, cartooning with the Doodle Dude, fall activities, a mechanical Pumpkin, open historic Farmhouse & Barn, hayrides, goodies and more! Tick-or-treat bags to the first 300 kids at the event. Parking available at Fairview Fields with shuttle service provided.
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Fee: Free for all! Registration recommended.
Letters From Santa
Our Middletown Elves will once again be collecting letters and delivering them directly to the North Pole! Special mailboxes will be placed around town. To help our elves, please download our "Letter to Santa" Template. Then deliver this letter, postage free, to any of our mailboxes. Santa will write a personalized return letter to your child! Letters are free but please consider making a donation to the Middletown Cultural and Arts Council. To ensure delivery by Christmas, mailboxes will be removed on December 16.
Dates: Nov 15 - Dec 15, 2022
Mailbox Locations: Croydon Hall, Middletown Library, Middletown Arts Center, Tonya Keller Community Center, Town Hall
Fee: FREE! (Donations to the Middletown Township Cultural Arts Center appreciated)
For complete details, please use this link!
Turkey Soccer Shootout & Alumni Game
Dates: Saturday, November 19, 2022
Shootout Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am Shootout l 11:30am-1pm Alumni Game
Location: Croydon Hall Turf
Fees: $5.00 + nonperishable good
Pre-Registration Preferred
Think you've got the best Penalty Kick in town? Put it to the test at the Turkey Soccer Shootout & Food Drive. Each Player will line up and take 5 shots on goal. Players will shoot from the designated area 12 yards from the goal line. Aim for the target to score points. Ages 5-99. Awards will be given to the top 3 scorers in each age group.
After, stay to cheer on High School North & South Alumni as they compete in a friendly scrimmage. Alumni can register for $5 at middletownnj.org/signup.
Turkey Trot Hike
Date: Wednesday November 23, 2022
Time: 2:30 pm
Location: Poricy Park
Fee: FREE!
Pre-Registration Preferred
Come stretch your legs before your Thanksgiving Feast! We will hike the trails of Poricy Park, enjoying the beautiful scenery and keep our eyes peeled for wildlife. The hike will be about an hour and roughly 2 miles. Adults are required to stay with all children. Geared more for children ages 5+ however younger hikers are welcome.
Holiday Light Map
Let's light up Middletown! Let neighbors know your house is decked-out for the holidays by putting your address on the official Middletown Holiday Light Map!
FREE for everyone. Register HERE. Holiday Light Map Holiday Light Map Addresses accepted Nov 25th-Dec 23rd at noon.
Get in the holiday spirit & plan your route today - Check out our map HERE Version OptionsCommunity Special EventsHeadline!
Letters From Santa
Our Middletown Elves will once again be collecting letters and delivering them directly to the North Pole! Special mailboxes will be placed around town. To help our elves, please download our "Letter to Santa" Template. Then deliver this letter, postage free, to any of our mailboxes. Santa will write a personalized return letter to your child! Letters are free but please consider making a donation to the Middletown Cultural and Arts Council. To ensure delivery by Christmas, mailboxes will be removed on December 16.
Dates: Nov 15 - Dec 15, 2022
Mailbox Locations: Croydon Hall, Middletown Library, Middletown Arts Center, Tonya Keller Community Center, Town Hall
Fee: FREE! (Donations to the Middletown Township Cultural Arts Center appreciated)
For complete details, please use this link!
Holiday Light Map
Let's light up Middletown! Let neighbors know your house is decked-out for the holidays by putting your address on the official Middletown Holiday Light Map!
FREE for everyone. Register HERE. Holiday Light Map Addresses accepted Nov 25th-Dec 23rd at noon.
Get in the holiday spirit & plan your route today - Check out our map HERE Version OptionsCommunity Special EventsHeadline!
Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Sunday, December 4, 2022
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center (36 Church St, Middletown)
Fee: FREE! Registration recommended.
Look who's coming to town! Catch the Middletown Arts Center Tree Lighting, followed by a holiday performance on December 4th! Bring the whole family - get your photo with Santa, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, enjoy crafts, watch our ice sculptors! Free giveaway to the first 300 children at the event.
12th Annual Dodgeball Tournament
Captain's Meeting: Monday, November 21st
Practice Week: Nov 28th - Dec 2nd
Tournament Week: Dec 5th - Dec 9th
Location: Croydon Hall Gym (900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo)
Fees: $60.00 per team + unwrapped toy
Pre-Registration Required
Come on out for a jolly good time while we collect toys this holiday season! All toys collected will be given out to Middletown Residents in need this holiday season. The tournament is stretched over two weeks. First week will be practice games, second week will be the tournament. Please see our website for the exact schedule in November. Registration closes November 18 - no exceptions!
Longest Night of the Year Hike
Date: Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Time: 4:30 pm
Location: Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank)
Fee: $5 Pre-registration required.
Join us for a hike on the longest night of the year! Bundle up and enjoy beautiful Poricy Park in the early evening. A headlamp or flashlight is recommended. Warm up after with hot cocoa by the fire.
Past Events
Tree-Tracking Hike
A few days after snowfall is a great time to see which animals are active in winter. Now that it has snowed, it's a great time to hike! The hike will last approximately one hour and cover 1.5 miles of easy terrain, with only one large hill. Warning: the amount of snow may make walking more strenuous. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration available after date is set (i.e. after we know we're getting some snow!).
Date: ??? 2022 (we have to wait for snow on the forecast!)
Day: Thursday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Fee: $5.00 (resident), $6.00 (non-resident)
Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance
SAVE THE DATE! The Daddy-Daughter Dance returns to Jacques Catering on Friday, February 10th 2023 from 6-9pm! The theme is sweetheart - wear your favorite red or pink. Dress to impress.
Registration opens September 1st, 2022.
Past Events
Maple Tree-Tapping
In the dead of winter, trees begin to prepare for spring. Join us at Poricy Park to drill holes, hammer in tappers, and hang buckets - the first steps of making maple syrup! The walk down and back is approximately .5 miles total. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Register online through Community Pass.
Date: 2/10/22
Day: Thursday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Fee: $5.00 (resident), $6.00 (non-resident)
Maple Sugaring for Scouts
With cold nights and warm days, the later winter is the perfect time of year for maple sap in New Jersey. Join us to learn why you can collect sap only during this time, how to identify maples and other trees in the winter, and how boiling increases solution concentrations to create syrup!
One-hour session includes hike, experiment, and checking on tapped trees. Maximum of 15 scouts/siblings combined participants (plus any/all adults wishing to attend). Entire program is outside. Register for your troop's preferred timeslot through Community Pass.
Dates: 2/19/22 and 2/26/22
Day: Saturday
Time: 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm
Location: Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Grades: K-5
Fee: $90.00 (resident), $108.00 (non-resident)
Past Events
March Madness: Dribble, Dish, & Swish
Dribble, dish, & swish your way to victory! Showcase your basketball skills against your peers by competing in your specific age division. Competitors are timed on the ability to complete a basketball skills course which challenges the participants to dribble, pass and shoot accurately, and as quickly as possible. Top competitors (ages six to adult) in each age bracket will receive a prize. Register online with Community Pass.
All participants are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food to donate. All donations received will be given to Middletown Social Services to be distributed to residents in need.
Day: Wednesday
Date: 3/16/2022
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Croydon Hall Gymnasium (900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo)
Age: 6 - Adult
Fee: $5.00 (resident), $6.00 (non-resident)
Need Volunteer hours? Sign up today!
Past Events
Easter EGGstravaganza
Join us for a family fun day of crafts, activities, plant your own flower, Peter Cottontail show, and a photo with the Easter Bunny! Event is outdoors. Light snack and drink for purchase.
Day: Saturday
Date: 4/9/22
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center (36 Church St, Middletown Township NJ)
Age: All
Fee: Free!
Preschool Fair
Finding the perfect preschool for your child can be tough, we're here to save the day! Middletown Recreation is bringing preschools throughout the town together in one place for your convenience. Representatives from various schools will be present to speak to about class options, program structure and answer any questions you may have.
Day: Thursday
Date: 4/28/22
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: Middletown Public Library (55 New Monmouth Rd, Middletown Township)
Age: Parents of preschool aged children
Fee: Free!
Earth Day Watershed Hike
Celebrate Earth Day by getting outside for a hike and learning about how you can help your backyard watershed. We’ll start under our green-roofed pavilion for an introduction to watersheds, and then follow the local watershed out to Poricy Pond and back.
Hike is approximately 1 hour and covers 2.5 miles of moderate terrain, including some steep hills and stairs. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Register online with Community Pass.
Day: Friday
Date: 4/22/22
Time: 10:00am
Location: Poricy Park Nature Center (345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank)
Age: All
Fee: Free!
Weekend at Old Monmouth: Murray Farmhouse Open House
The Murray Farmhouse is proud to be one of the 50 historic sites in Monmouth County opening its doors to visitors for the 2-day event “Weekend at Old Monmouth.” See this outstanding example of a middle-class colonial-era farmhouse and barn. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to give short tours and answer questions. No registration needed.
Learn more about Weekend at Old Monmouth from the Monmouth County Historical Commission and to see the complete listing of sites to visit.
Day: Saturday
Date: 4/30/22
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Murray Farmhouse, Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank)
Age: All
Fee: Free!
Past Events
Weekend at Old Monmouth: Murray Farmhouse Open House
The Murray Farmhouse is proud to be one of the 50 historic sites in Monmouth County opening its doors to visitors for the 2-day event “Weekend at Old Monmouth.” See this outstanding example of a middle-class colonial-era farmhouse and barn. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to give short tours and answer questions.
Learn more about Weekend at Old Monmouth from the Monmouth County Historical Commission and to see the complete listing of sites to visit.
Day: Sunday
Date: 5/1/22
Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Murray Farmhouse, Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank)
Age: All
Fee: Free!
Youth Bike Rodeo
A bike rodeo promotes cycling proficiency, safe riding and fun in the community. Kids 1st-5th grade will bring their bike and helmet to learn more about bike safety as part of the Mayor's Wellness Campaign. In partnership with the Middletown Police, & Hackensack Meridian Health, kids will learn about how to correctly fit their helmet & bike, how to properly use hand signals, and how to ride safe on roads through a series of stations.
This event satisfies Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts badges. Bring your troop/pack out!
Please note - this is not a learn how to ride your bike event. Kids should be good riders. Training wheels are welcome.
May the 4th be with you. Star Wars themed! Wear your Star Wars gear.
Day: Wednesday
Date: 5/4/22
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Kunkel Park (Brevent Ave, Leonardo)
Ages: 1st-5th Grade
Fee: Free! Registration required.
Mother-Son Cornhole Tournament
Team up with mom for an exciting night of cornhole! Double elimination format guarantees each team at least 2 games. A custom cornhole set will be awarded to the top mother-son team in each grade. Fiesta themed! Enjoy tacos and a piñata. Wear your best matching fiesta inspired outfits for the chance to win a prize.
Day: Friday
Date: 5/6/22
Time: 5pm-8pm
Location: Croydon Hall Gym (900 Leonardville Rd Leonardo NJ)
Age: 1st-6th grade
Fee: $25 per mom, $15 per kid
Sign-Up Today!
Town Wide Garage Sale
Join us for a Town Wide Garage Sale!
PDF of Garage Sales by Neighborhood
Sellers who register for this event will be able to enter their featured items on our map listing and receive an official partner lawn sign*. Seller items will be featured on a mobile friendly webpage to advertise each sale. Sellers have the option to participate on Saturday, Sunday or both dates. In case of poor weather, sellers can decide whether or not to continue with their sale.
Day: Saturday & Sunday
Date: 5/14/22 & 5/15/22
Time: 8:30am - 4:00pm
Location: Middletown Township
Age: All
Fee: Free for shoppers! Seller registration $8/household to be featured on our map listing*. Registration & updates end at 12:00pm 5/13.
Rain or shine.
*Lawn signs available while supplies last. Please call 732-615-2260 to reserve.
Memorial Day Parade - Bike Portion
Middletown Township welcomes you to celebrate with us in our Bike Parade as a component of our annual Memorial Day Parade! Best decorated bike wins a prize! All kids receive a free bike bell. This is not a race.
This program is for participants riding a bike, scooter, etc. Parents can walk. Strollers/wagons welcome. Parade route approximately 2 miles. Complete details and map route coming soon!
Day: Monday
Date: 05/30/2022 (Memorial Day)
Time: 10:00am (Check-in begins at 9:30am)
Meet-Up Location: Bayshore Middle School (834 Leonardville Rd #2, Leonardo, 07737)
End Location: American Legion (860 NJ-36, Leonardo, 07737)
Fee: Free! All participants must be registered.
All participants must register via Community Pass. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian - parent or guardian must also be registered. Children 17 and under must wear a helmet in accordance with NJ law.
Past Events
Daddy-Daughter Luau
Daddy-Daughter is headed to the beach this year for a fun themed Luau night! Enjoy entertainment, activities, and a bonfire! Prize to the best dressed Hawaiian matching outfits. Bring your beach chairs and blanket for a picnic barbecue dinner.
Day: Friday
Date: 6/17/2022
Time: 5pm-8pm
Location: Ideal Beach, Bayside Parkway, Middletown
Fee: $30 per dad, $20 per daughter. Includes dinner. Sign-up today!
Seniors Lunch & Learn
Brought to you by the NJ Health Care Quality Institute and the Mayor's Wellness Campaign, the Conversation of Your Life lunch and learn will provide resources on advanced care planning. An important life discussion for you and your loved ones, this topic will help you discover end-of life care and how to communicate your wishes.
Day: Wednesday
Date: 6/22/2022
Time: 12pm-2pm
Location: Senior Center, 900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo
Fee: Free. Includes lunch. For Seniors 65+. To register please call 732-615-2265.
FREE Summer Movie in the Park - Space Jam 2
Movies in the Park kicks off for the Summer at Poricy Park! Bring your family, friends, beach chairs and blankets as we watch the hottest movie titles all summer long. Movie snacks are welcome, food & drinks will be available for purchase.
Day: Thursday
Date: 6/23/2022
Time: Sundown (check our social media for timing closer to the event)
Location: Poricy Park Nature Center Lawn, 345 Oak Hill Rd Red Bank
Movie: Space Jam 2, Rated PG
Fee: Free! Registration recommended.
June 2022
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Tue Jun. 28
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Tue Jul. 5
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Thu Jul. 7