On this day in 1846, the first officially recognized baseball game was played in Hoboken. The NY Nine defeated the NY Knickerbockers 23-1. Alexander Joy Cartwright Jr., often credited as one of the founding fathers of modern baseball, served as an umpire.

It's time to enjoy the best two days of the week. Welcome to the Weekend!

This morning, we're introducing you to the new ParkStage in Freehold, highlighting live summer sounds at some of our favorite places around Monmouth County, and taking a look at fun activities for the family on Sunday for Father’s Day. Grab a coffee and let's see what's happening around Monmouth.

Friday’s weather is expected to be partly cloudy, with Saturday and Sunday looking bright and sunny! Allentown 83°/67° | Asbury Park 80°/66° | Belford 82°/68° | Brielle 80°/67° | Freehold 82°/67° | Rumson 80°/67°

It has the feel of the Arts Center in Holmdel once upon a time, when families gathered on the lawn to dance, snack, and listen to great music. ParkStage is a new, large-scale, open-air venue that debuted this month at the East Freehold Park Showgrounds, home to the annual Monmouth County Fair.

The first concerts at ParkStage will be part of N2S, the mega North to Shore Festival, which brings entertainment acts to various cities throughout the Garden State for three weeks this month. N2S shows include Pepper and Codefendants on June 19, Dark Star Orchestra on June 20, and The Head and the Heart with special guest Wilderado on June 26. See the full list here.

The ParkStage Summer Concert Series will be one of the signature activities in Monmouth County for America’s 250th birthday celebration, as well as the 100th anniversary of the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Upcoming shows include Little Steven and The Disciples of Soul & Friends on July 3, the B-52s on July 11, and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with special guest Patty Griffin on July 31.

ParkStage is a fully accessible, standing room venue with no guaranteed seating. It’s open to everyone, but kids 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult and require a ticket. Parking is free and opens two hours before showtime. Tailgating is prohibited. Concession stands sell food and drinks.

365> Gaslight, Atlantic Highlands: Friday, June 19 at 6 pm: Cranston Dean and Stormin’ Norman Seldin; Saturday, June 20 at 7 pm: The Nova Drones.

365> Wonder Bar, Asbury Park: Friday, June 19 at 8 pm: The Weeklings; Saturday, June 20 at 8 pm: Mihali.

365> Waypoint 622, Brielle: Friday, June 19 at 7 pm: The Alt; Saturday, June 20 at 1 pm: Rich Cassent, 7 pm: Your Mom’s Hot Band; Sunday, June 20 at 1 pm: Smokey Starr.

365> Moore’s Tavern, Freehold: Friday, June 19 at 9 pm: Audition; Saturday, June 20 at 9 pm: Undisputed.

365> Bar Anticipation, Lake Como: Saturday, June 20 at 5 pm: Joe Bonanno & The Godsons of Soul; Sunday, June 21 at 11 am: Three Sheets to the Wind.

365> The Osprey, Manasquan: Friday, June 19 at 8 pm: The Event Horizon Band; Saturday, June 20 at 9 pm: Big Bang Baby.

365> MJ’s, Middletown: Friday, June 19 at 7 pm: Al Ruda; Saturday, June 20 at 7 pm: Acoustic Madness.

365> Barnacle Bill’s, Rumson: Friday, June 19 at 8:30 pm: McCarthy, Murphy & Dalton; Saturday, June 20 at 8:30 pm: Bob Burger.

365> Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright: Friday, June 19 at 6 pm: Friend Zone; Saturday, June 20 at 6 pm: Hang Loose; Sunday, June 21 at 4 pm: Random Test Reggae Band.

365> The Parker House, Sea Girt: Saturday, June 20 at 3 pm: Captain Eric & The Shipwrecks, 8 pm: Original Copy; Sunday, June 21 at 4 pm: Spare Parts, 6 pm: Pat Roddy.

365> St. Stephen’s Green Publick House, Spring Lake: Saturday, June 20 at 9 pm: The Snakes.

365> Jakeabob’s Bay, Union Beach: Friday, June 19 at 6:30 pm: Shore Thing; Saturday, June 20 at 6:30 pm: Contraband; Sunday, June 21 at 4 pm: Trio.

365> Bradley Beach Library: Author visit with Wendy Lynn Decker, Tuesday, June 23 at 6 pm. Decker is a Jersey-born storyteller who turns everyday chaos into stories. She will be talking about her book, Whispers of Sea Glass, set in 1958, Asbury Park. (More)

365> Two River Theater, Red Bank: Elephant Shoes, a romantic musical comedy. The New York Times calls it one of the 14 “shows to see in the U.S. this spring.” Now through June 28. (More)

365> Bell Theater, Holmdel: We’ll Meet Again, a musical. A patriotic and life-affirming story inspired by the life of Heinz “Henry” Stern, a true American original. Now through June 28. (More)

365> Monmouth Center for the Arts, West Long Branch: Adult Education Series: Classic for a Reason: Buddy Holly, Tuesday, June 23. Join music historians as they revisit classic music albums. (More)

365> Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan: Shrek: The Musical, July 11 - July 26. Based on the hit film, Shrek: The Musical is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud spectacle filled with outrageous characters and irresistible humor. (More)

365> Cambridge Park, Aberdeen: World Cup Watch Party, USA vs. Australia, Friday, June 19 at 2 pm. Food trucks, vendors, face painting, beer tent, and giant screen. (More)

365> Red Bank Classic 5K: Saturday, June 20, 8:30 start time. Kids race at 10 am. Music and post-race events immediately following on Broadwalk. (More)

365> Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan: Step back in time during the annual Battle of Monmouth Reenactment Weekend, June 20-21. Witness the living history as we celebrate the 248th anniversary of the battle. Gates open at 9 am with activities beginning at 10 am. A suggested donation of $15.00 per car is requested. (More)

365> The Middletown Arts Center: The annual Arts and Crafts Festival is on Saturday, June 20, from 10 am - 4 pm. Artists, crafters, live music, food trucks, and a 50/50. (More)

365> Long Branch Promenade: 3rd Annual Cruise to the Jersey Shore Car Show, Sunday, June 21, 9 am - 3 pm. (More)

365> Monmouth Park Race Track, Oceanport: Sunday, June 21, all gentlemen receive FREE admission. Must be onsite to enter Dad for a chance to win Lynyrd Skynyrd concert tickets at PNC Bank Arts Center on July 26. Free Family Fun Day activities from 12-4 pm. (More)

365> Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold: The Park system is hosting its annual Freshwater Fishing Derby on Sunday, June 21. Participants can attend a fishing clinic before the competition begins, making it welcoming for both experienced anglers and beginners. (More)

365> The Promenade Waterfront Grill, Avon: Father’s Day Seafood Specials, Sunday starting at 11:30 am. (More)

365> Triumph, Red Bank: Father’s Day Brunch featuring live music by A Real Human Jazz Band from 1-4 pm. (More)

365> Classic Car Show & Oldies Day: June 28, 11 am - 5 pm at Monmouth Park in Oceanport. (More)

365> Monmouth County Fair: July 22-26 at the East Freehold Park Showgrounds. (More)

365> Manasquan Fireman’s Fair: July 28-August 1 at Mallard Park. (More)

365> Keyport Fireman’s Fair: August 3-8 at Firemen's Park (American Legion Drive and West Front Street) on the waterfront. (More)

365> 85th Annual Clam Bake: Sunday, August 9, 12-5 pm at the Oak Tree Lodge in Wall. Hosted by the Monmouth County Police Chiefs’ Association. (More)

Do you prefer ice cream or Italian ice?

Ice cream: 47%
Put them together!: 36%
Italian ice: 17%