On this day in 1974, Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter was born in Pequannock. Jeter played for the New York Yankees and was the World Series MVP in 2000, an MLB All-Star 14 times, and a five-time member of a World Series winning team.

Welcome to the Weekend—the best two days of the week are finally here.

Tomorrow, Saturday, we will have a special America Celebrates 250 edition. As we head into Fourth of July week, we’ll showcase the events, traditions, and celebrations that make this one of the most memorable weeks of the summer. 🇺🇸

It’s looking like rain will be with us at least part of the weekend, most likely Friday night into Saturday morning. Sunday should be partly cloudy in the mid 80s. Friday temps: Allentown 88°/67° | Asbury Park 82°/68° | Belford 86°/67° | Brielle 82°/68° | Freehold 87°/67° | Rumson 80°/68°

Avon-by-the-Sea and Asbury Park were named to USA Today’s 10Best list for The Best Beach in New Jersey in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. New Jersey has 130 miles of coastline dotted with beaches, barrier islands, lighthouses, and scenic views. You can see the full list here.

Avon-by-the-Sea ranked #9, with USA Today saying it “enchants visitors with its quaint coastal charm, featuring tree-lined streets, historic Victorian homes, and a low-key stretch of scenic beaches ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Asbury Park claimed the #10 spot, and was noted for “its vibrant boardwalk and live music scene.”

For the third consecutive year, The Wildwoods claimed the #1 spot as the Best Beach in in the state. Known for being completely free (no beach tags required), they offer massive, soft-sand stretches and a legendary boardwalk.

365> Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park: Friday, 7 pm: Matthew Curry, Erik Mason Band; Sunday, 3 pm: School of Rock Red Bank.
365> Low Dive, Asbury Park: Friday, 9:30 pm: BLUSH, International Superstar Robin; Saturday, 1 pm: Floater, at 9:30 pm: The Vansaders and The Soul Dredgers; Sunday, 8 pm: The Boardwalk Boogie.
365> Palmetto, Asbury Park: Friday, 10 pm: Carly Spins the Magic; Saturday, 10 pm: Guns for Hire; Sunday, 1 pm: Cranston Dean & Norman Seldin.
365> The Stone Pony, Asbury Park: Friday, 5 pm: Streetlight Manifesto, The Aquabats, A Wilhelm Scream; Saturday, 4 pm: The Bouncing Souls, Less Than Jake, The Lawrence Arms, Bane, School Drugs, Twentytwo; Sunday, 7 pm: The Church.
365> Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, Asbury Park: Sunday, 7:30 pm: The Jersey Four.
365> Columns, Avon-by-the-Sea: Friday, 5 pm: Blue Highways, at 9 pm: Audio Riot; Saturday, 4 pm: Spare Parts, and 9 pm: Howl; Sunday, 5 pm: Force Fed.
365> Anchor Tavern, Belmar: Friday, 6 pm: Tom Gannon Trio; Saturday, 6 pm: Gary Shaffer.
365> Woody’s Roadside Tavern, Farmingdale: Friday, 5 pm: Lou Montesano; Saturday, 6 pm: Gypsy Moon.
365> The Cabin, Freehold: Friday, 8:30 pm: Those Guys; Saturday, 8:30 pm: 9 South. 365> Moore’s Tavern, Freehold: Friday, 9 pm: Rock It Fish; Saturday, 9 pm: Run It Back.
365> Harpoon Willy’s, Manasquan: Friday, 8:30 pm: The Wrong Exit; Saturday, 8:30 pm: Big John & Lil’ Maria.
365> The Osprey, Manasquan: Friday, 8 pm: Pulse; Saturday, 9 pm: The Band of Make Believe; Sunday, 2 pm: So Shot.
365> The Vogel, Red Bank: Sunday, 8 pm: Billy Bragg.
365> Red Rock, Red Bank: Friday, 7 pm: Liam Davis Band; Saturday, 7 pm: Pat Roddy Band.
365> The Parker House, Sea Girt: Friday, 8 pm: Friend Zone; Saturday, 3pm: The Bergen Boys and at 8 pm: Madhouse; Sunday, 3 pm: Spare Parts and at 8 pm: Pat Roddy.
365> Jakeabob’s Bay, Union Beach: Friday, 6:30 pm: Enjoy!; Saturday, 6:30 pm: LIam David Band; Sunday, June 21 at 4 pm: Billy’s Fault.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

365> Open Play Mahjong: Biase Center, Bradly Beach, 1-3 pm. (More)
365> Comedy Night: Wild Air Beerworks, Asbury Park, 8 pm. (More)
365> Line Dancing Night: Pier Village, Long Branch, 7-10 pm. (More)
365> Food Truck Festival: The Ocean Ave. Firehouse, Sea Bright, 3-10 pm. (More)
365> Wall Fair: The Municipal Complex, 5-11 pm. (More)

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

365> Beer, Wine & Spirits Fest: Bradley Park in Asbury Park, 1-4:30 pm. (More)
365> Taste of Highlands: Huddy Park. (Buy Tickets)
365> The Beer Run & Craft Beer Festival: By Allaire Village, Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale. (Buy Tickets)
365> Arts Festival: Monmouth Street, Red Bank, 12-4 pm. Rain date: Sunday. (More)
365> Wall Fair: The Municipal Complex, 5-11 pm. (More)

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

365> Marine Park Grand Opening: Red Bank, 11 am - 2 pm. This is a new date due to expected rain. (More)
365> Jazz Fest: Sunset Park in Asbury Park, noon-8 pm. (More)
365> Karaoke: Nip-N-Tuck, Long Branch, 2-5 pm. (More)
365> Car Show & Oldies Day: Monmouth Park, Oceanport, 11 am - 5 pm. (More)
365> Wall Fair: The Municipal Complex, 5-10 pm with fireworks at 9:30 pm. (More)
365> 250th Event & Car Show: Community Center, West Long Branch, 12-4 pm. (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)

Should the hazelnut be the state nut of New Jersey?

No: 72%
Why do we need a state nut: 19%
Yes: 9%