🏖️ Jersey Shore Throwback: This week in 1609, Captain Henry Hudson and his crew aboard the Half Moon dropped anchor off the Navesink Highlands and made one of their earliest recorded shore landings in the New World at present-day Keansburg and Sandy Hook, beginning the historic European exploration of the Raritan Bay region.

Wednesday Wink: “When you say ‘I spent my summers at the Jersey Shore,’ people always say, ‘Oh really?’ They think of the TV show. So I just say a cute little harbor town in New Jersey.” — Taylor Swift

TOP STORY: Freehold’s Latino Festival Returns for its 21st Year
For one Saturday each September, the Hall of Records parking lot in Freehold becomes a gathering place for Latin American music, food, culture, and community. The Latino Festival of Monmouth County returns for its 21st edition on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 12 to 7 pm. The free, family-oriented festival will feature live music, cultural entertainment, games, Latin American food, vendors, and community organizations. (Full Story)

365> Holmdel: Come From Away opens at Bell Theater on Sept. 11, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The musical is the true story of 7,000 airline passengers who were stranded in the Canadian fishing town of Gander, Newfoundland, after U.S. airspace was closed. The Tony Award-winning production runs through Oct. 4. (More)

365> Monmouth County: The 10 most expensive homes sold in the county during the week of Aug. 17-23. (See List)

365> Red Bank: A stretch of Monmouth Street has been named Basie Center Way in honor of the Basie Center centennial celebration and to honor the 122nd anniversary of William “Count” Basie’s birth. (More)

365> Marlboro: Registration is open for a variety of Youth Sports and seasonal fall programs. New this year is Cheer Dance, along with returning favorites like Pickleball, Magic Classes, and Snapology. (See Details)

365> Asbury Park & Rumson: Housing markets in the two towns are among the communities drawing international attention thanks to the new production campus being built by Netflix at Fort Monmouth. (See Details)

365> The Oral History Series at the Springsteen Center offers a seat in the room as Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez, the E Street Band's original drummer, sits down with Director Eileen Chapman for a session that becomes part of the permanent collection. (Register)

365> Made in New Jersey: The science behind New Jersey's world-famous tomatoes. (More)

365> Voting is now open for the 2026 TASTE Awards, ShoreFoodie’s annual celebration of the restaurants, bars, and culinary destinations that help make the Jersey Shore one of New Jersey’s best places to eat. (More)

365> The Brewery Guild of New Jersey awarded the winners of the 2026 New Jersey Brewers Cup, including Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery of Farmingdale (one gold and two bronzes), and Twin Lights Brewing of Tinton Falls (gold, silver, and bronze). (See Winning Brews)

365> Jersey Freeze has served homemade ice cream since 1952, and it all started in Freehold. (More)

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365> Asbury Park will celebrate at the 51st New Jersey Clearwater Festival on Sept. 5, 11 am - 8 pm, at Sunset Park in Asbury Park, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Admission is $5, children under 10 free. (More)

365> Long Branch offers a weekend of fun, as Wave Resort at Pier Village marks the final long weekend of summer with entertainment from Friday, Sept. 4 through Sunday, Sept. 6, including a magic show, live music, and other family activities. (More)

365> Manasquan will close out its Beach Concert Series with a performance by The Kootz on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Main Beach at 7:30 pm. (More)

365> Oceanport welcomes all to Monmouth Park Racetrack for its annual BBQ & Craft Beer Festival, Sept. 5-7, including more than 40 craft beers, nearly 20 of the area’s top pitmasters, and three days of live music. (More)

365> Spring Lake will welcome Labor Day weekend with its End of Summer Celebration and Art Walk on Saturday, Sept. 5, 10 am - 5 pm, in the borough’s downtown business district. (More)

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