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Community Special Events
EGGstravaganza
Join us for a family fun day of Spring crafts, activities, plant your own flower, photos with the Easter Bunny, and more! Event is indoors/outdoors. NO EGG HUNT HERE.
Date: Saturday, April 1st 2023
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center (36 Church St, Middletown Township NJ)
Ages: All - bring the whole family!
Fee: Free for residents! Pre-registration recommended.
Beach Egg Hunt
The hunt returns to the beach! Sign-up for your age-appropriate timeslot and hunt for eggs with prizes. Bring your own basket. Event is rain or shine.
Date: Saturday, April 1st
Time: 2pm-3:30pm
Location: Ideal Beach (Bayside Parkway, Middletown)
Ages: Infant-12th grade, age ranges by time only
Fee: $5/participant. Pre-registration required.
Hunt Schedule: Adults only allowed with PreK
2:15pm - PreK & under, Adults allowed (SOLD OUT)
2:30pm - K-1st Grade, No adults allowed
2:45pm - 2nd-3rd Grade, No adults allowed
3:00pm - 4th-5th Grade, No adults allowed
3:15pm - 6th-8th Grade, No adults allowed
3:30pm - 9th-12th Grade, No adults allowed
Adult Pickleball Tournament
Middletown Recreation's adult pickleball tournament is now in the Spring! The weekend kicks off with Mixed Doubles! This double-elimination tournament or round-robin style tournament (depending on how many teams per rating) includes divisions across 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 ratings. This year's theme is pastels - wear your best Spring pastels to win a prize! Winners receive a trophy.
Division: Mixed Doubles
Day: Friday, April 14th. Rain date Friday, April 28th.
Time: 6pm-9pm
Location: Normandy Park, 900 Nutswamp Rd, Middletown
Division: Men's & Women's Doubles
Day: Saturday, April 15th. Rain date Saturday, April 29th.
Time: 9am-2pm
Location: Normandy Park, 900 Nutswamp Rd, Middletown
Tournament rules and information can be found here. Register HERE starting January 1st under Spring season.
Earth Day Event
Let's celebrate Earth Day in the parks! Join us as we beautify Camp Hope in Lincroft Acres. A great community service project, join us to line and maintain our trails. Registration recommended. Scout groups interested in participating should reach out to recreation@middletownnj.org for additional service hour opportunities leading up to this event.
Date: Saturday, April 22nd
Time: 9am-11am
Location: Lincroft Acres
Fee: Free for residents
Registration recommended.
Mother-Son Cornhole Tournament
Team up with mom for an exciting night of cornhole! Double elimination format guarantees each team at least 2 games. Prize to the top mother-son team in each division. Star Wars themed! Wear your best matching Star Wars outfits for the chance to win a prize.
Day: Thursday, May 4th 2023
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Croydon Hall Gym (900 Leonardville Rd Leonardo NJ)
Ages: 1st-6th grade
Fee: $25/Child, $30/Adult (R), includes dinner
Sign-Up starting March 1st, 2023!
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.
Saturday May 6th 10am-5pm & Sunday May 7th 12pm-5pm
Location: Murray Farmhouse, Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank)
Age: All
Fee: Free! Please RSVP here, choose Spring season.
Storybook Walk Event
Celebrate the opening of Poricy Park's very own Storybook Walk: a fun, educational activity that places the pages of a children's story along an ADA accessible trail. Join the author, Beth Ferry, author of the "Stick and Stone" series for an exclusive reading (ASL interpreter included) and book signing. The party doesn't stop there! Enjoy a DJ, balloon artist, craft and light refreshments. All are welcome!
Date: Sunday, May 7th
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Location: Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank)
Age: All
Fee: Free! Please RSVP here, choose Spring season.
Mother-Daughter Paint & Pizza Night
Spend some time with mom as we paint with a live instructor, listen to music and eat pizza! Perfect for the creative and crafty daughter. Paint piece to be announced closer to the time.
Day: Thursday, May 11th 2023
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Croydon Hall East Wing (900 Leonardville Rd Leonardo NJ)
Ages: 3rd-12th grade
Fee: $30/Child, $35/Adult (R), includes dinner
Sign-Up starting March 1st, 2023!
Town-Wide Garage Sale
Join us for the annual Town Wide Garage Sale!
Google Map of Addresses
PDF of Garage Sales by Day coming May 2023
PDF of Garage Sales by Neighborhood coming May 2023
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. Event is rain or shine, no refunds.
Day: Saturday & Sunday
Date: 5/20/23 & 5/21/23
Time: 8:30am - 4:00pm
Location: Middletown Township residencies
Fee: Free for shoppers! Seller registration $8/household to be featured on our map listing*. Registration & updates end at 12:00pm 5/19/23.
*Lawn signs available while supplies last for pick-up at Poricy Park Nature Center starting 5/15/23. First come, first offered - no reserving. Signs are borrowed and must be returned after use. Unreturned signs will result in loss of future sign borrowing privileges.
Middletown Soccer Showdown
Celebrate the end of the school year with Middletown Recreation's Soccer Showdown Tournament! All teams are guaranteed two games in this double elimination, 4v4 tournament. Medals for division winners, commemorative patches for all players! World Cup Themed - dress in a different country. Best dressed team wins a prize! For more information and to register visit middletownnj.org/soccer.
Day: Saturday, June 3rd 2023
Time: 3pm-5:30pm Recreation Divisions, 5:30pm-8:30pm Travel Divisions
Location: Normandy Park, Nutswamp Rd
Boys & Girls Divisions: Grades 2-3, Grade 4-5 & Grades 6-8
Daddy-Daughter Beach Party
Daddy-Daughter is back at the beach! Enjoy entertainment, activities, and dinner. This year's theme is Pirates and Mermaids! Prize to the best dressed outfit pair. Bring your beach chairs and blankets.
Day: Friday, June 9th 2023
Time: 5:30pm-8pm
Location: Ideal Beach, Bayside Parkway, Middletown
Fee: Check back for 2023 pricing. Includes dinner. Sign-up starting March 1st!
Colonial Games
Take a step back in time in our Colonial-era Farmhouse. We'll play with reproduction children's toys, see where colonial children slept and lived, and play some group games for an afternoon of old-fashioned fun!All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Day: Monday, June 12th 2023
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Joseph Murray Farmhouse, Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank)
Ages: PreK-6th Grade
Register here, choose Spring season.
Father-Son Event
We didn't forget about the ultimate duo - father & son! Follow us on social media for the announcement of a great event happening in June.
Location & Date TBD
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: 7/11/2023
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Band: Announcement coming soon!
Fee: Free for residents!
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: 7/25/2023
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Band: Announcement coming soon!
Fee: Free for residents!
FREE Summer Movie in the Park & Beach Party
Movie in the Park comes to Ideal Beach! Bring your family, friends, beach chairs and blankets as we watch the hottest movie title of the summer.
Date: Thursday, July 27th 2023
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm Beach Party, 8:45pm movie start
Location: Ideal Beach
Movie: Check back for movie announcement
Fee: Free! Registration recommended.
Middletown Night at Jersey Shore BlueClaws
Join us for Middletown Night at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws on Friday, July 28th. Cheer on the local team, watch fireworks and enjoy Marvel Night.
Date: Friday, July 28th 2023
Time: 7pm
Location: ShoreTown Ballpark (2 Stadium Way, Lakewood)
Fee: $20 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.
National Night Out
See you at NNO 2023! 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: 8/1/2023
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Free for residents!
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: 8/8/2023
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Band: Band announcement coming soon!
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: 8/22/2023
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Band: Band announcement coming soon!
Fee: Free!
Youth & Adult Kickball Tournament
Grab your team and compete to be crowned Middletown champs! Divisions range from Junior (3rd-5th grade), Middle (6th-8th grade), High (9th-12th grade) to Adult (18+). Medals and glory to the winners! Full info coming soon.
Day: Friday
Date: September 15th
Time: 4:00pm - 9:00pm (earlier grades to start first)
Location: Croydon Hall (900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo)
Fee: $50/team, 9 people per team
MIDDLETOWN DAY!
A family friendly day for all! Enjoy the best of Middletown as we celebrate all that makes our community so exceptional. The 2023 fall festival will feature the Business and Community Showcase as well as many familiar favorites including a food court, first responder demonstrations, live entertainment, inflatables, games, and more!
Day: Saturday
Date: 9/23/2023
Time: 11am-4pm
Location: Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo
Sponsorship and vendor space applications open in early 2023.
Mayor's Challenge - 5k Run/Walk & 1mi Fun Run
Join us for the Mayor's Challenge! 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: Sunday, October 15, 2023
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.
Stay tuned for beneficiary announcement and registration open!
Halloween Hullabaloo
This Spooktacular evening presented by Middletown Recreation, Middletown Arts Center and the Middletown Township Education Association includes a costume contest, cartooning with the Doodle Dude, open historic Farmhouse, hayrides, goodies and more! Trick-or-treat bags to the first 500 kids at the event.
Date: Friday, October 27, 2023, rain date Sat, October 28
Time: 5:30-8pm
Location: Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Fee: Free for residents. Registration recommended, sign-up beginning Sept 1st.
Calling all businesses, fall crafters and food vendors! Vend at this event, expected attendance 2,000 people. Businesses and crafters must give out candy (nuts must be labeled) as part of the trick-or-treat section of the event. $5 commitment + health/fire permit for food vendors if applicable. Register starting August 1st!
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 10 - Dec 10, 2023
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
Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023
Shootout Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am Shootout
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 to tally up the most points. Ages 6-99. Winners in each age range receive a prize.
Turkey Trot Hike
Date: Wednesday November 22, 2023
Time: 2:30 pm
Location: Poricy Park
Fee: $5 per participant
Pre-Registration Preferred starting September 1st.
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 Holiday Light Map
Addresses accepted Nov 24th-Dec 20th at noon.
Get in the holiday spirit & plan your route today - Check out our map HERE!
14th Annual Dodgeball Tournament
Mandatory Captain's Meeting: Monday, November 20th
Practice Week: Nov 27th - Dec 1st
Tournament Week: Dec 4th - Dec 8th
Location: Croydon Hall Gym (900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo)
Fees: $55.00 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 17 - no exceptions!
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 10 - Dec 10, 2023
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 Holiday Light Map Holiday Light Map
Addresses accepted Nov 24th-Dec 20th at noon.
Get in the holiday spirit & plan your route today - Check out our map HERE!
14th Annual Dodgeball Tournament
Mandatory Captain's Meeting: Monday, November 20th
Practice Week: Nov 27th - Dec 1st
Tournament Week: Dec 4th - Dec 8th
Location: Croydon Hall Gym (900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo)
Fees: $55.00 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 17 - no exceptions!
Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center (36 Church St, Middletown)
Fee: FREE! Registration recommended starting September 1st.
Look who's coming to town! Catch the Middletown Arts Center Tree Lighting, followed by a holiday performance on December 3rd! Bring the whole family - get your photo with Santa, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, enjoy crafts, watch our ice sculptor!
Winter Solstice Hike
Date: Thursday, December 21, 2022
Time: 4:30 pm
Location: Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank)
Fee: $5, Pre-registration required starting September 1st.
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 as we welcome Winter.
Past Events
Santa Ferry Ride - SOLD OUT
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Time: 8:30am-10am, 10:30am-12pm, 1pm-2:30pm (SOLD OUT)
Location: Belford Ferry Terminal, 10 Harbor Way Belford NJ 07718
Resident Fee: $25/Adult, $20/Child, $5/Infant (R)
Non-Resident Fee: $30/Adult, $24/Child, $6/Infant
Registration is in-person ONLY at Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd Red Bank NJ 07701. Every passenger needs a ticket.
PAST EVENTS
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: Tuesday
Date: 1/10/23
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.
Featured Schools:
- Middletown Preschool, North Middletown
- King of Kings Preschool, Harmony Rd Middletown
- Sandy Hook Child Care, Highlands
- A Child's Place, Lincroft
- Lion Cubs Preschool, High School North
- The Learning Experience, Middletown
Preschools interested in tabling can reach out to Recreation at 732-615-2260 or recreation@middletownnj.org
Middletown Night at the New Jersey Devils
Cheer on Jersey's team during Middletown Night! Tickets include a postgame on-ice shoot from the blue line experience. All children receive a Devils swag-bag! Reduced parking and concession vouchers optional.
Date: Sunday, January 22 2023
Time: 2pm puck drop, on-ice experience post game.
Location: Prudential Center, Newark NJ
Price: $75/ticket
Get your tickets today, they will sell out! The only way to access the on-ice experience and swag bag is through this ticket link.
Track-Hunting Hike
A few days after snowfall is a great time to see which animals are active in winter. We'll wait for the snow, and then schedule a 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.
Date: ??? 2023 (we have to wait for snow on the forecast!)
Day: Weekday
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Fee: $5.00 (resident), $6.00 (non-resident)
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: Thursday, Feb 9th 2023
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
SOLD OUT! Get on the waitlist - The Daddy-Daughter Dance returns to Jacques Catering! The theme is sweetheart - wear your favorite red or pink. Dress to impress. Enjoy a night of dancing, fun, and good food. All couples receive a commemorative photo and photo frame.
Date: Friday, February 10th 2023
Time: 6-9pm
Location: Jacques Catering
Fee: $70/adult, $50/child (R) Get on the waitlist.
Ages: K-6th grade
No walk-up space available.
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: Saturday, February 25th, 2023
Time: 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm
Location: Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Grades: K-5th
Fee: $90.00 (resident), $108.00 (non-resident)
PAST EVENTS
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: Saturday, March 11th, 2023
Time: 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm
Location: Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank
Grades: K-5th
Fee: $90.00 (resident), $108.00 (non-resident)
March Madness: Dribble, Dish, & Swish
Wear your favorite basketball jersey and 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. Top 3 competitors in each age bracket will receive a prize. Register here! March Madness: Dribble, Dish, & Swish
Date: Wednesday, March 15th 2023
Time: 5:00pm - 5:30pm (Ages 6-9), 5:30pm - 6:00pm (Ages 10-13), 6:00pm - 6:30pm (14+)
Ages: 6-Adult
Location: Croydon Hall Gymnasium (900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo)
New this year: We are staggering age groups to allow for a better event flow. Please show up at the appropriate time, winners will be announced at the close of each timed session, no exceptions. Please DO NOT bring your own basketball, one will be provided. Personal basketballs will not be allowed in the gym for this event.
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.
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