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Community Special Events
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
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. Registration closes November 17 - no exceptions!
Mandatory Captain's Meeting: Monday, November 20th, 5:30pm
Practice Week: Nov 27th - Dec 1st
Tournament Week: Dec 4th - Dec 8th
Location: Croydon Hall Gym (900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo)
Fees: $48.00 per team + unwrapped toy
Pre-registration is required and begins Sept 1st!
Chanukah Party + Menorah Lighting
Celebrate Chanukah with the annual Menorah lighting, crafts, goodies and more at the Middletown Arts Center!
Date: Sunday, December 10th
Time: 4:30pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown NJ
Free event, all are welcome!
PJs and Story Time with Santa - SOLD OUT
Cozy up by the fire in your pajamas for story time with Santa and friends. Enjoy photos with the "Big Guy" after, holiday sing-a-longs and a hot chocolate bar. Space is extremely limited. Prize to the best pajamas!
Date: Monday, December 11, 2023
Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Poricy Park Nature Center (345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank)
Fee: $5/Child, 10 years and under (R). Register here starting Sept 1st.
Winter Solstice Hike
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.
Date: Thursday, December 21st
Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm
Location: Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank NJ
Fee: $5 (R), Ages 5+, but younger hikers are welcome.
Register here under Fall season starting Sept 1st.
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
PAST EVENTS
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 3, 2023
Mailbox Locations: Croydon Hall, Middletown Library, Middletown Arts Center, Tonya Keller Community Center, Town Hall (inside)
Fee: $1 per letter, please include this donation to the Middletown Township Cultural Arts Center in your envelope with your letter(s)
Santa Ferry Ride
We're back on the bay to celebrate Christmas! The yuletide ride features Santa and friends, presents, entertainment, and a scenic ride around the Statue of Liberty. Ferries leave and return to SeaStreak's Belford Ferry Terminal. Pre-registration required and is in-person only, see below for more info. All children and infants receive a holiday present!
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Ferry Rides: 8:30am-10am, 10:30am-12pm, 1pm-2:30pm
Location: Belford Ferry Terminal, 10 Harbor Way Belford NJ 07718
Resident Fee: $30/Adult (18+), $25/Child (1-18), $5/Infant (Under 1).
Non-Resident Fee: $36/Adult (18+), $30/Child (1-18), $6/Infant (Under 1).
Event is rain or shine! All sales are final.
IN-PERSON, RESIDENT ONLY PRESALE Monday, November 13th 5:30pm-7:30pm at Poricy Park Nature Center, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank NJ 07701.
More information here!
Christmas Tree Lighting
Look who's coming to town! Catch annual the Middletown Arts Center Tree Lighting. Bring the whole family - get your photo with Santa, enjoy crafts, bonfires with classic Christmas cartoons, and a human snow globe inflatable!
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.
Stop by the No Limits Cafe food truck during the event for tasty grilled cheeses!
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, January 10th 2024
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, Middletown
- The Learning Experience, Middletown
- Lions Cubs Preschool, High School North
- A Child's Place School, Lincroft
- The Goddard School, Middletown
- Voyagers Community School, Lincroft
- Goldfish Swim School, Red Bank
Preschools interested in tabling can reach out to Recreation at 732-615-2260 or recreation@middletownnj.org
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
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 under Winter.
Date: Wednesday, Feb 7th 2024
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 Lunar New Year Dance
The Daddy-Daughter Dance returns to Jacques Catering! The theme is Chinese Lunar New Year - wear your favorite red or gold. Dress to impress. Enjoy a night of dancing, fun, good food and fun surprises! Choose from one of our two dates.
Dates:
Friday, February 9th 2024 - 6pm-9pm - SOLD OUT
Saturday, February 10th 2024 - 5pm-8pm
Location: Jacques Catering
Fee: $70/adult, $52/child (R)
Ages: K-6th grade
Register here starting October 1st under Winter season. 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 under Winter season starting 12/1.
Dates: Saturday, February 24th,, 2024
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)
New Jersey Devils Day - SOLD OUT
Cheer on Jersey's team during Middletown Night! Tickets include a postgame on-ice group photo on the logo. All children receive a Devils swag-bag! Reduced concession vouchers available.
Date: Sunday, February 25 2024 vs Tampa Bay
Time: 1pm puck drop, on-ice experience post game.
Location: Prudential Center, Newark NJ
Price: $75/ticket
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
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 under Winter season starting 12/1.
Dates: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
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. Divisions are: Ages 6-7, 8-9, 10-13, 14-17, 18+
Top 3 competitors in each age bracket will receive a prize. Register here starting December 1st! March Madness: Dribble, Dish, & Swish
Date: Tuesday, March 19th 2024
Time: 5:00pm - 5:30pm (Ages 6-9), 5:30pm - 6:00pm (Ages 10+)
Ages: 6-Adult
Location: Croydon Hall Gymnasium (900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo)
Fee: $5 (R) + canned food item
All participants receive a mini basketball hoop!
EGGstravaganza
Join us for a family fun day of Spring crafts, activities, plant your own flower, Doodle Dude and Miss Fish, petting zoo, photos with the Easter Bunny, science show, balloon artist and more! Event is indoors/outdoors.
Date: Saturday, March 23rd 2024
Event Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center (36 Church St, Middletown Township NJ)
Ages: All - bring the whole family!
Fee: Free for residents! Pre-registration recommended.
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
Spring Break at Poricy Park
Join us for Spring fun at Poricy Park! Choose between Pond Netting or Fossil Hunting. Find what's at the bottom of the Murray Pond. Look for frogs, turtles, and snakes. Use our nets to catch tadpoles, fish, insect larvae, snails, and other critter. Come dig up Middletown history at the Poricy Brook Fossil Beds. Expect to find marine fossils from the Cretaceous period, 65-72 million years ago. Either way, dress to get muddy!
Dates/Activities:
Tuesday, April 2nd - Fossil Hunt - 10am-11am
Wednesday, April 3rd - Pond Netting - 10am-11am
Thursday, April 4th - Pond Netting - 4pm-5pm
Friday, April 5th - Fossil Hunt - 4pm-5pm
Fee: $5/participant (R). Register under Spring season starting 3/1.
Pitch, Hit & Run
Major League Baseball® Pitch Hit & Run is a free event that provides boys and girls -- ages 7 to 14 -- an opportunity to showcase their baseball and softball skills, while earning a chance to attend and perform during the MLB® World Series!
Athletes are tested, and their measurements are recorded. Based on their scores, they advance from a local event to a Team Championship held in MLB stadiums. Top scores then qualify for an all-expenses-paid trip for two to compete at the National Finals, which is hosted at the World Series.
Divisions: Baseball and Softball
7/8 Years Old
9/10 Years Old
11/12 Years Old
13/14 Years Old
Date: April 2024 TBD
Time: TBD
Location: Bodman Park, 50 Market Street, Red Bank NJ
Registration info coming soon.
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
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. This year's theme is RockStar, prize to best dressed pair!
Day: Thursday, May 2nd 2024
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Croydon Hall Gym (900 Leonardville Rd Leonardo)
Ages: 1st-6th grade
Fee: Check back for 2024 pricing.
Sign-Up starting March 1st, 2024!
Weekend in 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 4th 10am-5pm & Sunday May 5th 12pm-5pm
Location: Murray Farmhouse, Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank)
Age: All
Fee: Free! Please RSVP here, choose Spring season.
Youth Bike Rodeo
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 and 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.
Day: Wednesday, May 8th 2024
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Location: TBD
Ages: K-5th grade
Fee: Free for residents. Registration required.
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 9th 2024
Time: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Location: Croydon Hall East Wing (900 Leonardville Rd Leonardo)
Ages: 3rd-12th grade
Fee: $30/Child, $35/Adult (R), includes dinner
Sign-Up starting March 1st, 2024!
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 2024
PDF of Garage Sales by Neighborhood coming May 2024
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: 5/18/24 & 5/19/24
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 5/17/24.
*Lawn signs available while supplies last for pick-up at Poricy Park Nature Center starting 5/13/24. 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.
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
Daddy-Daughter Beach Fiesta
Get ready for an evening of fun and create a cherished memory that will last a lifetime. This year we are headed back to the beach for a Beach Fiesta themed night! Daughters and their fathers will partake in games, Encanto character meet and greets, and a taco themed dinner. Bring your beach chairs and blanket. Geared towards girls K-6th grade.
Date: Thursday, June 6th 2024
Rain Date: Friday, June 7th 2024
Time: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Location: Ideal Beach, Middletown
Fee: Check back for 2024 pricing
Register under Spring starting March 1st: middletownnj.org/signup
Senior's Master Gardener Presentation
Master Gardeners comes to chat about herb gardening as we build a dedicated garden for members to grow herbs, share with the Meals on Wheels program that utilizes the Senior Center kitchen, and even bring home their own herb mini plant with starter seeds!
Date: Wednesday, June 12th 2024
Time: 12:30pm-1:30pm
Location: Senior Center, 900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo
Free for members! Maximum 30 members. Call the Senior Center starting March 1st to reserve your spot, 732-615-2265.
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
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: Tuesdays
Date: 7/9/24 & 7/23/24
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Bands: Check our social media for band announcements!
Fee: Free for residents!
Christmas in July Beach Party & Movie
Enjoy a family friendly night filled with a DJ, free snacks, Beach Santa and activities! Bring your own beach chair and blanket. Stay after to watch a Christmas favorite movie.
Date: Thursday, July 25th
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm Beach Party, 8:30pm movie start
Location: Ideal Beach, 49 Bayside Parkway, North Middletown
Fee: Free! RSVP recommended.
Middletown Night at Jersey Shore BlueClaws
Join us for Middletown Night at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Cheer on the local team, watch fireworks and enjoy kids run the bases after the game.
Date: Friday, July 26th 2024
Time: 7pm
Location: ShoreTown Ballpark (2 Stadium Way, Lakewood)
Fee: Check back for 2024 pricing. Ticket includes hot dog, soda, ice cream, and boardwalk game ticket.
Purchase your tickets here starting March 2024! 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.
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
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: 8/6/2024
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: TBD
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church St, Middletown
Band: Check our social media for band announcement!
Fee: Free!
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
MIDDLETOWN DAY!
A family friendly day for all! Enjoy the best of Middletown as we celebrate all that makes our community so exceptional. The 2024 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!
NEW DATE: Saturday, September 28th
Rain date: Saturday, October 6th
Time: 11am-4pm
Location: Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo
Sponsorship and vendor space applications open March 1st!
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.
NEW DATE: Sunday, September 29th
This event is rain or shine.
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. Registration opens March 1st.
Stay tuned for 2024 beneficiary announcement.
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
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 and Miss Fish, inflatable corn maze, bonfire, hayrides, goodies and more! Trick-or-treat bags to the first 300 kids at the event.
Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
Time: 5:30-8pm
Location: Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Rd, Red Bank
Fee: Free for residents. Registration recommended, sign-up beginning Sept 1st.
Rain date Sat, October 26 (4:30pm-7pm)
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.
Disney On Ice Discount Tickets - SOLD OUT
Enjoy Disney's classic show on ice including Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, Encanto, Frozen 2, Moana and Raya's on-ice debut. Discount tickets are $52 each in the lower bowl, Section 2, Rows 22-23.
Date: Saturday, November 4th
Time: 3pm Show
Location: Prudential Center, Newark
Tickets: $52 (R) per ticket. Children 2 and older require a ticket. Tickets will be emailed by November 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 3, 2023
Mailbox Locations: Croydon Hall, Middletown Library, Middletown Arts Center, Tonya Keller Community Center, Town Hall (inside)
Fee: $1 per letter, please include this donation to the Middletown Township Cultural Arts Center in your envelope with your letter(s)
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 frozen turkey courtesy of Circus Foodtown just in time for Thanksgiving! Top three winners in each division receive a Frozen Turkey courtesy of Circus Foodtown.
Free turkey stuffie for all participants!
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
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. Registration closes November 17 - no exceptions!
Mandatory Captain's Meeting: Monday, November 20th, 5:30pm
Practice Week: Nov 27th - Dec 1st
Tournament Week: Dec 4th - Dec 8th
Location: Croydon Hall Gym (900 Leonardville Rd, Leonardo)
Fees: $48.00 per team + unwrapped toy
Pre-registration is required and begins Sept 1st!
For Poricy Park Events and Adult/Youth Weekly programs click here.