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Weekly Roundup 09/09/25

Weekly Roundup 09/09/25

The Feast of San Gennaro Hits Belmar, Red Bank’s Mac & Cheese Festival Supports JBJ Soul Kitchen, A Taste of Fall at Brew by the Bay, Toms River’s First Annual Fall Fest is Here, Live Music Lowdown

Sophie Prince & Cole Dargan
September 09, 2025

Good morning, Monmouth County. If you somehow missed the madness, Max Weinberg hit the Stone Pony on Saturday, and apparently so did a monsoon. Picture a line wrapped around the block, fans standing in sideways rain like it was the world’s soggiest ride at Disney. Drenched hair, mascara running. Didn’t matter though, everyone was in it for the long haul (even though the Boss didn’t make an appearance).

On the docket:

The Feast of San Gennaro Hits Belmar
Red Bank’s Mac & Cheese Festival Supports JBJ Soul Kitchen
A Taste of Fall at Brew by the Bay
Toms River’s First Annual Fall Fest is Here!
Live Music Lowdown

The Feast of San Gennaro Hits Belmar

If you needed a reason to clear your schedule on Saturday, Belmar’s Feast of San Gennaro is it. The day starts with a Mass at 10 AM at St. Rose and a procession down Main Street, which feels like a little slice of Italy dropped right into Jersey. From there, it’s basically one giant block party: Italian food that will ruin your dinner plans (worth it), local vendors with things you didn’t know you needed, live music, prizes, and more people in stretchy pants than at a yoga class.

Highlights? The cannoli eating contest (someone roll me home), the pet costume contest, and Produce Pete himself signing books like the produce celeb he is. It’s equal parts culture, carbs, and chaos in the best way possible.

So grab your friends, the kids, or whoever loves a good cannoli, and head to Belmar on Saturday, September 13, from 11–6. Rain date’s Sunday, but let’s just manifest perfect weather.

Red Bank’s Mac & Cheese Festival Supports JBJ Soul Kitchen

Mark your calendars: the Red Bank Mac & Cheese Festival is back on Saturday, September 27, from 1–5 PM, and it’s basically a dream for anyone who believes cheese deserves its own food group.

Here’s how it works: you’ll check in at Anderson Market or Red Rock Tap & Grill, grab your punch card, and then eat your way through town sampling mac & cheese from all the participating spots. We’re talking truffle mac, BBQ short-rib mac, lobster mac, baked rigatoni. VIP tickets even come with a “Send Noods” T-shirt, extra treats, and fast-pass perks.

And the best part? Every bite helps support JBJ Soul Kitchen, Jon Bon Jovi’s nonprofit restaurant that’s fighting food insecurity right here in our community. So round up your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready to eat for a cause. Rain or shine, Red Bank is serving up pure comfort food on September 27.

A Taste of Fall at Brew by the Bay

Get ready for some Saturday fun, Fall Brew by the Bay lands Saturday, September 13, from 12–5 PM at The Seafarer in Highlands. Enjoy a day of craft beer tastings, live music, food, and fire pits. All with stunning views of Sandy Hook Bay and the NYC skyline.

Tickets are $40 and includes seven (7) 4oz. tastings, a pint of your favorite brew, and a commemorative cup (for the first 250 attendees). Local breweries include Carton, Battle River, Skinny Flowers, and more with each bringing two beers to sample.

Perfect for craft beer lovers and anyone who just wants a fun, relaxed afternoon by the water. Bring friends, family, and good vibes for a taste of fall in Highlands!

Toms River’s First Annual Fall Fest is Here!

Get ready for Monday, September 29, from 5–9 PM, in downtown Toms River! Hosted by PBA Local 137, the First Annual Fall Fest (formerly “Vest-A-Cop”) promises a night of family-friendly fun, community connection, and autumn vibes.

The festival has something for everyone: bounce houses and obstacle courses, a dunk tank starring friendly officers, police demos including K‑9 and ESU showcases, face painting, kids’ character appearances, and even axe throwing for the adventurous. Don’t forget the food trucks, ice cream, live radio broadcast from 107.1 The Boss, raffles, and fun giveaways.

Beyond the fun, a portion of proceeds supports local initiatives, scholarships, and families in need, making this a night of giving back and entertainment.

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday, September 11
The Sandbox, Highlands | Meg Cannon | 5:30-8:30 PM