Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County! Is it just me, or is September having an identity crisis: cool mornings, warm afternoons, cool nights, repeat? One minute you’re cozy in a sweater, the next you’re sweating over carpool duty.

I spent the weekend eating cider donuts, grabbing pumpkins, and trying to keep everyone from wandering forever in a corn maze. Here’s to another week of balancing coffee, chaos, and whatever fun I can sneak in.

On the docket:

• Tall Oaks Fall Fest Back for Year Two

• Charlotte Joy Touch-a-Truck Returns Oct. 4

• Raise a Stein at Red Bank Oktoberfest

• Live Music Lowdown

Tall Oaks Fall Fest Back for Year Two

Clear your calendar (and maybe your fridge) because Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery’s 2nd Annual Fall Fest is set for Saturday, September 27 from 12:30–6:30 PM. Think a full day of shopping your favorite local vendors, discovering new ones you didn’t know you needed, and pairing it all with amazing food and fresh pours.

This year’s fest is bigger, better, and brewed just right—complete with a stacked vendor lineup and brand-new beers launching to celebrate the season. Consider it the official kickoff to fall, minus the raking and pumpkin spice overload.

If last year’s crowd was any hint, you’ll want to get there early, snag a pint, and settle in. It’s the kind of day that makes you wish autumn lasted just a little longer.

Trucks, Treats & Community at Charlotte Joy Touch-a-Truck Festival

On Saturday, October 4, the East Freehold Showgrounds will be packed with fire trucks, race cars, big rigs, excavators, classic rides, and even a helicopter landing at the 4th Annual Charlotte Joy Touch-a-Truck Festival. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is rolling in too.

Families can enjoy pony rides, piggies, bubble shows, live music, and plenty of food trucks—plus the first 240 families get a free Wawa pretzel.

What makes this day even more meaningful is its purpose. Every dollar raised supports The Ashley Lauren Foundation, which provides hope and help to NJ families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis. The festival is held in loving memory of Charlotte Joy Scalese, a courageous 6-year-old whose fight with Stage 4 neuroblastoma continues to inspire the community.

Whether you’re in it for the excavators, the helicopter, or the pretzel, this is one Saturday you won’t want to miss.

Raise a Stein at Red Bank Oktoberfest

Time to trade in your pumpkin spice latte for a stein—Red Bank Oktoberfest is back on Saturday, October 11 from 1–5 PM at Edmund Wilson Plaza.

There’ll be plenty of brews to sample, bratwurst to demolish, and live music to keep you dancing like you actually know how to polka. The vendor market is stacked, kids have their own entertainment zone, and rumor has it feats of strength will be on display—so start practicing your mug-holding game now.

Admission is free, but if you’re 21+ you can grab a tasting package below to sip your way through the day. Time to dust off your lederhosen!

Live Music Lowdown

Friday, September 26
The Sandbox, Highlands | Scott Elk | 4-7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | The 7th Realm | 7-10 PM
Red Rock Tap & Grill, Red Bank | Suit & Mai Tai | 7 PM

Saturday, September 27
The Sandbox, Highlands | Roots in Blue Stone | 3-6:45 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Cranston Dean Duo | 7-10 PM
Red Rock Tap & Grill, Red Bank | New Power Soul | 7 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Last Call | 6 PM
Huddy’s Inn, Colt’s Neck | The Ruckus | 6 PM

Sunday, September 28
The Sandbox, Highlands | The Cliffs | 4-8 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Garden State Groove | 5 PM