Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County! If there were awards for moving in a snowstorm, I’d be standing on the podium… with frozen fingers. Who knew moving day in a blizzard could be such a full-body workout? I feel like I ran a marathon with a 30 pound box in hand.

On the docket:

• 2026 Maple Syrup Festival at Happy Day Farm

• Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• The 13th Annual Guinness Run

• Boardwalk Season Is Back

• Live Music Lowdown

2026 Maple Syrup Festival at Happy Day Farm

Sap’s rising and syrup season is officially on at the Happy Day Farm 2026 Maple Syrup Festival.

On February 28, March 1, March 14, 15, 21, and 22, you can step into the sugar bush and see exactly how that watery sap turns into the liquid gold we’re all pouring on pancakes. Tours run at 10am, 11:15am, 12:30pm, and 1:45pm (arrive 15 minutes early so you don’t miss the tractor ride).

Guests will learn the syrup-making process, check out the traditional wood-burning evaporator, sample fresh sap and pure maple syrup, and enjoy a scenic tractor ride through the farm. The animal zoo, bubble cart, and small play area will also be open for extra family fun.

It’s an outdoor event, so dress for the weather and get ready for some sweet, sticky memories.

Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Break out the green and start practicing your Irish goodbye. The Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back on Sunday, March 8th, and it’s taking over the boardwalk in the best way possible.

The parade kicks off at 1pm on Ocean Ave and 4th Ave, marching southwest along the iconic Asbury Park boardwalk before wrapping up at Cookman Ave and Main Street. Translation: you’ll get your steps in while passing some of the town’s most legendary spots. It’s basically a scenic tour with bagpipes.

It’s free, family-friendly, and open to both traditional and not-so-traditional acts, which means you’ll see a little bit of everything. Grab your crew, wear something green, and claim your spot early. Parade day in Asbury just hits different.

The 13th Annual Guinness Run

Ready, set… don’t spill. The Guinness Run returns to Highlands on Saturday, March 7 for one of the most entertaining races of the season.

Hosted by the Highlands Business Partnership, the fun kicks off at 2pm at Off The Hook. Runners will fill their cup, race to Grand Tour, and hustle back to the finish line with the winner crowned based on who keeps the most liquid in their cup.

There are prizes for the top finishers, plus a post-race party with complimentary appetizers and Guinness for participants. Costumes and Irish green are highly encouraged.

Just remember: this one’s 21+ and you’ll need your race number on the whole time.

Boardwalk Season Is Back

Dust off the flip flops (or at least mentally prepare for them) because opening weekend is here at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.

Starting March 14th, the amusement park rides are officially back in action, bringing all the classic boardwalk vibes we’ve been waiting for. Think spinning rides, arcade games, sweet treats, and that first-of-the-season walk along the ocean.

It might not be full-on summer yet, but there’s something elite about being one of the first to kick off boardwalk season. Grab the kids, grab some friends, and start the countdown to cotton candy and coaster screams.

Live Music Lowdown

Friday, February 27
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Manzo Rising Triple Tribute Show | 7:30 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Nine Deez Nite | 8:30 PM
Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Tom Vincent | 6:45 PM
Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Brian Kirk and the Jirks | 8 PM

Saturday, February 28
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Cosmic Jerry Band | 8 PM
Joe’s Surf Shack, Lake Como | Pat Roddy Band | 6 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Liam Davis Trio | 9 PM
Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Hot Dress & Floracene | 5:15 PM