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Weekly Roundup 4/28/2026

Weekly Roundup 4/28/2026

Your Easy Sunday Plan: Spring Festival at Bell Works, Shop, Dine, Stroll... and Repeat at Taste of Keyport, Outdoor Movie Nights Are Back at Pier Village, Mahjong Lunch at the Rum Runner, Live Music Lowdown

Sophie Prince
April 28, 2026

Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County! The Kentucky Derby is almost here, which feels like a great excuse to place a few bets (that I’m likely to lose) and fully commit to dressing up and drinking mint juleps.

On the docket:

Your Easy Sunday Plan: Spring Festival at Bell Works
Shop, Dine, Stroll… and Repeat at Taste of Keyport
Outdoor Movie Nights Are Back at Pier Village
Mahjong Lunch at the Rum Runner
Live Music Lowdown

Your Easy Sunday Plan: Spring Festival at Bell Works

The 2026 Spring Festival is happening at Bell Works on Sunday, May 3 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and it’s basically a one-stop shop for keeping kids entertained while you pretend you’re just there for “Mother’s Day shopping.”

Expect a full lineup of arts and crafts stations, a kids zone with open play, story time, a magic show, and character visits that will have little ones fully locked in. There will also be 80+ local vendors, so you can browse, snack, and maybe even check a few gifts off your list.

It’s free to attend (just make sure you register), easy to navigate, and a solid way to spend a Sunday without worrying about the forecast.

Shop, Dine, Stroll… and Repeat at Taste of Keyport

If your ideal Saturday involves casually eating your way through town, Taste of Keyport has you covered. On Saturday, May 16 from 12PM to 4PM, this waterfront favorite turns into one big food crawl featuring bites and samples from local eateries.

Here’s how it works. Grab your ticket, then make your way around Keyport stopping into participating spots for small bites along the way. No overthinking, no committing to one menu, just a steady rotation of “we’ll try one more thing” until you absolutely shouldn’t.

Expect everything from pizza and seafood to sweet treats and whatever hidden gems you’ve somehow never tried before. Tickets are $30 per person, and yes, the samples are included, which makes this one of the easier decisions you’ll make all week. Show up hungry, wear something forgiving, and pace yourself. Or don’t.

Outdoor Movie Nights Are Back at Pier Village

A little ocean breeze, a blanket on the ground, and a movie you actually want to watch. Movie Nights at Wave Resort are back starting Thursday, May 7 from 7 to 9pm, and they’re kicking things off with a fan favorite, The Goonies.

This outdoor screening is as easygoing as it gets. Show up, grab some complimentary popcorn, and settle in for a classic under the stars. No tickets, no stress, just a really good excuse to be outside.

The best part is everything around it. Turn it into a full night with dinner, dessert, or a post-movie stroll through the village. It’s the kind of plan that feels effortless but somehow still hits.

Bring your crew, claim your spot early, and don’t be surprised if this turns into your new weekly thing.

Mahjong Lunch at the Rum Runner

If your ideal Mother’s Day plan includes a little friendly competition and a great lunch, this one’s calling your name. The Rum Runner is hosting a Mother’s Day Special Edition Mahjong event on Tuesday, May 12 at 11am, and it’s equal parts game day and girls’ day out.

Bring your crew (and your tiles) and settle in for a relaxed afternoon of Mahjong with a chef’s selection lunch buffet that makes the whole thing feel like a proper occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just in it for the vibes, it’s an easy way to celebrate with good food and even better company.

Each guest heads home with a little gift, because it is Mother’s Day after all, and at $35 per person, it’s a pretty solid excuse to lock in your plans early.

Call your friends, grab a table, and get ready to play.

Live Music Lowdown