Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County! Cinco de Mayo is here, and I’d love to say I’m celebrating today… but I may have gotten a head start this weekend with a few margaritas.

On the docket:

• Eat Your Way Through the New Jersey Seafood Fest

• The Ducky Derby Is Back

• Shop, Sip, Repeat at the Asbury Park Spring Bazaar

• Ocean Grove’s Spring Market Is Calling

• Live Music Lowdown

Eat Your Way Through the New Jersey Seafood Fest

There are two types of people. People who casually “stop by” the seafood festival… and people who plan their entire weekend around it.

The 38th Annual New Jersey Seafood Festival is happening at Ferruggiaro Park at Silver Lake from May 15–17, and it’s basically the unofficial start of summer at the shore. Think fresh lobster rolls, crab cakes, and way too many “just one more bite” moments from some of NJ’s best spots.

The setup is simple. Eat your way through top local seafood vendors, grab a drink, and post up for live music that runs all weekend. Friday kicks things off from 4:00–8:00 PM, Saturday goes 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, and Sunday wraps it up from 11:00 AM–6:00 PM.

It’s free to get in, right by the water, and very easy to turn into an all-day situation. Show up hungry and don’t make dinner plans.

The Ducky Derby Is Back

The 15th Annual Ducky Derby is back May 30 through May 31, kicking off at 11:30 AM and running through 4:00 PM, bringing a full weekend of duck races, games, and family chaos (the fun kind). Races happen every half hour down the Mill Pond, with prizes on the line and bragging rights very much up for grabs.

Beyond the main event, there’s plenty to keep kids busy, including a duck-themed scavenger hunt, Lucky Ducky fishing, games, glitter tattoos, live demonstrations, and a selfie station that will absolutely end up on your camera roll.

Tickets are $10 per person for ages 4 and up, and every admission comes with a shot at racing glory. Show up, pick your duck wisely, and prepare to care way more than you expected.

Shop, Sip, Repeat at the Asbury Park Spring Bazaar

The Asbury Park Spring Bazaar is taking over the Grand Arcade at Asbury Park Convention Hall on May 9 and May 10 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, turning the space into a mix of shopping, music, and low-effort wandering.

Expect rows of local vendors with everything from handmade goods and vintage finds to art, jewelry, and snacks you didn’t know you needed. There’s music playing while you walk through, plus interactive setups like a flower bar, DIY stations, and a few things that will convince you that you’re suddenly a “craft person.”

Food options are built in, so you can bounce between browsing and eating without ever having to make a real plan. Coffee, sweets, seafood, BBQ, it’s all there, which makes it very easy to stay longer than intended.

Ocean Grove’s Spring Market Is Calling

Mark your calendars! The Ocean Grove Spring Market is set for May 30 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Ocean Grove, and it is the kind of event where you wander without a plan and somehow stay way longer than expected.

Rows of vendors line the streets with everything from vintage finds and antiques to handmade goods, art, and random things you didn’t know you needed. There is food throughout, so you can snack as you go and keep the momentum going.

Being steps from the beach doesn’t hurt either. Easy to browse, easy to linger, and very easy to turn into a full day outside.

Live Music Lowdown

Friday, May 8
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Carl Gentry Band | 6 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | WE MAY BE RIGHT – Billy Joel Tribute  | 7 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Exit Eleven | 6:30 PM
Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Kids at Play Duo | 5:30 PM

Saturday, May 9
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Not Leaving Sober | 6 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Naska | 7 PM
Red Rock Tap + Grill, Red Bank | Pat Roddy Band | 8 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | julie & Fleshwater | 7 PM