Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County! Something about this week feels like the unofficial start of summer chaos…beach bags in cars, sunscreen in rotation, and absolutely zero interest in staying indoors.

On the docket:

• World Cup Watch Party Heads to Middletown

• Coastline Kick-Off at Bradley Beach

• NJ Irish Festival: A Weekend of Guinness & Bagpipes

• Live Music Lowdown

World Cup Watch Party Heads to Middletown

World Cup season is officially here, and Middletown is going all in.

On Friday, June 12, grab your red, white, and blue and head to Mater Dei Football Field for a free Team USA World Cup Watch Party starting at 8:30 PM, with kickoff at 9 PM.

This is not your average “sit quietly and watch the game” situation. Expect bounce houses, games, glitter tattoos, raffle prizes, player appearances from FC Monmouth, and plenty of summer-night energy while everyone cheers on Team USA together under the lights.

The first 100 attendees score a free giveaway, and ice cream will be available for purchase because honestly, that feels essential for a June night watching soccer outside.

Bring a blanket or chair, bring the family, and get ready for one of those community nights that somehow feels like both a tailgate and a block party.

Coastline Kick-Off at Bradley Beach

Soccer season is officially entering its beach era.

The Coastline Kick-Off lands on Newark Ave Beach in Bradley Beach on Wednesday, June 10 from 4 to 7 PM with an afternoon full of games, music, sports vendors, and plenty of World Cup energy before the big tournament kicks off.

At 6 PM, FC Monmouth takes the sand for an EXPO match, giving fans a chance to catch live soccer with an ocean view. There will also be a sports equipment drive collecting new and gently used gear for local charities, so you can clear out the garage and do something good while you’re at it.

It’s free, family-friendly, and a pretty solid excuse to spend a June evening at the beach pretending you could totally score from midfield.

NJ Irish Festival: A Weekend of Guinness & Bagpipes

The 54th NJ Irish Festival returns to Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport on Sunday, June 7 from 11 AM to 5 PM for a full day of Irish music, dancing, food, vendors, and one very competitive Human Horse Race.

The annual festival features live music on multiple stages, piping and drumming competitions, step dancing performances, and plenty of Irish merch and food throughout the day.

And yes, the Human Horse Race is back, raising money for local charities while fully embracing the chaos.

Whether you’re there for the bagpipes, the Guinness, or just to watch adults sprint across a racetrack, it’s one of the Shore’s most unique summer traditions.

Live Music Lowdown

Friday, June 5
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Kenny Raye Band | 6 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Andres & In Angles | 7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | The Balanced Breakfast Band | 7 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Joe Russo’s Almost Dead | 5:30 PM
Red Rock Tap + Grill, Red Bank | 10-String | 7 PM
The Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park | David Lee Roth | 7 PM
Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright | The Ned Ryerson Band | 6 PM

Saturday, June 6
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Last Call Band | 6PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Modern Alibi | 7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Moroccan Sheepherders | 7 PM
Red Rock Tap + Grill, Red Bank | Kristen and the Noise | 7 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Turnpike Troubadours | 6 PM
Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Gravy Train | 6 PM
Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright | The Haven | 6 PM

Sunday, June 7
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Liam Davis Band | 1-4 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Liam Davis Band | 6-9 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Annual Pride Party | 1 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Vinyl Nine Deez Nite | 5 PM
Red Rock Tap + Grill, Red Bank | Gregg Sherman and Jeanne Ryan Duo | 3-6 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Bertha: Grateful Drag | 6 PM
Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright | Random Test Reggae Band | 4 PM