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- Weekly Roundup 6/23/2026
Weekly Roundup 6/23/2026
Spend Your Saturday at the Red Bank Arts Festival, Fireworks, DJs & Summer Night Vibes at Bell Works, Middletown’s Summer Movie Series Is Back, Celebrate America’s 250th on the Water, Live Music Lowdown
Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County! Maybe it's just me, but every time it rains lately, I get a little nervous we're headed for a repeat of last summer. I'd like to formally request more beach days and fewer weather alerts.
On the docket:
Spend Your Saturday at the Red Bank Arts Festival
Fireworks, DJs & Summer Night Vibes at Bell Works
Middletown’s Summer Movie Series Is Back
Celebrate America’s 250th on the Water
Live Music Lowdown
Spend Your Saturday at the Red Bank Arts Festival
Red Bank is turning Monmouth Street into an outdoor gallery on Saturday, June 27.
The first-ever Red Bank Arts Festival takes place from 12 to 4 PM, bringing together live music, local artists, craft vendors, and creative performances for an afternoon that celebrates all things art. Hosted by RiverCenter and the Borough of Red Bank's Visual Arts Committee, the festival will spotlight visual, literary, and performance arts throughout downtown.
Visitors can browse a juried art show, shop unique handmade goods, enjoy live entertainment, and discover the creative talent that makes Red Bank one of the Shore's most vibrant arts communities.
Whether you're looking to pick up a new piece for your home or simply spend a summer afternoon wandering downtown, this is a great excuse to slow down, stroll around, and get a little inspired.
Fireworks, DJs & Summer Night Vibes at Bell Works
If you're looking for a fireworks show with a little extra flair, Bell Works has your June 30 plans covered.
The annual Bell Works Fireworks celebration kicks off at 5 PM with live music from DJ Ian Gray, food, drinks, family activities, and plenty of room to spread out before the main event. Fireworks are scheduled for approximately 9:15 PM and can be viewed from the designated areas in the yellow and red parking lots.
Kids can enjoy a bounce house on the Turf, while adults can grab a drink from Bar Bella Inverno or cool off inside The Block before the show begins. And when the last firework fades, the night isn't over. The Roof Deck will open to the public for a post-fireworks party featuring live music from DJ CFAVZ, drinks, and rooftop views until midnight.
Bring a chair, bring some friends, and get ready for one of Monmouth County's favorite summer traditions.
Middletown’s Summer Movie Series Is Back
Looking for an easy summer night plan that doesn't involve scrolling through Netflix for 45 minutes first?
Middletown's Summer Movie Nights are back, bringing free outdoor screenings to parks across town from July through September. The series kicks off on Thursday, July 2 at 9 PM with National Treasure, followed by fan favorites including Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Monsters, Inc., Top Gun, and Shrek throughout the summer.
This year features giant movie screens, plenty of room to spread out, and the perfect excuse to pack up some snacks, grab a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy a movie under the stars.
Whether you're introducing the kids to a classic or reliving your own favorite movie moments, these outdoor screenings are one of those simple summer traditions that never get old.
Celebrate America’s 250th on the Water
Leave the parade route behind and take your patriotic spirit to the water instead.
The Uncle Sam Patriotic Paddle is coming to Spring Lake on Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, inviting paddleboarders to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary in the most Jersey Shore way possible.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own paddleboards and show up dressed in their best red, white, and blue attire. Think Uncle Sam hats, flag-themed outfits, and enough patriotic flair to make the Fourth of July jealous.
The event promises a fun morning on the lake filled with community spirit, summer scenery, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Live Music Lowdown
Friday, June 26
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Guns 4 Hire | 6 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Joe P | 7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | John Rafferty | 4-7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Karly C & The Rebel Y’all | 7-10 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Joe Russo’s Almost Dead | 5:30 PM
Red Rock Tap + Grill, Red Bank | Liam Davis Band | 7 PM
The Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park | Streetlight Manifesto | 5 PM
Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright | Carnival Dogs | 6 PM
Saturday, June 27
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Rich and Chad | 1-4 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Enjoy! | 6 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | The Ocean Blue | 7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Erik Mason Band | 4-7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Tramps like Us | 4-7 PM
Red Rock Tap + Grill, Red Bank | Pat Roddy Band | 7 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | The Bouncing Souls | 4 PM
Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Slippery When Wet | 7 PM
Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright | 10 String | 6 PM
Sunday, June 28
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Thom White Trio | 1-4 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Nine Deez Nite | 5-9 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Juice | 7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Dakota Diehl | 2-5 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Roots in Blue Stone | 5-8 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | The Church | 7 PM
Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns | 4-7 PM
Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright | enjoy! | 4 PM



