Weekly Roundup 7/21/2026

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, Shucked: Clam Bake at Beach Bar, Tacos & Tequila @ Monmouth Park, Hook, Line & Summer Fun at Fishing 101, Live Music Lowdown

Happy Tuesday, Monmouth County! The forecast has been a little unpredictable lately, but I think we can all agree on one thing: the second the sun comes out, everyone in Monmouth County immediately has the same idea to be anywhere near the water.

On the docket:

  • Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir

  • Shucked: Clam Bake at Beach Bar

  • Tacos & Tequila @ Monmouth Park

  • Hook, Line & Summer Fun at Fishing 101

  • Live Music Lowdown

Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir

The Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir are running all summer long, with tours offered on weekends, a few Fridays, and Wednesdays through early September. Each 45-minute ride is led by Park System Naturalists, who point out local wildlife along the way including turtles, herons, egrets, ospreys, and, if you're lucky, even a bald eagle.

It's one of those outings that's surprisingly relaxing for adults and just exciting enough for kids to stay entertained without asking for an iPad every five minutes. Bring your camera, enjoy the fresh air, and let someone else do the navigating for a change.

Tours depart from the Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center in Howell, and tickets are available the day of the tour. Just be sure to check the schedule ahead of time since tours are weather and water-level dependent.

Shucked: Clam Bake at Beach Bar

This one is for anyone that wants to kick off another amazing summer evening with seafood, ocean views, and leaving dinner absolutely stuffed. Shucked: Clam Bake returns to Beach Bar inside Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Wednesday, August 5, August 19, and September 2.

Dig into an all-you-can-eat spread of Jersey Shore favorites, including clams, mussels, shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, plus enjoy a beer, wine, or non-alcoholic drink while you take in the views of the boardwalk and ocean. Doors open at 5:30pm, dinner starts at 6, and if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, the feast simply moves indoors. Come hungry, meet some new friends, and let someone else handle dinner for a change.

Tacos & Tequila @ Monmouth Park

If tacos are involved, you really don't need to ask me twice.

Head to Monmouth Park on Sunday, August 2, from 11 AM to 5 PM for the Latin Festival: Tacos & Tequila, where more than a dozen food trucks will be serving up everything from empanadas and taquitos to mozzarepas and other Latin favorites.

Wash it all down with a tequila cocktail, catch live music from Xol Azul from 12 to 4 PM, and spend the afternoon enjoying the races, sunshine, and all the summer energy Monmouth Park is known for.

Bringing the kids? Free family activities like pony rides, face painting, clowns, and a bounce house will be happening throughout the day, making this one of those rare events where everyone leaves happy... and very, very full.

Hook, Line & Summer Fun at Fishing 101

Looking for a new summer hobby that's a little more relaxing than scrolling your phone? Fishing 101 at the Manasquan Reservoir is the perfect place to learn the basics (for free!). Held every Thursday from July 9 through September 3, from 8 AM to 12 PM, this beginner-friendly program teaches you how to rig your line, bait a hook, cast, and hopefully reel in your very first fish.

Bait and tackle are provided, and you can stop by the Bait Shop anytime during the program to register for the day. It's open to all ages (kids under 14 must be accompanied by an adult), with a one-hour limit per fishing rod. Whether you're looking for a fun family outing or just want to finally learn what all the fuss is about, this is an easy way to get hooked.

Live Music Lowdown

Friday, July 24
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Skinny Amigo | 6 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Nova Drones | 7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Hang Loose | 4-7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | 80’s Revolution | 7-10 PM
Red Rock Tap + Grill, Red Bank | The Haven | 7 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Shakey Graves & Dope Lemon | 5:30 PM
Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Joe Barracata | 6 PM
Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright | Rockit Fish | 6 PM

Saturday, July 25
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Rich and Chad | 1-4 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Kaos Theory | 6 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Sensational Soul Cruisers | 7 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Gab Cinque Band | 7-10 PM
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park | Lucy Dacus | 5:30 PM
Reef & Barrel, Manasquan | Christmas in July with the Counterfeiters | 6 PM
Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright | 10 String | 6 PM

Sunday, July 26
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Dan Jos | 1-4 PM
The Proving Ground, Highlands | Carl Gentry Band | 5-9 PM
The Wonder Bar, Asbury Park | Sandy Mack's Wonder Jam | 5 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Strumberry Pie | 2-5 PM
The Sandbox, Highlands | Serious FM | 5-8 PM
Red Rock Tap + Grill, Red Bank | Gravy Train | 3-6 PM
Donovan’s Reef, Sea Bright | West End Dogs | 4 PM