Community Corner

Down the Shore: Fireworks, Concerts, Boat Races

What to do at the beach this weekend.

Sunny skies and warm weather should welcome travelers to the Shore this weekend, as communities celebrate Independence Day festivities.

While the await sun-starved travelers, there are plenty of other things to do, places to go and things to see this weekend. Want to catch fireworks? Check out . Looking for family fun? Nightlife? Read on!

EVENTS

The free summer series begins with three concerts this weekend at the 101 Washington St. The 63rd Army Band performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, followed by the Garden State Philharmonic at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Toms River Municipal Band concludes the holiday weekend lineup at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

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An annual July 4 car show will take place at 9 a.m. Monday at , 301 Union Ave., Lakehurst. A parade will follow at 11 a.m., with fireworks at dusk.

Thousands are expected at the , running 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Bands, food, vendors, wiffleball and more will be offered on the grounds of the, 2700 Allaire Road, with a fireworks display capping the extravaganza at 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

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Long Branch will welcome visitors to Oceanfest from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4, featuring fireworks, crafters, food and music. Located on the promenade between Ocean Place Resort & Spa and Seven Presidents Park, fireworks will light up the sky at 9 p.m. after a day that will include bands, clowns, face painters, balloon artists and more.

Manasquan has numerous events planned Saturday, starting with a patriotic bicycle decorating contest at 5 p.m. at the Manasquan-Brielle Little League Field. A bicycle parade will follow at 7:30 p.m. from the Manasquan Coast Guard Station on 2nd Avenue, with a concert by Billy Lawlor at 7:30 p.m. at Main Beach. Fireworks follow at dusk. Rain date is July 3.

Manchester will celebrate the Independence Day weekend with music starting at 6 p.m. Saturday at Harry Wright Lake in Whiting. Nicholas King and the Fabulous Grease Band will entertain the crowd.

Head down to Barnegat's docks for an on Sunday. There will be live music, face painting and races planned for garveys — a traditional Barnegat Bay boat originally designed for shallow-water fishing and now built for speed — speed skiff and ski boats.

If you're heading further south, consider a "Star Spangled Magic" show Friday at Beach Haven's Fantasy Island amusement park. Join Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross for a show that’s part history and part magic. Shows begin at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

For a dose of patriotic fun, head to Tuckerton Sunday for its Fourth of July parade, baby parade and fireworks display. The procession starts at 10 a.m. at the Village Shops, 161 E. Main St., and ends at the Tuckerton Seaport, 120 W. Main St. Fireworks start at dusk at Tip Seaman County Park.

NIGHTLIFE

Manasquan Beach House, 390 E. Main St., ManasquanThis restaurant dates back more than a century as a boarding house. Today it serves as a casual restaurant and bar just a few blocks from Manasquan’s beaches.

Friday: 1980’s dance party at 10 p.m.with DJ Jersey Joe. From noon to 8 p.m. there is the Fantastic Five Happy Hour with $5 menu, $5 pitchers and $5 martinis.

Saturday: Happy hour with $3.50 Coronas, $4 frozen drinks, $4 Bloody Marys and mimosas, $2.50 Miller Lites, DJ Chris dance party.

— Martell’s is one of the most popular beach bars, complete with tiki huts, live music and Caribbean-inspired drinks.

Friday: The party kicks off early at 10 a.m. with Jo Bonanno & the Godsons. Tiki Tea Fridays starts at noon with DJ Tempo. Mike Dalton Trio will be performing at 2 p.m. Radio Riot will be performing late night.

Monday: Mike Dalton Band starts the party at 10 a.m., followed by DJ Tempo at noon. Overboard performs at 2 p.m., and Gypsy Wisdom takes the stage at 8:30 p.m.

Beachcomber, 100 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights A popular spot among late-night partiers, Beachcomber has nightly drink specials and live entertainment.

Friday: Matt Noffsinger Band performs at 10 p.m.

Saturday: Steve Brown performs at 3 p.m.; Trippin’ Carla at 10 p.m.

Sunday: Frankie and The Burn at 4 p.m

Joe Pop’s, 2002 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom — Joe Pop’s is one of the most popular Shore bars and restaurants, consistently voted the #1 nightclub by residents.

Friday: $5 drink specials every hour starting at 9 p.m. Bitter X will be performing live.

Saturday: The party continues with one of the most popular cover bands on the Shore, The Benjamins, at 10:30 p.m.

Sunday: Half-priced drinks and drafts all night, no cover. The Nerds will perform.

Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave, Lake Como – One of the biggest Shore clubs, Bar A has a wide spread of sand bars, cabanas, tiki bars, and club floors.

Friday: Music by the The Amish Outlaws and DJ Mike. Happy hour offers $2.25 pints from 4 to 9 p.m., with DJ Billy Reybert and DJ Mike. Free admission until 9 p.m.

Sunday: Independence Day Band barbecue starting at 2 p.m. with Almost Easy, A True Story, Someone Say Something, Under Pressure, Naked Twister and more. Free barbecue from 2 to 6 p.m., free admission until 4 p.m.

Jenk’s Club, 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach — Jenk's is known for its drink specials, live entertainment and dance parties.

Friday: Live performance by Lifespeed at 10 p.m., $2.50 Coors Lights until midnight.

Saturday: No Standards perform at 2 p.m.; The Benjamins at 10 p.m.

Sunday: Flying Mueller Brothers at 2 p.m. Go-Go Gadget and DJ Unique at night with $3 Corona and Corona Lights all night.

Monday: '70s party with Joe Causi.


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