Live Music, Comedy Night & More: This Weekend In Monmouth County

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The new year has officially arrived.

As 2026 begins, there are plenty of new activities to check out around Monmouth County.

Whether you’re looking to see a show, learn a new skill, or keep the holiday magic going with a drive-thru lights display, here are five local events you can check out this weekend:

Sundown Sessions

• Date: Saturday
• Location: Bar Bella in Bell Works (101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel)
• Details: Grab a cocktail and enjoy the latest edition of Bar Bella’s Sundown Sessions (feat. DJ Robbie Woodside) from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. The bar opens at 4 p.m.

Ray Andersen’s Bowie & Beyond Celebration Show

• Date: Saturday
• Location: The Vogel (99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank)
• Details: Founded in 2018 by lead singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and ex-Meat Loaf band member, Ray Andersen, this rock and roll show is a musical celebration of the music of David Bowie and songs he either co-wrote and/or produced. Tickets required.

Comedy Night

• Date: Saturday
• Location: First Avenue Playhouse (123 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands)
• Details: Enjoy dessert, coffee and a show when Comedy Night comes to First Avenue Playhouse. Doors open at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 732-291-7552.

Magic of Lights

• Dates: Through Saturday
• Location: PNC Bank Arts Center (116 Garden State Parkway, Holmdel)
• Details: Enjoy a drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using LED technology and digital animations. Tickets required.

Cutting, Splitting & Hewing

• Date: Sunday
• Location: Historic Longstreet Farm (44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel)
• Details: Get warmed up using a two-man saw and splitting wedge, and learn how farmers used a froe to rive shingles or a broad axe to hew beams at Historic Longstreet Farm on Sunday. Open to adults.