As BroadWalk Exits, Fall Events Come On The Scene In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — Broad Street is fully open again as BroadWalk, the pedestrian plaza set up all summer on part of the thoroughfare, rolls up until next year.

But more community events are coming up this month and beyond, after what Red Bank RiverCenter said was a "spectacular" BroadWalk season.

BroadWalk operated from May 15 to Oct. 1, with a stretch of Broad Street closed off to cars and opened up to pedestrians, restaurant dining, music, yoga and kids' activities - all to bolster Red Bank's status as a summer destination.

BroadWalk came into being in 2020, as a response to COVID restrictions on indoor dining, said Red Bank RiverCenter Executive Director Bob Zuckerman.

"RiverCenter is proud that what started as an emergency measure during a time of social distancing has evolved into a seasonal attraction of social gathering. We’re pleased the space was used in a way that benefitted both business owners and the public," he said.

RiverCenter promotes businesses and events in the borough.

"From great al fresco dining at our fine BroadWalk restaurants to the musical sounds of StreetLife and the family fun of the Kids Takeover, it was a spectacular season," he said.

Last summer, the opening was delayed when a major reconstruction project was completed on Broad Street.

This year, in addition to enjoying a full season, RiverCenter added some improvements to the operation, including better litter control, providing more oversight of loading zone violations and providing more afternoon community activities.

"Like many RiverCenter initiatives, the BroadWalk relies on a great team effort. We are pleased with the synergy of the Red Bank Police Department, Department of Public Utilities, and our BroadWalk business owners in providing a safe, clean space for public enjoyment," Zuckerman said.

And now that October is here, there's a lot being planned among all partners in the community.

The inaugural Oktoberfest just happened last weekend, with about 2,000 guests, Zuckerman said.

"I want to thank our volunteers from the Red Bank Fire Department and the Red Bank Rotary for helping us put on a truly memorable event," he said.

Zuckerman said RiverCenter is teaming with Red Bank Parks and Recreation for the Halloween movie screening of "Ghostbusters" on Friday, Oct. 13, and the Halloween Parade on Sunday Oct. 22.

“Cornhole on Broad” is happening in the BroadWalk space on Saturday, Oct. 14. The BroadWalk retractable barriers - or bollards - are going up that day for a local charity fundraiser.

And there are lantern-lit ghost tours Friday nights in October by Jersey Shore Ghost Tours. The walking tours highlight Red Bank history, and you can purchase tickets by clicking this link.

And not that far away is the Town Lighting with Holiday Express on Black Friday and on Small Business Saturday RiverCenter will be giving away its new digital gift card “Red Bank Bucks.”