Live Music, Winter Wildlife Walk & More: This Weekend In Monmouth County

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The weekend is almost here.

Whether you’re looking to check out a local festival, enjoy what nature has to offer during a Winter Wildlife Walk, see a play, or participate in a community celebration, there are plenty of events planned around Monmouth County.

Here are six local events you can check out this weekend:

Light of Day WinterFest 2026

• Dates: Friday & Sunday
• Location: The Stone Pony (913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park)
• Details: Enjoy performances from Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky, Lakehouse Music, Rock’n Music Academy and more during Light of Day WinterFest events at The Stone Pony. Tickets required.

Pokémon Market

• Date: Saturday
• Location: Bell Works (101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel)
• Details: Enjoy 320+ tables of Pokémon trading card games, art, plushies and collectibles at Liquid Game's first Pokémon Market of 2026. Learn more from Patch’s previous reporting.

Seal & Winter Waterfowl Walk

• Date: Saturday
• Location: American Littoral Society (18 Hartshorne Drive, Highlands)
• Details: Join the American Littoral Society for a Winter Wildlife Walk to discover the waterfowl and seals that spend the cooler months along the shore. You can register here.

Same Time, Next Year

• Dates: Opens Saturday (with various dates through Jan. 25)
• Location: Algonquin Arts Theatre (60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan)
• Details: Relive the charm of the 1978 film starring Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn with Algonquin Arts Theatre’s stage production of “Same Time, Next Year.” Tickets required.

A Little Shakespeare: As You Like It

• Dates: Opens Saturday (with various dates through Jan. 25)
• Location: Two River Theater (21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank)
• Details: Now in its 13th year, “A Little Shakespeare” engages young artists with the work of the Bard in an adaptation directed and designed by professional artists, and performed and supported backstage by high school students. Tickets required.

Martin Luther King Day Celebration

• Date: Monday
• Location: The Vogel (99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank)
• Details: Join the Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank’s Pilgrim Baptist Church and other community collaborators for an event featuring inspirational performances and reflections from community leaders. The celebration aims to serve as an opportunity for the community to come together in recognition of Dr. King’s enduring impact and the power to inspire connection, dialogue, and social progress.