5 Things To Do In Ocean County This Weekend

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Looking for something to do around Ocean County this weekend? From live music festivals and family-friendly community celebrations to an outdoor movie on the beach and a Broadway musical at the Jersey Shore, there's plenty happening Saturday and Sunday.

Here's a look at five events worth checking out:

Ocean Gate Day Returns To The Riverfront

Spend the day along the waterfront during Ocean Gate Day, featuring food vendors, shopping and family fun.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the riverfront at the corner of Longport and Wildwood avenues in Ocean Gate.

One of the day's signature attractions is the Cardboard Boat Race, beginning at 12 p.m. at the First Pier. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 9.

Celebrate Homemade Music At The Jersey Shore Cigar Box Guitar Festival

Music lovers can head to Brick on Saturday for the 2026 Jersey Shore Cigar Box Guitar Music Festival, a celebration of handcrafted instruments featuring live performances, vendors, a traveling cigar box museum, games and more.

The festival runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Brick Elks Lodge #2151, 2491 Hooper Ave., Brick.

The lineup includes Agape Blues Band with "Bad Penny" Chris Anderson, Wedding Funeral, Suitcase Ramblers, Dar Stellabotta and The Cigar Box Stompers.

Admission is $10. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from the Elks. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Travel Back To The Woodstock Era At Pineystock

Relive the music of the late 1960s and early 1970s during PINEYSTOCK, returning Aug. 9 at the Albert Music Hall.

Doors open at 1 p.m., with music beginning at 2 p.m. Performers include Redbird & The Rubber Chickens, Lost in Brunswick, Acoustic Flannel, Willis Family Band and The Goodstock Jam Band.

Visitors can also enjoy a free drum circle, face painting, balloons, food, a 50/50 drawing and limited-edition event merchandise.

Admission is free for Pine Cone Society members. Non-member admission is $10 for adults and $1 for children. The venue is cash only and offers free parking.

Watch A Free Movie On The Beach In Seaside Heights

Pack a blanket or beach chairs and enjoy a free movie under the stars during Movies on the Beach in Seaside Heights.

This weekend's featured film is "Lilo & Stitch," showing Aug. 9, beginning at dusk on the beach at the Fremont Avenue entrance.

Admission is free, and families are encouraged to bring snacks from the nearby boardwalk while enjoying the oceanfront screening. Movies are weather permitting.

See Pretty Woman: The Musical On Long Beach Island

Broadway comes to the Jersey Shore this weekend as "Pretty Woman: The Musical" takes the stage at Surflight Theatre.

The production, based on the beloved film starring Julia Roberts, features an original score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and follows the romance between Vivian and Edward in a new theatrical adaptation.

Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Aug. 8 and 2 p.m. Aug. 9, making it a great option for theater fans visiting Long Beach Island.