5 Things To Do In Ocean County This Weekend

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — From live music and fall festivals to Halloween fun and a celebration of Italian heritage, Ocean County will offer plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend of Oct. 17-18.

Families can visit harvest festivals, animal lovers can support local rescue efforts, and music fans can catch performances across the county. Here's a look at five events planned for Saturday and Sunday.

Harvest Festival In Little Egg Harbor

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Pinelands Regional High School, 565 Nugentown Road, Little Egg Harbor

The Little Egg Harbor Chamber of Commerce will host its Harvest Festival, featuring activities and entertainment for the whole family.

The event will include giant inflatables, craft vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, a magician, a balloon twister, a petting zoo and free pony rides. Free rides, a family portrait photographer and free admission are also planned.

For more information, visit Little Egg Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

Harvest Arts Festival In Downtown Toms River

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Washington Street, downtown Toms River

Downtown Toms River will celebrate the season with its Harvest Arts Festival, featuring local performers, vendors, food and art.

The festival will include a juried art show, live music, a petting zoo, a biergarten and other activities. Scheduled performers include Funny Bone, High in the Mid 80’s, The Music Academy and Evolution Martial Arts.

The event offers an opportunity to explore downtown while enjoying fall festivities and performances.

Boo At The Refuge In Forked River

When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, noon to 4 p.m. both days; VIP early access begins at 11 a.m.

Where: Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, Forked River

Popcorn Park Animal Refuge will host its first-ever Halloween celebration, Boo at the Refuge, with activities for families and animal lovers.

The weekend event will feature trick-or-treating, animal encounters, crafts, games and a costume parade and contest. Guests can also meet the refuge's animal ambassadors and enjoy a Halloween-themed atmosphere.

Adults can enjoy Halloween cocktails and beer from participating breweries.

Tickets are available through the Boo at the Refuge ticket page. For more information, email Info@ahsppz.org or call 609-693-1900.

Rock 2 Adopt Charity Music Festival In Bayville

When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18

Where: Veterans Park, 489 Forest Hills Blvd., Bayville

Music fans can enjoy two days of live entertainment while supporting animal adoption and care at the Rock 2 Adopt Charity Music Festival.

The rain-or-shine event will feature two stages of live music, vendors, food trucks, fitness classes and children's entertainment. Performers will span multiple genres, with additional acoustic acts, karaoke, poets and comedians featured on the second stage.

Proceeds will support the Jersey Shore Animal Center and The Bridge Clinic.

Admission is $25 for both days or $15 for one day. Children ages 10 and younger can attend for $10. Pets are not permitted at the event.

For more information, visit Rock 2 Adopt or email rock2adopt@aol.com.

Ocean County Columbus Day Parade And Italian Street Festival

When: Sunday, Oct. 18; Italian Street Festival, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; parade, 1 p.m.

The 35th Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Street Festival has been postponed to Sunday, Oct. 18, because of previous inclement weather.

The event will feature an Italian Street Festival beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the parade at 1 p.m.

Visitors can plan to spend the day celebrating Italian heritage and enjoying the annual community tradition.

Check event organizers' announcements for any additional updates before heading out.