Festivals, 5K Runs, Animal Shows & More: This Weekend In Monmouth County

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — May has officially arrived.

As we kick off the weekend and the start of a new month, there’s plenty of events to check out around Monmouth County this weekend.

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Whether you’re looking to shop local, check out some free comics, go to a reptile and exotic animal show, or support your community through a weekend 5K, here are nine local events you can check out this weekend:

Free Comic Book Day

• Date: Saturday
• Locations: Red Bank & Eatontown
• Details: The Comic Crypt in Eatontown and Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash in Red Bank are just two of hundreds of comic book shop locations participating in Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, where customers can get free comics at their local participating stores.
• Read More: Red Bank Store Will Celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2026

Made In Monmouth

• Date: Saturday
• Location: Brookdale Community College (765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft)
• Details: Shop from over 200 local vendors for accessories, art, home decor and more at the spring Made In Monmouth.

18th Annual Run With Lions 5K

• Date: Saturday
• Location: Cream Ridge Winery (145 County Route 539, Cream Ridge)
• Details: Take part in the annual Run With Lions 5K, where proceeds support the Allentown (NJ) Food Pantry. Registration required.

5th Annual Highlands Fiesta de Mayo

• Date: Saturday
• Location: Check-in at Huddy Park (329 Bay Avenue, Highlands)
• Details: Enjoy the 5th Annual Highlands Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl with local restaurants and establishments competing for the best margarita in Highlands. Tickets/registration required.

Billy DiMaio 5K Run & Walk

• Date: Sunday
• Location: Starts on Billy DiMaio Blvd., Holmdel
• Details: Take part in or support the first annual Billy DiMaio 5K Run & Walk in honor of Billy DiMaio, a Holmdel resident who lost his life in the 2025 New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans. Registration required.
• Read More: 5K Run & Walk Will Honor Holmdel Man Killed In New Orleans Terror Attack

The Ridge Road Run 5K

• Date: Sunday
• Location: Red Bank Regional High School (101 Ridge Road, Little Silver)
• Details: Take part in or support this annual event that raises funds for mental health programming in three local schools. Sign-up required.
• Read More: The Ridge Road Run: Annual 5K Unites Communities To Raise Awareness For Suicide Prevention

NJ Reptile & Exotic Animal Show

• Dates: Saturday & Sunday
• Location: VFW Post 2179 (460 NJ-36, Port Monmouth)
• Details: Check out live reptiles, exotic animals, supplies, enclosures and more at the NJ Reptile & Exotic Animal Show. Tickets required.

Weekend In Old Monmouth

• Dates: Saturday & Sunday
• Location: Throughout Monmouth County
• Details: Visit almost 60 historic sites and museums for free during a Weekend In Old Monmouth.
• Read More: 'A Weekend In Old Monmouth' May 2, 3: Free Tours Of Historic Sites

Monmouth Moms Spring Festival

• Date: Sunday
• Location: Bell Works (101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel)
• Details: Enjoy a family-friendly indoor event with arts and crafts, open play, Mother’s Day fun, kids' activities and more. You can register here.