This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Locals' Summer: What to Look Forward to after Labor Day

September and October are jammed packed with events and festivals that will make you enjoy the Jersey Shore

It’s the time of year where we say goodbye to the barbecues, close the pool, and say hello to the leaves changing colors. But as the summer ends, we can’t be happier to say goodbye to the “bennys”. It is officially , the Jersey Shore. To ensure nothing but happiness, local events raid the post-labor day calendar.

“The people know that the best time to come is in September and October,” said Barbara Steele, Ocean County Director of Public Affairs and Tourism.  

The “best time” she refers to is that of the mass variety of events in September and October that include a boardwalk bed race, festivals, and parades.  The most attended events include the Sailfest in Island Heights, and the Seafood Festival and the Clown Festival in Seaside Heights.

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“People come out for the events because they are free,” Steele said. If you have kids and in this economy, you don’t have to spend money and you can enjoy the entertainment for free.”

The events are not the only thing that allows us to take back the Jersey Shore. Once Labor Day is over, there is a noticeable change in attitude.

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The mood is a little more laid back and relaxed after Labor Day,” explained Maria Maruca, Executive Director of Seaside Heights Business Improvement District.  “There is a different feel in the air and the pace of our visitors seems to slow down a bit. “

With the change of attitude, the events see more of the local crowd.

“We definitely see more residents of Ocean and Monmouth counties for our shoulder season events,” Maruca said. “The local crowd really makes for an enjoyable time.”

For those hesitant about attending the local events, Steele has one message for all.

“Take advantage of what’s in your own backyard,” Steele said. “You live here; you don’t have to travel, so enjoy the events when vendors are full of merchandise and before the crowds start to come out.”

Here are all your “local” events for September and October and the times they begin

Friday, September 9 – Boardwalk Bed Race – Seaside Heights, 6pm

Saturday, September 10 – – Seaside Heights, 10am – 6pm

Saturday, September 10 – - Island Heights, 10am-10pm

Sunday, September 11 – Seafood Fest – Seaside Heights, 10am – 7pm

Sunday, September 11- Vintage Car Show – Seaside Heights, 9am – 5pm

September 16-18 – Seaside Heights Camporee – Seaside Heights, All Weekend

September 17-18 – 30thAnnual Clownfest – Seaside Heights, Sat – 12pm -4pm, Sun 12pm – 3pm

Saturday, September 17 – Moser Miles 5k Cancer Walk – Toms River North High School, 8am

September 22-25 – Seaside Heights Bike Week – Seaside Heights – All Weekend

September 22-25 – NJ H.O.G Rally – Seaside Heights – All Weekend

September 23-25 – Que by the Sea BBQ Competition – Seaside Heights – All Weekend

Saturday, October 1 – Gourmet Chefs/Kitchen Tours – Toms River (Location TBA), Time TBA

Sunday, October 2 – Walk to Cure Diabetes – Seaside Heights, Registration starts at 9am, walk at 10am

Sunday, October 2 – Jellyfish Surf Series (Free Surf Contest) – Seaside Heights, 7am – 6:30pm

October 7-9 – Italian Street Festival – All Weekend

Sunday, October 9 – Ocean County Columbus Day Parade, 1:00pm

Sunday, October 16 –Seaside Heights Marathon and 5K – Seaside Heights,  10:00am

Saturday, October 22 – Clean Ocean Action – Seaside Heights, 9am-12:30pm

Monday, October 31 – Toms River Halloween Parade

Saturday, November 5 – Harbor Seal 5k – Seaside Heights, 10am-12pm

For Complete Information about smaller weekly events visit oceancountytourism.com and seasideheightstourism.com.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?