Spring festivals, Rescue Pawlooza, K-pop and more things to do
Spring festivals, Rescue Pawlooza, K-pop and more things to do
Sarah Griesemer and Ilana Keller, Asbury Park PressThu, May 7, 2026 at 9:12 AM UTC
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The moms in your life deserve a treat, and this weekend's Spring Bazaar in Asbury Park will do the trick.
The weekendlong event takes place on the boardwalk at Convention Hall's Grand Arcade, which will be filled with artisans, vendors, musicians and more.
“Mother’s Day can mean something different to everyone, and we’ve created this event to reflect that,” said Jenny Vickers, founder of the Asbury Park Bazaar, in a news release. “Whether you’re honoring someone special, spending time with family, or just enjoying a beautiful spring day by the shore, the Spring Bazaar is about community, creativity, and connection.”
Each day of the event will feature more than 30 local vendors selling everything from jewelry and fashion to home decor, art, food and unique gifts, according to the release. The bazaar also features a build-your-own bouquet bar, a spring-themed photo wall, a DIY hat bar and face painting.
Go: Spring Bazaar, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Grand Arcade of Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, free admission. For more information, visit asburyparkbazaar.com.
The Grand Arcade of Convention Hall in Asbury Park will host a Spring Bazaar this weekend.Spring festival at Island Beach State Park
Treat Mom to a day on the beach at the May Day Spring Festival, happening Saturday.
The fest, organized by Friends of Island Beach State Park, will feature craft vendors, a plant sale, live music and food trucks. Best of all, you can bring your dog!
Go: May Day Spring Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Island Beach State Park swimming area 1, 2401 Central Ave., Seaside Park, $8 suggested donation. For more information, visit friendsofibsp.org.
Rescue Pawlooza in Lake Como
Have fun while helping animals at Rescue Pawlooza, an annual fundraiser for Shore Saves, a Freehold-based nonprofit animal rescue organization.
The event, taking place Saturday at Barn Anticipation in Lake Como, "helps our nonprofit rescue dogs from NJ’s overcrowded shelters all year long," according to the group. It is the Rescue Pawlooza's biggest fundraiser of the year.
The event will feature food, drinks, music, a basket raffle, vendors and shopping. Attendees must be at least 21 years old.
Go: Rescue Pawlooza, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave., Lake Como, $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information or to purchase a ticket. visit shoresaves.com.
K-pop at the library
Channel your inner pop star at the Litle Egg Harbor branch of the Ocean County Library, which is hosting K-pop dancers on Saturday.
Performers from K-Pulse NYC, a K-pop-focused dance studio, will perform and share the history of the music style in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.
The dancers also will visit the library system's Lacey branch, 10 East Lacey Road, at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and the Point Pleasant Borough branch, 834 Beaver Dam Road, at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23.
Go: K-Pulse NYC, 1 p.m. Saturday, Little Egg Harbor branch of the Ocean County Library, 290 Mathistown Road, registration required, free admission. For more information, call 609-294-1197 or visit theoceancountylibrary.org.
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Step Up for The Arc Walk in Lakewood
ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood will host this weekend's 24th annual Step Up for The Arc Walk and Community Day.
The Ocean County chapter of The Arc, a nonprofit organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is planning a fun day this weekend.
The 24th annual Step Up for The Arc Walk and Community Day, "a fun and inclusive event that brings the community together to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities," is happening Saturday at ShoreTown Ballpark. The event begins with carnival games, arts and crafts, face painting and character meet and greets, followed by an accessible 1-mile walk around the baseball stadium's concourse.
Lunch and water ice will follow.
This event is free to attend, but registered participants who raise $50 or more will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Funds raised during the walk will support the chapter's programs and services, according to a news release.
Go: Step Up for The Ark Walk and Community Day, 10 a.m. Saturday, ShoreTown Ballpark, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood. For more information on the event, which is free to attend, call 732-363-3335 or visit arcocean.org.
Creative Arts Festival in Middletown
The Monmouth County Park System's annual Creative Arts Festival returns Saturday, May 9, at Thompson Park in Lincroft.
The festival features more than 50 specially artists in mediums such as pottery, painting, jewelry and more. The family-friendly event also includes live music, art demonstrations, children’s art-based activities and food trucks.
Musical performances sponsored by Musicians on a Mission include:
Pat Guadagno
Carolann Solebello
Dan Toye
Renee Maskin
Brian Molnar
Rich Norman
Art demonstrations include:
Sandra Lupo - Jewelry
Karin Trunz - Painting
Kristen Kunc - Portrait Painting
Konstantin Zingerman – Portrait Sculpture
The Creative Arts Center’s Pottery Challenge is new this year, and will see students from the Creative Arts Center show off their skills using various pottery techniques.
from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. Admission and parking for the festival are free.
Go: Creative Arts Festival; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9; Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. Admission and parking are free. For more information, MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000.
Jewish American Heritage Month in Lacey
The Barynya Duo will perform a concert at the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7, in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month.
Patrons can enjoy music, songs and dances from Eastern Europe performed on domra, garmoshk and balalaika. The duo consists of internationally-renowned balalaika player Elina Karokhina and vocalist, garmoshka and guitar player Mikhail Smirnov.
This program is suited for all ages, the library says.
Go: Barynya Duo; 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7; Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River. Free. Registration is required; visit tinyurl.com/BarynyaLacey, call 609-693-8566, or visit the branch.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Best things to do around the Jersey Shore (May 7-May 10)
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
