As our vibrant and charming haven awakens from its winter slumber, the local beat rouses with the perky energy of spring – and we look forward to a full year of happenings in Downtown Freehold.
Neighbors and newcomers alike surface to see what the season will bring and despite what Punxsutawney Phil predicts, we know that winter is waning, and the sun will be shining in our hometown very soon.
Aren’t we all ready for the warmer weather? Ready to take a stroll into longer evenings as the breeze softens and new growth blooms, ready to enjoy spontaneous tunes while passing the gazebo, ready to see happy faces and the streetscape painted in vivid color by lush overflowing planters.
Well, exciting times are inbound as we prepare to kick off Irish Week with some exciting festive events leading up to the Freehold Borough Art Council’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16. Look at all that is going on by visiting our newly upgraded and reimagined digital home, DowntownFreehold.com! With just a click – browse Business Specials all in one place or use our Business Directory to discover and explore the best of what downtown has to offer.
DowntownFreehold.com has become a go-to place for the community to find out what’s happening in Freehold, so we made sure that no matter what your interest is, it’s right at your fingertips. See all that we have planned for you in the user-friendly events calendar and stay updated on community events that run all year long. If you are planning a visit, our new website has everything you need to know, from parking information to a fully functional Business Directory. Use the Directory to find restaurants, shops, or different types of professional services. Access Business Specials from places you did not know before or return for your favorite local deals. Make sure to get your DowntownFreehold.com Discount Card for additional savings that can keep hundreds in your pocket this year! Purchase event tickets or donate with a clear and concise shopping experience paired with fast and simple checkout options. Easy to navigate on phones so you can check what’s happening on the go. Discover what’s new and start exploring today!
Keep in touch with all that’s happening by signing up for our newsletter directly from the website and connect with us on our social media pages to feel more in the know!
EVENTS
*Irish Week: With multiple events going on, our Downtown Freehold Irish Week definitely brings people out of the cold winter blues and into the feeling that spring is right around the corner!
Irish Week Flavor of Freehold – Wednesday, March 12 – 5:30-8 p.m., $25 per person. Tickets available on our website. Patrons are offered a chance to get a taste of the town with signature samples from some of Freehold’s most beloved establishments. Participants walk from place to place with their “Shamrock Passport” used as a guide of where to go and they can collect signatures from each stop and enter for a chance to win gift cards to use towards another night out on the town. Whether you are new to the area and have yet to explore Freehold or if you are getting together with old friends to return to the old stomping grounds, this event is a home run and will have you driving home with a big smile and a full belly. Come to the DowntownFreehold.com office located at 20 Court Street, Suite 100 to check-in and get some Irish Gear before you begin.
Irish Week Pub Crawl – Thursday, March 13 – 8-10 p.m., Beer Crawl: $25 per person, Scotch Crawl: $50 per person. Tickets available on our website. Embrace the spirit of Ireland at our Irish Week Pub Crawl! Call your buddies and join us for a festive adventure filled with great drinks, beloved venues, and Irish charm! Whether you’re a fan of frothy Pints or prefer a glass of smooth Scotch, we’ve got the perfect ticket for you! Purchase your tickets and stop by the DowntownFreehold.com office lobby at 20 Court St. on Thursday, March 13, to pick up your tickets and deck yourself out in some awesome Irish Gear! Do not miss out on this festive pub crawl—gather your friends, wear your green, and let’s raise a glass to the luck of the Irish!
(FBAC) Freehold Borough Arts Council’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Sunday, March 16.
- 10:40 a.m. – Check-in at 68 West Main St., in front of Columbia Bank
- 11:30 a.m. – Lineup On West Main
- 12 p.m. – 2025 Grand Marshal Induction Ceremony at 62 West Main St., in front of the American Legion Freehold-Monmouth Post 54
- 12:30 p.m. – Step-Off, the parade path runs down Main Street and ends at Freehold Elks Lodge 1454 Point
The parade route this year is packed with tons of fun and Irish tradition, as participants will march from McLean Street to the Elks Lodge. Thank you, Freehold Borough Arts Council, the Ancient Order of Hibernians Div 16, Freehold Colombian Club, Freehold Elks and many others for making this all possible and a very special thank you to the Freehold Borough Police Department. Get Irish Gear at the Gazebo! The parade will assemble at McLean Street starting at 11:30 a.m. and the parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m.!
After Parties:
Freehold Elks Lodge 1454
Corned Beef Platters, Sandwiches, Beverages, etc.
50/50 – 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Christine Reese, Mary McPaul or Lodge
Mail Order Bride 1 to 6 p.m.
Freehold Knights of Columbus
Corned Beef Platters, Sandwiches, and Beverages
Jimmy & Gene’s McMahon Clan
The American Hotel
Corned Beef Platters, Sandwiches, Beverages, etc.
Immediately After Parade
THE EDDIE TESTA BAND $5 Cover Charge – Majestic Room
Pat Guadagno & Richard Blackwell – Royal Room
*Seating, Food & Simulcast Live – Lenox Room
American Legion
The American Legion is graciously opening their doors for use of the restrooms and donating the electric for audio equipment at lineup.
(FBAC) Freehold Borough Arts Council’s Open Mic Night– Every 3rd Tuesday of the Month, 6:30-9 p.m., Royal Room at The American Hotel, 18-20 East Main St., Email: fbacopenmic@gmail.com for more information.
Showcase @ The Hotel: Dueling Pianosfeaturing Tony T. and Wildman Joe on April 11th, purchase your tickets today during early access pricing. Join us for a new fundraising event, The Showcase @ The Hotel is a ticketed event with various themes for people to have a fun night out and something to look forward to each month. Great opportunity to help support all the wonderful happenings downtown. The Showcase offers special menus for the evening and the option for early entry with VIP access.
United for Impact Food Truck Festival– Sunday, April 27, 2-4 p.m. Join us for a day of delicious eats, live music, and family fun. Bring your appetite and good vibes – we’ll see you there!
FBAC PorchFest – Porches transform into stages all over town on Sunday, May 18. Pick up your FBAC PorchFest guide from the hall of records plaza which will become a vendor market in the center of Downtown Freehold during the event. Bands can participate in a competition which requires your vote to determine who will play at one of the exclusive DowntownFreehold.com Concert Series shows next year! Get involved by filling out a registration form and returning it to FBACPorchFest@gmail.com
ThursdaysROCK! Summer Concert Series – 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sublime summer evenings are the perfect backdrop for upbeat and entertaining music. Our ThursdaysROCK! Summer Concert Series, produced in association with CentraState Healthcare Systems, features widely known groups and local talent that attract audiences from the greater-Freehold area and beyond. The free Thursday night concerts in June, July and August attract people of all ages. Music fans enjoy dining downtown and our Court Street Vendor market, before, during and after the performances.
2025 Thursday’s ROCK! Summer Concert Series schedule:
- June 5: N&D Electric Duo
- June 12: Austin City Nights
- June 19: Rockit Fish
- June 26: Mission Dance
- July 3: The Eddie Testa Band
- July 10: Joe Baracata Band
- July 17: Black Dog
- July 24: Midnight Rock Show
- July 31: Eddie Money Tribute Band
- August 7: Winslow
- August 14: Van Halen Tribute Band
- August 31: Turnstyles
Family Movie Night – Located at the Hall of Records, June 25 to August 20. Grab a lawn chair and maybe a blanket, pick up a bite to eat downtown and watch a movie outside, right in front of the Hall of Records. DowntownFreehold.com’s Family Movie Nights are sure to be a hit with all. Our selected movies will bring a smile to family members of all ages ranging from great new movies to all-time classics.
Juneteenth Celebration – Sunday, June 8, noon to 5 p.m. Main Street in Downtown Freehold between court street and Throckmorton presented by Monmouth County Diversity Alliance Inc. Food, Music, Vendors and his year’s live entertainment will be Valerie Adams and the Dimension Band.
Friday Gazebo Concerts – 7-9 p.m., Every Friday, July 4 to September 26, at the DowntownFreehold.com Gazebo!
Saturday Gazebo Concerts– 7-9 p.m., Every Saturday July 5 to September 27, at the DowntownFreehold.com Gazebo!
FBAC 2025 Jazz, Blues & More Summer Concert Series – Every Sunday July 6 through August 24 at the DowntownFreehold.com Gazebo! 7-9 p.m. A special “Thank you” to our sponsors who have made this series possible: Dru-Anne Palaima, Linda Fascio, Freehold Art Gallery.
- July 6: Chuck Lambert Band
- July 13: Billy J. Brown & Jennifer Jordan
- July 20: Vel Johnson/Kelli Sanders
- July 27: Fast Forward
- August 3: Joe Lisa Trio
- August 10: Pat Guadagno & Richard Blackwell
- August 17: Lousy Neighbors
- August 24: Rogues On The Run
- August 31: CMJ Jazz Band
Farmer’s Market – Fridays June 27 to October. The DowntownFreehold.com Farmer’s Market is a fantastic community event for all to benefit from; with the goal of establishing a consistent and reliable source for people in our community to have access to healthy locally grown food. We bring Jersey Fresh vendors right to the center of town every Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the Hall of Records! Buy sun-ripened, freshly picked fruits and vegetables directly from the farmers who grow them.
