As our vibrant and charming haven digs out and awakens from this long winter, 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 warmer weather? Ready to take a stroll into the longer evenings as a breeze softens and new growth blooms, ready to enjoy the spontaneous tunes while passing the gazebo, ready to see happy faces and the streetscape painted in vibing colors by the lush over flowering planters.
Well, exciting times are inbound as we prepared to kick off Irish Week with some exciting festive events leading up to the Freehold Borough Arts Council’s St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday March 15th. Be sure to visit our interactive website 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 freehold 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 event calendar and stay up to date on community events that run all year long. If you are planning a visit, our website has everything you need to know, from parking information and regulations 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. It’s easy to navigate on your phone 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 11th – 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. $25 per person. Tickets are 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 stroll from place to place with their “Shamrock Passport” used as a guide for where to go and they collect signatures from each stop to enter for a chance to win gift cards to be used towards another night out on the town. Whether you are new to the area and have yet to explore Downtown Freehold or are getting together with old friends to return to the old stopping 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 12th – 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Beer crawl: $25 per person, Scotch crawl: $50 per person. Tickets are 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 the frothy pints or prefer a glass of smooth Scotch, we’ve got the perfect ticket for you! Purchase your ticket and stop by the DowntownFreehold.com office lobby at 20 Court Street on Thursday, March 13th, to pick up your ticket and deck yourself out with some awesome Irish gear! Don’t 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 Parade – Sunday, March 15th
10:40 a.m. – Check in at 68 West Main Street in front of Columbia Bank
11:30 a.m. – Line up begins on West Main Street
12:00 p.m. – 2026 Grand Marshall Induction Ceremony at 62 West Main Street in front of the American Legion Freehold – Monmouth Post 54.
12:30 p.m. – Step off, the parade path runs down West Main Street and ends at the Freehold Elks Lodge 1454.
The parade route this year is packed with tons of fun and Irish tradition, as participants will march from McLean Street to the Field Elks Lodge. This year’s parade will feature four pipe and drum bands, the most we’ve ever had. Our Grand Marshall is Glenn Cashon and our community grand marshals are Roger and Rich Kane.
Thank you to the parade committee members including members of the Freehold Borough Arts Council, Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 16, Freehold Colombian Club, Freehold Elks Club, and the Freehold American Legion Monmouth Post 54 as well as our featured sponsors downtown slime and Columbia Bank.
A special thank you to all our volunteers and to the Freehold Borough Police Department. Get your Irish gear at the gazebo!
After Parties
Freehold Elks Lodge 1454
Corned beef platters, sandwiches, beverages, etc
50/50 Raffle – 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Christine Reese, Mary McPaul or Lodge.
Band – Mail Order Brides 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Freehold Knights of Columbus
Corned beef platters, sandwiches, beverages, etc.
Band – Jimmy and Gene
The American hotel
Corned beef platters, sandwiches, beverages, etc.
Band -The Eddie Testa Band: $5 cover charge – Majestic Room
Pat Guadagno & Richard Blackwell – Royal Room
Additional seating, food, and simulcast live – Lennox Room.
(FBAC) Freehold Borough Arts Council’s Open Mic Night – Every third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Royal room at The American Hotel, 18-20 East Main Street
United for Impact Food Truck Festival – Featuring The Joe Baracata band and The Eddie Testa Band! Sunday, April 26th, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join us for a day of delicious eats, beer garden, live music, and family fun. Bring your appetite and good vibes – will see you there!
FBAC Porch Fest- porches transform into stages all over town on Sunday, March 17th. Pick up your FBAC Porch Fest guide at the Hall of Records Plaza, 1 East Main Street, which will become a vendor market in the center of Downtown Freehold during the event. Bands can participate in the 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 the registration form and returning it to FBACportfest@gmail.com
For information on our summer events including Thursday’s Rock! Summer Concert Series, Family Fun & Movie Night, The Juneteenth Celebration, Weekend Gazebo Concerts, Farmers Market, and the FBAC Sunday’s Jazz, Blues & More Summer Concert Series visit DowontownFreehold.com. Hope to see you all in Downtown Freehold soon.
