Spring Ahead Without Pain! Free Massage for New Patients When and where: Friday, Feb. 17 at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation in Red Bank Why you should go: If you've got back or knee pain, Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation wants to help you out. Doctors Chang and Dandrea are offering free 30-minute massages to all new patients. The doctors say they will also create a customized program of care for you and take x-rays when necessary - all free of charge. What does it cost: Free Cool Kids Concert Series with Miss Sherri When and where: Friday, Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m. at Middletown Arts Center in …

Sickles' Annual Artists Weekend When and where: Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sickles Market in Little Silver Why you should go: Chase the winter blues away with a visit to the Sickles Market greenhouse during the market’s annual Artists’ Weekend, where a dozen artists will display and create art. Also debuting at Sickles over the weekend will be RBR's line of signature sandwiches... get yours and support your favorite Bucs class! What does it cost: Free, artwork for sale. Boomer Breakfast When and where: Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8 a.m. at 1183 State Route 35 (…

Sickles' Orchid Seminar When and where: Saturday, Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sickles Market in Little Silver Why you should go: Learn how easy orchids can be! Guest lecturers from Deep Cut Orchid Society will give an introduction to enjoying and growing orchids, discussing basic care, water and light requirements, repotting, and growing an orchid collection. What does it cost: $15, advance registration required in person or by calling 732-741-9563 The "Grape to be Back" Blues Show When and where: Friday, Feb. 3 at The Wine Loft in Long Branch Why you should go: Instead of sitting at …

Oktoberfest at Allen House When & where:  Friday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at Allen House, 400 Sycamore Ave. in Shrewsbury Why you should go: The Monmouth County Historical Association will hold a beer tasting fundraiser at the historic Allen House. A selection of beer and local wines will be offered including those from Carton Brewing Company, Trapp Lodge Brewery, and JG's Orchards & Vineyards. An all-you-can-eat buffet will be provided by Local Smoke BBQ. The event will also feature entertainment, chance games, a 50/50 raffle, and a basket raffle. Visit monmouthhistory.org for more information …

Thompson Park Day When & where:  Sunday, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Thompson Park in Lincroft Why you should go: Thompson Park Day is an annual fall festival featuring pumpkin painting, a scarecrow contest, wagon rides, kids' races, entertainment and the Strut Your Mutt doggie costume contest. What does it cost:  Free to attend, registration for Strut Your Mutt is $15 Spooktacular Haunted Hayride When & where:  Saturday, Oct. 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. starting in the Wells Fargo parking lot, 72 W. Main Street in Freehold Why you should go: Freehold’s streets will be lines ghosts and …

Dogs for Dystonia When & where:  Sunday, Oct. 9 from noon to 3 p.m. at Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township Why you should go: The sixth annual Dogs for Dystonia dog walk raises money for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes muscles to contract involuntarily and the body to twist into irregular postures. The event will feature games and contests for children and dogs, crafts, costumed dog and children photos, vendors, demonstrations, prizes and more. What does it cost:  $25 Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk When & where…

Grateful Dog Walk & Pet Fair When & where:  Saturday, Oct. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft Why you should go: The Monmouth County SPCA’s Grateful Dog Walk & Pet Fair will feature live music, animal-friendly vendors, demonstrations, contests and more. Participants in the dog walk raise money to support the Monmouth County SPCA’s programs. What does it cost:  Minimum of $25 in pledge money or $30 admission Latino Festival of Monmouth County When & where:  Film festival Friday Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2 at the Center Playhouse and live entertainment Saturday, …

Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival When & where: Sunday, Sept. 25 from noon to 7 p.m. in the White Street Parking Lot Why you should go: Lots of Guinness and fresh oysters in the middle of Downtown Red Bank—what’s not to love? In addition to great food from area restaurants, the second annual Guinness Oyster Festival will also feature bands performing Irish music, blues and rock. The family friendly event will also feature plenty of activities for the kids. What does it cost: $5 admission New York Polyphony When & where: Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in …

Rose Show When & where:  Saturday, Sept. 10 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown Why you should go: The Jersey Shore Rose Society’s 40th Annual Rose Show will feature several varieties of roses from area gardeners. Roses will be judged and prizes awarded. What does it cost: Free Colts Neck Rock Fest When & where:  Saturday, Sept. 10 from noon to 11 p.m. at Cedar Drive School Why you should go: Listen to area rock bands perform covers and original songs during the third annual Colts Neck Rock Fest. The outdoor event will also feature craft and jewelry vendors. What does …

BBQ & Craft Beer Festival When & where:  Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4 at Monmouth Park, 175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport Why you should go: Monmouth Park’s third annual beer tasting event will feature specialty microbrews and barbeque from some of your favorite area restaurants. Enjoy a day at the races with good food, cold beer, and live country music. What does it cost: $3 grandstand admission, $3 general parking, $10 for 10 two-ounce beer samples of your choice. Toby Keith When & where: Friday, Sept. 2 at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel Why you should go: Start your Labor Day weekend…

Feast of the Giglio When & where:  5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 and Friday, Aug. 26; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27; and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28 at the St. Rose of Lima Church parking lot Why you should go: The Italian festival will feature rides, food and nightly entertainment. Assuming Hurricane Irene plays nice and doesn’t pull in until later Sunday, the Feast of the Giglio will culminate with 75 to 100 men lifting a five-story wooden structure known as a giglio at 1 p.m. on Sunday. What does it cost: Free to attend, cost of food and rides vary Fair Haven …

International Polo Club of Colts Neck When & where:  Sunday, Aug. 21 at Bucks Mill Park in Colts Neck; gates open at 4 p.m., play begins at 5 p.m. Why you should go: If you’ve never watched a polo game, let the International Polo Club of Colts Neck show you the thrill of the sport as the home team SLS Jets face off against Triglobal. What does it cost: Free Discover Disc Golf When & where:  Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thompson Park Why you should go: The park is hosting Disc Golf Day this weekend. Disc golf involves throwing a Frisbee at a chain net target …

Chelsea Handler When & where:  Friday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at PNC Bank Arts Center Why you should go: You love the late night funny lady’s show on E!, now you can see her love in your backyard. What does it cost: $20 to $125 Argentine Tango Milonga Dance Social When & where:  Saturday, Aug. 13 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Middletown Arts Center Why you should go: Dance the night away in Middletown on Saturday. This tango social is for all experience levels. Bring a partner or find one at the event. Light refreshments will be served. What does it cost: $15 Nature Hike When & where: Sunday, …

Blink-182 and My Chemical Romance When & where: Friday, Aug. 5 at PNC Bank Arts Center Why you should go: Catch Blink-182 and My Chemical Romance on the local leg of their 10th their 40-date, 10th anniversary Honda Civic Tour. What does it cost: $20 to $69.50 Monmouth County SPCA Midnight Madness Adopt-a-Thon When & where: Friday, Aug. 5 from noon to midnight at the Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St., Eatontown Why you should go: The Monmouth County SPCA is looking to beat its goal of 50 adoptions in 12 hours. Adoption fees will be waived for adult pets over four months, though a donation …

Haskell Invitational When & where: Sunday, July 31 at Monmouth Park in Oceanport. Gates open at 10 a.m., the first race takes place at noon and the $1 million Haskell is the 12th race on the card. Why you should go: The biggest horse race of the summer is right in out own backyard. The 44th Annual Haskell Invitational is expected to be a rematch between Preakness winner Shackleford and Belmont Stakes victor Ruler on Ice. What does it cost: Tickets range from $12.90 to $21.60 Monmouth County Fair When & where: Thursday, July 28 and Friday, July 29 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, July 30 and …

Summer is prime time for parks and recreation departments across the county. Concerts, fireworks, movies and more will keep you entertained and won’t drain your wallet. Here’s what’s on tap in your towns this weekend: Freehold Township Day When & where: Michael J. Tighe Park on Georgia Road in Freehold Township on Saturday, July 9 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Why you should go: This free day of fun and patriotism celebrates its 10th year with food, rides, fireworks and a concert by The Nerds and Screaming Broccoli. Other activities include a volleyball tournament, a car show, laser tag, and a teen …

SkimBash 2011 When & where: Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sea Bright Public Beach Why you should go: Now in its eighth year, SkimBash 2011 has proven to be a premier event for pro and amateur skimboarders from across the country. Spectators can enjoy music, food and giveaways as they enjoy top-notch skimpoarding. What does it cost: Amateur entry fee is $35 plus a $15 Skim USA membership fee if you are not a 2011 member; semi-pro entry fee is $50 plus Skim USA membership; pro entry fee is $100 plus Skim USA membership; spectators must pay an $8 beach access…

Open Shoot Archery Program When & where: Sunday, June 19 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Thompson Park in Lincroft Why you should go: Want to try your hand at archery? Thompson Park is sponsoring an Open Shoot Archery Program at the Activity Barn. The non-instructional program is for adults and children eight years and up. Kids under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, contact Michele Clampffer at 732-842-4000 ext. 4240 What does it cost: $5 The George Sheehan Classic When & where: Saturday, June 18 at 8:30 a.m. at Marine Park in Red Bank Why you should go: The …

NJ Emerging Artists Series When & where: Opening reception on Friday, June 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft Why you should go: The Monmouth Museum will present the eco-friendly, puzzle-like works of Amy Puccio, who uses leftover scraps of picture frame moulding in her wood sculptures. The last exhibit of the 2010-2011 season of the NJ Emerging Artist Series will run from June 3 to July 3. What does it cost: Free Armed Forces Day When & where: Saturday, June 4 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Monmouth Park in Oceanport Why you should go: Armed Forces Day salutes members of …

Learn to Sail When & where: Monmouth Boat Club, 31 Union St., Red Bank, on Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Why you should go: Ever thought about sailing? Now you can find out if it’s truly for your. The Monmouth Boat Club is holding its annual open house with information on sailing as well as free sailboat rides. What does it cost: Free Family Fun Fair at St. Catherine’s When & where: St. Catherine’s Church, 180 Bray Ave., Middletown, on Thursday, May 26 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Why you should go: The event will feature rides, food , music …