Photo by M. Colarusso
Photo by C. Leslie
live entertainment, crafts and children’s activities.
With more than 40 different seafood vendors, a
lively wine and beer tent, live music, artisans and
crafters and plenty of activities for the younger
set, it’s no wonder that the Belmar Seafood Fest,
as it’s commonly known, has been recognized as
one of the ABA’s Top 100 Events in the US and
attracts huge hungry crowds each year.
Amateurs and professionals alike show off
their skills at the hugely popular New Jersey
Sandcastle Contest on the second Wednesday
of July (rain date Thursday). September brings a
traditional Italian-style Feast of San Gennaro to
the downtown area. Other special events include
a seasonal downtown Farmers’ Market and a funfilled
Oktoberfest.
Belmar boasts an active arts and culture scene
all year long, with a wide range of programs,
productions and performances. Belmar Arts
sponsors an ARTWALK through downtown
Belmar in April, offering diverse and exciting
experiences in visual and performing arts yearround
for people of all ages at the Boatworks
gallery and studio on River Road (www.
belmararts.org). During the summer, you’ll find
free Movies on the Beach on Saturday evenings
72 www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com
at dusk during July and August, and countless
free concerts at Pyanoe Plaza on Main Street.
September doesn’t necessarily mean the end of
summer fun: locals know that September often
brings the best beach conditions, and the week
following Labor Day brings surfing pros and
amateurs from around the world to compete in
the Belmar Pro, the East Coast’s preeminent
surfing tournament. Belmar offers a Surf and
Ocean Camp with certified surfing instructors,
providing an excellent summer camp experience
for kids and small-group surf lessons for future
kahunas of all ages. Surf parties offer children an
unforgettable experience. Aloha!
/belmararts.org
/www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com