Rally for the Freehold Borough Arts Council When and where: Saturday, Jan. 14 from 8:30 p.m. to midnight at the American Hotel in Freehold Why you should go: Mission Dance has rededicated its previously scheduled event as a benefit for the Freehold Borough Arts Council. The arts council will offer autographed prints of the mural and the 10 salvaged panels will be displayed. What does it cost:  $10 Jazz Concert When and where: Sunday, Jan. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan Why you should go: The Claudio Roditi Quintet plays in the Monmouth County …

Comedy Night When and where: Saturday, Jan. 7 at 9 p.m. at Temple Rodeph Torah in Marlboro Why you should go: Laugh out loud to performance by comedians featured on HBO Comedy Central, A&E, VH1, MTV and more. What does it cost: $40 in advance, $50 at the door Asian Food Markets of Marlboro Grand Opening When and where: Saturday, Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 79 S. Main St. in Marlboro Why you should go: The grand opening of the Asian Food Markets of Marlboro will feature an Asian food festival with nearly 20 stations offering free food samples. The event will also include a Lunar New Year …

Park 33 New Year’s Eve Celebration When and where: Saturday, Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. to Sunday, Jan. 1 at 2 a.m. at Park Avenue Bistro, Banquets & Lounge in Freehold Why you should go: Park Avenue is celebrating the unveiling of Park 33 with a special  New Year’s Eve celebration. Check out the nightlife scene at the new Park 33 as you dance your way into 2012. The event includes a live DJ, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a buffet and a midnight champagne toast. What does it cost: $75 per person Bella Vista Country Club New Year’s Celebration When and where: Saturday, Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. at Bella …

Hanukkah Wonderland When and where: Sunday, Dec. 25 at 2:30 p.m. at 70 Amboy Road in Morganville Why you should go: Participants will be greeted and guided through the many Hanukkah activities, including make-your-own latkes, dreidels, doughnuts and menorahs. Children and adults will also experience Hanukkah through many games and creative crafts. Come and see a hands-on olive oil press demonstration and much more. The Wonderland will also feature a Hanukkah moon bounce and our new dreidel dance machine. The event is geared to the entire family. For more information, call 732-501-7923 or …

Lights for Life When and where: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. through New Year’s Day at Hartigan’s Grille in Englishtown Why you should go: Lights for Life is a synchronized light display set to holiday music. The restaurant has partnered with the Make a Wish Foundation of New Jersey and is accepting donations with the hopes of raising $2,500. What does it cost: Free but donations appreciated The Help When and where: Thursday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at Marlboro Free Public Library Why you should go: The library will screen the critically acclaim film adaptation of Kathryn …

Christmas at Camp When and where: Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakley Farm, 189 Wemrock Road Why you should go: An encampment of Civil War re-enactors will set up camp at Oakley Farm. The re-enactors will decorate their tents for Christmas. The farmhouse will be open to the public and decked out for the holidays, as well. The event is sponsored by the Freehold Township Heritage Society. What does it cost: Free Christmas Carols and Readings When and where:  Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at Old Brick Reformed Church Why you should go: Enjoy an evening of Christmas carols performed …

The Breeze Christmas Ball When and where:  Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the American Hotel Why you should go: The Breeze 107.1 FM will host its Christmas Ball in Downtown Freehold. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. The event will feature live music, prize giveaway, a visit from Santa and more. Prizes will include a $200 gift card from Garmany of Red Bank, gift baskets from 360 Hair & Nails in Eatontown, a 32-inch LCD television, and a woman’s Movado Watch from Fords Jewelers. What does it cost: $5 donate to the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties It’s a Wonderful…

Thanksgiving Weekend Dance Party When and where: Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9 p.m. to midnight at the American Hotel in Freehold Why you should go: Dance off the Thanksgiving calories and let loose at a dance party at the American Hotel on Saturday. Music will be provided by Mission Dance Entertainment. What does it cost:  Bring non-perishable food items to benefit Open Door Food Pantry. Dance-a-Thon When and where: Friday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Dance Attitudes, 6 Timber Lane in Marlboro Why you should go: The second annual Dance-a-Thon organized by a group of teen fundraisers called Beauty …

Field Hockey Clinic When and where: Saturday, Nov. 12 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Park Avenue Elementary School in Freehold Why you should go: Ever want to learn about field hockey? Would you like your child to learn a new sport? The field hockey clinic will teach children aged six years and up about the sport. The event is open to players of all levels. The Freehold High School field hockey team, which recently captured a section title and is looking for another state championship, will serve as instructors at the clinic. What does it cost: Free Open Hearth Cooking When and where: Saturday…

Chef David Burke When and where: Saturday, Nov. 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Delicious Orchards Why you should go: Chef David Burke, owner of the Fromagerie in Rumson, will be on hand to sign his cookbook as well as the Delicious Orchards 100th anniversary cookbook. Burke will also be available to sample and discuss fine coffees from Coffee Afficionado, which has partnered with the chef and Delicious Orchards to provide hand-picked coffees from around the world. What does it cost: Free Sharim V'Sharot A Cappella Concert When and where: Sunday, Nov. 6 at 3 p.m. at Jewish Heritage Museum of …

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 …

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 goblins as haunters role-play scary Halloween scenes for riders on the haunted hayride. Old-fashioned wagons will run continuously throughout the afternoon. This event will cannot be held in inclement weather. What does it cost:  Free 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 …

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 …

Civil War Reenactment When & where: Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Monmouth County Historical Association Museum & Library, 70 Court St. in Freehold Why you should go: The Monmouth County Historical Association will host a Civil War reenactment featuring mock drills and the firing of blank ammunition. Visitors will get a chance to observe rug making, chair caning and hat box making, as well as learn how to fire a cannon. Visit with Mary Todd Lincoln, watch a Victorian tea ceremony or learn the dances of the Civil War era. Activities are scheduled …

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 …