The sights, sounds and smells of the autumn season will surround you this October.

Start the month with the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes at Monmouth University’s Pollak Theater on Oct. 1. Then, on Oct. 2, iPlay America in Freehold begins their month-long celebration featuring 55 performances, a trick-or-treat trail, costumed characters and more.

If you’re looking for a laugh, check out comedian Steven Wright at Count Basie Theatre Oct. 2.

On Oct. 3 there is no shortage for fall fun:

• Oktoberfest in the Highlands from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Veterans Park for traditional Bavarian food, German beers, live music, vendors and children’s activities;
• Stop by Lake Como, Matawan or Tinton Falls to help each town celebrate their community; and
• A Fall Doo Wop takes place at Count Basie Theatre at 7 p.m.

Take pleasure in the great outdoors on Oct. 10 at 8:30 a.m. for the 2015 Timberbrook Triathlon at the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell.  One of the state’s most unique races offers you a chance to participate in a three-mile run, a two-mile canoe/kayak race or a five-mile mountain bike race! 

Looking for more fun on Oct. 10? Ocean Grove’s Fall Harvest Festival and Craft Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Avenue. This festival features over 90 arts and crafts vendors, sidewalk sales, pony rides, live music and a variety of food. Spring Lake will also be hosting their Columbus Day Italian Festival and Art Walk so stroll along Third Avenue any time from noon to 4 p.m.

For more Halloween fun, visit Historic Allaire Village on Oct. 11 from noon to 4 p.m. for All Hallows’ Eve, an event featuring pumpkins and a costume parade with prizes! Also on Oct. 11 is Belmar’s Fall Festival.  The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street, between Eighth and Tenth Avenues, and will feature antiques & original crafts, performers, a pumpkin decorating contest, food and children’s activities.

On Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thompson Park Day will put you in the Halloween spirit with a corn maze, dog costume contest, scarecrow contest, pumpkin painting, wagon ride, food, crafts and live entertainment. 

More Halloween events will be popping up all throughout the County this October.  Highlights include:

• Keansburg Amusement Park hosts a Halloween Spooktacular Party on Oct. 4;
• “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” an interactive adaptation of the classic ghost story, at Historic Allaire Village, Oct. 9 & 10;
• Halloween Hayrides at Historic Allaire Village, at 6 p.m. on Oct. 16, 17, 23 and 24.
• Spring Lake “Pumpkin Patch Day,” an Oktoberfest Celebration on Oct. 18;
• Bradley Beach Halloween Parade is at 6 p.m. on Oct. 30 at Riley Park on Main Street; and
• Ocean Grove Halloween Parade is on Oct. 31 at noon followed by trick-or-treating downtown

As always, Monmouth County’s Calendar of Events will provide you with even more October entertainment. For a complete listing of events, go to www.visitmonmouth.com and click on the Tourism tab to find the Calendar of Events. Compiled by the Monmouth County Department of Public Information and Tourism, it is a comprehensive source for things to do and places to go and is updated regularly. You can also call 1-800-523-2587 to have a packet of information mailed to you, or stop by 3 East Main St., Freehold to browse the extensive literature between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

The next time you are on Facebook be sure to “like” the Monmouth County Tourism page. If you use Twitter, follow us on there, too.

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