TOMS RIVER — Downtown Toms River will host a yearlong lineup of festivals, markets and family-friendly events in 2026, offering residents and visitors a steady calendar of activities spanning spring through winter.
The season begins with the Irish Festival on March 7, scheduled from noon to 6 p.m., followed by a Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 2, also running from noon to 6 p.m.
Weekly programming returns in late spring, with Downtown Night Out taking place Friday and Saturday evenings from May 29 through October 14, featuring extended hours from 5 to 10 p.m. A weekly farmers market is also planned for Wednesdays from June 17 through October 14, operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Several signature summer events are scheduled, including Toms River Pride on June 13 from 2 to 8 p.m., Cruisin’ Downtown car shows on June 17, July 15 and August 12 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Summer in the Street on July 18 from 2 to 8 p.m. Registration for the car shows will be free.
Fall events include the Comfort Food Festival on September 19 from noon to 6 p.m., a Scarecrow Walk running October 9 through October 23, and the Harvest Arts Festival on October 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Halloween-themed festivities continue with Haunted Downtown on October 24 from 6 to 9 p.m., followed by the annual Halloween Parade on October 31 at 7 p.m.
The year concludes with Small Business Saturday on November 28, encouraging residents to shop locally, along with holiday events in December. The Tree Lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by Winter Wonderland on December 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additional details and updates are expected to be released closer to each event.
For more information, visit downtowntomsriver.com.
