Restaurant Week, Boo at the Refuge and more Jersey Shore things to do

Ready to try something new?

New Jersey Restaurant Week runs from Friday, Oct. 16, to Thursday, Oct. 22, at eateries across the Garden State, including many right here at the Jersey Shore.

Participating restaurants are offering specials on meals and drinks, special prix fixe menus and much more.

New Jersey Restaurant Week is hosted by the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association in order to promote restaurants across the state.

Visit njrestaurantweek.com for a list of participating restaurants, regional maps and more information.

Here are more things to do this weekend, including a witch paddle, Harvest Arts Festival, seasonal celebrations, music and more.

LBI Witchy Paddle, Harvey Cedars

A coven of witches will take to the water this weekend as Harvey Cedars hosts the seventh annual LBI Witchy Paddle.

Paddleboarders and kayakers are invited to dress in their “best mystical attire” for the event, which takes place in the waters off Sunset Park. The event is a fundraiser for David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Go: LBI Witchy Paddle, 9 a.m., Sunset Park, 1 West Salem Ave., Harvey Cedars, $25 donation; search “7th annual Witchy Paddle” on Facebook.

Boo at the Refuge, Lacey

Trick or treat!

Popcorn Park is hosting “Boo at the Refuge,” a weekend of trick-or-treating throughout the animal refuge, animal encounters, education stations, crafts, games and costumes on Saturday and Sunday. The two-day event also will feature a costume parade and costume contest, plus Halloween cocktails and beer.

Support local music this week in Monmouth, Ocean counties (Oct. 12-18)

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Reef & Barrel | Sea Girt
Thurs., Oct. 15: Turnpike Mike, 5:30 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 16: Dave & Kate Duo, 4 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 17: Next Wave, 6 p.m. (Brian Johnston / Asbury Park Press)

VIP ticketholders will have the opportunity to feed animals, too.

Go: Boo at the Refuge, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Popcorn Park, 1 Humane Way, Forked River section of Lacey; $20 to $35. For more information, call 609-693-1900 or visit ahscares.org.

‘Ask a Master Gardener,’ Waretown

Already planning next spring’s garden?

Stop by the Waretown branch of the Ocean County Library on Saturday for “Ask a Master Gardener,” where members of the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County will be available to answer questions.

“Whether you are planning a new garden, want help troubleshooting plant problems, or need advice on growing, the Rutgers Master Gardeners are ready to assist,” the library said. “Bring your gardening questions, along with photos or samples of insects, plants, shrubs, or trees, for identification, diagnosis and recommendations.”

Go: “Ask a Master Gardener,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Waretown branch of the Ocean County Library, 112 Main St., Waretown. Free admission; registration not required. For more information, call 609-693-5133.

‘Bruce in the USA’ in Stafford

Get ready for some dancing in the dark with a Bruce Springsteen tribute concert.

“Bruce in the USA” is set for 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Stafford Township Arts Center.

“This high-energy musical experience is a note-perfect and visually accurate recreation of a Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band show,” organizers say. The show features Matt Ryan, from the “Legends In Concert” cast, who began playing Springsteen in 2000 in the “Legends” Las Vegas show.

“Bruce in the USA” has performed Springsteen’s music in tribute concerts across the globe since 2004.

Go: “Bruce in the USA” tribute concert; 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; Stafford Township Arts Center, 1000 McKinley Ave., Manahawkin. For tickets and information, visit bruceintheusa.com.

Harvest Arts Festival in Toms River

Enjoy the Harvest Arts Festival Saturday, Oct. 17, in downtown Toms River.

Organizers promise live music, food trucks, a beer and wine garden and local artists displaying and selling their works as part of a juried art show. There also will be free kids’ pumpkin painting and other children’s activities.

Local businesses and restaurants also will be open along Washington Street. There is free admission and free parking during the event.

Go: Harvest Arts Festival; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; Washington Street, Toms River. Free.

Cattus Island offers beautiful trails, scenery in Toms River

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Just Go Outside: As summer slowly winds down, Cattus Island County Park offers peaceful walks and beautiful sites. (Peter Ackerman/Asbury Park Press)

Thompson Park Day in Middletown

Celebrate fall with kids’ races, rides, entertainment, archery, pumpkin painting, wagon rides and more during Thompson Park Day on Sunday, Oct. 18, in Middletown.

The day also will include competitions including the Scarecrow Contest, Spooktacular Jack O’Lantern Contest and Dog Parade & Costume Contest. You can find more information on the contests at MonmouthCountyParks.com. 

Admission and parking for the event are free, although some activities may require registration and/or a fee.

Go: Thompson Park Day; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18; Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. Free admission and parking. For more information, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Restaurant Week, Boo at the Refuge and more Jersey Shore things to do