Red Bank, one of New Jersey’s coolest towns, is known for its vibrant arts scene. In fact, you’ll find art and entertainment everywhere you look in this walkable city. This area is also home to excellent restaurants, shops, cafes, specialty stores, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The Count Basie Center for the Arts, named after a famous local big band leader, is Red Bank’s biggest cultural attraction with the most spectacular view of the city. Given all these, it’s easy to see why Red Bank is dubbed “Greenwich Village of the Garden State.”
If you’re looking for things to do this weekend and you’re up for a new place to explore, then read on! This guide has you covered with information on historical sites, outdoor activities, shopping and dining spots, cultural attractions, entertainment options, and upcoming events in Red Bank, NJ.
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HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL LANDMARKS
Count Basie Center for the Arts
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
First on the list is the Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank’s most significant cultural and historical site. While many local bands perform at the various nearby bars and restaurants, the Count Basie Center for the Arts provides music unlike any other venue in the area. This theater hosts concerts by both well-known and up-and-coming local musicians.
This 1926 historic theater was named after jazz icon and true-blue Red Bank native, William James “Count” Basie, who was born here in 1904. Each year, around 130,000 people visit the Count Basie Theatre alone, with many more attending Red Bank’s annual film and music festivals.
Aside from Count Basie, the theater welcomed Tony Bennett and James Brown. Other notable guests include Jon Bon Jovi, Counting Crows, Jon Stewart, Brian Willson, George Carlin, and Bruce Springsteen. Professional training courses and workshops are also offered at the Count Basie Theatre. The theater sits in Downtown Red Bank.
Check out the upcoming events and purchase tickets through their website.
Thomas Fortune Cultural Center
94 Drs. James Parker Boulevard, Red Bank
One must-visit historical and cultural site in Red Bank is the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center which is dedicated to preserving T. Thomas Fortune’s legacy as an acclaimed journalist and civil rights activist. Fortune was an African American born into slavery and his home became one of his legacies. In 1976, it became a National Historic Landmark and was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can now enjoy beautiful art and learn about Fortune’s role in the civil rights movement. Other engaging events include movie screenings, presentations, and readings.
Learn more about T. Thomas Fortune here.
Two River Theater
21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank
Founded in 1994, Two River Theater produces plays, musicals, and live performances. There are original productions like Hurricane Diane and Be More Chill, as well as fresh takes on classics from around the world. Each performance season, the theater hosts various artist residencies, readings, and workshops. The annual Cabaret of New Songs for the Musical Theater, presented in cooperation with New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program, is not to be missed.
Two River Theater has received numerous accolades and awards for its exceptional productions and contributions to the arts. It’s conveniently located in Downtown Red Bank, making it a must-visit spot for visitors.
In addition to its highly-praised shows, Two River Theater also offers guided tours of its premises – an ideal opportunity to learn more about the theater’s history.
Experience live performances like Hair, Wig: Drag Sings Broadway, and New Jersey Ballet Presents: A Night on the Town at Two River Theater. You can view the theater’s full event schedule here.
Tatum Gallery
9 Wharf Avenue, Red Bank
Formerly called Chetkin Gallery, Tatum Gallery was founded by Carol Lynn and Don Chetkin in 1987. It’s located in a quaint, historic building in the town’s marina district.
The gallery displays international fine art, with focus on contemporary European painting. Now, it hosts over 40 internationally acclaimed artists from Canada, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Holland, Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, and China.
Custom framing services are available, with a wide selection of high-quality and stylish frames. They can also restore paintings to museum standards, with linings if necessary.
Tatum Gallery’s operating hours vary by season. In summer, it’s open Tuesday to Friday from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Saturdays from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. Winter hours are 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wednesday to Friday, and 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. on Saturdays.
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPOTS AND ACTIVITIES
Riverside Gardens Park
40 West Front Street, Red Bank
An 11-acre park on West Front Street, Riverside Gardens Park features gardens, lawns, and wooded areas. You can jog along the trails, relax on the benches, and watch sailboats pass by. There are many fishing and boating opportunities here, including access to the Navesink River.
Each year, the park hosts free outdoor movie nights, food truck festivals, and music events. If you’re looking for things to do in Red Bank, NJ at night, the Jazz in the Park series on Thursday evenings is for you. In addition to the free and fun activities available, what truly sets this park apart is its complete wheelchair accessibility!
Click here to see the upcoming events at Riverside Gardens Park that you shouldn’t miss.
Count Basie Park
Henry Street, Red Bank
The spacious Count Basie Park spans 19.4 acres, making it an ideal destination for outdoor pursuits. This park has something for everyone, whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or engage in family-friendly activities.
There’s a soccer field, a basketball court, a baseball diamond, and a running track for competition and exercise. The park’s tranquil reservoir provides the ideal location for relaxation. A well-equipped playground welcomes younger visitors, guaranteeing hours of fun and enjoyment amidst the natural beauty of Count Basie Park.
Marine Park
East Front Street, Red Bank
The scenic Marine Park in Red Bank offers an idyllic waterfront setting for picnics, relaxation, and riverfront views. During the summer, children gather along the shoreline to crab. In addition to its natural beauty, Marine Park is a significant part of the town’s thriving cultural scene. Concerts and festivals are held throughout the year, attracting both locals and visitors. Marine Park is a hub of excitement and community spirit, hosting music performances and community festivities.
LOCAL SHOPS AND UNIQUE FINDS
Jack’s Music Shoppe
30 Broad Street, Red Bank
For over four decades, this music store in Red Bank has been a hub for music enthusiasts, offering a wide range of original and pre-loved vinyl records, CDs, posters, and t-shirts. It’s a must-visit spot in Red Bank, especially if you’re into music.
When you go in, you’ll see how well-organized their vinyl collection is, making it easy to find your favorite tunes. They also stock movies and sheet music.
You could spend a leisurely afternoon browsing Jack’s treasures. They got you covered with a pro shop in the back, stocked with every type of guitar string you could possibly need. Upstairs is a loft with an extensive array of sheet music and arrangements.
If you’re an aspiring composer, their blank composition notebooks with staff bars are must-haves. As one of the top attractions in Red Bank, NJ you should stop by Jack’s Music Shoppe to complete your Red Bank experience.
Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash
65 Broad Street, Red Bank
For die-hard Kevin Smith enthusiasts looking for fun things to do in Red Bank, NJ, this spot is a must-visit. You’re in for a treat as you explore their vast collection of comics, action figures, and hard-to-find collectibles. What makes it even more exciting is the availability of merchandise from Kevin Smith’s movies and projects. Pick up some autographed T-shirts and channel your inner geek. And, as a memento, strike a pose next to the iconic “Jay and Silent Bob” statues right outside the store. It’s a delightful experience you won’t want to miss!
The Grove at Shrewsbury and The Grove West
597 Broad Street, Shrewsbury
Just one mile south of Red Bank, NJ, you’ll find two shopping attractions that dominate Monmouth County’s lifestyle scene: The Grove at Shrewsbury and The Grove West. These open-air complexes feature well-known shops, local retailers, and dining options.
Popular shops include Sephora, Nike by Shrewsbury, Lululemon Athletica, Banana Republic, J. Crew | Crewcuts, GAP, Ann Taylor, Janie and Jack, Warby Parker, and Pottery Barn Kids. You’ll also find locally owned businesses, including Wanderlust Land & Sea, Vanilla Sky, LOFT, Neves Jewelers, and Billabong.
For dining, there are several options, including Albario, The Baker’s Grove, d’jeet, Hearthly Organic, Starbucks, Sweetgreen, and Teresa’s.
RESTAURANTS AND BREWERIES
Red Tank Brewery Company
77 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
This family-owned brewery makes premium beers using fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. They combine locally sourced ingredients with traditional brewing methods for an innovative brewing process.
If you’re searching for a fun place to hang out with coworkers or friends in Red Bank, consider Red Tank. Craft beers are available for every taste, including ales, lagers, stouts, and sours. What’s more, they’re also highly involved in the local community, hosting fun events like live music nights and food truck festivals. Brewery tours are also available for those interested in learning more about the brewing process.
Red Tank’s operating hours change from day to day. Visit their website or contact them for details.
The Dublin House
30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Known locally for its Irish-style food and wide selection of beers, Dublin House is a favorite among locals. It sits in a historic Victorian-style building that has seen many changes since the 1840s. While the menu is extensive, you may want to start with some classics like the Dublin House Burger, Bangers & Mash, or Irish Surf and Turf. Guinness on tap is a local favorite but they also serve other beers and cocktails. Enjoy great food and booze in a historic setting!
The pub is open daily from 10 A.M. to 2 A.M. The kitchen serves food from 11 A.M. to 9 P.M. from Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays. Check out their full menu here.
Monticello at Red Bank
69 Broad Street, Red Bank
Red Bank’s Monticello practices “from vine-to-table” cooking. They’ve been using local produce from their own garden since 2015. The restaurant offers delectable cuisine made from fresh ingredients. This means they serve non-GMO, non-processed ingredients, hormone-free chicken, all-natural pork, and fresh wild-caught seafood, as well as free-range eggs and homemade fat-free stocks.
Some menu highlights worth trying are the Sautéed Long Hot Peppers with Shrimp, Risotto Pescatore, 10-oz. Angus Filet Mignon with Port Wine Sauce, 16-oz. Prime Pork Chop, Whole Chicken Breast (hormone-free), and 8-oz. Faroe Island Salmon. Desserts, coffees, and teas are also available.
Monticello is open for dinner Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4:00 to 9:00 P.M., until 10:00 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 4:00 to 9:00 P.M. on Sundays. They’re closed Mondays. Browse through their full menu here.
Buona Sera
50 Maple Avenue, Red Bank
With its rustic-themed interior, cozy ambiance, and extensive menu, this restaurant offers an unforgettable upscale dining experience. They serve brick-oven pizza, pasta, seafood, steaks, and wine to satisfy authentic Italian cravings. For over 40 years, it has served only the finest ingredients.
Buona Sera’s brick-oven pizza is among the best in town. Time-tested recipes combine traditional ingredients, authentic sauces, and Italian zero-zero flour. Using bricks from a conventional Italian pizza oven gives the crust a smoky flavor and a crisp texture.
If you’re in the mood for seafood and pasta, don’t miss the Stuffed Rigatoni, Pasta Bolognese, Mussels Marinara, Zuppa di Pesce, and Brazilian Lobster Tail. For meat lovers, the Pork Giambotta, French Cut Pork Chops, Chicken Milanese, and Famous Roasted Chicken Cacciatore are highly recommended. Pair your lamb chops or steaks with one of their fine wines or signature cocktails to enhance your dining experience.
In addition to fine dining, Buona Sera offers an elegant venue for weddings and other special occasions. Book a table or check out their menu here.
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS
Trap Door Escape Room
60 White Street, Red Bank
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping, mind-bending adventure unlike any other at Trap Door. Unlike traditional escape rooms, Trap Door elevates the excitement with two full floors of intricate puzzles and mind-blowing challenges. Can you crack the code and escape before time runs out? You have 60 minutes to solve the mystery.
What makes them unique is their innovative use of live actors and physical obstacles. This adds more realism and excitement to the adventure, making it more engaging. Furthermore, Trap Door stands out among its competitors by offering cocktails as part of its special attractions. All of these factors make Trap Door appealing to a wide range of customers.
Important reminder: While most Trap Door experiences are designed for adults, they offer kid-friendly options suitable for children aged 7 and up. Rates start at $30.
Click here for more details or to inquire.
YESTERcades
80 Broad Street, Red Bank
This retro arcade and bar is small yet packed with gaming nostalgia. You’ll find classic pinball machines that will take you down memory lane. Arcade games include Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter II, and other iconic favorites from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. There are also popular games like Street Fighter and NBA Jam.
The best part? YESTERcades offers unlimited play for just $9.25 per hour. After the first hour, a 15-minute proration applies. Do you want to spend the whole day at the arcade? You can get a daily re-entry pass for $25, giving you unlimited access to the arcade until it closes.
The arcade also has a dedicated party area where you can organize special celebrations. Get the whole family together for fun activities in Red Bank!
YESTERcades is open from 12:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M. from Monday to Thursday, extending until 2:00 A.M. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. on Sundays.
View YESTERcades’ party packages here.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RED BANK, NJ WITH THE #1 AGENT IN MONMOUTH COUNTY
If you’re interested in learning more about Red Bank, NJ or considering making it your home, contact Mario Venancio, one of New Jersey’s top real estate agents. His over 30 years of experience provides him with the expertise to assist you in your real estate needs, whether it’s finding homes for sale in Red Bank, NJ, choosing the ideal community, or exploring local attractions.
Ready to get started? Feel free to schedule a consultation with Mario. You can contact him at 732.881.4306 or drop him an email here.