In New Jersey, there are 564 different municipalities, but there is only one downtown Freehold.
It’s a place that fills you up with that local downtown feel, that cozy, nostalgic, feeling of home. Freehold has everything you could desire in a downtown; venerable restaurants, a quaint yet busting setting and happenings that run throughout the year!
Freehold is our own little slice of Americana. The American Dream … There is a certain vibe that exists here, one that makes you fall in love, and one that makes you want to come back time and time again.
The sort of place love stories are written, a place that has had its essence captured in story telling folk songs sung across the nation by millions, thanks to our very own Bruce Springsteen. Through The Boss’ music, people across the globe have felt and celebrate what we have here.
Everyone loves to come back to Freehold – whether through life events and/or changes – it always feels special when returning to their hometown.
Maybe it’s the sprinkle of historic relevance and preservation mixed with the care and passion shown by those involved in the community, or maybe it’s the gorgeous flowerpots and lighted trees graced by the sound of local performers serenading the restaurant crowds.
The Fall season is inbound and there is plenty to enjoy throughout town.
DowntownFreehold.com is a small non-profit that is funded by sponsors so if you or a company you know may be interested in progressing what we do here and want to be involved please feel free to inquire, we would love to have more support.
They are blessed to have active community partners that work hard to bring other spectacular events to patrons and residents.
The Latino Festival takes place on Saturday, September 21st and is presented by The Latino Coalition of Monmouth County. This family function has become a staple event in Downtown Freehold with music, entertainment, contests, food, vendors, giveaways and much, much more!
The Fall Concert Series takes place on Wednesday Nights at the Hall of Records Plaza from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Downtown Freehold Fall Concert Series produced in association with our generous sponsor Nestle USA, features widely known groups and local talent that attract audiences from the greater Freehold area and beyond. Most of us know by now that Nestle will no longer be around so there will be a new sponsor of the concert series in the future.
On Sunday, October 6th, DowntownFreehold.com hosts the new and exciting Oktoberfest. To bring you this event, we shut down the streets and fill the town with Vendors, Food, Music and of course Beer! At the Beer Garden, you will have a chance to try out some amazing local breweries while participating in a day full of heritage, traditions and good spirits. Sign up for the “Masskrugstemmen” stein-holding competition or gather your garb to enter our Best Dressed Contest. This event takes place on West Main Street between Court Street and Throckmorton Street.
The Fall Flavor of Freehold is a unique tour of our celebrated restaurants, bars, and shops, to support the Freehold Municipal Alliance. Held over two days – Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Wednesday Oct. 9 this year – patrons are offered a chance to get a taste of the town with signature samples from some of Freehold’s most beloved establishments. Participants walk from place to place with their “Passport” used as a guide of where to go and they can collect signatures from each stop and enter for a chance to win gift cards to use towards another night out on the town. Tickets for this event tend to sell out fast so start planning and text your friends because you won’t want to miss out on this event.
Thanks to the Freehold Spooktacular Committee for all the work that goes into setting the scene for the Fall season. They dress the town with cornstalks and haybales which makes everything going on here feel that much more festive. The Freehold Borough art students do a fantastic job each year painting shop windows with creative and inspiring designs for Halloween. Not only does the Spooktacular Committee facilitate the town’s feel of fall, but they host a myriad of Halloween thrills downtown: Monster Mash & Jack-O’Lantern Contest, Costume Parade, Scarecrow Contest, Haunted Hayride, and Movie Night Double Feature. Check out their website for more information, FreeholdSpooktacular.com.
This year the Freehold Borough Police Department and DowntownFreehold.com will host a National Night Out on October 8th. A national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. We put together a captivating night of family fun and community connection. Get to know your local officers while the kids enjoy themselves with face painting and playful attractions like a rock wall and bouncy house. Participate in a Bicycle Raffle for a chance to ride home on some new wheels.
Freehold is a beautiful place to be… There is plenty of parking available to accommodate your needs. On Street Parking is paid 7 days a week from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Parking in the Market Yard, McGackin Triangle and Boro Hall lots is paid parking Thursday through Saturday from 4-11 p.m. All other times and locations are free parking with time limits depending on the lot.
Downtown Freehold has become a destination. There is truly something here for every interest and appetite. Thank you to those who choose to come to Freehold to create memories and enjoy the sustenance of our Downtown experience. Join us today in Downtown Freehold to Shop, Dine, Discover, and Explore!
