October in Toms River and the Jersey Shore

Toms River Halloween Parade

2026: Saturday, October 31, stepping off at 7 p.m. on Washington Street in downtown Toms River. Free to watch.

This year's theme is patriotic, marking America's 250th anniversary, and Ex-Chief Albert McDaniel of Toms River Volunteer Fire Co. #1 is Grand Marshal, honored for more than 50 years of volunteer service. If you want to march, registration runs Tuesdays in October at the Robbins Street Firehouse.

Source: TomsRiver.org

Toms River's Rockin' Fall Fest

2026: Held Saturday, October 3, 4 to 9 p.m., at Winding River Park North next to the Winding River Ice Rink, with free children's hayrides, face painting, a pumpkin patch and carnival rides, plus food trucks, a beer garden and live music.

Source: WOBM

On the island: Columbus Day Parade & Italian Festival

2026: The 35th annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival ran October 9 to 11 in Seaside Heights. The festival fills Grant Avenue from the Boulevard to Ocean Terrace, with music on the main stage all weekend, and the parade steps off on the Boulevard Sunday at 1 p.m.

Source: Lavallette-Seaside Shorebeat

On the island: Seaside Heights Restaurant Weekend

2026: The first Seaside Heights Restaurant Weekend ran October 2 to 4, with prix fixe dinners and specials at 14 restaurants, organized by the Seaside Heights Business Improvement District to stretch the season into fall.

Source: Lavallette-Seaside Shorebeat

Up the shore: Point Pleasant and Highlands

2026: The Point Pleasant Fall Fireworks Festival was Saturday, October 10, 4 to 8 p.m., at Riverfront Park. The same day, Highlands in Monmouth County held its Fall Taste of Highlands, noon to 5 p.m.

Source: WOBM

Ocean County market check

For the three months ending in August 2026, Redfin reports:

• Median sale price: $498,332, up 2.7% from a year earlier
• Homes sold: 857, down 5.3% (905 a year earlier)
• Median days on market: 36, the same as last year
• Sale-to-list price: 99.1%, up 0.2 points

In plain terms, prices are a little higher than a year ago, fewer homes changed hands, and the typical home sold for close to its asking price. County numbers blend every town and price point, so if you want to know what this means for your street, ask me and I'll pull the comparable sales.

Source: Redfin, Ocean County housing market

On the water: new building rules

New Jersey's REAL coastal rules took effect July 20, 2026. In tidal flood areas, they add four feet to the flood elevation that new construction is designed around. If you're buying a waterfront home with plans to rebuild, elevate or expand, talk to an engineer before you sign. The key questions, with sources, are on my Jersey Shore waterfront page.

Source: CSG Law: NJDEP issues final coastal flood rules

If a move is somewhere on your radar for next year, fall is a good time to talk it through. No pressure, just a conversation.

— Mike

Event details come from the sources linked; confirm with the organizer before you go. Market figures may be revised. General information, not legal or financial advice.