Weekend Events at the Jersey Shore

From a Zombie Invasion in Asbury Park, to the Monmouth County SPCA's Annual Dog Walk, to the Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival in Seaside, there is a ton of great stuff to do in our area this weekend!

Saturday there is a Zombie Invasion coming to Asbury Park! Come out to see thousands of missing limbed, blood eating zombies march up Cookman Avenue. It's one of the largest gatherings of the undead and all ages from toddlers to seniors are welcome to attend www.nj-zombiewalk.com

Friday afternoon at 4 pm through Sunday, it's the Ocean County Italian Festival and Columbus Day Parade. Singers and dancers straight from Italy, a bevy of Italian culture and activities for all ages Friday through Sunday. Italian food, arts and crafts, entertainment, a car show, and much more. The parade itself takes place Sunday at 1 pm in Seaside.

Saturday is the Monmouth County Latino Festival in Freehold. Learn how to Salsa, sample Spanish cuisine, family fun activities and live entertainment.

Saturday is the Fall Forestry Festival in Jackson. Find out all about trees, along with hiking, climbing, carving, planting and more in over 40 displays and activities. Admission and parking are free, 10 am - 3 pm.

Saturday is the Fall Harvest Festival and Craft Show in Ocean Grove. Live music all day and over a hundred crafters, along with sidewalk sales and plenty of food. Maine Avenue, 10 am - 4 pm.

Saturday is the Monmouth County SPCA Dog Walk and Pet Fair on the grounds of Brookdale Community College. Bring your dog for a Costume Contest, there is a doggie wedding chapel for doggie marriages (!), and so much more fun to be had for dog lovers and their pets! You can meet Elwood, winner of the 2007 Ugliest Dog Contest, and shop for gifts for the pet lovers in your life. 10 am - 3 pm. www.mcspca.org

Saturday is Lake Como Day. Bring the whole family (but leave the pets at home) and enjoy festivities including free rides for the kids, bouncies, face painting, shopping for crafts, plenty of food, and entertainment by local band Holme. Fireworks erupt over the lake after dark! 2 pm - 8 pm.

Friday and Saturday it's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Allaire Village in Farmingdale. An interactive re-telling of Washington Irving's classic tale performed in the Allaire Chapel. Purchase tickets at www.allairevillage.org/tickets. Shows are at 7:30 pm. $15 per ticket, advanced purchase recommended.

Saturday is Tinton Falls Community Day. A day of fun including a touch-a-truck display, games, and a movie when the sun sets. Sycamore Soccer Complex, 3 - 7 pm.

Saturday is the Spring Lake Italian Festival including an art walk, a meatball and pizza eating contest, bocce ball, music, face painting, and of course shopping. Third Avenue, 11 am - 4 pm.

Saturday is Heights Fun Day, a family fall festival with obstacle courses, a chili cook-off, and more, at Spring Lake Heights Elementary School, Noon - 2 pm.

Saturday is the South African Penguin Festival at Jenkinson's Aquarium. You're invited to join the penguin party. All ages welcome, the festival is included with admission. 1 pm - 4 pm.

Sunday is the Sea Girt Lighthouse Tour. Explore every room - the keeper's office through the living quarters and up to the top of the tower. See historic photos, too. Tours are free (but donations are appreciated), Beacon Blvd, 2 pm - 4 pm.