Heading down the Shore? Check out this weekend's best bets:

EVENTS

The Monmouth County Fair continues this weekend at the East Freehold Showgrounds in Freehold Township. Rides, music, food and 4-H exhibits are just among the attractions at the showgrounds, with $7 admission (kids younger than 12 free). Click here for a full list of events.

The field is set for the annual Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in Oceanport. Paynter, the runner-up at the Belmont Stakes, is a 3-2 favorite for the $1 million purse. The Haskell is slated as the 13^th race on a 14-race program with an estimated post of 6:17 p.m. The Haskell Day card will get under way at noon, with gates opening at 10 a.m.  A limited number of reserved seats are still available and can be purchased by calling 732-571-5563 or by visiting Ticketmaster.

Allaire Village at Allaire State Park in Wall Township will feature the music of rock pioneer Buddy Holly when cover band RAVE ON! comes to the village at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $15; call 732-919-3500 or visit www.allairevillage.org. The historic village will then stage an 1836 Temperance Rally at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The event is free although there is a $5 car fee.

Endurance competitors will test their limits as they battle earth, wind, fire and water Saturday at the MudManX race at the Cousins Paintball complex in Whiting. Spectators are admitted for $10.

Looking for a dog? Check out Camp Bow Wow's doggie luau from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at 694 Challenger Way in Forked River. Prospective owners can meet dogs, enjoy games and food, including a beach-themed puppy photo booth. Call 609-242-7297 for more information.

Catch performances of the classic "The Sound of Music" this weekend at Surflight Theater in Beach Haven. Shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $36 to $54; call 609-492-9477 or visit www.surflight.org.

Professional wrestling comes to Manahawkin at 8 p.m. Saturday with a show by Jersey Shore Championship Wrestling. Eight matches will be featured at the Elks Lodge at 500 Hilliard Boulevard. Tickets are $10. Visit facebook.com/JSCWlike for more information. 

If you're heading back from the beach, why not stop at the Quick Check Festival of Ballooning in Readington? After all, Patch will offer the chance for a free ballon ride if you sign up for our newsletter. Live music, including shows by Eddie Money and Smokey Robinson, will complement the beauty of the balloons. The event will be held from 1 to 10 p.m. Friday; 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Solberg Airport.

NIGHTLIFE

Green Planet, 700 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach: Vocalist and guitarist Don Lee will bring his blend of rock, pop and soul to the funky Point Beach coffeehouse from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday. The show is free; call 732-899-2201 for more information.

Algonquin Arts Theatre, 173 Main St. Manasquan: Modern-day bluesman G. Love, frontman for G. Love and Special Sauce, will perform a solo acoustic concert with Shore favorite Quincy Mumford at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30; click here to buy.

The Aztec, 901 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights: The Aztec sponsors Jersey Shore Fridays with DJ Edit and DJ E.Q. and Copa free from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Visit aztecoceanresort.com for more information.

Joe Pop's, 2002 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom: Joe Pop's, one of Long Beach Island's most popular nightspots, well welcome The Benjamins Saturday night. Call 609-494-0558 for information or visit www.joepops.com/index.htm.

Martell's Tiki Bar, 308 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach: Enjoy an evening while looking out at the ocean at Point Beach's expansive Martell's Tiki Bar. Call 732-892-0131 for more information.

The Miracle Pub, 201 Route 37 West, Toms River: "Freak Brother Fred" will lead karaoke and music requests at the Toms River pub from 9 p.m. to midnight Friday. Call 732-244-4262 or visitmiraclesportspub.com for more information.

Surf Club, 1900 Ocean Ave., Ortley Beach: Disco act Lime will headline the "Grown and Sexy Dance Party" at Joey Harrison's Surf Club. Admission is $25; call 732-793-6625 for more information.

The Mill at Spring Lake Heights, 101 Old Mill Road, Spring Lake Heights: Pianist Andy McDonough will perform as part of the weekly Saturday Night Jazz Sessions, beginning at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.themillnj.com.

Pier Village, 1 Chelsea Ave., Long Branch: The Sawa Steakhouse at Pier Village will feature a DJ from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Friday night, while the Wine Loft features a DJ from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Saturday. Call 732-923-0100 for more information.