PROMENADE OF THE MERMAIDS

Tails, scales and sails will float down Asbury Park's boardwalk this weekend for the first annual mermaid parade. Brought to New Jersey by Sacramento's Promenade of the Mermaids, this procession calls for all mermaids, sea creatures, pirates and even landlubbers to participate. Prizes will be given out for the best dressed adults and kids. Registration is only necessary to be considered for the competition--everyone is welcome to walk. The promenade kicks off Saturday at noon starting on the North End.

THE OCEAN COUNTY FAIR

The Ocean County fair has entertained guests from Brick to Beach Haven and everywhere in between for over six decades. Entertainment includes Bwana Jim's Wildlife Show, Steven Michael's Comedy Hypnosis show, a magical comedy and variety act, an open horse show and pig racing. After the Reign, a country band that calls Ocean County home, will be returning to the stage Friday. The fair runs Wednesday and Thursday 5 to 11 p.m. and Friday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free admission for children under 10 and $7 for adults. 24 Germania Court, Toms River.

"SPAMALOT" AT THE OPEN AIR THEATRE

What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow? The capital of Assyria? Find out at Monty Python's Spamalot, performed by the Open Air Theatre in Washington Crossing State Park. A nonsensical parody of Arthurian legend, this three time Tony award-winning musical comedy is an adaptation from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The playhouse will also be showing Alice in Wonderland for children. Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville. Tickets start at $5. Click here for dates, times and other productions.

SAND SCULPTING FESTIVAL

The coast is your canvas at Wildwood Crest's third annual Sand Sculpting Festival. Friday, the island will be hosting yet another amateur contest showcasing the waterfront artistry of beachgoers from across the state. The competition is free and will be hosted by Matt Long, former Sand Masters cast member on the Travel Channel. The Mango Men and other musical acts, along with beach games, are also on the agenda. Free registration for the competition begins at 9 a.m. and the event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located at Wildwood Beach Pier on Heather Road and Ocean Avenue.

NJ STATE BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP

Watch barbecuers from all over the state "grill" for the gold at this this three-day open-air festival and competition. In addition to sampling some of New Jersey smokiest eats, guests can also watch live demonstrations, participate in cooking classes, cool off with craft beer and enjoy the sounds of the Anglesea Blues Festival. Over $10,000 in prizes will be given out to the 67 competitors, along with a chance to compete at the World Food Championships in Kissimmee, Florida. The family-friendly event runs Friday to Sunday and takes place on Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood. Click here for full run-down of the festival.

FIREFLY FESTIVAL

No, not the music festival--this is the real thing. Friday and Saturday Duke Farms will be hosting nature's light show in Hillsborough Township. Headlining will be the firefly (or is it lightning bug? A debate settle that) on a 1.5 mile trail. Other activities include arts and crafts, story time and learning about glowworms. This free event begins at 8 p.m. and ends at 11. Duke Farms suggests guests bring comfortable shoes, flashlights and insect repellent--mosquitoes are also sharing the game. Register here. 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township.

"TRIPLE HEADER" PAINT PARTY, FOOD AND BALLGAME

Peanuts and crackerjacks are a thing of the past. Instead, enjoy a baseball game with booze and paint. Saturday, BlueClaws Stadium in Lakewood will be holding a paint party, food and ballgame with pay as you go beer and wine. The $40 admission fee gets you a ticket to the game, all the supplies needed to be the next Jackson Pollock and some light refreshments. Painting begins at 4 p.m. and the game--BlueClaws v. Hickory Crawdad--starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be bought here. 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood.

Ryan Feuer may be reached at rfeuer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanfeuer. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.