Home Care In Bradley Beach, NJ

After seven years of brewing beer in Bradley Beach, Bradley Brew Project will close its Main Street taproom and brewery at the end of October.

It is not the end of its beers, however.

Chelsey and Mike Ziolkowski, who opened Bradley Brew Project in 2018, are moving the brand's brewing and distribution to their second brewery, Tall Oaks Farm & Brewery in Farmingdale. Bradley Brew Project's last day in Bradley Beach is Saturday, Oct. 25.

The brewery's wholesale component, which includes selling Bradley Brew Project beers to liquor stores, doing collaborations with local businesses and groups, and selling at festivals and to approximately 20 Shore restaurants, will continue, Mike Ziolkowski said.

"The Bradley Brew Project name and the brands are staying exactly as they are," he said. "Nothing changes there, so that will continue as is. Those beers will now be brewed at Tall Oaks.

"The brand is not tied to four walls" Ziolkowski said. "It's gone beyond that."

The building at 714 Main St. in Bradley Beach will be taken over by New Jersey-based brewery Erratic Fermentations.

"They currently do a lot of home brewing, (and) festivals to expand their brand," Ziolkowski said of the incoming brewers, for whom this will be their first physical location. "This is their step into the commercial world."

Ziolkowski said transitioning Bradley Brew Project's operations to the Farmingdale property — where the couple also plans to grow their own hops next year — was always his and Chelsey's intention.

"The facility has three times the capacity ... as Bradley (Beach)," Ziolkowski said. "Now, it allows us to do more, to be more flexible around when we pull the trigger (on new beers), and allows us ... much more physical space."

The couple opened Tall Oaks, which has a tasting room, brewery and outdoor space with seating and fire pits on 5 acres off Colts Neck Road in Farmingdale, in late 2024.

"I've always been around farms, and I always wanted [a brewery] surrounded by one," Chelsey told the Asbury Park Press at the time. "This project is definitely close to my heart and soul."

Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to [email protected], and for more Jersey Shore food news, subscribe to our weekly Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.

Published on November 27, 2025

On November 28, 2025, the cherished Bradley Beach Bonfire will once again return to the beautiful Jersey Shore, inviting visitors to partake in a festive evening by the ocean. The bonfire, starting at 5:00 PM, will be held at the 5th Avenue Gazebo in Bradley Beach, NJ. This family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity for locals, tourists, families, and couples to come together and enjoy a memorable evening filled with warmth, music, and a strong sense of community spirit.

A Classic Jersey Shore Tradition

For years, the Bradley Beach Bonfire has become a staple tradition along the Jersey Shore, attracting both locals and tourists who seek a relaxed yet festive way to mark the beginning of the holiday season. The event creates an inviting atmosphere with its mesmerizing bonfire, set against the backdrop of the setting sun and the sounds of the waves crashing along the beach. As the evening unfolds, the crackling fire will provide warmth and comfort, making it an ideal way to shake off the chill of the fall evening.

The bonfire is open to everyone, with no entry fee, making it a highly accessible event for anyone in the area looking to kick off their holiday weekend with something special. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and visitors to create lasting memories together, while experiencing the charm and beauty of the Jersey Shore during the fall season.

Participants are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets, and their favorite warm refreshments to truly make the most of the evening. Whether you’re sitting by the fire, chatting with friends and family, or simply watching the flames flicker, there’s a distinct cozy vibe that makes this tradition so beloved. The atmosphere will surely bring about a sense of togetherness that adds to the unique appeal of this event.

Live Music and Ocean Views

In addition to the bonfire itself, one of the highlights of this event is the live music that will play throughout the evening. The tunes will add a festive soundtrack to the event, making it even more enjoyable for everyone in attendance. As the live music fills the air, attendees can also enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean, creating a perfect harmony between nature and entertainment.

The beach’s stunning views will also enhance the experience, offering attendees a chance to witness a picturesque sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. As the sun dips below the horizon, the ocean waves will sparkle in the fading light, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you are coming with family, friends, or loved ones, there is something magical about spending time by the sea, and the Bradley Beach Bonfire offers just that.

A Perfect Start to the Holiday Weekend

For many, this event marks the beginning of the holiday season, providing a sense of excitement and festive spirit. What makes this bonfire even more special is its focus on community and togetherness. As families and visitors gather around the fire, the shared warmth, the sounds of music, and the stunning ocean view create a unique ambiance that is sure to make this event an unforgettable experience.

Beyond being a memorable way to kick off the holidays, the Bradley Beach Bonfire is also a wonderful way to explore Monmouth County. The area is known for its charming beach towns, beautiful coastline, and a host of family-friendly activities. For those traveling to the region, the bonfire event is a great introduction to the local culture and the relaxed pace of life along the shore. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, this bonfire is a great way to connect with the community and embrace the spirit of the season.

The event also serves as a reminder of the natural beauty of the Jersey Shore. As fall settles in, the coast transforms into a peaceful, scenic haven. The event provides an opportunity to enjoy the shoreline when it’s less crowded, offering a serene setting that’s perfect for relaxation and reflection.

Free, Family-Friendly, and Fun for All Ages

The Bradley Beach Bonfire is a free event that is open to the public. Families with young children, couples looking for a romantic evening, and solo beachgoers alike are all encouraged to attend. The simplicity of the event, with the warmth of the bonfire, live music, and stunning surroundings, is sure to appeal to people of all ages.

The event is designed to be inclusive and welcoming, ensuring that everyone has a wonderful time and can enjoy the experience to the fullest. This annual event is much more than just a bonfire; it’s a celebration of community, nature, and the holiday spirit. The Bradley Beach Bonfire is a perfect example of how local traditions can bring people together, creating a sense of belonging and joy that lasts long after the event has ended.

Advisories

STORM WARNING IN EFFECT - Storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Mariners should remain in port, alter course, and or secure the vessel for severe conditions.

HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT - Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT - Two to three feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Severe beach erosion and dune breaching is possible due to very high surf conditions.

At the Shore

Current conditions and forecast as of Sun morning

Tide Times

Marine Forecast

From the National Weather Service, Mt. Holly

TODAY: NE winds 25 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt, increasing to 30 to 35 kt with gusts up to 50 kt this afternoon. Seas 9 to 12 ft, building to 10 to 14 ft this afternoon. Wave Detail: E 10 ft at 9 seconds and E 9 ft at 8 seconds, becoming E 13 ft at 11 seconds. Rain.

TONIGHT: NE winds 30 to 40 kt with gusts up to 50 kt. Seas 12 to 16 ft. Wave Detail: E 16 ft at 11 seconds. Rain.

MON: NE winds 25 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt. Seas 13 to 16 ft, subsiding to 11 to 14 ft in the afternoon. Wave Detail: E 16 ft at 11 seconds, becoming E 14 ft at 11 seconds. Rain.

MON NIGHT: NE winds 25 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt. Seas 10 to 13 ft. Wave Detail: E 11 ft at 11 seconds. Rain.

TUE: N winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 9 to 11 ft, subsiding to 7 to 10 ft in the afternoon. Wave Detail: E 9 ft at 11 seconds, becoming E 8 ft at 10 seconds. Rain in the morning, then a chance of showers in the afternoon.

TUE NIGHT: N winds around 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 5 to 8 ft. Wave Detail: E 7 ft at 10 seconds. A chance of showers in the evening.

WED: NW winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft.

WED NIGHT: N winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 6 ft.

THU: NW winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 5 ft.

THU NIGHT: N winds 20 to 25 kt, diminishing to 15 to 20 kt after midnight. Seas 3 to 5 ft.

Plan Your Trip

Data on this page amalgamated from several sources, including the National Weather Service (weather), National Ocean Service (tides), U.S. Naval Observatory (sun), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (UV index).

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. The Shore Report is generated semi-automatically daily at 5 a.m. from mid-May to late September. Follow Dan's weather blog and Facebook page for your latest forecast and realtime weather updates.

BRADLEY BEACH — The borough has reached a $225,000 settlement in an ongoing lawsuit filed by a former borough administrator, Kimberly Humphrey.

As previously reported by The Coast Star, Humphrey filed a lawsuit in January of 2024 against then-Councilman and now Mayor Al Gubitosi alleging he committed a variety of workplace transgressions. She accused Mr. Gubitosi, in the lawsuit, of gender discrimination, discrimination in a hostile work environment, unlawful retaliation, aiding and abetting liability and coercing her eventual resignation.

Humphrey served as borough administrator in the borough from July, 2021 through March, 2023.

The settlement resolution states that the borough denies all claims made by Humphrey but that it was recommended by attorneys that the borough settle with the claimant “rather than continue to litigate and defend against the claims made … despite the borough’s continuing denial of any liability in the action, it is in the best interests of the taxpayers of the borough that the action be fully and finally settled.”

The settlement resolution reads, “as part of the settlement, the former-employee plaintiff has agreed to dismiss all individual defendants and enter into a settlement with the borough only.”

According to the lawsuit, Humphrey was seeking full compensation for back pay and benefits with full remuneration with interest, full compensation for front pay and benefits with full remuneration with interest, compensatory benefits, consequential damages, punitive damages, attorney fees and other relief deemed necessary.

The settlement was passed with three council members, including Shana Greenblatt, Paul Nowicki and Jane DeNoble voting yes. Councilman John Weber voted no and Mayor Gubitosi abstained from voting.

When reached following the settlement vote, Humphrey told The Coast Star, “I am grateful this chapter is coming to a close, and I appreciate the support and kindness I have received from friends, colleagues and community members throughout this process.”

Check out our other Bradley Beach stories, updated daily. And remember to pick up a copy of The Coast Star—on newsstands Thursday or online in our e-Edition.

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