The Manahawkin Lake Park Summer Concert Series runs every Monday evening from July 6 through August 31, 2026, starting at 6:30 p.m. Fusaro’s Pizza & Pasta, located just 0.3 miles from the park at 31 N Main St, offers takeout pizza, pasta, strombolis, platters, and more, making it the easiest dinner stop before the show.
Monday nights in Stafford Township take on a different energy come summer. Blankets spread across the grass, lawn chairs angled toward the stage, families settling in as the sun drops over the water. The Manahawkin Lake Park Summer Concert Series has become one of those local traditions that people genuinely look forward to. Who doesn’t enjoy a simple, free night out that feels like summer done right.
Before you grab your cooler and head to the lake, there’s one stop worth making: Fusaro’s Pizza & Pasta. Located less than a mile from the park at 31 N Main St in Manahawkin, Fusaro’s makes it easy to pick up a full dinner on the way. No cooking, no cleanup, just great Italian food and a great night ahead.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 concert season, plus the best menu picks to pack for a picnic by the lake.
Why the Manahawkin Lake Park Summer Concert Series Is a Local Favorite
Free, family-friendly, and set against one of the most scenic backdrops in Ocean County. It’s not hard to see why this series draws crowds every week.
Manahawkin Lake Park sits at the heart of Stafford Township, offering a beautiful waterfront setting that makes an already enjoyable evening feel a little more special. As the sun sets over the lake, the combination of live music, warm air, and good company is hard to beat. Dogs, kids, neighbors, and visitors from the nearby Long Beach Island area all show up for what has become a genuine community tradition.
Concerts run Monday evenings from July 6 through August 31, with music beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, coolers, and the whole family. There’s plenty of room to spread out, relax, and let the evening unfold at its own pace.
Many concert nights also feature the Summer Pop-Up Market, beginning at 5 p.m., offering local vendors, Jersey Fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items before the music starts. Arriving early to browse the market, and picking up dinner from Fusaro’s on the way, turns a Monday night into a full summer evening.
Skip the Cooking—Bring Fusaro’s for the Perfect Picnic Dinner
Nobody wants to spend a July evening standing over a hot stove. That’s the beauty of takeout on concert nights: you skip the prep, skip the cleanup, and arrive at the park with dinner already handled.
Fusaro’s is positioned perfectly for this. The restaurant sits just 0.3 miles from Manahawkin Lake Park, making it a natural stop on the way. Place your order ahead, swing by, and you’re at the park with time to grab a good spot before the music starts.
A few more reasons takeout from Fusaro’s makes sense for concert night:
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- No dishes. Everything is packaged for easy transport and serving.
- Feeds the whole group. Whether it’s a family of four or a crew of twelve, the menu scales up easily.
- Something for everyone. Pizza, pasta, strombolis, wraps, subs, salads, appetizers—there’s no shortage of options.
- Great for sharing. Sliced pizza, stromboli portions, and platter items make communal picnic eating simple.
What to Bring from Fusaro’s to the Concert
Pizza
Pizza is the obvious choice for a reason. It travels well, serves a crowd, and satisfies just about everyone. Fusaro’s pizza menu includes:
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- Classic Cheese — a crowd-pleasing go-to for families with kids
- Specialty Pizzas — including the Fusaro Special (sausage, peppers, onions, meatballs, and pepperoni), perfect for those who want something with more flavor
- Grandma Pie — thin base, fluffy center, crispy bottom; a Long Island-style classic
- Sicilian Squares — thick, hearty, and great for groups who want a more filling option
Pasta Dinners
If pizza isn’t enough, round out the spread with a pasta dinner. Fusaro’s entrees include baked ziti, chicken parmesan, lasagna, and penne vodka—all comforting, filling, and easy to serve family-style.
Strombolis & Calzones
Strombolis and calzones are built for sharing. Fusaro’s makes them fresh using handmade pizza dough, with options like classic pepperoni, cheesesteak, buffalo chicken, and sausage with broccoli rabe. A large stromboli feeds approximately 3–4 people, making it a smart addition to any concert-night spread.
Wrap Platters
Wrap platters are one of the best-kept secrets for outdoor events. Easy to handle, no utensils required, and packed with flavor. Choose from fan favorites like the Grilled Chicken Caesar, Buffalo Chicken, the signature Fusaro Wrap, or the Hot Honey Breaded Chicken Wrap.
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- Small Wrap Platter: 7 wraps, 21 pieces — feeds up to 8 people
- Large Wrap Platter: 12 wraps, 36 pieces — feeds up to 15 people
Sub Platters
Sub platters are another strong choice for larger groups. With cold subs, gourmet options, and hot subs all available, there’s something for every preference. Mix and match to build a platter that works for your crowd.
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- Small Sub Platter: 4 subs, 20 pieces — feeds up to 8 people
- Large Sub Platter: 7 subs, 35 pieces — feeds up to 15 people
Salads
Round out the meal with a fresh salad on the side. Light, easy to portion, and a good complement to heavier items like pasta or pizza.
Garlic Knots & Wings
Garlic knots and wings make ideal appetizers to snack on while everyone settles in and the market winds down before the music starts. Simple, crowd-pleasing, and easy to pass around.
Dessert
Save room. Fusaro’s carries cannoli and cookies for a sweet finish to the night. For during or after the concert, Woo Hoo Ice Cream is a great way to cap off the evening, especially on a warm summer night.
2026 Summer Concert Schedule at Manahawkin Lake Park
The 2026 season runs Monday evenings from July 6 through August 31, with concerts starting at 6:30 p.m. The lineup features a wide range of acts spanning rock, soul, oldies, and yacht rock, including Verdict, 80’s Crush, JC Keys Yacht Rock Trio, The Pickles, The Kootz, Epic Soul, Margarita Thrills, Joey D & Johnny B Rockin’ Oldies, and Mushmouth, among others.
For the full schedule, confirmed acts, and any weather-related updates, visit the official Stafford Township Summer Concert Series page. Lineups and dates are subject to change, so it’s worth checking before you head out.
Planning a Concert Night for a Bigger Group?
Hosting beach house guests? Getting the neighbors together? Celebrating a birthday, organizing a team outing, or coordinating a summer family reunion? Fusaro’s has the options to handle it.
Party platters from Fusaro’s, whether wrap platters, sub platters, or a combination of both, are designed to take the stress out of feeding a group. Everything is pre-portioned, packaged to travel, and easy to serve without a formal setup.
For events requiring three or more platters, Fusaro’s asks for 48 hours’ notice to ensure your order gets the attention it deserves. For everything else, daily platter orders are accommodated. Call ahead at (609) 978-3888 or explore Fusaro’s catering options online to plan your spread.
Make Monday Night Dinner the Easiest Part of Your Summer
The 2026 Manahawkin Lake Park Summer Concert Series gives you nine weeks of free Monday evening entertainment. The music, the sunset, the community energy—all of that is already taken care of. Dinner doesn’t need to be complicated.
Order ahead from Fusaro’s, pick it up on the way to the park, and walk in ready to enjoy the night. Order online, call (609) 978-3888, or stop by at 31 N Main St, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. See you at the lake.
