Everyone loves a good story, especially those that transcend time — the stories that leave little marks of impact, slowly molding individual minds in often unknown ways. It’s no secret that the Jersey Shore has this unique feeling of a tight-knit community — a diverse accumulation of women living close to the ocean, all with different voices and experiences that are yearning to be shared. Generation Women, a Red Bank storytelling event, is filling that gap by highlighting diverse + multigenerational voices. Keep reading to learn more about Generation Women in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Photo Credit: Generation Women
The Origin of Generation Women
It all started when Georgia Clark, the founder of Generation Women, had a conversation with her mother, Jayne, who disclosed feeling as though the older she got, the more she felt herself starting to disappear — people were beginning to look at her as if she did not have a real presence in the room. This mother-daughter conversation spurred Georgia to develop the concept of Generation Women, an NYC storytelling event to amplify voices of all ages and generations, a place where women in different chapters of their lives can come together to share stories and feel heard.
Photo Credit: Generation Women
Through Generation Women, Georgia hoped that older voices, such as her mother’s, could be magnified, and a “matriarchal campfire” could be formed. What began as an intimate conversation between mother and daughter transcended to sold-out shows in NYC. Years later, there are chapters of Generation Women performing worldwide in places like Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne.
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How Did Generation Women Come to Red Bank?
Photo Credit: Generation Women
Christy Sunquist, a Red Bank resident, Head of Open Finance Partnerships at Plaid, and mother to three children started attending Generation Women’s shows in NYC years ago when she lived in Brooklyn. Christy, impacted by the profound way the performers and audience developed this sense of community over intimate stories, decided to bring her good friend and fellow Red Bank resident, independent coach, and mother of two children, Catherine Ferguson, to attest to this magical experience. The friends had developed a strong bond while raising their families in Red Bank. Christy felt Catherine would mutually appreciate Generation Women’s show.
“Going with Catherine [to the show], who I share this season of life with, it was a different experience to digest it together. It struck a chord,” Christy told The Jersey Shore Girl. Both women felt connected to this diverse literary salon and the fact that the performers represented women from various backgrounds, sexual orientations, cultures, ages, and experiences.
When Catherine + Christy left the show, they couldn’t get the event off their minds, and they found themselves going on what they’d call ‘brainstorming coffee walks’ throughout their hometown of Red Bank. “We had a common appetite to bring people together,” Catherine noted.
After days of reflection (and many coffee trips), Catherine and Christy decided to open up a Generation Women event in their beloved community of Red Bank. Both women felt that the rich diversity in the neighborhood needed a space for celebrating and amplifying women’s voices, and the friends concluded that Generation Women could be the missing piece in giving a voice to the inclusion that Red Bank had been missing.
What to Expect
Photo Credit: Generation Women
The audience can expect to hear stories that connect wit and wisdom from women of all ages. The performers will reflect women of all ages, including 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s+.
Each show has a theme. The last show, which took place on October 17th, was entitled, “Wild at Heart”. The participants, as usual, all told original stories; this time, the universal thread was experiences that required acts of courage.
No matter the theme, the stories aim to connect the women in the room together, the goal being at one point, everyone can point to someone else in the room and say, “She is me.”
The Holiday Show
Although sold out, the next show is on December 11th at 7PM at Triumph Brewing in Red Bank. For those lucky enough to have snagged a ticket, doors open at 6PM. JSG recommends arriving early to grab a bite to eat or drink ahead of time (or select a seat, as there’s no assigned seating).
The theme of the show centers around stories involving the joy and chaos of the holiday season — everything from heartwarming traditions to holiday disasters; expect to cry, laugh, relate, + learn from a diverse line-up of multigenerational women who will reflect on the holiday season and the impact it has on the cycle of life. Click here to learn more about who will be performing.
Want to Become a Storyteller at a Future Show?
Generation Women: Red Bank is always looking for performers; no formal storytelling or onstage experience is required. Catherine + Christy told JSG that all you need is “simply a willingness to write, edit, and tell your story before an audience. We offer edits and revisions to all of our storytellers. We’re especially excited to hear from performers over fifty, performers of color, and LGBTQIA+ folk.” Anyone interested in performing at a future show can check out the storyteller interest form here.
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Future Shows
The first show of 2025 is set for Wednesday, February 19th at Triumph Brewing Company, in Red Bank. While tickets aren’t on sale yet, Catherine + Christy welcome everyone to join the mailing list, which will provide updates on future show information + all the happenings surrounding Generation Women: Red Bank. JSG suggests joining the mailing list as it is a great step towards spreading the word about this event, giving local women a voice, and providing a safe place to build a diverse community of storytellers.
18 Alcohol-Free Activities to Try at the Jersey Shore
Even though the Jersey Shore is known for its fist-pumping nightlife, summer party scenes, and beachside bars, our coastal towns offer a variety of alcohol-free experiences that cater to every interest and lifestyle. Going alcohol-free can be a way to prioritize self-care, mental clarity, and overall well-being, ensuring a more meaningful and memorable experience without forgoing a good time. From pole dancing classes to book clubs and hiking trips, these activities show that you don’t need to drink to have the best day or night ever. Read on for some of the best alcohol-free activities at the Jersey Shore.
Join a sober social group
Asbury Park Sober Socials hosts mindful sober events for those who want to connect and spend time with others who do not partake in drinking alcohol. Some of the events include activities such as hiking, trivia, open mic nights, yoga classes, bingo, and more. AP Sober Socials is also an LGBTQIA+-friendly group. Follow @apsobersocials on Instagram for updates and event announcements.
Taste test all of the delicious specialty mocktails in Asbury Park
Bars and restaurants in Asbury Park are super creative with their mocktail options. During the month of January, The Asbury Hotel bar is featuring a mocktail menu with spirit-free sips. The JSG team loves Georgies and Iron Whale’s 0.0 abv menus. If a bar menu doesn’t have its own non-alcoholic section, ask the bartender what they can make without alcohol and they will have options or create a special concoction.
Read More: 15 Unique Activities at the Jersey Shore to Kick Off 2025
Take pottery + ceramic lessons — or just paint pottery
Working with pottery or clay provides a creative opportunity to express yourself, make beautiful pieces, and enjoy the process of crafting in a calm, alcohol-free environment. Lovelight Handmade has a wide variety of workshops and private lessons at its studio in Bradley Beach. Blue Skies Pottery at the Long Branch Pier Village has walk-ins, one-time classes, multi-week courses, and memberships for those interested in learning and perfecting the ins and outs of pottery. Wish Upon A Jar in Point Pleasant is a first-come, first-serve paint-your-own pottery studio that allows guests to paint a fabulous ceramic piece, without having to work with messy clay or a wheel.
See a movie at an indie theater
There are a few small, independent movie theaters located at the Jersey Shore that feature both an eclectic mix of independent films as well as Hollywood blockbusters. The Showroom Cinema on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park has a state-of-the-art projection system and three screening rooms with the largest theater holding up to 66 people in fixed theater chairs. Basie Center Cinemas is a twin cinema complex featuring independent films on White Street in downtown Red Bank. Tickets to showings and events held at Basie Center Cinemas can be purchased through the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Smodcastle Cinemas — owned and operated by director Kevin Smith — is a renovated, old-school neighborhood movie house with digital projectors on all screens and classic concessions in the Atlantic Highlands.
Try pole dancing or aerial fitness classes
Pole dancing and aerial fitness classes are a fun and empowering way to stay active while building strength, flexibility, and confidence. They are also a full-body workout, targeting muscles one may not typically engage in other forms of exercise, making the classes both challenging and rewarding. Bada Bling Fitness in Colts Neck has premier pole, floor, chair, and aerial dance training no matter what experience level one has. Whether looking to level up in fitness or just try something new, pole dancing and aerial fitness is a unique, alcohol-free activity that fosters both physical and mental well-being.
Sign up for cooking + baking classes
Cooking or baking classes are a fantastic way to explore new skills and indulge in creativity while staying alcohol-free. Students will learn how to prepare delicious meals or treats while fostering a sense of accomplishment and indulging in something savory or decadent. Sweet Dani B’s cookie kitchen and petite party studio in Asbury Park hosts cookie decorating classes while Papa Ganache has cooking and baking lessons available at its vegan and gluten-free kitchen in Keyport. These classes provide a fun and interactive way to connect with others while discovering new flavors and techniques.
See a show at the planetarium
Visiting the Robert J. Novins Planetarium — located on the campus of Ocean County College in Toms River, New Jersey — is a captivating, alcohol-free activity that provides a mesmerizing escape into the wonders of the universe. The planetarium hosts a variety of shows, from educational presentations to meditations and music-themed laser light performances. Tickets for shows and events at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium can be purchased on its website.
Learn how to blow glass at Hot Sand
Hot Sand — located at 550 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park — provides an exciting and hands-on glassblowing experience, making it a one-of-a-kind alcohol-free activity for individuals or groups. Hot Sand allows visitors to create custom glass art pieces, from ornaments to vases, under the guidance of skilled artisans. No prior glass-blowing experience is needed to partake in a session, the studio provides all of the supplies and expertise needed.
Try all of the Jersey Shore restaurants featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
From seafood and BBQ to bagels and pizza, there is no shortage of delicious food options at the Jersey Shore. Restaurateur Guy Fieri has spotlighted some of our local favorite spots all the way up the coast of New Jersey from Cape May to Middletown on his long-running, hit television series Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Follow this guide to rewatch the Jersey Shore-centered episodes and taste-test Guy’s picks for yourself.
Experience a traditional Russian banya spa
Whether looking to unwind solo or share a unique self-care day with friends, Bear + Birch — traditional Russian Banya, located at 6 Paragon Way in Freehold, New Jersey — provides a rejuvenating experience centered on relaxation, wellness and reducing stress. The traditional Banya experience involves steaming, cooling down, and resting with breaks for drinks, snacks, and socializing in a day spa environment. Bear and Birch’s banya amenities include a 200-degree Russian Parnaya sauna room, a Finnish dry sauna room, a classic American-style steam room, a 40-degree cold plunge pool, a hot tub, and a full kitchen and seating area.
Drop into a roller disco
United Skates Jackson — located at 2270 West County Line Road in Jackson, New Jersey — is a fun and energetic alcohol-free facility that is great for all ages and skill levels. The rink has a lively atmosphere with music, games, and themed skate nights. Roller skating is a fantastic way to stay active, socialize, and enjoy nostalgic fun. United Skates has skate rentals and a snack bar on-site.
Visit the alpacas of the Jersey Shore
There are seven alpaca farms near the Jersey Shore that allow guests to feed, photograph, and learn all about alpacas on various farm tours. Some farms even have shops that sell alpaca products that include, but are not limited to, alpaca fleece, yarn, and sweaters. Be sure to follow the JSG guide to Alpaca farms at the Jersey Shore.
Take free fitness + wellness classes with other sober individuals
The Phoenix is a nonprofit organization that provides a free, sober community for people recovering from substance use disorders. The Phoenix's mission is to build active sober communities that fuel resilience so that members can rise, recover, and live. The Phoenix hosts activities such as yoga, CrossFit, dance fitness, indoor climbing, and open jams — just to name a few — in Belmar, Neptune, Brick, Toms River, and Island Heights.
Step to the rhythm at salsa dancing lessons
Salsa at the Shore hosts classes and social dancing at various bars, restaurants, and clubs in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. At the salsa socials, the instructor teaches a one-hour group lesson with 30 minutes of Salsa and 30 minutes of Bachata. The classes are always beginner friendly and no partner or experience is needed. Salsa dancing helps improve coordination, balance, and fitness through rhythm and motion. It’s also a fantastic way to meet new people in a welcoming and social environment. Follow @salsaattheshore on Instagram for classes and social dancing updates.
Brush up on your chess skills
Chess is a timeless game that challenges strategic thinking, requires patience, and sharpens problem-solving skills, making it both fun and intellectually rewarding. Asbury Park Chess Club provides a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels, providing opportunities to learn, improve, and compete in a friendly setting. The club meets in The Asbury Hotel lobby or at the Asbury Park Library. Follow @asburyparkchessclub on Instagram for upcoming schedules and meet-ups.
Pick up pickleball
Pickleball is easy to learn and is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. It is a welcoming way to stay active without intimidation. As a fast-paced but low-impact sport, pickleball provides a great workout that also boosts mental focus. Whether looking for casual play or competitive matches, One Love Pickleball — located at 2343 Seaview Square Mall in Ocean Township — provides a supportive and engaging environment with open courts, private lessons, and tournaments.
See More: Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Learn how to knit and/or crochet
Students will create beautiful, handmade items such as scarves, hats, and blankets and pick up a skill that provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. For those who need guidance, The Creative Knot is a yarn and craft shop located at 48 Main Avenue in Ocean Grove, New Jersey that has classes and workshops for all skill levels. These classes and workshops allow guests to learn a timeless skill, create beautiful handmade items, and enjoy the meditative benefits of working with yarn.
Play old school arcade games
Whether a fan of retro gaming or just looking for a unique and upbeat outing, the Jersey Shore has a few indoor arcades that are open year-round and feature classic arcade games, pinball machines, and retro favorites. YESTERcades — located at 80 Broad Street in Red Bank — has everything from pinball and air hockey to Rock Band and Pacman. The Silverball Retro Arcade — at 1000 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park — features over 150 pinball machines from the 1930s to the present. For the quintessential Jersey Shore gaming experience, visit the arcades along the Point Pleasant and Seaside boardwalks.
