What's Happening This Weekend

Whether you're up for driving a little or a lot, the Shore has festivals and family events gallore this weekend. Check out the lineup:

• It's Jamboree time again! The 17th annual Pinelands Jamboree begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Wells Mills County Park, 905 Wells Mills Road, Waretown. Relax and listen to the music of the pines with performers from Albert Music Hall, paddle on Wells Mills Lake, go on a nature hike, see demonstrations and slide shows, visit more than 40 environmental and local exhibitors and crafters, and meet reptiles and amphibians native to the Pine Barrens. Kids can get their faces painted, do crafts and even see Smokey Bear. Free admission.

• The Seaside Heights Columbus Day Italian Festival runs throughout the weekend on the Seaside Heights Boulevard. Come out for Italian food and lots of family fun. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, with a parade at 1 p.m. Sunday on the Boulevard.

• Sea glass lovers from around the country descend on Long Branch from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday for the North American Sea Glass Association's annual Sea Glass Festival. The event moves to a different U.S. coastal city each year, and this year, Ocean Place Resort and Spa plays host to the weekend-long celebration of treasures from the ocean. The event includes an exhibition, shard identification booths, lectures and more. If you've got a treasured piece, consider entering it in the "shard of the year" competition, which judges glass on color and overall appearance. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and younger. Learn more about the event and the competition on the festival's website.

• If your weekend festival tastes run more toward the edible, check out the West Cape May Annual Lima Bean Festival, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at West Cape May's Wilbraham Park. Enjoy great food – yes, including lima beans! – vendors, antiques, entertainment and more.

• Bring the family to the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, located on the Ocean County College main campus, College Drive, Toms River for an Exploring the Fall Sky planetarium presentation. Your star guide will discuss the nature and importance of the Sun. Inside the planetarium, you’ll see the night sky without the interference of modern light pollution, and you'll tour the constellations, bright stars, visible planets, and other celestial highlights. Shows start at 2:30 and 8:15 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickests are $10 for adults, $8 for senior and $7 for kids 12 and younger.