Dinosaurs in Red Bank and more things to do this weekend at the Shore and beyond

Here's a show 65 million years in the making.

Erth's Dinosaur Zoo, with two shows Saturday at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, guides your family on a breathtaking tour that begins in pre-historic Australia.

You'll observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of life-like dinosaurs and other creatures in a theatrical performance that is sure to thrill and entertain kids — and stimulate their imaginations.

With its glorious, laconic, Aussie humor, you'll see an amazing menagerie, from baby dinos to some of the largest carnivores and herbivores that have ever walked the planet.

Brought to life by a team of skilled puppeteers, you'll think you're in "Jurassic Park." But don't run and hide or you'll miss all the fun.

Tickets are $29.50 to $79.50.

Go: Erth's Dinosaur Zoo Live, 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, $29.50 to $79.50; 732-842-9000, https://thebasie.org/events/erths-dinosaur-zoo.

Here are more things to do this weekend at the Jersey Shore and beyond, including a big boat show in Edison and holiday weekend events in Cape May.

A tribute to the Queen of Soul

The New Jersey Symphony presents a concert dedicated to Aretha Franklin, featuring Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy Award nominee Ryan Shaw.

"Aretha: A Tribute," featuring hit songs like "Respect," “A Natural Woman” and “Chain of Fools,” comes to the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank at 8 p.m. Friday. You can also catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown; 8 p.m. Saturday at NJPAC in Newark; and 3 p.m. Sunday at the State Theatre in New Brunswick.

The Queen of Soul, Franklin is one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, with global sales of more than 75 million records. She won 18 Grammy Awards and was nominated 44 times. In 1987, she was the first female musical artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"Aretha" was partially developed by Jenkins, who is a singer and actor with credits on Broadway and television. Shaw's latest album, "Imagining Marvin," includes original songs alongside hits from the legendary Marvin Gaye.

Lucas Waldin conducts.

Go: Aretha: A Tribute," 8 p.m. Friday, Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, $25 to $59; 732-842-9000, thebasie.org.

'Songs of Liberation and Love'

Savory sounds, tasty treats and high spirits will greet you when the Ocean County Library and Toms River Area NAACP team up for a Black History Month Celebration at noon Saturday at the library's Toms River branch.

The three-hour event in Mancini Hall features a performance by Rhonda Denét and the Silver Fox Songs Trio. “Songs of Liberation & Love” pays homage, a release says, to African-American jazz, gospel, soul and pop stars who "uplift, educate and inspire."

Denét will be accompanied by keyboardist Mike Bardash, bassist Gene Torres and drummer Chuck Batton in timeless songs popularized by Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Mahalia Jackson, Curtis Mayfield, Nina Simone, Dina Washington, Stevie Wonder and more.

Register for Saturday's free program at https://bit.ly/3TFC1ZF.

Go: "Songs of Liberation and Love," noon Saturday, Ocean County Library, Toms River branch, 101 Washington St., free; 732-349-6200, or theoceancountylibrary.org/events, silverfoxsongs.com.

Feel the love with donuts

Who needs a dozen roses when you can get a dozen donuts?

Through Friday, the "Love Assortment" ($22.75), a dozen Valentine's Day-themed donuts, is available at all Duck Donuts locations, in-store or online, for pick up or delivery.

Try sweet treats like a donut with chocolate icing and raspberry drizzle, or turn up the romance with a vanilla-iced donut with limited-time love sprinkles and a candied rose.

If your sweetheart has a true sweet tooth, the box also features a donut with strawberry icing, Oreo crumbles and marshmallow drizzle.

Go: Middletown location, 1275 Route 35, $22.75; 732-671-3825, duckdonuts.com/middletown.

'Rabbit Hole' in Toms River

The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “Rabbit Hole” this weekend and Feb. 23 to 25 in the Black Box Theater at the Grunin Center for the Arts.

Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart. “Rabbit Hole” charts their bittersweet search for comfort in the darkest of places. Variety calls the play “a revelation — an intensely emotional examination of grief, laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion and searing honesty.”

You can see the show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, as well as 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24, and 2 p.m. Feb. 25.

Tickets are $15, $12 seniors.

Go: "Rabbit Hole," weekends through Feb. 25, Grunin Center for the Arts, College Drive, Ocean County College, Toms River, $15, $12 seniors; 732-255-0500, grunincenter.org.

Boat show

The New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo cruises back into the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison Thursday through Sunday.

Produced by the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to supporting, protecting and promoting the boating industry in the Garden State, the show features over 225 boats from top dealers.

Kids can participate in the show's nautical version of “I Spy Scavenger Hunt.” Little skippers that successfully complete their sheet can visit the New Jersey Sea Grant Exhibit for a fun, take home marine science craft. There also will be live turtles at the show. Face painters will be on site from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

There is also a food court and beer garden, and there will be plenty of giveaways and raffles.

Go: New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, $15, free for children 16 and younger when accompanied by an adult; 732-292-1051, JerseyBoatExpo.com.

Visit Cape May

Have you ever visited Cape May in winter? Some say it’s their favorite time of year. Here are some of the activities going on this weekend:

Crafts & Collectibles In Winter: The 2024 Crafts & Collectibles shows kick off from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave. Admission is $2.

Stories of Cape Island Trolley Tour: The stories of Cape Island and the surrounding area’s economy are in whaling and farming, and while new industries have evolved since then, that heritage is still celebrated today. Hear how whalers centuries ago eked out a dangerous but lucrative living and discover the area’s rich farming heritage. Learn about the Union Bethel community in 1831, in which Black residents thrived, and the diverse community that continues to contribute to the vibrancy of island life today. $20, $15 for children 3 to 12.

Underground Railroad Trolley Tour: Cape May was part of the Underground Railroad, and this trolley tour from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, tells of those dangerous days. Enslaved people fled Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, and braved strong currents and stormy seas, guided by the beacon at the Cape May Lighthouse. $25, $15 for children 3 to 12.

Emlen Physick Estate Tour: Take a guided tour of the first and second floors of the 1879 Physick House Museum, for an in-depth look at Victorian architecture and the period. $20, $15 for children 3 to 12.

Cape May Lighthouse: Climb the 199 steps for a wintery panorama of Delaware Bay. The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is open on weekends and holidays from noon to 3 p.m. $12, $8 for children 3 to 12.

More events are listed at capemaymac.org. To purchase tickets in advance, visit online or call 609-884-5404. In the event of inclement weather, check back for schedule changes.

Gabriela L. Laracca contributed to this story.

Have an event coming up at the Jersey Shore? Tell us about it. Email Bill Canacci at bcanacci@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore things to do include dinosaurs in Red Bank