Events: September to December
Next to the area’s beaches and maritime atmosphere, unique history, birding and nature attractions, water adventures on the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay or the wild and scenic Maurice River make the vacation experience a unique opportunity for a diverse traveling public. One-of-a-kind attractions and hundreds of special events create a unique opportunity for visitors to find Southern New Jersey a rich vacation experience.The allure of NJ’s Southern Shore is created through hundreds of special events that range from kiting, beauty pageants, music, volleyball, marbles and more. Just look for a calendar of events on this website or in any visitor center, and you'll soon find out what it means to celebrate the summer, spring and fall seasons as a Southern New Jersey Vacationer.
SEPTEMBER
FIREWORKS ON THE BEACH: 3rd:
Wildwood. On the Beach at Pine Avenue, Wildwood. Summer fireworks and laser extravaganza! 10 p.m. Free. 609-523-1602. www.dowildwood.comPLAZA CONCERTS PRESENTS THE STAR BAND: 3rd:
Avalon. 609-967-3066. www.avalonboro.orgFOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION: 3rd-4th:
Cape May Court House. Cape May County Musuem at 504 Rt. 9 N. Featuring the Great Barbecue Reunion, Tours of the Cresse-Holmes House, Young’s Barn and the Townsend Carriage Shed. Book signings, a Genealogy workshop, lectures and more. 609-465-3535. www.cmcmuseum.orgSELF-GUIDED WINE TRAIL: 3rd-6th:
Cape May. Visit three of Cape May County's award-winning wineries at your own pace (Turdo, Hawk Haven and Natali) and enjoy samplings at each. Participants receive a map with directions to each winery, plus a tasting glass for sampling. $10 per person. Purchase tickets at the Visitors Center or the Hill House Office at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., or the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street. 609-884-5404. www.capemaymac.orgAIRFEST 2010- NAS WILDWOOD AVIATION MUSEUM: 3rd-6th:
Hangar #1, Cape May Cty. Airport. Highlighting WWII Bombers, B-24, B-25 and B-17, P-51 Mustang. Vendors, music and much more. 609-886-8787. www.usnasw.orgTOMATO FESTIVAL: 4th:
West Cape May. Back by popular demand, the West Cape May Tomato Festival returns to Wilbraham Park, celebrating the Jersey Fresh Tomato and the end of the summer season! Festivities begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 5:00PM. Come on out and share in the spirit of community! 609-884-8382. Rain date 09/05/10.SWEET SOUL AND ROCK 'N ROLL CONCERT: 4th:
Wildwoods Convention Center's Oceanfront Arena. 4501 Boardwalk. 8 p.m. Three legendary groups, four decades of music, fifty smash hit records all under one roof for a magical night of memorable music and entertainment. Starring Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards, and The Spinners. Plus your host, celebrity impersonator Linda Axelrod as Joan Rivers. Tickets are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster Outlets, online or Charge-By-Phone at 800-745-3000. www.wildwoodsnj.comTIM KERR 7 MILE ISLAND SPLASH AND DASH: 4th:
Avalon. Fitness event for area children. www.avalonboro.orgHANDCRAFT UNLIMITED LABOR DAY CRAFT SHOW: 4th-5th:
The Wildwoods Convention Center. Quality craft artisans. 717-656-3208. www.handcraft-unlimited.comREVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT: 4th-5th:
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Authentically garbed reenactors from Morgan’s Rifle Corps and Lamb’s Artillery. Demonstrations of camp life, infantry tactics and artillery. The Story of Old Glory both days.609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgTIM KERR 7 MILE ISLAND RUN: 5th:
Avalon Community Hall, Avalon. www.avalonboro.orgROAR TO THE SHORE MOTORCYCLE RALLY: 9-12th:
Wildwood. One of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Northeast. Daily vendors, live entertainment and activities. 609-729-8870. www.roartotheshoreonline.comMUMMERS STRINGBAND SATURDAY AND STRUTTERS CONTEST: 11th:
North Wildwood. Mummers strutting contest, parade and concert immediately following parade. Free. 609-374-0562.CIVIL WAR WEEKEND: 11-12th:
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Military encampment, demonstrations of infantry and artillery drill & tactics. Vendors of reproduction period merchandise. Battle reenactments both days. Memorial Service at “Old Brick” Church, public welcome. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgAVALON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STREET FAIRE: 12th:
30th Street, Avalon. Area merchants offer great sales, Deejay and more. Fun for all ages. www.avalonbeach.comARTS, ANTIQUES & MUSIC FESTIVAL: 12th:
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. High Street comes alive with a wide celebration of the visual and performing arts, artisans, antiques, and eclectic mix. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comNEW JERSEY STATE FIREMEN’S CONVENTION PARADE: 15-18th:
varied venues in The Wildwoods. Annual Convention of Delegates and Life Members. The Parade features over 300 pieces of apparatus by over 200 individual companies. Bands, comics and more will perform. 609-827-1238.THIRD FRIDAY: 17th:
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. High Street in the Glasstown Arts District comes alive with the arts, fine dining and a festive atmosphere, window shopping, live music and seeing the sights. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comWINGS AND WATER FESTIVAL: 17-19th:
Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor. The Festival is a family fun “Celebration of the Coast” featuring plein air painting, carving, quilters, crafters and photographers. Demonstrations, boat cruises, kayaking, guided walks, kids activities, hands on encounters, fun food and more. 609-368-1211. www.wetlandsinstitute.orgFALL FAMILY FESTIVAL WEEKEND: 18th:
Sea Isle City. Seaside market, food court, sand sculpting contest, live entertainment, dance party, antique auto show and parade, guided historical trolley tours. 609-263-8687. www.seaislecitynj.usOCEAN CITY AIRPORT FESTIVAL: 18th:
Ocean City. Annual festival at the Municipal Airport. Features include a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II planes to Classics and Warbirds. Meet the performers for the next day’s Aerobatic Air Show. 609-525-9223.CAPE MAY FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL: 18-26th:
Indulge in the “restaurant capital of New Jersey.” More than a week of events for those who love good food and wine; events may be attended separately. Enjoy winery tours, tastings, demonstrations, the annual Chefs’ Cook-off and the People’s Choice Chowder Contest, plus Chefs’ Dine-Arounds, Gourmet Lunches, a Beer Tasting Dinner, a Cape May Wine School Class, workshops, and cooking classes with chefs from award-winning restaurants, and much more! 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgBOARDWALK AEROBATIC AIRSHOW: 19th:
Ocean City. Thrill to some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usBOARDWALK CLASSIC CAR SHOW AND AUCTION: 23-25th:
on the Boardwalk and at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood. Cars displayed on the Boardwalk. Entrance fee for participants. Free to spectators. 609-523-8051. www.thundermoto.com. Car auction of "muscle" and classic cars will take place in the Wildwoods Convention Center’s Oceanfront Arena. Vendors with memorabilia and collectibles. 609-522-4546. www.wildwoodnjclassiccarauction.comIRISH FALL FESTIVAL: 23-26th:
North Wildwood. The largest Irish Festival on the East Coast. Four-day event celebrates Irish heritage with dancing, music, food, vendors and crafts. Bus Service throughout event days Other festival activities include a gold tournament, amateur boxing matches, Irish dance lessons, Ceili, 5k Run and 1 mile walk, pipe exhibition, Irish music concert, Catholic Mass and concludes with a parade 1.800.IRISH 91. 609.729.0075. www.CMCAOH.comSUNSET LAKE SEAFARERS WEEKEND CELEBRATION: 25th:
Wildwood Crest. Dozens of crafters and food vendors, family entertainment, live music, children’s activities and more overlooking beautiful Sunset Lake. The evening ends with a spectacular beachfront fireworks show. Free. 609-522-1669. 609-523-0202. www.wildwoodcrest.orgBEACH JAM “FALL HARVEST”: 25-26st:
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood. Ultimate camping experience for scouts on the beach between Schellenger and Spencer Avenues. Entrance fee for participants. 609-522-3900. www.moreyspiers.comOCTOBER
AN OLDE TIME ITALIAN FESTIVAL: 1-2nd:
Wildwood. An 'Old World' family festival weekend including crafts, games, rides, great Italian food and continuous Free live entertainment. 609-374-0016. www.soiwildwoods.comMID ATLANTIC LAW ENFORCEMENT SURVIVORS WEEKEND: 1-3rd:
the Wildwoods. Honoring our law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. 609-522-2030. www.Midatlanticsurvivors.orgCUMBERLAND COUNTY SPORTSMAN’S JAMBOREE: 2-3rd:
Maurice River Twp. 856-691-7237.THUNDER ON THE BEACH MONSTER TRUCK RACE: 2-3rd
Wildwood. Monster truck race for “King of the Beach.” Quad wars, tough truck competition, stunts. Three jam-packed shows on the beach! Rain or shine! Admission fee. 609-523-8051. www.thundermoto.comFESTIVAL OF FINE CRAFT: 2-3rd:
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. Traditional and contemporary work from over 125 juried artists from across the country present jewelry, studio glass, clay, metal, wearable art, fibre, leather, photography, watercolor, mixed medium, wood and more. Outdoor crafts demonstrations. Entertainment. Hands-on family activities. Specialty foods. 800-998-4552, 856-825-6800. www.wheatonarts.orgFALL FESTIVAL: 7th:
Dutch Neck Village, Bridgeton. Their biggest festival, including crafters, fun foods, entertainment and pony rides. 856-455-6003. www.dutchneckvillage.comFALL THUNDER ON THE SAND PRO/AM SANCTIONED MOTOCROSS RACE: 8-10th:
On the Beach at Lincoln Avenue, Wildwood. AMA sanctioned races featuring beginners to pros. Admission fee. 609-523-8051. www.thundermoto.comDEERFIELD TOWNSHIP HARVEST FESTIVAL: 8-10th:
Rosenhayn. Family fun, live music, lively entertainment, fun foods and more. Free. 856-455-3200. www.deerfieldtownship.orgVICTORIAN WEEK: 8-14th:
Cape May. Rated one of North America’s "top 100 Events," the Victorian Week is a ten day extravaganza celebrating Cape May’s Victorian heritage, featuring Historic House Tours, Murder Mystery Dinners, Chocolate Fantasy Buffet, Vintage Dance Workshop, Crafts and Antiques Shows, living history programs, lectures, workshops, performances and more. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgSEAFOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: 9th:
Wildwood. A FREE street fair with food vendors, crafts, a pie eating contest, Kids Korner, a clam chowder contest and musical entertainment. 609-729-4000. www.gwcoc.comLIMA BEAN FESTIVAL: 9th:
West Cape May. The lowly lima bean actually has its day in the sun when lima bean lovers gather to celebrate the proud tradition of lima bean farming in this little town. There¹s always homemade lima bean soup, baked limas, lima bean salad and more limas in chili, barbecued, in salsa and even lima bean ice cream. 609-884-9325. westcapemaytoday.comKIX MxNUTLEY'S COLUMBUS DAY PARADE & ITALIAN FESTIVAL CELEBRATION: 9th:
Sea Isle City. Parade honoring the Italian traditions, craft and food vendors, entertainment by Jerry Blavat. 609-263-4461, ext. 230. www.kixmcnutleys.comFALL BLOCK PARTY: 9th:
Ocean City. Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more at the Tabernacle grounds. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usCHAMBER OF COMMERCE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL: 9 –10th:
30th Street and Beach, Avalon. Lots of great seafood and other fun food and beverage choices, music, vendors, crafters and more. www.avalonbeach.com.INDIAN SUMMER CELEBRATION: 9-11th:
Ocean City. Seafood vendors at the Music Pier and Boardwalk table sales. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usCCOAST (Cumberland Co. Open Artists’ Studio Tour): 10th
Glasstown Arts District, Millville and surrounding areas. Visit working artists’ studios both in and around the Glasstown Arts District. Enjoy a variety of artistic mediums: oils, watercolors, glass, ceramics, and much more. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comTHIRD FRIDAY: 15th:
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. High Street in the Glasstown Arts District comes alive with the arts, fine dining and a festive atmosphere, window shopping, live music and seeing the sights. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comFABULOUS 50’S CELEBRATION: 15-17th:
The Wildwoods. A celebration of the Wildwoods’ place in Rock ’n Roll history. The weekend kicks off on Friday night with a dance party and concludes with a star-studded concert in the Wildwoods Convention Center’s Oceanfront Arena. Saturday features a classic car show, contests, food vendors, live music entertainment, craft vendors, Doo Wop Bus tour and so much more! 609-729-4000. www.gwcoc.comHALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS IN VICTORIAN CAPE MAY: 15-31st:
More than two weeks of specially-themed tours and events including Ghostwriter Trolley Rides, Madame Parmentier’s Psychic Teas, Midnight at the Physick Estate, Historic Haunts Combination Tours, Phantoms of the Physick Estate and much more to help you get into the “spirit” of the season609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgVENDOR FAIR at THREE GREYS ANTIQUES SHOP: 16th:
Bridgeton. Looking for that one-of-a-kind gift. Look no further than the Three Greys Antiques shop where vendors’ tables are chock full of items from antiques to home décor items, jewelry and more. 856-451-grey (4739). www.threegreysantiques.comNEW JERSEY LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE: 16-17th:
Raising public awareness of New Jersey’s lighthouses. It is a rain or shine, two-day event held during the 3rd weekend in October when 11 land-based lighthouses are open for visitation and climbing. During this weekend, the public is invited to visit any or all of the sites along the Challenge route. www.njlhs.orgCAPE MAY NJ STATE FILM FESTIVAL: 22-24th:
Cape May. This event is New Jersey’s premiere weekend film festival dedicated exclusively to the support and presentation of works by New Jersey filmmakers. Festival goers have the opportunity to view to celebrate the best New Jersey films and filmmakers, screening a full day of shorts, numerous features, retrospectives, special events. Along the way, attendees have the pleasure unique to film festivals of meeting face-to-face with the directors, actors, producers, screenwriters, and composers who are the makers of these films. 609-884-6700. www.njstatefilmfestival.comNJ AUDUBON CAPE MAY AUTUMN WEEKEND: 29-31st:
Cape May. Join birding’s best at world famous Migration Mainline - Cape May NJ for a weekend full of field trips, kayak, pelagic and back bay boat trips, workshops, programs for the beginner to the seasoned naturalist. Registration required. 609-884-2736 email: birdcapemay@njaudubon.org. www.birdcapemay.orgNOVEMBER
SHERLOCK HOLMES WEEKEND: 5-7th:
Cape May. Join Sherlock Holmes for a weekend of mystery and intrigue. The weekend includes performances, tour, luncheon and prizes and the famous Search for Clues tour. Cost varies per activity. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgTRAIL OF TWO CITIES: 6th:
Ocean City and Somers Point. Run/Walk over the 9th St. bridge from Somers Point to Ocean City. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usFALL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: 6th:
Cape May. More than 40 vendors come to Cape May to sell hand-made novelties including seasonal decorations,gift items and more. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.org
CAPE MAY JAZZ FESTIVAL: 12-14th:
Cape May. Performing at various venues throughout Cape May with more than 20 events over a three-day weekend. The festival will welcome many familiar and exciting new performers. 609-884-7277. www.capemayjazz.orgQUIET FESTIVAL: 12-14th:
Ocean City. A celebration of quiet things. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usCHRISTMAS ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL: 13-14th:
Music Pier, Ocean City.800-822-4112. www.ocnj.us