Events:
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.
MARCH
ATLANTIC CITY RESTAURANT WEEK:
Atlantic City. More than 80 restaurants from throughout Atlantic County participate throughout the week. Restaurants offer special menu selections priced at $15.11 per person for lunch and $33.11 per person for dinner. www.acrestaurantweek.comSTONE HARBOR SHIVER:
First Annual Polar Plunge at 96th St. Beach. 609-368-5102. Visit Stone Harbor Shiver on Facebook.JAZZ AT THE POINT WEEKEND:
Four days of great artists in intimate settings in and around the Somers Point area. 609-927-6677. www.spjazz.orgNEW JERSEY HOME & GARDEN SHOW:
Atlantic City Convention Center. Features landscape displays, garden exhibits, pools, doors, windows and a variety of home improvement and decor products. www.accenter.comSHERLOCK HOLMES WEEKEND:
Cape May. Sherlock Holmes and the Case of The Surreptitious Ghoul! Join Homes and Watson as they explore the Gothic Habitants of Underground London Society, or G.H.O.U.L.S. for short. Mystics, mediums, murder and mayhem abound in this bleak world. Our duo will need your help as they peer deep into the darkness and face the fears that lie within. As the Raven states, "Nevermore," will Holmes reply, "The games afoot?" Join Holmes and Watson for another “edge of the seat” thriller. Get into the spirit of things by donning Victorian attire. Stalk the gaslit streets in search of clues and compete for prizes. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.org“A GARDEN OF QUILTS” QUILT SHOW:
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. Show features hundreds of judged quilts, quilt displays, vendor mall, boutique table, door prizes, raffle quilt, hourly demonstrations, Sit and Stitch, and oral quilt appraisals. 800-998-4552, 856-825-6800. www.wheatonarts.orgNATIONAL CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP:
Wildwoods Convention Center. Annual National Cheer and Dance Championship. Competition includes recreation, high school and all-star divisions. Register by phone 866-52-CHEER. www.cheertech.netATLANTIC 10 CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP:
Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City. Annual Championship that attracts some of the nation’s best collegiate basketball players to the heart of Atlantic City. www.boardwalkhall.comSPRING BRIDAL FAIR:
Wildwoods Convention Center. Over 100 exhibitors showcasing products and services including florists, photographers, videographers, bakers, bridal/tuxedo shops, wedding planners, travel agents, stylists, calligraphers, and much more! A fashion show featuring the latest styles in gowns for the bride, bridesmaids, and the mother of the brides, as well as a tuxedo and honeymoon sportswear show. Honeymoon destinations will be featured and there will be plenty of samples, drawings, and giveaways! The Convention Center will be showcasing its Starlight Ballroom as the premier beach wedding destination. Expert catering staff will be on hand to discuss wedding décor and menu options. FREE registration for all brides! www.wildwoodsnj.com or www.capemaycountychamber.com 609-465-7181.ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE:
Boardwalk, Atlantic City. Enjoy the luck of the Irish when the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Atlantic City takes place. www.atlanticcitynj.comTHIRD FRIDAY:
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. High Street in the District comes alive with those enjoying the arts, entertainment and more. Exhibition openings, live music, dining and shopping in a festive atmosphere. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comOCEAN DRIVE MARATHON AND HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO:
Wildwoods Convention Center. Coincides with the annual Ocean Drive Marathon. Runners are asked to check in while having the opportunity to shop for the latest in runner’s gear, accessories and reading materials. 609-523-0880. www.odmarathon.org/expoOCEAN DRIVE MARATHON:
USATF certified Atlantic Coastal flat and fast, paved road and boardwalk course that begins in Victorian Cape May City continues for a 26.2 mile course via the Ocean Drive, through the Wildwoods and on into the island communities of Stone Harbor and Avalon, and finishes on the Promenade in Sea Isle City. 609-523-0880. www.odmarathon.orgECAC HOCKEY:
Historic Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City. The event brings the elite ECAC Hockey conference, comprised of the most prestigious men’s ice hockey programs in the nation, to the city that’s always turned on. www.boardwalkhall.comAPRIL
SPRING SPORTS FESTIVAL BASKETBALL COMPETITION:
The Wildwoods Convention Center and other Wildwood locations. A multi-day event in which 500+ athletes from the Garden State will compete in basketball competitions. FREE! 609-896-8000 or visit www.sonj.orgATLANTIC CITY BEER FESTIVAL - CELEBRATION OF THE SUDS:
Atlantic City Convention Center. Features over 100 beers and beer-related vendors, as well gourmet foods, contests, music, comedians and more. www.celebrationofthesuds.comDOO DAH PARADE:
Ocean City. Say goodbye to tax season with this comedy parade complete with over 500 basset hounds and much more. Pieasco follows parade—mass pie in the face extravaganza! 800-BEACHnj. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usWILDWOOD WHOLESALE GIFT SHOW:
Wildwoods Convention Center. Wholesale tradeshow featuring souvenirs, gifts, jewelry, toys, candy and more. Entrance fee for participants. FREE admission. 508-261-1800.ATLANTIC CITY APRIL FOOLS RUN:
Atlantic City Boardwalk. Two distances: 7K and 11K, along with awards for craziest outfit, wildest hat, random finish prizes and a wheel to spin for all runners to win a prize in the Atlantic City Race Series. www.atlanticcitymarathon.orgCAPE MAY’S SPRING FESTIVAL:
Cape May. Celebrate the arrival of Springtime in America’s first seaside resort with Private Homes Tours, Ghost Tours, Chefs’ Dine-Around, Murder Mystery Dinners, Vintage Dance Workshops, food and wine events, living history programs and much more. 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgWOOFIN’ PAWS PET FASHION SHOW:
Ocean City, boardwalk. Dress your pets in their Easter’s best. 800-BEACHnj. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usSOUTH JERSEY ROBOT CHALLENGE:
NASW Museum, Hangar #1, Cape May Airport. Approximately 20-30 robots compete in a unique contest. 609-886-8787 www.usnasw.orgBAYFEST:
Somers Point. With more 14 blocks to stroll, 120 crafters, 38 food vendors, 15 children activities, four live musical bands, and more, Bayfest is the largest single day festival in South Jersey. www.somerspointbayfest.orgTHIRD FRIDAY:
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. High Street in the District comes alive with those enjoying the arts, entertainment and more. Exhibition openings, live music, dining and shopping in a festive atmosphere. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comRENAULT CULINARY CLASSIC:
Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City. The annual grilling event features a selection of Micro-brewery beers and gourmet cheese tasting. It is held outside at the Wine Garden Café. www.renaultwinery.comCHOCOLATE CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR AND TASTING:
Cape May. Taste, Tour, Vote! Inns, B&Bs and restaurants are vying for Cape May’s Chocolate Champion title and you’re the judge. Visit each competitor’s property, sample their signature chocolate dessert and vote for your favorites. Those who turn in completed evaluation cards will get recipes by email. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgVINTAGE DANCE WEEKEND:
Cape May. Kick up your heels as they did in Cape May during its Victorian heyday. Instructors will teach you the traditional dances of the 19th century at a Vintage Dance Workshop then put your newfound expertise to good use at a costumed Vintage Ball with live music of the period. A Tea Dance with live music is planned. Victorian dress encouraged but not required. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.org.EASTER BUNNY BREAKFAST:
Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor. Celebrate Easter with the big white rabbit! Bunny stories, games, crafts, live rabbits and fun! Enjoy a continental breakfast with the bunny himself. 609-368-1211. www.wetlandsinstitute.orgSTRICTLY CORVETTE:
Atlantic City Convention Center. With 270 booths of vendors and hundreds of newer, classic and one of a kind Vettes. 609-464-2808. www.strictlycorvette.comTOURNAMENT OF BANDS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Wildwoods Convention Center and Middle Township High School. All-Chapter Championship contest for the Tournament of Bands indoor units from NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, WV and OH. Tickets sold by package plans only. 856-935-4940. www.njatob.orgMAY
SPRING BLOCK PARTY:
Ocean City. Over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more on Asbury Ave. 609-399-2629. www.ocnj.usSAIL INTO SUMMER WEEKEND:
Stone Harbor. Food from local vendors. Fun for the whole family and entertainment featuring a boat and car show, treasure hunts and much more in the heart of the shopping district on 96th Street. 609-368-6101. www.stone-harbor.nj.usSHOPRITE LPGA CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT:
Galloway. A variety of special events are offered during the prestigious tournament held at Seaview Resort. www.shopritelpgaclassic.comAVALON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WINE TASTING:
Community Hall, Avalon. (609) 967-3936 www.avalonbeach.comMARTIN Z. MOLLUSK DAY:
Ocean City. Find out if summer is coming early. 800-BEACHnj. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usECO-FAIR: GREEN LIVING FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN:
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. “Open House” featuring resources, products and real solutions for people to live better, healthier lives with less environmental impact. Eco crafts for children, tree tour, wildlife exhibits, nursery stock, herbs and flowers. Live music, food and refreshments. 800-998-4552, 856-825-6800. www.wheatonarts.orgFEASTING ON HISTORY RESTAURANT GALA:
NASW Museum, Hangar #1, Cape May Airport. Signature dishes, entrees, desserts and wine from the Southern Shore Region’s finest dining establishments. 609-898-2300, ext. 18. www.usnasw.orgEAST COAST BOARDWALK NATIONALS CAR SHOW:
On the Boardwalk and at Wildwoods Convention Center. 19th Annual Event. Car models including custom, imports, tuners, trucks, classics, street rods, and modified displayed on the Boardwalk. Free to spectators. Cruise on Pacific Ave. and Street Festival. 609-523-8051. www.thundermoto.comNJ AUDUBON WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING:
Varied locations throughout New Jersey. Teams of birders seek to tally as many species of birds by sight or sound in a 24-hour period just in New Jersey. Their objective is to raise money for their favorite environmental cause, and to focus attention upon the habitat needs of migratory birds. Registration required. 609-884-2736. www.worldseriesofbirding.orgSENSATIONAL ‘60S WEEKEND:
The Wildwoods, the Wildwoods Convention Center. Showcasing the Spinners, Righteous Brother Bill Medley and the Contours featuring Sylvester Potts. A Friday night dance party and concert at the Oceanfront Arena at the Center. Saturday highlights include a Free street fair featuring a classic car show, contests, food vendors, live music and entertainment, craft vendors. A Doo Wop bus tour and so much more! 609-729-4000. www.gwcoc.comSTONE HARBOR’S TURTLE TROT
5K Run and 2 Mile Fun Walk:95th St. & First Ave. 609.368.6101 www.stone-harbor.nj.us
MAYFEST:
Historic Town of Smithville & Village Greene: A celebration of spring with more then 100 Juried Crafters in attendance, along with an International Food Court, live music, and children’s activities. www.smithvillenj.comCAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL:
Cape May. 22nd Season! Enjoy World-class orchestral and chamber music, a world traditions series and Bach’s lunches. 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgTRI FOR OUR VETERANS – TRIATHLON:
Sea Isle City. ¼ Mile Swim – 12.3 Mile Bike Race - 3.1 Mile Run. www.piranha-sports.comBEACH JAM SPRING:
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from around the country camp on the beach. Entrance fee for participants. 609-522-3900. www.moreyspiers.comTHIRD FRIDAY:
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. High Street in the District comes alive with those enjoying the arts, entertainment and more. Exhibition openings, live music, dining and shopping in a festive atmosphere. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comNJ AUDUBON CAPE MAYGRATION NATURE FESTIVAL:
Celebrate spring and enjoy a week in North America’s most famous bird watching destination – Cape May, NJ. With a week full of field trips, kayak, pelagic and back bay boat trips, workshops, programs for the beginner to the seasoned naturalist to enjoy. Come for a day or plan to stay. Several options available. Registration required. 609-861-0700 or email:birdcapemay@njaudubon.org www.birdcapemay.org