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.
Look here for September through December Events
MAY
CAPE MAY’S SPRING FESTIVAL: April 24th-May 3rd
Cape May. Celebrate the arrival of springtime in America’s first seaside resort with Sweet Treats House Tours, Private Homes Tours, Ghost Tours, Chef’s Dine-Around, Murder Mystery Dinners, Vintage Dance Workshops, living history programs and much more. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgECO-FAIR: GREEN LIVING FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN: 2nd
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. The event provides information, resources, products and real solutions for people to live better, healthier lives with less environmental impact. 800-998-4552, 856-825-6800. www.wheatonarts.orgSPRING BLOCK PARTY: 2nd
Ocean City. Over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more on Asbury Ave. 609-399-2269. www.ocnj.usSAIL INTO SUMMER WEEKEND: 2-3rd
Stone Harbor. Variety of foods from local vendors, including beer and wine and a chowder cookoff. 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.stoneharborbeach.comCAPE MAY WINE TRAIL: 3rd
Cape May. Spend the afternoon visiting Cape May County’s wineries and sampling the unique flavors of each. Enjoy lunch at the Carriage House Tearoom and Café, located on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Following lunch, the trolley will take you to Cape May Winery, Turdo Vineyard and Natali Vineyard, where you’ll learn about viticulture and visit the tasting rooms. Includes wine tasting glass. Limited event. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgMARTIN Z. MOLLUSK DAY: 7th
Ocean City. Come and find out if summer is coming early. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usEAST COAST BOARDWALK NATIONALS CAR SHOW: 7-10th
On the Boardwalk and at Wildwoods Convention Center. Cars displayed on the Boardwalk. Free to spectators. 609-523-8051. www.thundermoto.comWINE TASTING & A TASTE OF AVALON: 8th
Avalon. Area distributors offer over 100 wine selections to taste. 609-967-3936. www.avalonbeach.comUSO STYLE CONCERT & DANCE: 9th
Hangar #1, Cape May Cty. Airport. Music that inspired a Nation. 609-886-8787. www.usnasw.orgNJ AUDUBON WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING: 9th
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. email:birdcapemay@njaudubon.org. www.worldseriesofbirding.orgTHIRD FRIDAY: 15th
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. High Street in the Glasstown Arts District comes alive with those enjoying the arts, fine dining and a festive atmosphere, window shopping, listening to live music and seeing the sights. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comSPRING BEACH JAM: 15-17th
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.comNJ AUDUBON CAPE MAY SPRING WEEKEND: 15-17th
Cape May. Celebrate spring and enjoy the weekend in North America’s most famous bird watching destination – Cape May, NJ. With three days 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.worldseriesofbirding.orgCAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL: 17-June 11th
Cape May. Twentieth Anniversary Season! Enjoy sweet sounds by the sea during this springtime musical celebration featuring orchestra, chamber and world traditions music. Guest soloists and ensembles with a dazzling array of symphonies, world music, pops and jazz. 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgWILDWOODS INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL: 22-24th
Wildwood. On the Beach and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. America’s largest kite festival, featuring world-renowned kite builders and competitors, kite making workshops and exhibits, indoor competition and children’s activities. An illuminated night kite show. Entrance fee for participants; free to spectators. 732-822-4884. www.WildwoodsNJ.comSPRING THUNDER IN THE SAND MOTOCROSS PRO/AM MOTOCROSS RACING ON THE BEACH: 29-31st
Wildwood. Two days of hot racing on the beach. AMA-sanctioned Pro-Am races for beginners to pros. Admission fee. 609-523-8051. www.thundermoto.comOPEN HOUSE WEEKEND: 30-31st
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Free admission! Get a preview of the Village with select buildings open. Enjoy afternoon tea with the Friends of HCSV and special guided walking tours. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgJUNE
CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL: May 17-11th
Cape May. Twentieth Anniversary Season! Enjoy sweet sounds by the sea during this springtime musical celebration featuring orchestra, chamber and world traditions music. Guest soloists and ensembles with a dazzling array of symphonies, world music, pops and jazz. 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgOCEAN CITY FLOWER SHOW: 5-7th
Ocean City. See beautiful commercial and amateur displays at the historic Music Pier. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usWORLD WAR II WEEKEND: 5-7th
Cape May. This resort town to a pivotal part of America’s Homeland defense efforts during the war years. On the weekend of the anniversary of D-Day, this is your chance to reminisce about the war years and learn about how World War II affected the town and the residents. The weekend includes a program of music from the war years, lectures, presentations, tours of Naval Air Station Wildwood and Fire Control Tower No. 23, a World War II boat cruise, trolley tours, and a Veterans Memorial Ceremony at Sunset Beach. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgBIKE FEST 2009: 6th
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. Poker Run “Tour de Swamp” in morning. Afternoon Custom Motorcycle Show, Music & Food. Celebrity guest. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comSTRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: 6th
Dutch Neck Village, Bridgeton. Come out and enjoy a berry fun day complete with crafters, food, entertainment and pony rides. 856-455-6003. www.dutchneckvillage.comFANTASY FAIRE: 6-7th
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. A mix of Medieval, Renaissance and Restoration history from throughout the world, mixed with myths, legends and fantasies. 800-998-4552, 856-825-6800. www.wheatonarts.orgCELTIC FESTIVAL: 6-7th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Come out and celebrate all things Celtic at this popular annual event! Live music, dance performances, storytelling, puppet shows and more! Also featuring a pub area with live music, food & craft vendors, and a traditional Irish buffet at the Old Grange Restaurant. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgSOUTH JERSEY SHARK TOURNAMENT: 11-14th
South Jersey Marina, Cape May. The richest shark tournament in NJ with a total purse of $336,000. 609-884-2400. www.sjmarina.comDELAWARE BAY DAYS: 13-14th
Bivalve, Port Norris, Shellpile, East Point Lighthouse. Celebrate the rich maritime history, vibrant culture and natural resources of the Delaware Bay. Satisfy your hunger with fresh seafood, soul food and homemade fare or enjoy artisans and crafters, river tours and guided wetland walks and a visit to NJ’s Official Tall Ship, the historic schooner A.J. Meerwald. 856-785-2060. www.bayshorediscovery.orgPLEIN AIR ART COMPETITION: 13-14th
Renaissance Center for The Arts in the Glasstown Arts District, Millville. Two day open air competition and exhibition. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comMUMMERS BRIGADE WEEKEND: 13-14th
North Wildwood. Parade on Surf Avenue and much more. Free. 609.522.2955. www.northwildwood.comQUILT SHOW: 13-15th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. The Village is lined with all things quilting! Visit with vendors, groups, appraisals through appointment, and display of quilts throughout the Village. Vote for your favorite in the Welcome Center! 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgVICTORIAN FAIR: 14th
Cape May. Victorian fair on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum. The day features live musical performances, crafts, collectibles, living history characters, children’s activities and refreshments. 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgMISS NEW JERSEY PAGEANT: 17-20th
Ocean City. Boardwalk Parade, preliminary competitions and the finals at the Music Pier. Find out who will represent New Jersey at the Miss America Competition. 800-BEACHnj. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usTHIRD FRIDAY: 19th
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. High Street in the Glasstown Arts District comes alive with those enjoying the arts, fine dining and a festive atmosphere, window shopping, listening to live music and seeing the sights. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comSOUTHERN SHORE REGION MUSIC FESTIVAL: 20th
The ABA award winning Bridgeton Folk Festival has spun into a new regional event. The second annual Southern Shore Music Festival will be held at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. This family-oriented festival on 70-acres at Carmel Rd. in Millville, NJ will host nationally known performers, children’s activities, a dance hall, food and craft vendors music & art memorabilia sales and much more. 866-866-MORE. 856-455-0328. www.southernshoremusicfestival.comMILITARY TIMELINE WEEKEND: 20-21st
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Live a little military history thoughout the ages! Visit with military encampments and demonstrations re-creating soldier life from Viking Warriors to the American Revolution to the Korean War. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgSKIMMER FESTIVAL WEEKEND: 20-21st
Sea Isle City. Dance contest, promenade dance party, seaside market and food court, sandsculpting contest, antique auto show, live entertainment, food court, guided trolley tours and more. www.seaislecitynj.usNATIONAL MARBLES TOURNAMENT: 22-25th
Wildwood. The official national competition in the sport of marbles for boys and girls ages 8-14 that have qualified by winning local tournaments throughout the US. Free to spectators. 304-337-2764. 800-WW-BY-SEA. www.nationalmarblestournament.orgJULY JUBILEE: 22-26th
Ocean City. A fun filled week of contests leading up to July 4th complete with taffy sculpting, treasure hunts and more. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usSARA THE TURTLE FESTIVAL: 23rd
Sea Isle City. 609-263-8687. www.seaislecitynj.usNORTH WILDWOOD ORIGINAL ITALIAN-AMERICAN FESTIVAL: 26-28th
North Wildwood. Annual celebration of Italian-American heritage held in North Wildwood on Olde New Jersey Avenue. Vendors, food & entertainment. 609.522.2955 or www.northwildwood.comAVALON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CRAFT FAIRE: 27th
Avalon. Area merchants, DeeJay and more. Fun for all ages. 609-967-3936. www.avalonbeach.comHANDS ON & HOMESPUN: 27-28th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Village artisans demonstrate and share their skills, encouraging visitors to participate in activities from the “age of homespun.” Papermaking, sheep shearing, blacksmithing, craft activities. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgRED, WHITE & BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL: 28th
Hammonton. Thousands of berry-lovers flock to Hammonton to enjoy the taste of unmatched blueberry delights. An antique car show, arts and crafts, blueberry pie-eating contests and a live stage show and more. 609-561-9080. www.hammontonnj.usJULY
AVALON FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL: 1-5th
Avalon. Celebrate the 4th of July with a weekend of fun activities for the whole family including a big beach movie, a mummers parade, beach concert, a boat parade, fireworks topped off with a concert by the Bay Atlantic Symphony at Community Hall and much more. www.avalonboro.orgCAPE MAY COUNTY LIFEGUARD CHAMPIONSHIP: 2nd
Rambler Road and the Beach, Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol Headquarters. Ten Cape May County beach patrols compete in 6 events. Free. 609.522.3825 or www.wcbp.orgFOURTH OF JULY FREEDOM FESTIVAL: 3-5th
Rambler Road and Ocean Avenue Gazebo-by-the-Sea area. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Crafters of all kinds, food, live entertainment, children’s activities. Free. 609-522-1669, 609-523-0202 or www.wildwoodcrest.orgSPORTS CARD, COMIC BOOK, BEANIE & TOY EXPO: 3-5th
Wildwoods Convention Center. Collectibles, memorabilia and guest star appearances. Free. 732-422-9365. www.njsportspromotions.comINDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: 4-5th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Celebrate Independence Day the traditional way with uniquely American foods, music programs and more! 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgFIREWORKS CELEBRATION: 4th
Millville, Union Lake Park. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comCUMBERLAND COUNTY FAIR: 6-11th
Cumberland County Fairgrounds, Millville. Demolition derby, farm and garden exhibits, hayrides, home and arts exhibits, pie eating contests, amusement rides and much more 856-825-3820. www.cumberlandcofair.comSAND SCULPTING CONTEST: 8th
Ocean City. The first one of the season. 800-BEACHnj. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usNJ STATE BARBECUE CHAMPIONSHIP and ANGLESEA BLUES FESTIVAL: 10-12th
North Wildwood. Smokin’ hot blues on outdoor stage, great acts in the neighborhood clubs and mouthwatering barbeque favorites. Free. 609-523-6565. www.njbbq.comCUMBERLAND COUNTY WEAKFISH TOURNAMENT: 11th
Cumberland County Recreation Commission. 856-455-0328. www.MoreToOffer.comSUMMER FEST: 11th
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. International Chili Cook-Off, kayak-canoe regatta, live bands all day, eating competitions, beer garden. Shopping at the shops and galleries at the Riverwalk, Maurice River Cruises and more. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comFARM DAYS: 11-12th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. A celebration and exhibition highlighting farming as part of America's history and culture! Enjoy plowing and gardening demonstrations, livestock, tractors, equipment and more. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgMID-ATLANTIC TUNA TOURNAMENT: 15-18th
South Jersey Marina, Cape May. The main event for tuna fishermen with an average purse of $250,000. 609-884-2400. www.sjmarina.comCAPE MAY COUNTY 4-H FAIR AND CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE: 16-18th
Cape May Court House. A three-day event that features livestock and equestrian events combined with good old-fashioned family fun. Live entertainment, 4-H activities for kids of all ages, children’s pet show, exhibits and vendors, chicken barbeque and fish fry. Ending with the 4-H Cavalcade of Winners. 800-227-2297.THIRD FRIDAY: 17th
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. High Street in the Glasstown Arts District comes alive with those enjoying the arts, fine dining and a festive atmosphere, window shopping, listening to live music and seeing the sights. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comSUNSET SPRINT TRIATHALON/DUATHON AT SUNSET LAKE: 18th
Bridgeton. Donald Rainear Ampitheater, 856-696-3924.CHRISTMAS IN JULY BOAT PARADE: 18th
The Wildwoods. Boat parade through the back bays from North Wildwood to Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest. 609-729-5501. www.wildwoodboatparade.comGLASSWEEKEND ’09: 18-19th
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. An international exhibition and symposium of contemporary glass. 20 international galleries. Guest artists. 800-998-4552, 856-825-6800. www.wheatonarts.orgCULTURE FEST: 18-19th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Learn about the diverse culture and heritage of South Jersey at this event. Food vendors, ethnic performances, music, vendors and more. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgPUERTO RICAN PARADE AND FESTIVAL WEEK: 19-26th
Vineland. Parade honoring the Puerto Rican culture featuring bands, floats and much more. 856-696-1147.MERCHANTS IN VENICE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL: 24th
Ocean City. Feast on some of the best seafood in the area and enjoy entertainment, rides for kids and crafters. 800-BEACHnj. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usNIGHT IN VENICE: 25th
Ocean City. The City’s annual boat parade is one of the largest in the world. 800-BEACHnj. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usFAMILY FUN WEEKEND: 25-26th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Family fun becomes an educational experience with childrens’ crafts and activities on a 22-acre wooded site where costumed interpreters bring the crafts, sights, sounds, and aromas of the era alive. Take part in special crafts and activities, dress-up, music, games, magic and more! 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgAUGUST
EAST POINT LIGHTHOUSE ARTIST’S DAY: TBA
Maurice River Township – A FREE day of music and activities at East Point Lighthouse. Watch artists at work on the beach painting East Point. Lighthouse tours for a minimal charge. 856-453-2177.GREENWICH CRAFT FAIRE: TBA
Greenwich. 856-455-4055.PEACH FESTIVAL: 1st
Dutch Neck Village, Bridgeton. Enjoy this peach of a festival with crafters, peach desserts, entertainment, pony rides and a flea market. 856-455-6003. www.dutchneckvillage.comBOROUGH OF STONE HARBOR’S ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: 1-2nd
Stone Harbor. Artists and artisans display their talents. 609-368-6101. www.stoneharborbeach.comRAILROAD DAYS: 1-2nd
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. All aboard! Model trains, garden displays, memorabilia and vendors line the paths of the Village. Also featuring a 50% off Thomas Sale. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgBRIDGETON INVITATIONAL SEMI-PRO BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: 3-17th
Bridgeton, Aiden Field, 856-451-9208.MISS CRUSTACEAN HERMIT CRAB BEAUTY PAGEANT: 5th
Ocean City. The original beauty contest for crustaceans. The winner receives the Coveted Cucumber Rind Cup and gets to walk down a flowery runway. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usWILDWOODS BABY PARADE-100th Anniversary: 6th
Wildwood. A Wildwood tradition since 1909. Parade steps off at the Convention Center and proceeds up the famous Wildwood Boardwalk. Free. 609-729-4000.NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY AT THE CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE: 7th
Cape May. Enjoy family activities at the base of the lighthouse including pirate-hat making, games, music and vendors. Free admission to the grounds. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgDOWNTOWN CAR SHOW: 8th
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. Antique and vintage cars, live music, food & fun. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comANTIQUE SHOW & SALE: 8-9th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. The Village's longest-running event is back once again! Vendors of classic and antique furniture, ephemera, collectibles, primitives and much more will sell their goods under the 'big tent' and shaded lanes. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgUNITED WAY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY RUBBER DUCKY REGATTA: 9th
Raging Waters Water Park, Morey’s Piers, Schellenger Avenue & the Boardwalk, Wildwood. Morey's Piers hosts this annual benefit for the Cape May County United Way. Watch as thousands of little yellow ducks race at Raging Waters for great prizes. Free to spectators. 609-729-2002. www.uwcmc.comOCEAN CITY BABY PARADE: 13th
Ocean City. Celebrating 100 years, the Centennial Anniversary of one of the oldest baby parades in the country held on the Boardwalk. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usWILDWOODS CLASSIC CUP XXIV HOBIE CAT RACES: 15-16th
On the Beach, Wildwood. Colorful hobie cat sailing regatta. Free to spectators. Entrance fee for participants. 609-923-1355 or http://mysite.verizon.net/townbank.catsCLASSIC CAR AND ANTIQUE SHOW: 15-16th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Classic cars and vintage automobiles are displayed throughout the Village from 11am-3pm. Featured auto groups include Saturday: Jersey Cape Auto Club, Sunday: Jersey Cape Cruisers 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgMID-ATLANTIC $500,000 TOURNAMENT: 16-21st
South Jersey Marina, Cape May. The Mid-Atlantic $500,000 is the richest marlin and tuna tournament in the world with more than $1,800,000 in total prize money awarded in past events. The event continues to set the world standard for sport fishing tournaments. 609-884-2400. www.sjmarina.comWEIRD WEEK: 17-21st
Ocean City. Wacky but not tacky, these events are fun for the entire family at the Music Pier. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usTHIRD FRIDAY: 21st
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. High Street in the Glasstown Arts District comes alive with those enjoying the arts, fine dining and a festive atmosphere, window shopping, listening to live music and seeing the sights. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.comHOBBY WEEKEND: 22-23th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Re-discover your favorite hobbies and pastimes at the Village. Collectors, vendors, featured crafters and more. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgSEAFARERS’ WEEKEND: 29-30th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. The pirates are coming! Celebrate all things nautical at this maritime event. Pirate shows, music and demonstrations related to Cape May's 400th anniversary! Come in costume and enter the Kiddie Pirate Contest! 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgFor September through December Events