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
NEW JERSEY SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND: 4-6th
New Jersey Motorsports Park, The Series’ South Jersey debut is the 2009 season finale, with AMA Pro Racing’s premier class champions in National Guard American Superbike and Daytona Sportbike crowned at the weekend’s conclusion. The Supersport class for young racers and the Moto-GT endurance series is also a part of the weekend. 856-327-8000. www.njmotorsportspark.comAIRFEST 2009- NAS WILDWOOD AVIATION MUSEUM: 4-7th
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.orgREVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT: 5-6th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Authentically garbed reenactors from Morgan's Rifle Corps and Lamb's Artillery. Demonstrations of camp life, infantry tactics, artillery and more. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgHANDCRAFT UNLIMITED LABOR DAY CRAFT SHOW: 5-6
The Wildwoods Convention Center. Quality craft artisans. 717-656-3208. www.handcraft-unlimited.comARCA RE/MAX SERIES: 11 - 13
New Jersey Motorsports Park, ARCA’s first foray to a road course in over a decade – 2008’s visit to New Jersey Motorsports Park – was deemed a major success for the series. Fittingly, the 800-hp stock cars will make a return to Thunderbolt Raceway in 2009. 2008 race winner Justin Allgaier was crowned the series champion and has since signed with legendary Penske Racing to contest the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series, leaving plenty of hungry young hot shoes and series veterans behind to claim this season’s title. The VW Jetta TDI Cup and Pro IT series also return in 2009. F1 New Jersey hosts a WKA New Jersey Sprint Series karting race. 856-327-8000. www.njmotorsportspark.comROAR TO THE SHORE: 11-13th
Wildwood. Cape Classics Motorcycle Club presents 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: 12th
North Wildwood. Mummers strutting contest, parade and concert immediately following parade. Free. 609-522-2955.CIVIL WAR WEEKEND: 12-13th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. The Civil War comes alive at Historic Cold Spring Village! Military encampments from the Blue and the Gray, with demonstrations of infantry drill, weaponry, vendors of reproduction period merchandise, and artillery fire. Battle reenactments and a Civil War memorial service at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgAVALON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STREET FAIRE: 13th
Avalon. Area merchants offer great sales, Deejay and more. Fun for all ages. 609-967-3936. www.avalonbeach.comARTS, ANTIQUES & MUSIC FESTIVAL: 13th
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.comFERRARI CHALLENGE: 18 - 20th
New Jersey Motorsports Park, one of the most spectacular one-make racing series in the world, the Ferrari Challenge North America brought a full field of race-prepped F430’s to New Jersey Motorsports Park as part of the Grand-Am Series weekend in 2008. For 2009, the series gets its own date in Sough Jersey, bringing dozens of the exotic Italian machines for a double-header weekend. In addition, Ferrari Historic Challenge will race in a separate feature, with a diverse group of machines ranging from early Ferrari sportscars to ex-Formula One machinery. 856-327-8000. www.njmotorsportspark.comTHIRD FRIDAY: 18th
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.comNEW JERSEY STATE FIREMEN’S CONVENTION PARADE: 19th
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. 609-729-4063.OCEAN CITY AIRPORT FESTIVAL: 19th
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. 609-399-0907. www.ocnj.usCUMBERLAND COUNTY SPORTSMAN’S JAMBOREE: 19-20th
Maurice River Twp. 856-692-3041.FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL WEEKEND: 19-20th
Sea Isle City. Dance contest, seaside market and food court, live entertainment, food court, promenade dance party, sandsculpting contest, antique auto show, free guided trolley tours, antique auto parade and more. www.seaislecitynj.usCAPE MAY FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL: 19-27th
Cape May. Indulge yourself in the “restaurant capital of New Jersey.” A full week of events for those who love good food and wine; events may be attended separately. The Gourmet Marketplace at the Cape May Winery features mini-winery tours, tasting lectures and the annual Chef’s cook-off, plus the People’s Choice Chowder Contest. Enjoy Chef’s Dine-Arounds, Gourmet Lunches, a Beer Tasting Dinner, workshops with chefs from award-winning restaurants and cooking classes. 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgBOARDWALK AEROBATIC AIRSHOW: 20th
Ocean City. Thrill to some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usWINGS AND WATER FESTIVAL: 20-21st
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.orgBOARDWALK CLASSIC CAR SHOW AND AUCTION: 24-27th
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. Annual car auction of "muscle" and classic cars will take place in the Wildwoods Convention Center's Oceanfront Arena. Vendors with memorabilia and collectibles. For auction information. 609-522-4546. www.wildwoodnjclassiccarauction.comIRISH FALL FESTIVAL: 24-27th
North Wildwood. Four-day event celebrates Irish heritage with dancing, music, food, crafts and a parade. Free. 1-800-IRISH 91. 609-729-0075. www.CMCAOH.comSUNSET LAKE SEAFARERS WEEKEND CELEBRATION: 26th
Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest. Dozens of crafters and food vendors, family entertainment, live music, children's activities and much more overlooking beautiful Sunset Lake. After 6 p.m., event moves to Gazebo-by-the-Sea (Rambler and Ocean) and Fern Road Park (Fern and Ocean) areas for more live entertainment and a spectacular beachfront fireworks show. Free. 609-522-1669. 609-523-0202. www.wildwoodcrest.orgBEACH JAM “FALL HARVEST”: 26-27th
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood. Ultimate camping experience for scouts on the beach between Schellenger and Spencer Avenues. Entrance fee for participants. 609-729-3900. www.moreyspiers.comOCTOBER
HISTORY OF SPEED: 1 - 4th
New Jersey Motorsports Park, the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) makes their second New Jersey Motorsports Park appearance, showcasing motorsports history through 10 race classes. Historic ex-racers as diverse as the Ferrari Formula 2, Porsche 356, Jaguar E-Type, McLaren M8D Can-Am and Shelby GT350 participate in SVRA events and will grace Thunderbolt Raceway. One of the most spectacular shows of the weekend is the Historic Grand Prix. Historic Grand Prix is comprised of more than 50 authentic vintage Formula One machines that ran from 1966-1983. Featuring cars originally driven by legends from Jackie Stewart to Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti to Gilles Villeneuve, the Historic Grand Prix brings legendary cars to life at New Jersey Motorsports Park. 856-327-8000. www.njmotorsportspark.comLAW ENFORCEMENT SURVIVORS WEEKEND: 2-4th
the Wildwoods. Honoring our law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.609-522-2030. www.Midatlanticsurvivors.orgTHUNDER ON THE BEACH MONSTER TRUCK RACE: 2-4th
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.comFALL FESTIVAL: 3, 24-25th
Dutch Neck Village, Bridgeton. This our biggest festival including crafters, fun foods, entertainment and pony rides. 856-455-6003. www.dutchneckvillage.comFESTIVAL OF FINE CRAFT: 3-4th
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. Traditional and contemporary work from over 140 juried artists. Outdoor and indoor show, craft demonstrations, kids’ activities, specialty foods and more. 800-998-4552, 856-825-6800. www.wheatonarts.orgARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: 9-10th
Stone Harbor. Local artists display their talents on the streets of downtown Stone Harbor 96th Street and Third Avenue. 609-368-6101. www.stoneharborbeach.comFALL THUNDER ON THE SAND PRO/AM SANCTIONED MOTOCROSS RACE: 9-11th
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: 9-11th
Rosenhayn. Family fun, live music, lively entertainment, fun foods and more. Free. 856-455-3200. www.deerfieldtownship.orgVICTORIAN WEEK: 9-18th
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.orgCCOAST (Cumberland County 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.comSEAFOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: 10th
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.comFALL BLOCK PARTY: 10th
Ocean City. Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more at the Tabernacle grounds. 609-399-2269. www.ocnj.usLIMA BEAN FESTIVAL: 10th
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, barbequed, in salsa and even lima bean ice cream. 609-884-9325. westcapemaytoday.comKIX MxNUTLEY’S ITALIAN FESTIVAL CELEBRATION: 10th
Sea Isle City. Parade honoring the Italian traditions highlighted by a night with Jerry Blavat. 609-263-4461, ext. 230.SUNSET LAKE HYDROFEST POWERBOAT RACES: 10-11th
Sunset Lake, Wildwood Crest. Powerboat racing, food and merchandise vendors. Free to spectators. Pit passes may be purchased. 609-886-8156. www.sunsetlake.usCHAMBER OF COMMERCE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL: 10-11th
Avalon. Lots of great seadood, music, vendors, crafters, Chowder Contest and more. Fun for all ages. 609-967-3936. www.avalonbeach.comINDIAN SUMMER WEEKEND: 10-12th
Ocean City. Seafood vendors at the Music Pier and Boardwalk table sales. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usTHIRD FRIDAY: 16th
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.com.FABULOUS 50’S CELEBRATION: 16-18th
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! 888-729-0033.www.fabfifties.comHALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS IN VICTORIAN CAPE MAY: 16-31st
Two weeks of specially-themed tours and events including Ghostwriter Trolley Rides, Miss Parmentier’s Psychic Teas, Historic Haunts Combination Tours, Phantoms of the Physick Estate and much more to help you get into the “spirit” of the season! 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgPUMPKIN FESTIVAL: 17th
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. Craft show, music, games, food vendors, pumpkin painting, haunted hayride and barn! Halloween parade. Select Village buildings open. Rain date: Sunday, October 18th. 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.orgNEW JERSEY LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE: 17th
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, North Wildwood. Visit all 13 lighthouses. Activities each day including many guest Lighthouse experts. Free. 609-522-4520. www.herefordlighthouse.orgNJ AUDUBON CAPE MAY AUTUMN WEEKEND: 23-25th
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
CAPE MAY JAZZ FESTIVAL: TBA
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.orgSHERLOCK HOLMES WEEKEND: 6-8th
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.orgFALL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: 7th
Cape May. More than 40 vendors come to Cape May to sell hand-made novelties including seasonal decorations, gift items and more at Star of the Sea Parish Hall. 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgTRAIL OF TWO CITIES: 7th
Ocean City and Somers Point. Run/Walk over the 9th St. bridge from Somers Point to Ocean City. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usQUIET FESTIVAL: 13-15th
Ocean City. A celebration of quiet things. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.usCHRISTMAS ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL: 14-15
Music Pier, Ocean City. 399-9998. www.ocnj.usTHIRD FRIDAY: 20th
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.comHOLIDAY PREVIEW WEEKEND: 20-22nd
Cape May. Get a head start on the holiday season and enjoy a variety of special Christmas tours and events before the crowds arrive. Includes Holly Trolley Tours, a Physick Family Christmas, Evening Wassail Tours and more. 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgCAPE MAY NJ STATE FILM FESTIVAL: 20-22nd
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.comHOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 21-22nd
Dutch Neck Village, Bridgeton. Come out and check the new holiday décor and merchandise. 856-455-6003. www.dutchneckvillage.comHOLIDAY CELEBRATION OF FINE CRAFTS: 21-22nd
Music Pier, Ocean City. Juried crafters, artists and photographers from throughout the East Coast. 800-822-4112. www.ocnj.usHOLIDAY PARTY: 27th
Avalon. Downtown shopping and great sales, tree lighting ceremony, pizza party, entertainment and more. Fun for all ages. 609-967-3936. www.avalonbeach.comHOLIDAY CRAFTS FAIR: 27-28th
Cape May. Your holiday shopping starts at Cape May Convention Hall. 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgCHRISTMAS IN STONE HARBOR—AN ISLAND HOLIDAY: 28th
Stone Harbor. Holiday Shopping, caricature artist, face painting, magicians, a parade, holiday music, characters, hospitality night and much more to celebrate the holidays. 609-368-6101. www.stoneharborbeach.comDECEMBER
HOLIDAY EXHIBIT AND SALE: POTTERY AND GLASS: TBA
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville. WheatonArts overstocks, prototypes and seconds, a selection of pieces from WheatonArts ceramic artist, Terry Plasket, and studio glass artists Melanie and David Leppla. 30% to 70% discounts. 800-998-4552, 856-825-6800. www.wheatonarts.orgWALK OF LIGHTS: 4-5 & 11-12nd
Dutch Neck Village, Bridgeton. A holiday celebration complete with carolers, a live nativity scene, a bon fire, luminaries and Santa Claus. www.dutchneckvillage.comWILDWOODS FAMILY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: 5th
Wildwoods Convention Center. Start a family holiday tradition with an exciting holiday weekend filled with fun for the entire family! Attend Jaycees Christmas Parade on Friday night, followed by a tree lighting ceremony and parade awards ceremony at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Bring the family inside the Wildwoods Convention Center lobby on Saturday for free admission to Holiday-themed crafters, movies and entertainment. 609-729-9000. www.WildwoodsNJ.comHISTORIC CHRISTMAS HOUSE TOUR: 5th
Bridgeton. 856-451-9208.CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOURS: 5th, 12th, 19th
Cape May. This self-guided tour, the main attraction of Cape May’s festive holiday season, features homes, inns, hotels and churches decorated for the holidays, plus caroling, strolling musicians and good old-fashioned cheer. Hospitality centers offer warm beverages and home-baked treats. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgDICKENS CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA: 7-9th
Cape May. Enjoy the sights and sounds, tastes and scents of Dickens’ era. A variety of lectures and performances about Dickens and the Victorian world are offered daily. The festivities conclude with a proper Victorian Feast. 609-884-5404. 800-275-4278. www.capemaymac.orgSOUL OF THE SEASON: 12th
Glasstown Arts District, Millville. Celebration of the holidays with Clydesdale horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, Santa’s Shop. Holiday shopping for fine arts, hand crafted original artworks and much more. 800-887-4957. www.glasstownartsdistrict.com.THIRD FRIDAY: 18th
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.com.BOARDWALK BASKETBALL CLASSIC: 26-31st
The Wildwoods Convention Center. The nation’s largest holiday basketball tournament in the state with teams from allover the country. Admission fee. 609-522-2444. www.bbclassic.net