Jersey Shore Events & Festivals
From Victorian Week to beach concerts, there's always something happening at the shore.
Featured Events
Victorian Week
Cape May • October
Cape May most beloved event. 10 days of Victorian-themed tours, dinners, and entertainment.
Learn MoreSea.Hear.Now Festival
Asbury Park • September
Major music and surf festival on the beach. Past headliners include Stevie Nicks, Green Day, The Killers.
Atlantic City Airshow
Atlantic City • August
Thunder Over the Boardwalk - free airshow with military jets and aerobatic teams.
Concerts at the Shore
Various • Year-round
Stone Pony, Hard Rock Live, and venues across the shore host major acts all year.
Learn MoreEvents by Type
Music Festivals
Best: Summer & Fall
- Sea.Hear.Now
- Stone Pony Summer Stage
- Porchfest
Food & Wine
Best: Spring & Fall
- Cape May Wine Festival
- Seafood Fest
- Restaurant Weeks
Historic & Cultural
Best: Year-round
- Victorian Week
- House Tours
- Lighthouse Events
Family Fun
Best: Summer
- Baby Parade
- Hermit Crab Races
- Night in Venice
Events by Month
January
- Polar Bear Plunges
Multiple beaches • Tradition - Restaurant Week
Cape May • Food
February
- Valentines Getaway Events
Cape May • Romance - Winter Restaurant Week
Atlantic City • Food
March
- St. Patricks Day Parades
Seaside, Belmar • Parade - Shamrock Fest
Point Pleasant • Festival
April
- Tulip Festival
Cape May • Garden - Spring Block Parties
Asbury Park • Music
May
- Memorial Day Weekend
Shore-wide • Holiday - Wine Festival
Cape May • Food & Drink - Shad Festival
Lambertville (nearby) • Festival
June
- Pride Events
Asbury Park • Pride - Food & Wine Festival
Cape May • Food - Summer Kick-off Events
Shore-wide • Festival
July
- July 4th Fireworks
Multiple towns • Holiday - Baby Parade
Ocean City • Tradition - Hermit Crab Races
Ocean City • Fun
August
- Atlantic City Airshow
Atlantic City • Airshow - Miss Crustacean Pageant
Ocean City • Fun - Night in Venice
Ocean City • Boat Parade
September
- Sea.Hear.Now Festival
Asbury Park • Music - Seafood Festival
Belmar • Food - Irish Fall Festival
North Wildwood • Festival
October
- Victorian Week
Cape May • Festival - Halloween Events
Shore-wide • Holiday - Oktoberfest
Multiple • Festival
November
- Thanksgiving Weekend
Shore-wide • Holiday - Christmas Preview
Cape May • Holiday - Holiday Markets
Multiple towns • Shopping
December
- Christmas in Cape May
Cape May • Holiday - First Night
Multiple towns • New Years - Holiday House Tours
Cape May • Tours
Seasonal Highlights
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season brings July 4th fireworks at every town, the Atlantic City Airshow, Ocean City family events, and outdoor concerts at Stone Pony Summer Stage.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
The best events season: Sea.Hear.Now Festival in Asbury, Victorian Week in Cape May, Irish Fall Festival in Wildwood, and perfect beach weather with smaller crowds.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cape May transforms into a holiday village with Christmas tours and events. Polar Bear Plunges on New Year's Day are a shore tradition. Restaurant weeks offer deals.
Spring (Mar-May)
St. Patrick's Day parades kick things off. Tulip Festival and wine events in Cape May. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer.
Event Planning Tips
Book Early
Major events like Victorian Week and Sea.Hear.Now sell out hotels months in advance. Book as soon as dates are announced.
Check Official Sites
Dates and details change yearly. Verify with official event websites before making travel plans.
Arrive Early
Popular events cause traffic and parking challenges. Arrive early or consider staying overnight.
Weather Backup
Outdoor events may be weather-dependent. Check forecasts and have indoor backup plans.
Plan Your Visit
Find the perfect town and accommodations for your event trip.