Cape May County Events 2026

Island-wide yard sale with 100+ participating homes offering bargains and unique finds. Perfect treasure hunt through Avalon's residential neighborhoods.

Annual fundraiser for volunteer fire department featuring seasonal plants and flowers. Proceeds support local public safety services.

Weekly tribute band concerts at Surfside Park celebrating artists from Elvis to Billy Joel. High-energy shows with dancing and community atmosphere.

Family entertainment with character shows, balloon art, face painting, DJ performances, games, and prizes. Vibrant summer evenings for all ages.

Upscale charity gala at ICONA Windrift featuring cocktails, live music, silent and live auctions. Elegant September evening benefiting Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children.

Surfside Park celebration featuring fresh local seafood, original artwork from regional artists, live music, artisan vendors, beach hayrides, and kids' activities. Free admission with parking.

Annual 5K run and 1.5-mile walk through Avalon raising funds for the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home. Family-friendly Thanksgiving tradition at the Jersey Shore.

Over 200,000 tulips bloom throughout town. Garden tours, B&B walking tours, wine tastings, and trolley tours past colorful displays.

World-renowned birding festival celebrating spring migration. Guided walks, workshops, and 175+ species possible at one of North America's premier migration sites.

Cape May's signature celebration of Victorian heritage with house tours, vintage baseball, murder mystery dinners, and themed events.

Candlelight house tours, Victorian caroling, holiday events, and festive decorations throughout the historic district.

Cape May Court House hosts free outdoor concerts at the county park amphitheater. Weekly performances feature classic rock, country, and tribute bands in a family-friendly setting.

Cape May Court House free zoo transforms for Halloween with trick-or-treating, costume parades, and family activities. Kids meet costumed characters while exploring decorated exhibits.

Cape May Court House award-winning holiday light display transforms the zoo after dark. Drive-through or walk-through experience with over one million lights and animated displays.

Cape May Court House hosts the annual county fair with livestock exhibits, carnival rides, agricultural competitions, and local food vendors. Traditional county seat summer event.

Cape May Court House county park hosts a massive free Easter egg hunt for children. Age-divided zones, photos with the Easter Bunny, and spring activities for families.

Premier birding festival coinciding with peak raptor migration. Thousands of birders gather for guided walks, workshops, and observation at the Hawkwatch Platform with 400+ species recorded.

Special evening climbs up Cape May Lighthouse during full moon. Climb 199 steps for panoramic night views over Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Advanced reservations required.

Educational programs at Cape May Point State Park where visitors watch scientists band migratory birds. Learn about bird migration research and conservation efforts during spring migration peak.

Annual special flag-lowering ceremony at Sunset Beach honoring all military veterans. Part of the nightly flag ceremony tradition that has run since 1973 with patriotic music and remembrance.

Cape May Point State Park guided nature walks. Two sessions at 9am and 2pm explore local bird species, native trees, and park history on the scenic Red Trail. Free, family-friendly program.

Statewide event to visit 11 lighthouses across New Jersey, including Cape May Lighthouse. Participants collect souvenirs and complete the challenge for prizes. $5 registration plus lighthouse climb fees.

Watch Cape May Raptor Banding Project scientists capture, measure, and band hawks during fall migration at Cape May Point State Park. Educational demonstrations show hawk species up close before release.

Five-day Irish cultural celebration with live music, step dancing, bagpipes, Irish vendors, and family activities along the boardwalk. Draws 100,000+ visitors annually to North Wildwood.

One of New Jersey's largest St. Patrick's Day parades featuring marching bands, bagpipes, Irish dancers, and festive floats. Draws thousands to Spruce Avenue.

Free family event featuring professional kite fliers from around the world showcasing giant show kites, stunt kites, and kite-making workshops on North Wildwood beach.

Free outdoor concerts at Hereford Inlet featuring local and regional bands, tribute acts, and family-friendly entertainment throughout summer season.

Weekly Friday night beach fireworks displays throughout summer season, with special extended show on July 4th. Launched from North Wildwood beach.

Free family pirate celebration with costume parade, treasure hunt, prizes, and raffles featuring bikes and weekend getaway packages.

Premier barbecue competition with state championship judging, live blues performances, cooking demonstrations, and food vendors along Olde New Jersey Avenue.

Free aerial acrobatics spectacle featuring military aircraft, custom stunt planes, aerialists, and parachute demonstrations. Viewable from beach and boardwalk.

Third annual Valentine's Day obstacle course races for children and parents with team challenges including fire-truck pull. Family-friendly winter fitness event.

Madcap comedy parade welcomes spring with 300+ basset hounds, marching bands, costumed participants, and irreverent floats along Asbury Avenue. Noon start at 6th-12th Streets.

Annual spring shopping and entertainment weekend featuring special deals, live music, wine tastings, and girlfriend getaway activities throughout downtown and boardwalk.

Classic rock, doo-wop, and tribute bands perform at the historic 1929 Music Pier with ocean views throughout spring season.

Independence Day celebration features free Ocean City Pops concert, bike parades, and spectacular fireworks display. America's Greatest Family Resort tradition.

46th annual open-water swimming event since 1979 ranks among premier Jersey Shore swim races. Challenging ocean course for competitive swimmers.

71st annual celebration features one of world's largest boat parades through Ocean City's back bays with 100+ decorated boats, followed by spectacular fireworks display.

63rd annual juried art show on the Boardwalk showcases paintings, photography, sculpture, and crafts from regional artists. Free admission, family-friendly browsing.

116th annual baby parade ranks among oldest in the nation. Decorated strollers, costumes, and family fun parade down the boardwalk in beloved Ocean City tradition.

Weekend aviation celebration features Parachute Pyrotechnic Show (Sept 19) and Boardwalk Aerobatic Air Show (Sept 20). Vintage aircraft, skydivers, and aerial stunts.

Massive street festival on Asbury Avenue (5th-14th Streets) draws 400+ vendors from 9am-5pm. Arts, crafts, food, and family entertainment welcoming autumn.

Family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration with drone light shows, tribute concerts at Music Pier, boardwalk activities, and midnight fireworks over the ocean.

Annual St. Patrick's Day parade along Landis Avenue with best-dressed contest, bagpipers, and Irish celebration at Kix McNutley's. 34th annual parade in 2026.

Family beach festival on the Promenade with craft vendors, food court, live music, bounce houses, face painting, and sand art. One of Sea Isle's largest summer events.

Classic car show on the Promenade with live music from Snake Brothers Band, auto awards, and parade down Landis Avenue. Held the day after Skimmer Festival.

End-of-summer celebration with craft market, food court, free inflatable attractions in Excursion Park, live music, and family activities on the Promenade.

Hometown fall festival at Excursion Park with pumpkin decorating, hayrides on the beach, live music, scarecrow contest, and pie baking competition.

Holiday kickoff at Excursion Park with Santa visits, holiday performances, wreath auction for college scholarships, shopping village, and food court.

Chamber of Commerce 5K race and 2-mile fun walk benefiting the Diamondback Terrapin Program at the Wetlands Institute. USATF certified course through scenic neighborhoods.

Culinary celebration with prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants showcasing Stone Harbor's dining excellence. Sample multiple restaurants at special pricing.

Free weekly concerts at 95th Street & 2nd Avenue featuring tribute bands and local artists. Bring beach chairs and enjoy ocean views with live music.

Annual triathlon at Stone Harbor Yacht Club combining swim, bike, and run in scenic coastal setting. Attracts athletes from across the region.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the beach for summer vacation with photo opportunities, bringing holiday cheer to July. Unique family event blending Christmas with summer.

Annual food and beverage celebration featuring local restaurants, breweries, and wineries on Stone Harbor's downtown shopping district. Includes live music, tastings, and grape stomping.

Holiday celebration featuring festive family activities, live music, shopping deals at downtown boutiques, and seasonal entertainment. Kicks off the holiday season on Seven Mile Island.

Small-town Independence Day celebration with fireworks over the bay. Community gathering with beachfront viewing at Corson's Inlet. Family-friendly patriotic tradition.

Official summer season kickoff with extended hours at Deauville Inn and Twisties. Beach volleyball and community cookouts mark the start of free beach access season.

Annual fishing competition taking advantage of Strathmere's unique ocean-to-bay access. Categories for surf fishing and bay fishing. Prizes awarded at Twisties Tavern.

End-of-summer gathering at Deauville Inn with live music and special bay-view dining. Community tradition marking the close of peak season in this quiet beach town.

The world's only lima bean festival celebrating West Cape May's agricultural heritage with 2,000+ attendees enjoying lima bean soup, ice cream, cooking demos, live music, crafts, and family activities.

Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, artisan goods, baked items, and live music. Farm-fresh vegetables, crafts, and community gathering at the borough's agricultural heart.

Educational farm tours, harvest celebrations, and seasonal workshops at the 62-acre historic working farm. Hands-on agricultural experiences including planting days, harvest festivals, and farm-to-table dinners.

Annual grape harvest celebration at the 200-year-old vineyard with wine tastings, live music, vineyard tours, and seasonal food pairings celebrating New Jersey wine country and local viticulture.

Annual expo at Wildwood Convention Center featuring fishing gear, boats, seminars, and the chance to meet fishing legends.

Pop culture convention at Wildwood Convention Center with cosplay, vendors, celebrity guests, and gaming.

Special Olympics NJ fundraiser celebrates 20th anniversary in 2026 at Wildwood Convention Center beach. Wave Maker option for supporters who don't want to plunge.

Free boardwalk showcase of classic cars, hot rods, and muscle cars 15+ years old on display from 10am-3pm. All makes and models welcome.

39th annual kite festival paints the sky with colorful kites at Wildwood Convention Center beach. Night kite flying, auctions, and family-friendly games throughout weekend.

Official start of summer on the boardwalk with all Morey's Piers rides open, live entertainment, fireworks, and classic car shows.

Northeast's largest outdoor country music festival draws 40+ top country artists to Wildwood Beach for four days of live performances and beach party atmosphere.

Annual celebration of Italian heritage in North Wildwood features authentic Italian food, live music, carnival rides, and cultural entertainment spanning three days.

Competition BBQ meets blues music with championship pitmasters, live blues performances, and family-friendly activities over three-day weekend.

Beloved Wildwoods tradition since 1909 features decorated strollers parading 10 blocks on the boardwalk from Convention Center to Cedar Avenue. Steps off at 6pm sharp.

Free outdoor concerts six nights weekly at Fox Park, Sunset Lake, Centennial Park, and Byrne Plaza. Live bands, food trucks, and family entertainment all summer.

Free weekly fireworks display over the Boardwalk at 10pm with musical score broadcast on 98.7 The Coast. Rain dates on Sundays. All summer long.

Annual celebration of Irish heritage in North Wildwood features parade down Surf Avenue with marching bands, live Irish music, traditional dance, 5K run, and Celtic vendors.

Spectacular beach airshow features military jets, Golden Knights parachute team, and vintage aircraft over Wildwood Beach. Practice day September 11, main show September 12.

Classic cars on boardwalk and inside Wildwoods Convention Center. Free boardwalk viewing Friday-Saturday 10am-3pm. Indoor show Friday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 9am-1pm.

Free weekly outdoor concerts at Centennial Park featuring live music from local and regional bands. Family-friendly atmosphere with sunset views over the water.

Free family movie nights on the beach with large screen projections. Bring blankets and chairs for this popular Crest tradition under the stars.

Community safety awareness event at Sunset Lake featuring live entertainment, food vendors, emergency vehicle displays, and kids activities. Draws 2,000+ residents and visitors.

Annual egg hunt at Centennial Park with thousands of eggs, age-divided sections, and visits from the Easter Bunny. One of the largest egg hunts in Cape May County.

Holiday parade along Ocean Avenue featuring floats, marching bands, Santa Claus, and community groups. Followed by tree lighting at Borough Hall.

One of the East Coast's premier amateur sand sculpting contests on the wide Wildwood Crest beach. Free event showcasing creative sand art and beach family fun.

Annual 5K run and 1-mile walk along the Wildwood Crest shoreline benefiting the T.J. Hunt Memorial Foundation. Family-friendly community racing event.

Wildwood Crest street festival at Sunset Lake featuring craft vendors, food, live music, and family entertainment. Concludes with fireworks display at 8:30 PM.