Specialty Events at the Jersey Shore
Unique events like polar bear plunges, lighthouse tours, and special occasions
44
Events
3
Major Festivals
22
Free Events
9
Months Active
Destination Specialty Events
Major specialty events worth planning your trip around.
January 17, 2026
Registration 10am-12:45pm, Plunge at 1pm
20th anniversary milestone plunge raising funds for Special Olympics NJ at Wildwood Beach.
Highlights
February 28, 2026
Plunge at 1pm
NJ's largest polar bear plunge with 7,500+ plungers raising $2.5M for Special Olympics.
Highlights
May 22-25, 2026
Fri noon-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm, Mon indoor exhibition
North America's largest kite festival with world-class flyers, night fly, and indoor exhibition.
Highlights
Major Specialty Events
Multi-day music festival featuring rock legends at Asbury Park's iconic venues.
Nearly 500 boats on display at the convention center—the region's premier boat show.
Memorial Day weekend launch of summer with fireworks, rides, and entertainment.
Aerial demonstrations and beach celebration over Memorial Day weekend.
Three-day tattoo convention at Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch with artists, contests and live music.
Free two-day beach airshow featuring military jets, vintage planes, and aerobatic performers.
New model debuts in-water at Farley State Marina—see boats as they're meant to be.
Two-night comedy festival at Boardwalk Hall.
Two-day statewide lighthouse route; Cape May Lighthouse anchors the south.
Local Specialty Events
Downbeach Summer Fest
Ventnor City • July 12-14, 2026
22nd Annual Ocean Drive Restaurant & Lounge Charity Baggo Tournament
Sea Isle City • August 3, 2026
Greatest Moments in Philly Sports with Ray Didinger, Glen Macnow & Joe Conklin
Ocean City • August 6, 2026
The Hollow ParaCon & Film Fest
Galloway • August 22, 2026
Barnegat Light Historical Society Annual Wine & Cheese Gathering
Barnegat Light • August 30, 2026
Specialty Events by Month
Specialty Events by County
Monmouth County
7
events
Ocean County
6
events
Atlantic County
8
events
Cape May County
23
events
Frequently Asked Questions
What specialty events are there at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore hosts 44 specialty events throughout the year. Unique events like polar bear plunges, lighthouse tours, and special occasions
When is the best time for specialty events at the shore?
Specialty Events events happen throughout the year, with events in January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Are there free specialty events at the Jersey Shore?
Yes, 22 of the 44 specialty events at the Jersey Shore are free to attend.