NJShore Guide

Labor Day Weekend 2026

Celebrate the end of summer at the Jersey Shore with Labor Day events across 8 beach towns

Labor Day weekend is the grand finale of Jersey Shore summer, featuring spectacular airshows, end-of-season festivals, and one last beach hurrah before fall arrives. Watch vintage aircraft soar over the Atlantic, enjoy boardwalk concerts, and soak up the final days of beach weather from Atlantic City to Cape May.

All Labor Day Events

Belmar Labor Day Weekend Celebration

FREE

End-of-summer festival with live music, beach activities, and fireworks. Final major celebration before beach season ends, drawing locals and visitors for last weekend of summer.

Labor Day Weekend
Monmouth County

Highlands Highlands Harbor Fest

FREE

End-of-summer waterfront festival with live music, food vendors, craft beer, and kids activities. Celebrates the maritime community with boat displays, seafood specials, and bay views. Family-friendly event.

Labor Day Weekend
Monmouth County

Monmouth Beach End of Summer Beach Party

FREE

Monmouth Beach celebrates the end of summer with a community beach party on Labor Day weekend. Family-friendly event features beach games, music, and socializing as the season winds down.

Labor Day Weekend
Monmouth County

Seaside Heights Labor Day Fireworks Spectacular

FREE

Seaside Heights closes out summer with fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean. The boardwalk fills with visitors celebrating the final weekend of peak season with live entertainment and special events.

Labor Day Weekend
Ocean County

Seaside Park Labor Day Weekend Celebration

FREE

Traditional end-of-summer celebration marking the close of beach season. Final weekend of full lifeguard coverage and peak beach operations. Popular with families making one last shore trip.

Labor Day Weekend (early September)
Ocean County

Longport Longport Fishing Tournament

FREE

Annual Labor Day weekend fishing competition from the inlet jetty and surrounding waters. Categories for striped bass, bluefish, and flounder. Registration required, prizes awarded.

Early September
Atlantic County

Historic Smithville Smithville Irish Fall Festival

FREE

Historic Smithville hosts Atlantic County's largest Irish festival with Celtic bands, traditional Irish dancers, authentic food vendors, and craft beer. Free admission draws 10,000+ visitors annually.

September (Labor Day Weekend)
Atlantic County

Strathmere Labor Day Sunset Celebration

FREE

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.

Labor Day Weekend
Cape-may County

Planning Your Labor Day Shore Trip

  • Last summer weekend: Labor Day marks the end of beach season for most towns. Many attractions and restaurants switch to limited fall hours after this weekend.
  • Airshow viewing: For the best airshow views, stake out your beach spot early. Bring chairs, umbrellas, and binoculars.
  • Traffic planning: Sunday and Monday afternoons see the heaviest traffic. Consider leaving early morning or late evening to avoid congestion.
  • Weather conditions: Early September offers perfect beach weather with warm ocean temps (68-72°F) and less intense sun.
  • Book early: Labor Day is the second busiest beach weekend after July 4th. Reserve accommodations months in advance.