NJShore Guide

May Events at the Jersey Shore

May kicks off the shore season with Memorial Day celebrations and the official start of summer.

5Events
3Major Festivals
2Free Events
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5

Events

3

Major Festivals

2

Free Events

5

Categories

Destination Events in May

Major festivals and events worth planning your trip around.

🎵
🎵Major Event

Exit Zero Jazz Festival

Cape May, Cape May County

$76-126 per day

May 15-17, 2026

Varies by venue

Intimate jazz festival featuring Grammy-winning artists in Cape May venues.

Highlights

Grammy-winning artistsIntimate venue settingsNew Orleans-style paradesSpring and fall editions
🍽️
🍽️Major Event

New Jersey Seafood Festival

Belmar, Monmouth County

Free

May 15-17, 2026

Fri 4-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9pm

Belmar's 36th annual free seafood festival with 30+ vendors and live music.

Highlights

36th annual30+ food vendorsLive musicCraft beer garden
👥40,000+
🦅
🦅Major Event

Cape May Spring Birding Festival

Cape May, Cape May County

$100-170 registration

May 14-17, 2026

Various field trips and programs

48th annual world-class birding festival at one of North America's premier migration sites.

Highlights

48th annualWorld-renowned birding destinationGuided field tripsExpert-led workshops

Major Events

May 23-25, 2026|All day

Memorial Day weekend launch of summer with fireworks, rides, and entertainment.

👥50,000+
🌹
🏃Ticketed

Spring Lake Run for the Roses 5K

Spring Lake

May 2, 2026|9am start

Derby-themed 5K along Spring Lake boardwalk with festive celebrations.

Events by Category

Events by County

Monmouth County

2

events

New Jersey Seafood F...Spring Lake Run for ...

Ocean County

0

events

Atlantic County

0

events

Cape May County

3

events

Exit Zero Jazz Festi...Cape May Spring Bird...

💡 May Tips

Many seasonal attractions open Memorial Day weekend. Book accommodations early.

May Highlights

Memorial Day EventsJersey PrideOpening Day Celebrations

Frequently Asked Questions

What events happen at the Jersey Shore in May?

May features 5 events at the Jersey Shore including Memorial Day Events, Jersey Pride, Opening Day Celebrations. May kicks off the shore season with Memorial Day celebrations and the official start of summer.

Are there free events at the Jersey Shore in May?

Yes, 2 of the 5 events in May are free to attend. Many towns host free concerts, parades, and community celebrations.

What should I know about visiting the Jersey Shore in May?

Many seasonal attractions open Memorial Day weekend. Book accommodations early.

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