May Events at the Jersey Shore
May kicks off the shore season with Memorial Day celebrations and the official start of summer.
19
Events
5
Major Festivals
10
Free Events
8
Categories
Destination Events in May
Major festivals and events worth planning your trip around.
May 22-25, 2026
Fri noon-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm, Mon indoor exhibition
Already happened this yearNorth America's largest kite festival with world-class flyers, night fly, and indoor exhibition.
Highlights
May 15-17, 2026
Varies by venue
Already happened this yearIntimate jazz festival featuring Grammy-winning artists in Cape May venues.
Highlights
May 15-17, 2026
Fri 4-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9pm
Already happened this yearBelmar's 36th annual free seafood festival with 30+ vendors and live music.
Highlights
May 14-17, 2026
Various field trips and programs
Already happened this year48th annual world-class birding festival at one of North America's premier migration sites.
Highlights
May 8-9, 2026
10am-3pm daily
Already happened this year35th annual classic car show on the Wildwood Boardwalk. Free admission.
Highlights
Major Events
LBI Grand Slam Surf Fishing Tournament
Long Beach Island
Memorial Day weekend team surf fishing tournament on LBI beaches.
Fixed-price dining at Cape May's finest restaurants for one special week.
Aerial demonstrations and beach celebration over Memorial Day weekend.
Memorial Day weekend launch of summer with fireworks, rides, and entertainment.
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
Oceanport
30+ food trucks at Monmouth Park with live horse racing Memorial Day weekend.
Historic Smithville Mayfest
Smithville
Spring craft festival with 100+ vendors in historic colonial village setting.
Sample dishes from dozens of Wildwood restaurants—proceeds support student scholarships.
Derby-themed 5K along Spring Lake boardwalk with festive celebrations.
Over 350 crafters and food vendors along Asbury Avenue with live music.
Local Events & Celebrations
Jersey Shore Cigar Box Guitar Festival
Neptune City • May 30, 2026 Already happened this year
Tuckerton Porchfest
Tuckerton • May 30, 2026 Already happened this year
Ventnor Avenue Block Party
Ventnor City • May 9, 2026 Already happened this year
Events by Category
Events by County
Monmouth County
5
events
Ocean County
2
events
Atlantic County
3
events
Cape May County
9
events
💡 May Tips
Many seasonal attractions open Memorial Day weekend. Book accommodations early.
May Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
What events happen at the Jersey Shore in May?
May features 19 events at the Jersey Shore including Spring Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show, Cape May Spring Birding Festival, Exit Zero Jazz Festival. 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, 10 of the 19 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.
Explore More
Town calendars with May events
Year-round event calendars for the towns running something this month.