Spring Events 2026

The 12th annual parade along Ocean Avenue passes iconic Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, and Carousel House. 2026 Grand Marshal: Kim Guadagno (former NJ Lt. Governor). Johnny Mac's is parade HQ with free pizza. Also catch the Shamrock N' Roll 5K at Stone Pony on March 14!

Four-day film festival showcasing independent films at venues across Asbury Park. Features screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and industry panels.

Night market event featuring local vendors, food, and disco-themed entertainment. Part of the vibrant Asbury Park market scene.

Two-day plant-based food festival featuring vegan vendors, cooking demos, and live entertainment. One of the largest vegan festivals in NJ.

Solemn memorial service at Veterans Memorial Park honoring fallen service members. Parade, wreath laying, and community gathering followed by informal harbor festivities.

Traditional Memorial Day observance honoring fallen service members. Community gathering with wreath laying at the beachfront memorial.

New Jersey's LARGEST St. Patrick's Day event with 100,000+ spectators, 6,700+ marchers, 17 pipe bands, and 12 marching bands. The 53rd annual parade was rescheduled from March 1 due to historic snowstorm. Belmar is the heart of the Irish Riviera - hit nearby pubs like D'Arcy's Tavern and Bar A for post-parade celebrations.

One of the largest seafood festivals in the country features local restaurants, live music stages, and children's activity area. Three-day celebration of Jersey Shore culinary traditions.

D'Arcy's Tavern is THE post-Belmar parade destination in Bradley Beach. This classic Irish pub goes all out for St. Patrick's Day with live music, Irish beers, and festive celebrations. Part of the Irish Riviera scene - walking distance from Belmar parade route.

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival kicks off summer with a parade along Ocean Avenue, marching bands, food vendors, and live music. Family-friendly celebration honors veterans and launches beach season.

Deal honors fallen service members with a traditional Memorial Day ceremony and parade through the historic residential streets. Small-scale, dignified observance reflecting the community's character.

One of New Jersey's largest Memorial Day parades honors veterans with marching bands, military displays, and community floats through Long Branch. Easily accessible from Elberon beaches.

Annual St. Patrick's Day parade through downtown Highlands. Features marching bands, Irish dancers, local organizations, and community floats. Celebration continues at local pubs and restaurants.

One of New Jersey's premier road races with 10,000+ runners finishing at Seven Presidents Park. Full marathon, half marathon, and relay divisions with ocean views and post-race beach party.

Biannual dining event featuring prix fixe menus ($25-$45) at 20+ participating restaurants including Rooney's, Sirena, and McLoone's. Excellent opportunity to try upscale venues at value prices.

Manasquan Veterans Day parade honoring fallen service members. Organized by VFW Post 1838, the parade starts at 10:30am from the High School, proceeds down Main Street to Old Squan Plaza with wreath ceremony at 11am. Hundreds attend annually.

Manasquan Main Street shopping event featuring boutiques, restaurants, and local merchants. Held spring and summer evenings 4-8pm, rain or shine. Organized by Chamber of Commerce.

Monmouth Beach honors fallen service members with a traditional Memorial Day parade through town followed by beachfront ceremony. Community event features veterans organizations, local officials, and residents.

Neptune City Memorial Day Parade honors fallen heroes with a traditional procession through town featuring local veterans, first responders, and community groups.

Port Monmouth honors fallen veterans with community ceremony and wreath laying at local memorials, reflecting the bayshore's strong military and maritime heritage.

Sandy Hook's historic 1764 lighthouse opens for seasonal climbs, offering 360-degree views of Sandy Hook Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Manhattan skyline from America's oldest operating lighthouse.

Sea Bright's upscale Irish pub Brothers Daley celebrates St. Patrick's Day with extended hours, Irish specials, and festive atmosphere. The perfect Irish Riviera spot after the Belmar parade (March 28) or Asbury Park parade (March 8).

Sea Bright honors fallen veterans with an annual Memorial Day ceremony and parade. Traditional small-town commemoration followed by beach season opening festivities.

Harrigan's is Sea Girt's beloved Irish pub, famous for perfectly poured Guinness and legendary Guinness BBQ ribs. St. Patrick's season features whiskey tastings, pint glass engraving events, and festive celebrations throughout March. A must-stop on the Irish Riviera.

Solemn Memorial Day observance at the National Guard Memorial honoring military service members. Features wreath laying, military honors, and community remembrance at the historic Sea Girt National Guard Training Center site.

Kentucky Derby-themed 5K race along Spring Lake's scenic 2-mile boardwalk featuring runners in derby hats, costumes, post-race celebration, and rose presentations for all finishers.

One of New Jersey's most scenic road races along Spring Lake's pristine 2-mile non-commercial boardwalk and through the town's elegant tree-lined residential neighborhoods.

Legendary St. Patrick's Day parade through the Irish Riviera featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, and community organizations celebrating Spring Lake's rich Irish heritage.

Annual maritime tradition honoring Barnegat Light's fishing heritage. The commercial fishing fleet at Viking Village receives a blessing in celebration of the working boats and fishing season. Community gathering at the historic fishing village.

Traditional yacht club opening with sailboat race on Barnegat Bay, ceremony, and member celebration. Marks the start of the summer sailing season for one of the Shore's most prestigious clubs.

Small-town patriotic parade featuring veterans, local organizations, fire department, and community groups along Bridge Avenue. Reflects Bay Head's traditional values and close-knit community spirit.

Fine arts exhibition at Centennial Park and surrounding downtown streets showcasing local and regional artists. Bay Head Business Association's spring celebration of creativity with paintings, sculptures, and crafts.

Annual Bay Head Yacht Club sailing event honoring military service members and their families. Over 100 veterans participate in races on the Metedeconk River with experienced sailors, plus spectator boats available.

Brick Township honors fallen heroes with annual Memorial Day parade through downtown. Community ceremony, veterans groups, local organizations, and families gather to pay respects.

Island Beach State Park offers world-class surf fishing as striped bass migrate north along the coast. Premier destination for anglers during the spring run with excellent beach access.

Lavallette hosts a family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt at Washington Avenue Bay Beach. Children search for hidden eggs on the peaceful bay beach with ocean views, making memories in this quiet community.

Mantoloking's private beaches open for the season. Extremely limited access for non-residents with daily badges ($15), but no public parking. Beach opening marks the start of the exclusive summer season.

Premier collectibles show at Point Pleasant Beach Community Center draws 100+ vendors selling antique decoys, hunting memorabilia, maritime art, and fishing collectibles. Attracts collectors from tri-state area since 1975.

Annual Irish parade down Arnold Avenue features bagpipe bands, Irish dancers, local organizations, and themed floats celebrating Point Pleasant Beach's Irish heritage. Family-friendly celebration with thousands attending.

Traditional parade from Borough Hall to Veterans Memorial at Jenkinson's Boardwalk honors fallen service members. Local veterans groups, marching bands, and dignitaries participate in solemn tribute ceremony.

Annual car show on Arnold Avenue showcases 200+ classic and custom vehicles from 1920s-1980s. Free to spectators, awards ceremony, 50/50 raffle, benefits local veterans organizations.

One of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades on the East Coast, marching up the Boulevard from J Street to Carteret Avenue. Free parking, boardwalk access, and post-parade celebrations at local bars. Rain date: April 1.

Seaside Heights kicks off summer with beach and boardwalk opening celebrations. Live music, special events, and the unofficial start of the Jersey Shore season draw thousands of visitors.

Traditional beach season kickoff with memorial ceremonies honoring veterans, lifeguard stand openings, and first weekend of full beach operations. Marks the start of summer tourism season.

Three-month annual surf fishing tournament open to all skill levels. Register at Ship Bottom bait shops for 100% cash payouts in striped bass and bluefish divisions. Fish from LBI shores only.

Ship Bottom craft beer meets craft hot sauce at this beachside festival. Sample 50+ regional breweries, taste artisan hot sauces, enjoy live music and local food on Taylor Avenue waterfront in Beach Haven.

Three-day celebration of colorful artist-designed kites and giant inflatable kites at Surf City's beach. Includes dual-line and quad-line clinics, indoor kite show, live music, local food, and kids activities.

Spring fishing tournament across Long Beach Island offering substantial prizes for striped bass and bluefish. Registration-based event that draws competitive and recreational anglers to Surf City's productive fishing grounds.

Tuckerton celebrates maritime heritage with wooden boat displays, traditional Barnegat Bay sneakbox demonstrations, boat building workshops, and live music at the 40-acre Seaport.

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall draws college basketball fans for six days of championship games airing on ESPN.

The 39th annual parade marches along the world-famous Boardwalk featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, and school bands. After the parade, The Irish Pub (164 St. James Place) is the legendary spot for authentic Irish food and proper pints.

Month-long culinary celebration with 60+ restaurants offering tiered prix-fixe menus from $20-$60. Expanded from the former Atlantic City Restaurant Week.

Atlantic City Airshow draws 500,000+ spectators for aerial performances over the beach and Boardwalk. Free viewing from beach featuring military aircraft and precision flying teams.

Shake the Shamrock Weekend celebrates Irish culture with a St. Patrick's Day parade down Brigantine Avenue, pub crawls, whiskey tastings, Irish dancers, and weekend-long festivities organized by the Chamber of Commerce.

Annual spring beach cleanup organized by Clean Ocean Action at Brigantine Beach. Volunteers help remove trash and debris from the shoreline in this environmental stewardship event benefiting New Jersey coastal health.

Annual Memorial Day parade honoring veterans, starting at borough hall and proceeding through town to the inlet. Small-town atmosphere with local marching bands, scouts, and veterans groups.

Official start of summer season with live music at Bay Avenue bars, waterfront dining specials, and extended hours across the strip.

Weekly farmers market at Somers Mansion grounds featuring 47+ local vendors, fresh produce, baked goods, and free tours of the historic 1720s mansion.

Spring celebration featuring 90+ vendors with local crafts, handmade goods, live music, food trucks, beer garden, and children's activities. Community kickoff to the summer season on Ventnor Avenue.

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.

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 legendary 24-hour birding competition where teams race to identify the most species. Birders from around the world compete in this premier event.

36th annual chamber music festival featuring world-class classical and jazz performances in intimate Victorian venues throughout Cape May.

World-class jazz performances across multiple Cape May venues. Indoor and outdoor concerts featuring renowned artists in intimate Victorian settings.

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.

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.

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.

Hosted by the Anglesea Irish Society, featuring marching bands, bagpipes, Irish dancers, and floats. Mass at St. Ann Church at 10 AM, parade steps off at noon from 2nd & Olde NJ Ave. Anglesea Pub - run by brothers from County Antrim, Northern Ireland - is THE place to celebrate after.

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

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.

Ocean City's quirky tradition where Martin Z. Mollusk (a hermit crab) predicts when summer will arrive. Family-friendly event with activities on the boardwalk.

Over 350 crafters and food vendors along Asbury Avenue from 5th to 14th Street. Kicks off the unofficial shore season with family entertainment and shopping.

Classic cars, hot rods, and vintage vehicles line the boardwalk for this popular spring car show. Free viewing, family-friendly event.

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.

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.

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

Professional rodeo comes to Wildwood with bull riding, barrel racing, and western entertainment at the Convention Center. Family-friendly event with food and vendors.

Swashbuckling family fun with pirate-themed activities, treasure hunts, costume contests, and entertainment throughout Wildwood.

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.

Challenge yourself on a military-style obstacle course on Wildwood beach. Open to all fitness levels with courses for adults and kids. Benefits Navy SEAL Foundation.

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

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.