While the Jersey Shore most definitely shines during the summer months, it has plenty more to offer when the heat subsides and the leaves begin to fall. Here we outline just a few of the major events occurring on the Wildwoods island this autumn season. For a complete list, be sure to consult the Wildwoods Event Calendar at www.wildwoodsnj.com.
North Wildwood
Irish Fall Festival
9/18 – 9/21
Olde New Jersey Avenue and surrounding pubs
The Wildwoods’ Irish Fall Festival – the largest Irish festival on the East Coast, will take place on Olde New Jersey Avenue and surrounding pubs in North Wildwood – celebrating Irish heritage with dancing, music, food and craft vendors. Bus service available throughout the event dates. The events conclude with a parade on Surf Avenue from 20th to Spruce and Olde New Jersey Avenues, North Wildwood – featuring Grand Marshal – Mayor Emeritus William Henfey. Events take place Sept. 18 through Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.
North Wildwood Trunk or Treat
10/31 – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Municipal Parking Lot on Olde New Jersey between 1st & 2nd Avenues
For more information call 609-522-2955 or visit http://www.NorthWildwood.com.
Wildwood
Annual New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention
9/11 – 9/13
Throughout the Wildwoods
The Annual New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention takes place from Sept. 11 through Sept. 13, attracting thousands of firemen and their families to the five-mile island for meetings, seminars, exhibits and other events.
Boardwalk Classic Car Show and Classic Car Auction
9/18 – 9/21
On the Wildwoods Boardwalk and at the Convention Center
The Boardwalk Classic Car Show and Classic Car Auction will be held on the Wildwoods Boardwalk and at the Wildwoods Convention Center with free admission. The Classic Car Auction begins on Thursday, Sept. 18 with a preview from 3 – 10 p.m. The auction is Sept. 19 from noon – 10 p.m. and Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Boardwalk Classic Car Show is from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sept. 19 and Sept. 20.
An Olde Time Italian Festival
9/26 – 9/27
Fox Park at Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery Avenues
Cultural events continue the next weekend with the Olde Time Italian Festival at Fox Park on Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery Avenues in Wildwood. The weekend will feature authentic Italian foods, merchandise and continuous free live entertainment. Events take place Sept. 26 from 5 p.m. – midnight and Sept. 27 from noon – midnight.
Monster Truck Beach Nationals
9/26 – 9/28
The Wildwoods welcome the Monster Truck Beach Nationals – featuring monster truck competitions and freestyle shows on the beach from Sept. 26 through Sept. 28. Hours are Fri: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sat: noon – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sun: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The Race of Gentlemen Vintage Car & Motorcycle Beach Drag Races
10/03- 10/05
Spicer Avenue Beach
Vintage auto (pre-1934) and motorcycles (pre-1948) will compete in an exhibition style beach race at the waters edge at Spicer Avenue, Wildwood. Friday features a pre-party including a car and bike show at the Starlux Hotel. Saturday features vintage auto and motorcycle races from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. with live rock ‘n roll all day. Beach entry is at 8:30 a.m. for spectators. A bonfire and beach party will take place on Saturday night from 8 p.m. until midnight, with live rock ‘n roll. More beach racing will take place on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. followed by an award ceremony, beach party and more rock ‘n roll music. Beach entry is at 8:30 a.m. for spectators. Tickets will be on sale soon through Eventbrite.com. For more information visit http://www.TheRaceOfGentlemen.com.
Seafood and Music Festival
10/4 – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
On Atlantic Avenue between Wildwood and Schellenger Avenues
The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce will host a free street fair Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Atlantic Avenue between Wildwood and Schellenger Avenues in Wildwood. The festival will feature 2 stages of live music featuring Chameleon Band, The Who Knows Band, Tidal Wave Band and Frank Bey and The Swing City Blues Band, crafters, food vendors, a pie eating contest and much more. A “Kids Korner” with activities including pumpkin painting, face painting and bounce houses will take place from noon – 4 p.m.
Wildwoods Boardwalk Pumpkin Run
10/25 – Beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Wildwoods Boardwalk starting at the Convention Center
The Wildwoods Boardwalk Pumpkin Run is a ghoulishly fun and exciting family event for all ages Halloween Weekend. This festive boardwalk event offers a 5K run along with a 1 mile family walk, starting at 10 a.m. – rain or shine. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. Participants are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes to vie for the prizes in the best dressed categories of Family, Youth, Infant, and Best All Around. All proceeds benefit the Elementary Schools of the Wildwoods.
Fabulous ’50s & Beyond Weekend
10/17 -10/18
Throughout Wildwood
The ‘Second Season’ excitement extends into Oct. as the Wildwoods celebrate their Doo Wop roots with the Fabulous ‘50s and Beyond Weekend Oct. 17 and Oct. 18. Oct. 17 night features a Dance Party at the Wildwoods Convention Center with David Christopher’s Nifty ’50s Band and DJ Ralph Warzy from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. A free street fair will take place at Fox Park in Wildwood Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. featuring classic cars, food and craft vendors, a Doo Wop Bus Tour, live entertainment featuring The Johnny Cash Show, 45 RPM and more. Saturday night’s concert in the Wildwoods Convention Center will feature Bowzer’s Rock ‘n Roll Party with Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon, Gene Chandler – The Duke of Earl, Fred Parris & The Five Satins, Bowzer & The Stingrays, along with special guest Bill Haley’s Original Comets celebrating 60 years of ‘Rock Around The Clock.’ Doors open at 6 p.m., concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.
Wildwood Crest
The Wildwoods Hydrofest Powerboat Races
9/13-9/14
On Sunset Lake
The Wildwoods 2014 Hydrofest Powerboat Races take place Sept. 13 and Sept. 14. Hydrofest is a weekend of high-speed, pulse-pounding powerboat action featuring the fastest hydroplanes, runabouts and Jersey Speed Skiffs the country has to offer – reaching speeds up to 140 MPH on Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest, located at Rambler Road and New Jersey Avenue. This year the Wildwoods have added a new attraction to this already heart-pounding action-packed event. EPIC – the Eastern Pro Inboard Championship Series – is a new progressive points series in addition to the traditional multi-class American Power Boat Association (APBA). Races begin at 10 a.m. daily.
Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration
9/19 – 9/20
Sunset Lake along New Jersey Avenue between Rambler and Miami Roads
Celebration kicks off Friday, Sept. 19 at Centennial Park with live music at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. (fireworks rain date is Sept. 20 at 9 p.m.) Sept. 20 features a festival along Sunset Lake at New Jersey Avenue between Rambler Road & Miami Avenue. Dozens of craft and food vendors, family entertainment, live music, children’s activities including a rock-climbing wall, karaoke, stunt bike show, pony rides, magic show, pie-eating & bubble gum blowing contests, and much more from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Trunk-or-Treat for Halloween
10/30 – 6:30 p.m.
Wildwood Crest Pier Parking Lot
The Wildwood Crest Recreation Department will host the annual Halloween Eve Trunk-or-Treat family event at 6:30 p.m. The event consists of parents/adults bringing their Halloween-decorated vehicles to the Wildwood Crest Pier parking lot at Heather Road and Ocean Avenue, where they will distribute candy from the trunks of their vehicles to children outfitted for Halloween. The event includes other Halloween related activities, a DJ, refreshments and prizes awarded to the best decorated vehicles. Trunk-or-Treat is a free event, but vehicles must be pre-registered. Registration forms are available at the Crest Pier Recreation Center.