From birding festivals to car shows to Oktoberfest, September and October are full of one-off special events, festivals, and celebrations that make the Cape a special place to be in the fall. This list is presented in chronological order. If we missed something, email chall@cmcherald.com
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Friday and Saturday, September 6 & 7 at 3 p.m.
Olde New Jersey Ave
The Mummers return to the Wildwoods on Friday and Saturday, September 6-7, to celebrate New Year’s in North Wildwood! Over a dozen String Bands including the top bands from the 2024 New Year’s Day Parade in Philadelphia will be featured as the Mummers Parade steps off at 3 p.m. at Olde New Jersey Ave, beginning at 2nd Street and concluding at Spruce Ave.
Wildwood – Roots Classic 3 Volkswagen Car Show
Friday to Sunday, September 6 to 8
Main indoor show is at the Convention Center
Enjoy an indoor, judged, Pre-2k Watercooled show, featuring community-driven pre-2k relevant vendors. Re-live the nostalgia of back in the day with Pre-Show GTGs throughout the weekend. Admission for the indoor show on September 8 is $10 (children under 10 are free). To view the entire weekend schedule visit www.rootsclassic.com.
Friday to Sunday, September 6 to 8
Stores across Avalon
Stores across Avalon put wares on deep discount as they prepare for the “off season.”Shop for shoes, clothing, accessories, home décor, gifts, beach gear and more.
Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
Saturday, September 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Byrne Plaza & continuing along Pacific Avenue
Come out for a full day of fantastic food options, music, shopping and more. The festival will take place in Downtown Wildwood starting at Byrne Plaza along Pacific Avenue between Oak and Schellenger Avenues in Wildwood. The festival will include live music, delicious food, craft vendors and much more.
Cold Spring Village: Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, September 7 & 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 733 Seashore Rd, Cape May
Authentically clad and equipped reenactors bring the American Revolution War to life on the grounds of Historic Cold Spring Village. This event will feature encampments, weaponry, and demonstrations from living history groups. Children can search the Village for clues in the Patriot Spy Game on both Saturday and Sunday. John Ryan, HCSV Assistant Director, will give a special presentation, Flags of the American Revolution, in the Welcome Center on both Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. A reading of the Declaration of Independence at 12pm each day at the Village Gazebo.
Ocean City Classic Car & Hot Rod Show
Saturday, September 7 from 12 to 4 p.m.
Along the Ocean City Boardwalk from 6th to 14th Streets
The annual show will feature Fords, Chevys, Pontiacs, and Mopars all on display on the beautiful family friendly Ocean City Boardwalk.
Saturday, September 8 from 11:30 to 4 p.m.
Along the Ocean City boardwalk
One of the biggest on the East Coast, come see more than 350 Corvettes across every generation.
Weekends Between Sept. 13 and Oct. 13
Bust out your lederhosen and raise your steins for the best Oktoberfest celebration this side of the Atlantic. Enjoy live music, traditional German fare, and all the games and rides you know and love at Morey’s Pier. The park is decorated with fall flair, and admission is reduced as the end of season approached.
Sea Isle City Fall Family Festival
Saturday, September 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
JFK Blvd. & Promenade 31, John F Kennedy Blvd.
Enjoy a day of seaside shopping, delicious food, and free amusement rides at Excursion Park, along with live entertainment and creative activities for the whole family. Hosted by the Division of Tourism, this event promises fun for all ages with face painting, photo booths, and more.
Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ocean City Airport, 2600 Bay Avenue
Annual festival at the Municipal Airport, 26 & Bay Ave. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come see a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II planes to classics and Warbirds. The event will feature a parachute jump from Team Fastrax.
Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy great food and local craft beer perfect for a late summer day. Live music, activities for kids, and more. Brews this year come from Behr Brewing, Cape May Brewing Co., Cold Spring Brewery, Gusto Brewing Co., Ludlam Island Brewery, Mudhen Brewing Co., Wander Back Beerworks, and Whale Tale Brewing Co.
North Wildwood – Boots at the Beach Country Music Festival
Friday and Saturday, September 13 & 14
Seaport Pier, 2201 Boardwalk, North Wildwood
The festival features a lineup of live performances, including bands like Y’all or Nothin’, 40 North, Jimmy Kenny & The Pirate Beach Band, and Triple Rail Turn. Festival-goers can enjoy music, line dancing lessons by DJ Ashley Rosé, food, drinks, and a variety of vendors selling Western apparel and crafts. This family-friendly festival promises a weekend full of music, dancing, and fun. For more details call 609.770.8839 or visit BootsAtTheBeach.com
Ocean City Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow
Saturday, September 14 at 1 p.m.
Viewable from 6th to 14th Streets over the ocean
Come see some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world plus military demonstrations.
Court House – Slack Tide Fall Festival
Saturday, September 14 from 12 to 6 p.m.
1879 US-9, Cape May Court House
Join Slack Tide Brewing or a day filled with craft beers, music, unique local vendors, and endless fun! Admission is free, so bring your friends! The first 100 guests receive a limited-edition beer mug with beer purchase.
Cold Spring Village: Civil War Encampment
Saturday and Sunday, September 14 & 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – battle at 2 p.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 735 Seashore Rd., Lower Township
Visitors can tour Union and Confederate camps and meet authentically clad military and civilian reenactors who will discuss the everyday lives of Civil War soldiers and the roles civilians played in supporting them. The Village, which re-creates a rural community in the 1800s, serves as the perfect backdrop. The battle reenactment begins at 2:00 pm. Visitors will be unable to enter the Village grounds from 1:45 pm to the end of battle. It is strongly encouraged that visitors arrive before 1:30 pm.
Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show
Thursday to Sunday, September 19 to 22
One of the Cape’s biggest car shows returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center. The boardwalk show is free to attend! Cars will be displayed on the boardwalk Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The inside show hours are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit WildwoodCarShows.net
North Wildwood – Irish Fall Festival
Thursday to Sunday, September 19 to 22
Along Olde New Jersey Ave in North Wildwood
Enjoy dancing, music, food and craft vendors at participating pubs along Olde New Jersey Ave. and North Wildwood. Festivities include a golf tournament, Irish dance lessons, 5K run and 1 mile walk, pipe exhibition, food court and Catholic Mass. The events conclude with a parade on Surf Avenue from 20th to Spruce and Olde New Jersey Avenues. For more information, visit cmcaoh.com
Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration & Fireworks
Saturday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Festival at Sunset Lake, then Centennial Park, ends with fireworks on the beach at 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a fun street festival featuring scores of craft and food vendors, children’s entertainment, live music and more during the annual Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration. The festival takes place at Sunset Lake along New Jersey Avenue from Rambler Road to Miami Avenue from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. At 7 , the event moves to Centennial Park for live music, culminating with a spectacular beachfront fireworks show at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Collier’s, 202 Jackson Street, Cape May
Come see beautiful old cars in the parking lot of Collier’s, which is right off the Washington Street Mall.
Saturday, September 21 from 12 to 5 p.m.
Along the Ocean City Boardwalk
Walk the boardwalk to see over 400 amazing Jeeps from all generations.
Saturday, September 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Along the 96th Street business district in Stone Harbor
The 13th annual weekend is focused on the Cape’s delicious food, wine, and beers. Even if you don’t drink there’s something to taste; try local food vendors, drinks from local and regional brewers, and wine fresh from local vineyards. There is always a “tasting package” that, among other things, includes this year’s special decorated wine glass. Delicious food, artisans, regional wineries & breweries & live music all day. Beer/wine tasting option from noon to 5 p.m. For more etails, www.stoneharborchamber.com
Wildwoods Olde Time Italian Festival
Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28
Fox Park, between Burk and Montgomery Avenues
Celebrate Italian culture, food, and heritage at Fox Park on Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., at the 18th Annual Olde Time Italian Festival. Experience an ‘Olde World’ family festival, including a Procession of the Saints, delicious Italian food favorites, merchandise vendors, games, and continuous freelive entertainment
Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28
Monster trucks will be on display in Wildwood Crest Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. before parading to the beach. The big show on Saturday at 7 p.m. includes car crushing, backflips, huge jumps and eight giant trucks competing to become “King of the Beach. For more information or to purchase tickets call 609.522.4546 or www.renegademonstertrucks.com.
Wildwoods Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Saturday, September 28 from 3 to 8 p.m.
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Ave
The 2nd annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration, “El Festival”, is a great time to enjoy live music, taste Hispanic cuisine made by local chefs, and experience different cultures. Free to attend! For more information 609-374-0872 or visit www.Right2UniteNJ.wixsite.com.
Sunday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Avenue
Join us for a celebration of these incredible insects. Learn about monarchs, their habitats, and their amazing migration. More information will become available closer to the event. We hope you can join us and discover what you can do to help protect these beautiful butterflies!
Wildwood – The Race of Gentlemen
Friday to Sunday, October 4 to 6
Wildwoods beach between Morey’s Piers
This vintage drag race on the beach features cars from before 1934 fully restored and upgraded. Feel the rumble of the engines and the excitement in the air as participants push their classic machines to the limit on the sandy shores of the Wildwood beach. For more information visit www.theraceofgentlemen.com.
Sunday, October 6 from 1:30 to 6 p.m.
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave
Join for TEDxCapeMay – “ideas worth spreading” in a place worth visiting. The13th season has the topic themed “New Horizons.” Over 10 engaging TEDx talks before a live audience.
Sunday, October 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Amanda’s Field, 1091 NJ Highway Route 50
Come join Upper Township for family fun! There will be food trucks, free laser tag, and fun fall activities
Cape May Stage: Native Gardens
Monday, October 7 at 7 p.m.
405 Lafayette St., Cape May Robert Shackleton Playhouse
Come to a free live reading! You can’t choose your neighbors. In this brilliant hot button comedy, cultures and gardens clash, turning well-intentioned neighbors into feuding enemies.
Saturday, October 12 from 10:45 to 5 p.m.
Tour begins at Cape May MAC, 1048 Washington St.
Hop on a Visit Cape May MAC trolley for a tour and tastings at local breweries! You’ll visit Cape May Brewing Co., Behr Brewing, and Gusto Brewing Company, plus stop for lunch at Cape Square Kitchen & Craft. The Cape May Beer Trail tour runs Sat, Mar 16, Sun, Jun 16 and Sat, Oct 12 and is a 21+ event.
Friday to Monday, October 11 to 14
Locations across Cape May
This is the best time of year to visit Victorian Cape May and celebrate the unique heritage of America’s first seashore resort. Enjoy a weekend of exciting and entertaining activities focused on history and Victorian Cape May culture. This event has many parts, from Victorian house tours to architectural walking tours. For more info, visit capemaymac.org/experience/special-events/victorian-weekend/
Avalon Arts & Seafood Festival
Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – rain date October 13
Surfside Park, 2901 Avalon Avenue
This festival celebrates fresh, local seafood from local restaurants. Vendors featuring fine art, jewelry, crafts, and unique items. Come hear live music, and don’t miss the evening’s football game, which will be streaming at the d Beverages at the Sound Advice Lounge. There are also games and activities for kids!
Saturday, October 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
732 Broadway, West Cape May, behind the Fire House
This annual event takes place at the beautiful Backyard Park and is a farmers market-style celebration of the lima bean, which was once among the most commonly farmed veggies on the Cape. Question? Call the event organizers Theresa Enteado and/or Erin Seer at (609) 884-1005 ext 100 or 101. You can also reach them at festivals@westcapemay.us.
Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 733 Seashore Rd, Cape May
This fun, free event will take place on the grounds of Historic Cold Spring Village on Saturday – admission is free! Guests are encouraged to donate non-perishable goods to the ‘Share the Harvest’ Food Drive. Families can enjoy pumpkin painting and games throughout the day. A variety of crafters will sell their wares along the Village’s shell-paved lanes. Vendors will be selling hot dogs and other snacks. Visit a haunted house at the Village Barn!
Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
96th Street, Stone Harbor
Cars on display are all 15 years or older. The whole thing ends with a parade at 1:30 p.m.
Ocean City Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday, October 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Asbury Ave, from 5th to 14th Streets
Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more. In the evening, fireworks over the boardwalk.
Thursday to Sunday, October 17 to 20
Cape May Convention Hall
This massive birding festival is great for beginners and experienced birders alike. Come find new birding equipment, listen to great presentations about what makes Cape May one of the best birding spots in the world, and see live animal demonstrations. And more!
Friday, October 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 733 Seashore Rd, Cape May
Historic Cold Spring Village is offering a family-friendly haunted walk-thru for young and old alike on the beautiful grounds of a living history museum that recreates an early American town. Rain or shine!
Wildwoods 50s, 60s, 70s Weekend
Friday and Saturday, October 18 & 19
Wildwoods Convention Center
Join us for this fabulous weekend of fun, nostalgia, and great music! Friday night features a ’50s, ‘60s & ‘70s-themed dance party at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Saturday night, October 19, the concert in the Wildwoods Convention Center begins at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m., featuring Frankie Avalon, The Shirelles starring Beverly Lee, and The Lettermen. For more information call 609.729.4000 or www.gwcoc.org.
Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ellie & Wild Bills Farmers Market, 517 S Delsea Dr., Middle Township
Come join us at our 7th annual fall fest! There will be over 20 vendors, games, bounce house, face painting, pumpkin patch, food, and fun for the whole family! Interested in being a vendor? Please call 609-536-8262 or email us at ellieandwildbills@gmail for details!
Ocean City Porsche Boardwalk Reunion
Saturday, October 19 from 11:30 to 4 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk from 6th to 14th street
Over 350 Porsches of all models and years between 1954 and 2021 are expected. Free Tech Sessions on Porsche related topics open to all at the Music Pier.
Saturday, October 19 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Fall Beach Sweeps, sponsored statewide by Clean Ocean Action, will take place (rain or shine), 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at towns across the Cape. Please register on-line in advance. Thanks for your support.
Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – rain date October 20
Excursion Park, 2 41st Street
It will be a day jam-packed with fall festivities including live music, a pie baking contest, pumpkin decorating for the kids, hayrides on the beach and more. Local stores will offer pop up shopping, and a surf competition on the beach. Businesses and organizations will decorate scarecrows to display at their store or building in town! Maps of where each scarecrow location will be available on seaislechamber.com! Families will vote for their favorite scarecrow during the Classic!
Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mechanic Street in Court House, near the library
The annual festival, the biggest of the year in Court House, closes off a section of Mechanic Street for rides, entertainment, craft and food vendors. Children and pets can enter the festival’s Halloween costume contest. Registration will be held in front of the library and must be received by 11:30 a.m.