While the Jersey Shore most definitely shines during the summer months, it still has plenty to offer when the heat subsides and the leaves begin to fall. Here we outline just a few of the major events happening in Cape May County this autumn season. For a complete list of fall events, be sure to visit DoTheShore.com!
Cape May
21st Annual Cape May Food & Wine Celebration
Friday, Sept. 15 to Sunday, Sept. 24
Throughout Cape May
Indulge in the “restaurant capital of New Jersey” and check out events for those who love good food and wine; events may be attended separately. Enjoy winery tours, tastings, demonstrations, Chefs’ Dine-Arounds, dinners and much more! Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, visit www.capemaymac.org.
Harvest Brew Fest
Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.
Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May
Celebrate South Jersey and all things local! During this all-day festival, enjoy local food vendors, local artisans, local craft beers and local musical talent including Loud N Klear, Heavee Levee and a Beatles Tribute Band. Taps flow beginning at 10 a.m. Admission to the grounds is free and free parking is available. For more information, visit www.capemaymac.org.
Dog Obedience Training Club’s Mutt Strut
Saturday, Sept. 23 at 8 a.m.
Cape May Promenade
The Cape May County Dog Obedience Training Club (CMCDOTC) is celebrating the end of the dog days of summer by inviting local dog owners to stroll Cape May’s Beachfront Promenade with their pooches. Owners can strut with their dogs on the Promenade anytime between 8 a.m. and noon for a requested donation of $1 per leg ($2 per person, $4 per dog). Registration is required. Part of the event proceeds help the group’s training classes and community outreach. Walkers also support a worthwhile cause, with part of the proceeds this year going to the Wildwood Police Department K-9 Program. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 24. For more information, visit www.cmcdotc.com.
45th Annual Victorian Weekend
Friday, Oct. 6 to Monday, Oct. 9
Throughout Cape May
The 45th annual Victorian Weekend celebrates Cape May’s Victorian heritage, featuring the Historic House Tours, Murder Mystery Dinners, living history programs, renowned lecturers, workshops, performances and more. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, visit www.capemaymac.org.
West Cape May Lima Bean Festival
Saturday, Oct. 7 at 9 a.m.
Wilbraham Park
West Cape May celebrates her farming heritage with the Annual Lima Bean Festival in Wilbraham Park! The lowly legume takes center stage and delights locals and visitors alike with her vast array of recipes, crafts and products available. The fun continues till 5 p.m., but plan to stop by early so you don’t miss a trick (or the great entertainment)! Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 8. For more information, visit www.westcapemaytoday.com.
Trick or Treat on the Mall & Halloween Parade
Sunday, Oct. 22 at 12 p.m.
Downtown Cape May
From 12 to 2 p.m., trick or treat at the Washington Street Mall for free! Following trick-or-treating is Cape May’s 35th annual Halloween Parade. The Parade route begins at Perry Street and Carpenter Lane, proceeds down Carpenter Lane to Ocean Street, travels down Washington Street and ends at the Emlen Physick Estate. Parade registration is free and begins at 1:30 p.m. on the corner of Perry Street and the Washington Street Mall. Prizes will be awarded to all divisions at the conclusion of the parade at the Emlen Physick Estate. Pre-registration is available at Cape May Convention Hall. For more information, visit www.discovercapemaynj.com.
Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City Food Truck Festival
Friday, Sept. 8 to Sunday, Sept. 10 at 12 p.m.
Kix McNutley’s, 63rd Street & Landis Avenue
The Sea Isle City Food Truck Festival will feature more than 15 food trucks from across the Northeast featuring different styles of cuisines from award winning food trucks. There will also be crafters, family entertainment, live music, great drinks and more. Hours are Friday and Saturday 12 to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.seaislecityfood.com.
Fall Family Festival
Saturday, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m.
JFK Boulevard & Promenade
The festival includes a seaside craft market with 300 vendors, a food court, live music, amusement rides, children’s activities and more. Jitney service will be available on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.visitsicnj.com.
Irish Festival Weekend
Friday, Sept. 22 to Sunday, Sept. 24
LaCosta Lounge, 4000 Landis Ave.
This yearly Celtic celebration will feature live Irish music and dancing, an Irish Vendor Market, great food and countless festival-goers “Wearin’ the Green.” For more information, visit www.lacosta-seaisle.com.
Harborfest
Saturday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m.
Marina Park, 42nd Place & the Bay
This bay-side festival celebrates Sea Isle’s fishing and nautical history. Festival-goers will enjoy delicious seafood, live music, a clam eating contest, crafts and specialty vendors. Harborfest will be held rain or shine. In case of heavy rain, the event will be moved indoors to the Lobster Loft Restaurant. For more information, visit www.seaislechamber.com.
Italian Festival
Saturday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m.
Kix McNutley’s, 63rd Street & Landis Avenue
The Italian Festival will offer a variety of great food, an Italian Market with craft and specialty vendors, a cannoli eating contest, Cento Food display and live musical entertainment until 6 p.m. Rain or shine. For more information, visit www.kixmcnutleys.com.
Halloween Parade & Dance Party
Friday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.
45th Street to 40th Street along Landis Avenue
The parade features a wide variety of eye-catching costumes, floats, musical entertainment and mascots. The Dance Party will immediately follow the parade at Excursion Park.
Octoberfest
Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.
Excursion Park, JFK Boulevard & Pleasure Avenue
Spend the day with the entire family celebrating Octoberfest at Excursion Park. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Excursion Park transforms into a hotspot with live German music, vendors, magic acts, pumpkin painting and children’s entertainment. Families are invited to take a free hayride along the beach. There will also be a pie-baking contest to determine who makes the best pie in Sea Isle City! For more information, visit www.seaislechamber.com.
Ocean City
Ocean City Classic Car and Street Rod Show
Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9
Multiple locations in Ocean City
On Friday, cars will be displayed on the Tabernacle Grounds, 550 Wesley Avenue, from 1 to 6 p.m. before proceeding to 13th & Asbury Avenue for the first ever Sock Hop Block Party and Street Rod Display. Enjoy food specials from Johnny B Good and Boyars. Cars are displayed there until 8 p.m. On Saturday, cars will be displayed at the Tabernacle Grounds from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and then will proceed to the boardwalk to be displayed from 6th Street to 14th Street from 12 noon to 4 p.m. There will be an awards ceremony on Saturday at 3 p.m. in front of the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk.
Corvette Show
Sunday, Sept. 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street
Over 350 cars will be exhibited in one of the largest shows of its kind in the East. Models from every year Corvettes were manufactured comprise this colorful show. Cars will be displayed on the boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to register, visit www.boardwalkcorvettes.com.
Ocean City Airport Festival
Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.
Municipal Airport, 26th Street & Bay Avenue
The annual Ocean City Airport Festival will take place at the Municipal Airport from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Features include a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II planes to classics and Warbirds. Meet the performers for the next day’s Aerobatic Air Show!
Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow
Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m.
Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street
During the Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow, some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world will thrill you while flying over the ocean. Military demonstrations will also be featured.
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday, Oct. 7 at 9 a.m.
5th Street to 14th Street along Asbury Avenue
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more. A fireworks display will take place in the evening over the ocean.
Indian Summer Weekend
Saturday, Oct. 7 to Monday, Oct. 9
Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace
Indian Summer Weekend will feature seafood vendors at the Music Pier and boardwalk table sales.
Halloween Parade
Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7:15 p.m.
6th Street to 11th Street along Asbury Avenue
The march includes an array of colorful bands, floats and costumed characters competing for prizes, and is a fun-filled, family evening. The parade is sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. For more information and to register, visit ochp.blogspot.com.
Wildwood
Roar to the Shore Motorcycle Rally
Thursday, Sept. 7 to Sunday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.
Wildwoods Convention Center and Oak & Atlantic avenues
Cape Classics Motorcycle Club presents one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Northeast! Enjoy daily motorcycle vendors, food and merchandise vendors, live entertainment and activities surrounding the Wildwoods Convention Center and at Oak and Atlantic avenues in Wildwood. Thursday, Friday and Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bike Shows, stunt shows, live entertainment, Rubber Duck Boardwalk Ride, Harley Davidson Motorcycle Give Away, Light Up The Night LED Bike Show and a Custom Boardwalk Bike Show are just some of many things happening during the weekend! For more information and a detailed list of activities, visit ww.RoarToTheShoreOnline.com.
Boardwalk Classic Car Show
Thursday, Sept. 21 to Sunday, Sept. 24
Fox Park, Wildwoods Boardwalk and Wildwoods Convention Center
Take a step back in time to experience the craftsmanship and beauty of hundreds of restored classic cars! Registration is Thursday from noon to 10 p.m., and there is a meet and greet in Fox Park at 6 p.m. Cars will be displayed on the Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday and Saturday only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday features an award ceremony inside the Wildwoods Convention Center from 9 to 11:30 a.m. where prizes will be awarded to the Top 40 cars as well as Best in Show. Free admission for spectators! For more information, visit www.WildwoodMotorEvents.com.
Olde Time Italian Festival
Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30
Fox Park
Celebrate Italian culture and heritage at Fox Park on Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery avenues in Wildwood on Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. Come experience an ‘Olde World’ family festival including a Procession of the Saints, delicious Italian food favorites, merchandise vendors, games and continuous FREE live entertainment. A grape stomping contest and spaghetti eating contest will take place as well. Admission to the festival is free. For more information, visit www.SonsOfItalyWildwood.org.
Seafood & Music Festival
Saturday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.
Atlantic Avenue between Wildwood & Schellenger avenues
The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce will host a free street fair from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Atlantic Avenue between Wildwood and Schellenger avenues in Wildwood. The festival will feature two stages of live music, crafters, food vendors, games, a pie eating contest and much more! A “Kids Korner” with activities including pumpkin painting, crab hat making and inflatable bounce houses will take place from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.Wildwoods.com.
Fabulous ‘50s & Beyond Celebration
Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14
Wildwoods Convention Center and Fox Park
Friday night features a Nifty ‘50s Dance Party with The Cameos at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 plus tax per person. A free street fair will take place at Fox Park in Wildwood on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring classic cars, food and craft vendors, a Doo Wop Bus Tour and live entertainment. Saturday night features a star-studded concert in the Wildwoods Convention Center at 7 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) featuring Frankie Avalon, The Duprees, Danny & The Juniors and The Ladies of Shake, Rattle ‘n Roll. Tickets are $54 per person for stadium seating (including tax & facility fee) and $71.50 per person (including tax & facility fee) for floor seating, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com/event/02005299A09AC4C1 or (800) 745-3000, or at the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, 3306 Pacific Ave.
Wildwood Fall Food Truck Festival
Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.
Fox Park
The Wildwood Food Truck Festival is back! From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Wildwood’s Fox Park, the festival will feature 20 food trucks of all different cuisines. As always, there will be no duplicate cuisines to keep the festival unique. This year, a newly added kid’s area will be present, featuring a bounce house, face painting, a balloon twister and multiple games. Also, come check out the new vendor row, featuring retailers and crafters all day long. Entry to the festival is free. For more information, visit www.wildwoodfoodtrucks.com.
North Wildwood
Waves and Wheels Festival
Saturday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m.
Olde New Jersey Avenue
Waves and Wheels is a festival dedicated to outdoor activities at the Jersey Shore… on the ocean, in the sand and over the land. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, restaurants, live music, products and activities for all ages – all based in the seaside setting of Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood. Admission to the festival is free! For more information, visit www.WavesAndWheelsFest.com.
‘Boots at the Beach’ Country Music Festival
Friday, Sept. 15 and Saturday, Sept. 16
Olde New Jersey Avenue and surrounding bars
‘Boots at the Beach’ will be held in the North Wildwood Entertainment District, along Olde New Jersey Avenue, featuring country music, vendors, crafts and food on Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to the festival is free! Friday night’s “Bar Hoodang” will feature country bands and DJs in all bars within the North Wildwood Entertainment District. On Saturday, Olde New Jersey Avenue comes alive with the sights and sounds of a country fair with vendors lining the street selling clothing, wares and all things country! Refreshments, food and live country music on an outdoor stage will take place all day long and into the night. Featured country bands for Friday are 40 North, Sherwood Brothers and Wesley Spangler. Saturday’s featured bands are Sherwood Brothers, Steel Creek, Triple Rail Turn and Acoustic Adam Yarger. For more information, visit www.BootsAtTheBeach.com.
Irish Fall Festival
Thursday, Sept. 21 to Sunday, Sept. 24 at 8 a.m.
Olde New Jersey Avenue and surrounding pubs
Come join the largest Irish Festival on the East Coast, celebrating Irish heritage with dancing, music, food and craft vendors from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily along Olde New Jersey Avenue and surrounding pubs in North Wildwood. Bus service will be available throughout the event dates. Other festivities include a golf tournament, Irish dance lessons, a 5K run and 1 mile walk, a pipe exhibition, a food court stage and beer garden, and a Catholic Mass. The events conclude with a parade on Surf Avenue from 20th to Spruce and Olde New Jersey avenues, North Wildwood. For more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit www.CMCAOH.com.
Greater Wildwood Elks Halloween Haunted House
Saturday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m.
Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge, 109 W. First Ave., North Wildwood
Trick-or-treaters walk through a “haunted house” and receive treats at the Elks Lodge in North Wildwood from 5 to 8 p.m. This fun event is free!
Wildwood Crest
Seafarers’ Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m.
Sunset Lake and Centennial Park
This massive bayfront street festival will be held at Sunset Lake from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by live music at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. at Centennial Park. The festival includes live music, craft vendors, food, family entertainment, children’s activities and much more. Free admission. Handicapped accessible. For more information, visit www.VisitWildwoodCrest.com
Trunk-or-Treat for Halloween
Sunday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.
Wildwood Crest Pier parking lot, Heather Road & Ocean Avenue
The Wildwood Crest Recreation Department will host the annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat family event. 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. For more information, visit www.VisitWildwoodCrest.com.
Avalon
End-of-Summer Shop Hop
Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10
Avalon Shopping District
Grab your friends, grab a cocktail and hit the stores of Avalon for great end-of-season steals and deals! Times subject to participating store hours.
Seafood Festival
Saturday, Oct. 7 and Sunday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m.
30th Street & the Beach
Taste delectable treats from the sea at the Chamber’s Annual Seafood Festival, featuring fresh seafood, a chowder contest, live music, vendors and more.
Stone Harbor
Fall Migration Festival
Saturday, Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m.
The Wetlands Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd.
At The Wetlands Institute, fall is an especially good time to experience the changing of seasons and the spectacle of migration of raptors, warblers, waterfowl and more. In an effort to spread the word about this incredible time of year, The Wetlands Institute will be hosting a Fall Migration Festival. Visitors of all ages will be able to see, explore, learn and enjoy! There will be a guided viewing of migratory birds from the Institute and on Seven Mile Island, and much more! Tickets must be purchased. For more information, visit wetlandsinstitute.org.
Savor September Food, Wine and Beer Festival
Saturday, Sept. 23 at 12 p.m.
96th Street Shopping District
The 6th annual Stone Harbor Savor September Food, Wine and Beer Festival will showcase the best food, wine, microbrews, art, music and culture the area has to offer. There will be oyster and clam shucking, carnival games, zoo animals and art activities for kids, a grape stomping competition and a cafe with fire pits for the evening live entertainment.
Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.
96th Street Shopping District
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy hayrides, pumpkin decorating, trick or treating in Stone Harbor’s shops, creepy, crawly, but cute animals and more!
Middle Township
Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 Rt. 9 N., Cape May Court House
Sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholder, this event is free and open to the public. Visitors of all ages are invited to wear a costume to this fun family event, which includes activities for the kids, games, candy, entertainment, animals, inflatable obstacle course, a magic show and more. A Costume Contest will start at 11 a.m., and registration begins at 10 a.m. An awards presentation will follow the Halloween costume contest. A magic show will start at 1 p.m. with a live animal show following. For more information, visit www.cmczoo.com.
Olde Tyme Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.
Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this daylong celebration will honor the old and new Middle Township and feature live music, games, rides, food, a craft show and much more! Come be a part of this celebration of Middle Township’s heritage. For more information, visit middletownship.com.
Lower Township
26th Annual Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Rt. 9, Cape May
Join the Rotary Club of Lower Township for the 26th Annual Pumpkin Festival on the grounds of Historic Cold Spring Village! 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, funnel cake and other snacks. Visit a haunted house at the Village Barn and hop on a fall hayride through the farm. There is no admission fee and plenty of parking!
Upper Township
Applefest
Saturday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m.
John Wesley Gandy Farmstead, 26 Tyler Rd. (Route 616), Greenfield
The Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township presents the annual Applefest. Enjoy traditional craft artisans, bee keeping demonstrations, flint-lock musket demonstrations, a restored 1812 barn, farm equipment, an antique tool display and more, as well as live music, food, contests and children’s activities. Special appearance by Johnny Appleseed! Free parking is available. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 15. For more information, visit www.uppertwphistory.org.