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
22nd Annual Cape May Food & Wine Celebration
Friday, Sept. 14 to Sunday, Sept. 23
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.
Dog Obedience Training Club’s Mutt Strut
Saturday, Sept. 15 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 PPAWS, volunteers who raise puppies to become seeing eye dogs for The Seeing Eye. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 16. For more information, visit www.cmcdotc.com.
Harvest Brew Fest
Saturday, Sept. 15 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 The Honey Hawks, Old School and Love Me Dudes. 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.
46th Annual Victorian Weekend
Thursday, Oct. 4 to Monday, Oct. 8
Throughout Cape May
The 46th annual Victorian Weekend celebrates Cape May’s Victorian heritage, featuring exciting and entertaining activities from history to murder mysteries, plus historic house tours, food and wine events and much, much 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. 6 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. 7. For more information, visit www.westcapemaytoday.com.
Trick or Treat on the Mall & Halloween Parade
Sunday, Oct. 21 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 36th 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. For more information, visit www.discovercapemaynj.com.
Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City Food Truck Festival
Friday, Sept. 7 to Sunday, Sept. 9 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 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/seaislecityfood.
Fall Family Festival
Saturday, Sept. 15 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. 21 to Sunday, Sept. 23
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. 29 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. 6 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. 19 at 7 p.m.
45th Street to JFK Boulevard & 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. For more information, visit www.visitsicnj.com.
Octoberfest
Saturday, Oct. 20 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, face painting, games, food and craft vendors, moon bounces and more. 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! The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit www.seaislechamber.com.
Ocean City
Street Rod Show
Friday, Sept. 7 and Saturday, Sept. 8
Ocean City Boardwalk
Car enthusiasts can enjoy a wide variety of classic cars on display! Boardwalk display is from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Ocean City Airport Festival
Saturday, Sept. 15 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. The event will feature a parachute jump from Team Fastrax!
Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow
Sunday, Sept. 16 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.
Corvette Show
Sunday, Sept. 23 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.
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday, Oct. 6 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.
Indian Summer Weekend
Saturday, Oct. 6 to Monday, Oct. 8 at 9 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace
Indian Summer Weekend will feature seafood vendors at the Music Pier and boardwalk table sales from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Ocean City, NJ Jeep Invasion
Saturday, Oct. 13 at 12 p.m.
Boardwalk from 5th Street to 14th Street
From noon to 5 p.m., Jeeps will be displayed on the boardwalk between 5th Street and 14th Street. For more information visit www.NJJeepInvasion.com.
Halloween Parade
Thursday, Oct. 25 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. 6 to Sunday, Sept. 9 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.
Indoor Military Invasion
Thursday, Sept. 20 to Sunday, Sept. 23
Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Join us for the first-ever Indoor Military Invasion at the Wildwoods Convention Center to honor all of our nation’s service members. Event will feature military vehicles, equipment and uniforms from World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War and more. Merchandise vendors will be selling car parts and accessories, military memorabilia, die-cast models, antiques, jewelry, fashion accessories and more. Admission is FREE! For more information and event hours, visit www.WildwoodMotorEventsNJ.com.
Boardwalk Classic Car Show
Friday, Sept. 21 to Sunday, Sept. 23
Wildwoods Boardwalk and Wildwoods Convention Center
Take a step back in time! The Fall Boardwalk Classic Car Show takes place every September on the world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk featuring cars of all makes and models 25 years and older. Hundreds of vehicles will line the boardwalk on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. An awards ceremony will take place on Sunday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. Admission is FREE to spectators. For more information, visit www.WildwoodMotorEventsNJ.com.
Olde Time Italian Festival
Friday, Sept. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 29
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 TBA. A spaghetti eating contest will take place as well. Admission to the festival is free!
Monster Truck Beach Races
Friday, Sept. 28 to Sunday, Sept. 30
Wildwood Beach between Mariner’s Pier & Adventure Pier
A weekend of intense thrills as massive monster trucks race and fly around the Wildwood Beach. These competitors will be participating in the event: The Avenger (defending his 2017 “Beast of the Beach Title”, Jester, Kraken (a new truck), Heavy Hitter, Basher, Brutus and more! Saturday features two shows: one at 1 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. including intermission entertainment. Sunday’s afternoon show at 1 p.m. is the last show of the weekend and also the deciding race, after which the “2018 Beast of the Beach” title will be claimed! For more information and tickets, visit www.WildwoodMotorEventsNJ.com.
Seafood & Music Festival
Saturday, Oct. 6 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, plus crafters, food vendors, games, a pie eating contest and much more! Live bands TBD. A “Kids Korner” with activities including pumpkin painting, hat making and inflatable bounce houses will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Rain date is scheduled for Sunday. For more information, visit www.Wildwoods.com.
Fabulous ‘50s & Beyond Celebration
Friday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 13
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. In celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Fabulous ‘50s & Beyond Weekend, the Saturday night concert in the Wildwoods Convention Center at 7 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) is featuring the best entertainers from our last 15 years with Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell and Chubby Checker. Tickets can be purchased at the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, (609) 729-4000 or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. For more information, visit www.Wildwoods.com.
Wildwood Halloween Spooktacular
Saturday, Oct. 27 at 12 p.m.
Fox Park
Pumpkins will be available for picking and painting, and a “scary’ Hay Maze will provide endless fun. Come see the live show featuring professional pumpkin carving, starting at noon. Kids will enjoy trick or treating at the row of themed, interactive booths. The whole family can join the Spooky Scavenger hunt at 1 p.m., with prizes for the winners! Come dressed up to join the all ages costume contest with great prizes. Join the cornhole tournament, too! Food tents will provide a variety of cuisine throughout the day, and the vendor row will feature everything from Halloween merchandise to household decor. There will be live music throughout the day. Show us your moves during the last 15 minutes of every hour for the Spooky Dance Party. Kids will especially enjoy face painting, magicians, themed characters, bounce houses and more. All attendees will receive a goodie bag with candy, toys or Halloween merchandise at entry. Free entry. For more information, visit www.seasidecompaniesusa.com.
North Wildwood
‘Boots at the Beach’ Country Music Festival
Friday, Sept. 14 to Sunday, Sept. 16
North Wildwood Entertainment District, along Olde New Jersey Avenue
‘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 12 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the festival is free! Olde New Jersey Avenue will come 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. For more information, visit www.BootsAtTheBeach.com.
Irish Fall Festival
Thursday, Sept. 20 to Sunday, Sept. 23 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.
North American Sea Glass Festival
Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.
Wildwoods Convention Center
NASGA is a nonprofit organization positively supporting sea glass collectors and the sea glass community with festivals, information, educational opportunities, commercial membership and more. The primary goal of NASGA is to establish a community of informed collectors and sellers of sea glass that are educated on the characteristics and significance of genuine sea glass. Festival will be held inside the Oceanfront Arena at the Wildwoods Convention Center featuring merchandise vendors with sea glass from around the world. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 per day or $10 for a two-day ticket; children under 12 are free. For more information, visit www.SeaGlassAssociation.org.
Wildwood Crest
Seafarers’ Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 22 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. with Big City and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. at Centennial Park. The festival includes live music, craft vendors, food, family entertainment and children’s activities including a performance by the Vahalla Pirates, magic shows, a live turtle exhibition, interactive games, roving street performers, pie-eating contests, bounce houses, face painting and more. Free admission. Handicapped accessible. For more information, visit www.WildwoodCrest.org.
Monster Mash
Friday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.
Crest Pier, Heather Road
Join us on Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. to meet the famous monster truck drivers and have your photograph taken with the monster trucks! Enjoy a facepainter, a DJ, bounce houses and the thrill of a real Monster Truck ride! FREE event to attend, nominal fees apply to certain activities. For more information, visit www.WildwoodMotorEventsNJ.com.
Avalon
End-of-Summer Shop Hop
Friday, Sept. 7 to Sunday, Sept. 9
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. 6 and Sunday, Oct. 7 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. 22 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, shorebirds 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 the Seven Mile Island, Monarch butterfly tagging demonstrations, live animal presentations by community partners and much more! Tickets must be purchased. For more information, visit www.wetlandsinstitute.org.
Savor September Wine, Beer & Food Festival
Saturday, Sept. 22 at 12 p.m.
96th Street Shopping District
The 7th annual Savor September Wine, Beer & Food Festival will showcase the best food, wine, microbrews, art, music and culture the area has to offer. There will be two large tasting tents with local wineries and breweries, delicious food from local restaurants and vendors, live and local music, a grape stomping competition, talented artisans and demonstrations, and fun for the whole family!
Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m.
96th Street Shopping District
From 11 a.m. to 4 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. 27 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, an inflatable obstacle course, a pirate ship 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 with exciting entertainment and the zoo’s very own ambassador animals.
Olde Tyme Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct. 27 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 www.middletownship.com.
Lower Township
27th Annual Pumpkin Festival & Share the Harvest Food Drive
Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Rt. 9, Cape May
Join the Rotary Club of Lower Township for the 27th Annual Pumpkin Festival on the grounds of Historic Cold Spring Village. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a true community family-friendly day with pumpkin painting for the children, hayrides, the annual Lower Township Recreation Department Halloween Parade, food vendors and crafters, and more! Help our community and bring your donation of non-perishable food items to the Share the Harvest Food Drive. All donations support our local community and food banks. There is no admission fee and plenty of parking!