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 in the Cape May community this autumn season. For a complete list, be sure to consult the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce calendar at http://www.capemaycountychamber.com/visitor/calendar.htm.
Cape May
Brews by the Bay
9/6 – 12 to 8 p.m.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal
Brews By The Bay…brought to you by the Garden State and Delaware Brewers Guild. Two festivals in two states combine into one incredible beer event.
A celebration of New Jersey and Delaware brewing with your local breweries! This event will be held on the grounds of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (both Cape May and Lewes Terminals). The Garden State and Delaware Craft Brewers Guilds are 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organizations that exist to unify the New Jersey and Delaware brewing communities. Our mission is to protect, promote, represent, and educate our members and customers.
Tickets will be sold for each individual side or as a combo ticket for both sides. A combo ticket includes a round trip foot passenger ferry ticket. http://brewsbythebay.ticketleap.com/
Fall Sidewalk Sale
9/11-9/14 – Beginning at 9 a.m. daily
Washington Street Mall
Cape May Food and Wine Celebration
9/13-9/21
Throughout Cape May
Indulge in good food, fine wine, and all types of culinary delights and events during the 17th Cape May Food & Wine Celebration, presented by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). Tickle your taste buds while sampling the best of the best and find out why the New York Times has dubbed Cape May “the restaurant capital of New Jersey.” Visitors can enjoy winery tours and tastings, a beer tasting dinner, a Harvest Food & Wine Dinner, luncheons at some of Cape May’s best restaurants, Chefs’ Dine-Arounds, and more. Most festival events cannot accommodate children. Visit www.capemaymac.org.
31st Annual Beachfront Run
9/20 – Beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The run features, certified two-mile and five-mile courses along the beautiful Cape May beachfront. Runners have access to three rest stations (stocked with bananas and bottled water) before and after both races. All runners receive t-shirts, and both races award overall and age-group trophies as follows: for the 5 miler, the first three men, first three women, first three in age groups and the team title; for the 2 miler, the first male, first female, and top two in age groups.
Both the 2 miler and the 5 miler start and finish at Cape May Convention Hall beginning with the two-mile at 8:30 a.m., an out-and-back course with the turnaround point just beyond Pittsburgh Avenue. The five-mile starts at 9:15 a.m., following the completion of the two-miler. For information call Cape May Civic Affairs at 609-884-9565 or pick up race registration forms at Cape May Convention Hall.
3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival
9/27 – 9/28
Cape May Harbor
Located at the Cape May Harbor, the event has proved so popular it is now a two-day festival. Saturday is for the fun of it and is still a 200-meter race. Sunday is when the real business begins. It will feature a sanctioned 500-meter race for regional club teams. Experience the thrill, the adrenaline, the teamwork, and the sheer fun of being connected on a level comparable to nothing else. Paddles up! For more information visit capemaydragonboat.com.
Harvest Festival Crafts & Antiques Show
10/4 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Emlen Physick Estate
Celebrate the fall season with your family at the beautiful Emlen Physick Estate. Crafters and antiques dealers from throughout the region display and sell their wares on the lawn. Festival includes hands-on activities and games for children.
Oktoberfest
10/4 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jackson Street
Celebrate the famous Bavarian tradition on Historic Jackson Street as it is transformed into a German promenade with authentic music and food. Visit the Beer Gardens and browse the artisans tables selling crafts, antiques and collectibles.
42nd Annual Victorian Weekend
10/10 – 10/13
Emlen Physick Estate
The 42nd annual Victorian Weekend celebrates Cape May’s Victorian heritage, featuring the Chocolate Championship Tour & Tasting, Historic House Tours, Murder Mystery Dinners, living history programs, lectures, workshops, performances and more. For a full list of events and times, please visit MAC’s website
Pumpkin Festival
10/18 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village
The Lower Township Rotary Club presents the 22nd Annual Pumpkin Festival. Fall family fun with craft and food vendors, face painting, pumpkin painting, hayrides, a haunted barn, games, activities and more. Rain date is Oct. 19.
Trick-or-Treat on the Mall
10/19 – 12 to 2 p.m.
Washington Street Mall
Merchants of the Washington Street Mall open their doors to Trick-or-Treaters! Show off your costumes as you trick-or-treat from store to store.
West Cape May
Lima Bean Festival
West Cape May Lima Bean Festival
10/11 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wilbraham Park
Enjoy Lima bean soup, tacos, salad, jewelry, t-shirts, pottery and more. For more information call 609-884-9325. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 12.
Rea’s Harvest Fair
10/19 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rea’s Farm Market at 400 Bayshore and Stevens Street
Come to a Rea’s Harvest Fair held on a working farm famous for their WCM lima beans, Jersey Tomatoes, Beach Plum Jelly, and “The West Cape May Pumpkin Patch.” Take a ride to the pumpkin patch, get your face painted, pick out your favorite pumpkin, or play with the critters. The fair will feature lots of vendors for the parents and grandparents to browse – antiques, collectibles, arts ‘n crafts, candle making, wood craving, clothing, jewelry, and much more. Best of all the car and bike parking is free! See you down on the farm at Rea’s Harvest Fair. Call 609-884-4522.