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 Ocean City and Sea Isle City communities 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.
Ocean City
Street Rod Weekend
9/5 – 9/7 – 12 to 4 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Features classic cars on display. For more information call 609-525-9300.
Ocean City Airport Festival
9/13 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Municipal Airport, 26th and Bay Avenue
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. For more information call 609-525-9223.
Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow
9/14 – 1 p.m.
6th – 14th Streets along the Beach and Boardwalk
Thrill to some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world. For more information call 609-525-9300.
MS City to Shore Ride
9/27
With 7,000 cyclists raising $5.6 million – promises to be the best cycling experience on the east coast. This ride is fully supported with catered rest stops, bike support and SAG transportation. Choose one of the several route options and enjoy flat terrain as you travel through the quaint towns and back roads of Southern New Jersey. This is not just a ride but an experience. The sense of accomplishment that you’ll feel as you cross the finish line can only be matched by the difference you’ll be making in the lives of people affected by MS. For more information call 1-800-445-BIKE or visit www.mscycling.org
OCNJ Half Marathon, 5k & 10 Mile Non-Competitive Walk/Run
9/28
Half Marathon $50 Pre-registration until August 31. $60 Sept. 1-23, $70 Sept 24-27, 2014. For more information call 609-525-9317 or www.ocnj.us/Race-Events.
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
10/11 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5th to 14th Streets on Asbury Avenue
Features include over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more. In the evening, enjoy family night entertainment on the boardwalk with fireworks beginning at 9:30pm. For more information call 609-399-1412.
Indian Summer Weekend
10/11 – 10/13
At the Music Pier
Seafood vendors and boardwalk table sales.
Downtown Merchants Trick or Treat
10/26 – 2 to 4 p.m.
6th – 11th Street
Participating merchants distribute treats to trick-or-treaters!
Halloween Parade
10/23 – 7:15 p.m.
6th – 11th Streets
The parade will proceed down Asbury Avenue.
Sea Isle City
Fall Family Festival
9/13 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
JFK Blvd and the Promenade
The festival includes a seaside craft market with 400 vendors, food court, live music, children’s entertainment and a sand sculpting demonstration and contest. For more information, call 609-263-8687, ext. 4.
7th Annual Irish Festival
9/19 – 9/21
LaCosta Lounge
This yearly Celtic celebration will feature live Irish music and dancing, an Irish Vendor Market, great food and countless festival-goers “Wearin’ the Green.” Check out www.lacosta-seaisle.com for a full entertainment schedule.
Harborfest
10/4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
42nd Place and the Bay
This bay-side festival celebrates Sea Isle’s fishing and nautical history. Festival-goers will enjoy delicious seafood, live music, nautical display, crafts and specialty vendors. For more information visit http://www.seaislechamber.com.
6th Annual Italian Festival
10/11 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kix McNutley’s
The Italian Festival will offer a variety of great food, an Italian Market with craft and specialty vendors, Cannoli Eating Contest, Cento Food display and live musical entertainment.
Halloween Parade & Dance Party
10/17 – 7 p.m.
45th to 40th Street and Landis Ave.
The parade features a wide variety of eye-catching costumes, floats, musical entertainment and mascots. For more information visit http://www.visitsicnj.com.
Octoberfest
10/18 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Excursion Park
The celebration will feature live German music, vendors, free hayrides on the beach, magic acts, pumpkin painting and other children’s entertainment (including a giant rock-climbing wall) and a fantastic Pie Baking Contest.