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/events!
Cape May
20th Annual Cape May Food & Wine Celebration
Friday, September 9 to Sunday, September 18
Throughout Cape May
Come to the City of Cape May and experience the flavors of America’s First Seaside Resort during the 20th Annual Cape May Food & Wine Celebration, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). This annual 10-day extravaganza celebrates Cape May’s gourmet restaurants, local wines and beers, and talented chefs with wonderful flavors to enjoy. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.capemaymac.org.
Fall Sidewalk Sale
Thursday, September 15 to Sunday, September 18 at 9 a.m.
Washington Street Mall, Washington Commons and City-Wide
Come out and walk the lovely streets of Cape May from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and see all the interesting items for purchase during this four-day sale.
Dog Obedience Training Club’s Mutt Strut
Saturday, September 17 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. Half of the event’s proceeds help the group’s training classes and canine community outreach activities, with the other half going to No Dog Gets Left Behind. Rain date is Sunday, September 18. For more information, visit www.cmcdotc.com.
5th Annual Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, September 24 at 9 a.m.
Cape May Harbor
Experience the thrill, adrenaline, teamwork and sheer fun of being connected on a level comparable to nothing else. The Cape May Dragon Boat Festival is a great way to have fun and to raise money for your favorite charity. The race is a 200-meter straight course. No equipment is necessary, everything is provided. Just bring your team! For more information, visit www.capemaydragonboat.com.
Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 1 at 10 a.m.
Jackson St. from Carpenter to Beach
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 food courts, and browse the artisans’ tables selling crafts, antiques and collectibles. Free admission! Rain date is Sunday, October 2. For more information, visit www.capemaychamber.com.
44th Annual Victorian Weekend
Friday, October 7 to Monday, October 10
Throughout 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 from history to murder mysteries, plus historic house tours, food and wine events and much, much more! For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.capemaymac.org.
West Cape May Lima Bean Festival
Saturday, October 8 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, October 9. For more information, visit www.westcapemaytoday.com.
Trick or Treat on the Mall & Halloween Parade
Sunday, October 23 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 34th annual Halloween Parade beginning at 3 p.m. The Parade route begins at Perry St. and Carpenter Ln., proceeds down Carpenter Ln. to Ocean St., travels down Washington St. and ends at the Emlen Physick Estate. Parade registration is free and begins at 1:30 p.m. on the corner of Perry St. 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, September 9 to Sunday, September 11 at 12 p.m.
Kix-McNutley’s, 63rd St. & Landis Ave.
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 8 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. Rain or shine. For more information, visit www.seaislecityfood.com.
Fall Family Festival
Saturday, September 17 at 9 a.m.
JFK Blvd. & Promenade
The festival includes a seaside craft market with 350 vendors, 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, September 23 to Sunday, September 25
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, October 1 at 11 a.m.
Marina Park, 42nd Place & the Bay
Featuring live music and delicious seafood, this bay-side festival honors Sea Isle City’s fishing industry. The event is held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. including a variety of craft and specialty vendors, nautical displays, entertainment throughout the day and of course, all of the area’s finest and freshest seafood and more.
Italian Festival
Saturday, October 8 at 10 a.m.
Kix-McNutley’s, 63rd St. & Landis Ave.
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 until 6 p.m. Rain or shine. For more information, visit www.kixmcnutleys.com.
Columbus Day Parade
Saturday, October 8 at 2 p.m.
J.A. LaRosa Way to Landis Ave. & 63rd St.
The parade will feature Sea Isle’s “Italian Royal Family,” floats, beauty queens, mascots and many other participants. Rain or shine. For more information, visit www.kixmcnutleys.com.
Halloween Parade & Dance Party
Friday, October 21 at 7 p.m.
45th to 40th St. & Landis Ave.
The parade features a wide variety of eye-catching costumes, floats, musical entertainment and mascots. Dance Party immediately follows the parade at Excursion Park.
Octoberfest
Saturday, October 22 at 11 a.m.
Excursion Park, JFK Blvd. & Pleasure Ave.
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!
Ocean City
Street Rod Weekend
Saturday, September 10 at 8 a.m.
Tabernacle Grounds and Boardwalk
1986 and older classic cars and street rods will be displayed at the Tabernacle grounds from 8 a.m. to noon, then they will proceed to the boardwalk to be displayed between 6th and 14th Sts. until 4 p.m. Check-in and registration will be held in the Tabernacle from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. Registration is $25 per car, no refunds. You must be registered by 11:30 a.m. to display on the boardwalk.
Corvette Show
Sunday, September 18 at 11:30 a.m.
Boardwalk from 6th to 14th Sts.
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 to 14th streets from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ocean City Airport Festival
Saturday, September 24 at 10 a.m.
Municipal Airport, 26th & Bay Ave.
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, September 25 at 1 p.m.
6th to 14th Sts.
During the Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world will thrill you. Military demonstrations will also be featured.
Chili-Chowder Festival
Sunday, October 2 at 12 p.m.
Tennessee Ave. Soccer Complex, 116 Tennessee Ave.
During the Chili-Chowder Festival, sponsored by the Ocean City Restaurant Association, restaurant members will bring their favorite recipes to have people taste from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City. For more information, visit www.eatinocnj.com.
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday, October 8 at 9 a.m.
5th to 14th Streets on Asbury Ave.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more. In the evening, family night entertainment will be on the boardwalk with fireworks.
Indian Summer Weekend
Saturday, October 8 to Monday, October 10
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, October 27 at 7:15 p.m.
6th to 11th Sts. on Asbury Ave.
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.
The Wildwoods
Wildwood
Roar to the Shore Motorcycle Rally
Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 11 at 10 a.m.
Wildwoods Convention Center and Oak & Atlantic Aves.
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 Aves. 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, September 22 to Sunday, September 25
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 8:30 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, September 30 and Saturday, October 1
Fox Park
Celebrate Italian culture and heritage at Fox Park on Ocean Ave. between Burk and Montgomery Aves. in Wildwood on Friday from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. and on Saturday from noon until 11 p.m. Come experience an ‘Olde World’ family festival including a procession, crafts, games, delicious Italian food favorites 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, October 8 at 11 a.m.
Atlantic Ave. between Wildwood & Schellenger Aves.
The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce will host a free street fair from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Atlantic Ave. between Wildwood and Schellenger Aves. 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, face painting and bounce houses will take place from noon to 5 p.m.
Fabulous ‘50s & Beyond Celebration
Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15
Wildwoods Convention Center and Fox Park
Friday night features a Nifty ‘50s Dance Party with The Cameos at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 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 featuring Bobby Rydell, Little Anthony & The Imperials and Shirley Alston Reeves. Tickets are $49.50 for stadium seating or $65.50 for floor seating, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.Ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000, or at the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.
Annual Island Pumpkin Fest
Sunday, October 30 at 10 a.m.
Fox Park and Wildwoods Beach
The Annual Island Pumpkin Fest will be held at Fox Park and on the Wildwoods Beach from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Craft and food vendors, a bounce house, costume contest and parade (judging from 12 to 1 p.m.) and FREE live entertainment will take place in Fox Park, located directly across from the Wildwoods Convention Center. A hay ride will start on the beach at Andrews Ave. and go to the Great Pumpkin Patch on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center. Fee for hay rides are $7 for children and $3 for parents. Festival will also feature Zombie Monster Truck Rides on the beach and over 40 Farm Tractors along Atlantic Ave. For more information, visit www.islandpumpkinfest.com.
North Wildwood
Waves and Wheels Festival
Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10
Olde New Jersey Ave.
This new family-friendly event will be held along Olde New Jersey Ave. in North Wildwood on Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s a festival dedicated to all outdoor activities at the Jersey Shore… on the ocean, in the sand and over the land! Food trucks, refreshments, Reggae and modern surf rock bands will be featured all weekend, including performances by Jah Works, Predator Dub Assassins, The Bastard Sons of Captain Mey and The Dave Matthews Tribute Band. Vendors from dozens of surf and skate shops in the area will be featured offering discounted merchandise, as well as vendors highlighting outdoor activities such as surfing, skateboarding, SUP, kayaking, fishing, biking, running and boating. For more information, visit www.WavesAndWheelsFest.com.
‘Boots at the Beach’ Country Music Festival
Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17 at 10 a.m.
Olde New Jersey Ave. and Surrounding Bars
The festival will be held at the North Wildwood Entertainment District, along Olde New Jersey Ave., featuring country music, vendors, crafts and food 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 in the North Wildwood Entertainment District. On Saturday, Olde New Jersey Ave. comes alive with 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 into the night. Saturday night’s featured bands are to be determined, and will play in surrounding establishments. For more information, visit www.BootsAtTheBeach.com.
Irish Fall Festival
Thursday, September 22 to Sunday, September 25 at 8 a.m.
Olde New Jersey Ave. and Surrounding Pubs
The largest Irish Festival on the East Coast celebrating Irish heritage with dancing, music, food and craft vendors along Olde New Jersey Ave. and surrounding pubs in North Wildwood. Vendors will be featured from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Live Irish entertainment on multiple stages Friday and Saturday will be from noon to 9 p.m. Bus service will be available throughout the event dates. Other festivities include a golf tournament, a concert, Irish dance lessons, a 5K run and 1 mile walk, a pipe exhibition and a Catholic mass. The events conclude with a parade on Surf Ave. from 20th to Spruce and Olde New Jersey Aves., North Wildwood. For more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit www.CMCAOH.com.
Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party
Monday, October 31 at 5 p.m.
Olde New Jersey Ave. between 2nd & Walnut Aves.
Families are encouraged to bring their vehicles decorated for Halloween. Children will come in costume and visit each car where families will provide treats from the trunks of their cars. There will be no judging of the children’s costumes, but prizes will be awarded to the vehicles with the best decorations. Registration is free and forms are available at 900 Central Ave., North Wildwood. Parking for visitors will be available in the municipal lot at 2nd and Olde New Jersey Aves. Vehicle check-in is from 5:30 t0 7 p.m. Come join this family fun event! For more information, visit www.NorthWildwood.com.
Wildwood Crest
Seafarers’ Celebration
Saturday, September 24 at 9 a.m.
Sunset Lake
The Seafarers’ Celebration features a festival along Sunset Lake at New Jersey Ave. between Rambler Rd. and Miami Ave. Enjoy dozens of craft and food vendors, family entertainment and live music, plus children’s activities including bounce houses, karaoke, a stunt bike show, face painting, a magic show, pie-eating and bubble gum blowing contests, and more from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission! For more information, visit www.VisitWildwoodCrest.com.
Trunk-or-Treat for Halloween
Sunday, October 30 at 6 p.m.
Wildwood Crest Pier, 5800 Ocean Ave.
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 Rd. and Ocean Ave., 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.
Seven Mile Island
Avalon
End-of-Summer Shop Hop
Saturday, September and Sunday, September 11
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, October 8 and Sunday, October 9 at 10 a.m.
30th St. & the Beach
Taste delectable treats from the sea at the Chamber’s Annual Seafood Festival, featuring fresh seafood, chowder contest, live music, vendors and more.
Stone Harbor
Fall Migration Festival
Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18 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, Monarch butterfly tagging demonstrations, live animal presentations by community partners and much more! Tickets must be purchased. For more information, visit wetlandsinstitute.org.
Savor September Food, Wine and Beer Festival
Saturday, September 24 at 12 p.m.
96th Street Shopping District
The 5th 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 café with fire pits for the evening live entertainment.
Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 22 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, and creepy and crawly, but cute animals!
Offshore
Upper Township
AppleFest
Saturday, October 22 at 10 a.m.
John Wesley Gandy Farmstead, 26 Tyler Rd., Greenfield
The Upper Township Historical Society presents the 16th Annual AppleFest at the Gandy Farmstead in Greenfield. A large variety of apple treats will be for sale, including caramel apples, apple dumplings, apple butter, apple cider, apple cobbler and of course fresh apples sold by the peck. There will also be an apple pie baking contest, and after the judging slices of the pies will be available for sale. Rain date is Sunday, October 23. For more information, visit www.uppertwphistory.org.
Middle Township
Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, October 22 at 10 a.m.
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this annual event will include family-friendly, free activities all day long, with a costume contest, craft stations, children’s amusements rides, a magic show and of course, animals and candy. For more information, call (609) 465-5271.
Olde Tyme Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 22 at 10 a.m.
Mechanic St., 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, call (609) 465-8743.
Lower Township
Brews By The Bay
Saturday, September 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May
Hosted by the Delaware Brewers Guild and the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild, Brews By The Bay is a two-state day-long celebration of great craft beer and offers samples from 40+ breweries hailing from New Jersey and Delaware. Start with Jersey craft beer from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Cape May Ferry Terminal, jump on the ferry, and head to Delaware’s festival kicking off at 4 p.m. at the Lewes Ferry Terminal. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit brewsbythebay.ticketleap.com.
Lower Township Halloween Costume Parade and Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, October 15 at 11 a.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Route 9, Cape May
Ghouls and goblins of all ages are encouraged to show off their costumes either as parade participants or spectators during the event. For those interested in participating in the parade and costume contest, the age divisions are as follows: Age two and under, age three to five, age six years to eight, age nine to 12 and group/ family or float. It is free to register and participate. Registration begins at the Lower Township Recreation Center on October 10. For more information, call (609) 886-7880.