Happy Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of the summer season here on the Cape. Some towns, like Wildwood and Ocean City, are going all-out with events this weekend. Stone Harbor is hosting a 1-mile free color run, Cape May is holding its first beach concert of the season, and Lower Township is holding a family fun day at the park in Villas. There’s a lot to do – get out there and enjoy the nice weather! Orange links are clickable.
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Lower Township Family Fun Day
Friday, May 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Clem Mulligan Sports Complex, 200 Harvard Ave, Villas
This is a free event, there will be live music, bounce houses, vendors and more followed by a movie for all to enjoy.
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Friday, May 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Behind the Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue
Get ready to “Yacht Rock” on the beach behind Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue. Cape May Officials will introduce upcoming summer events, including concerts, movies on the beach, parades, and so much more! So, bring your beach chair or blanket and take in the smooth sounds of this Yacht Rock Party from AM Gold to start your Cape May summer off right!
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Full Moon Hike
Friday, May 24 at 9 p.m.
Meet at the park office
Come see Belleplain’s trails lit up by the glowing moon. Wear appropriate footwear and be ready for this guided group hike.
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Stone Harbor Beach Opening & Color Run
Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m.
95th Street, Stone Harbor
Opening Ceremony takes place on 95th Street beach. Color Run begins at 10 a.m. – registration from 9 to 9:45 a.m. The first 200 participants get a free t-shirt! Fun Run course is from 95th Street to 110th Street, and back.
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Ocean City “Unlocks the Ocean”
Saturday, May 25 at 12 p.m.
Between Ocean City Music Pier and Ninth Street
The free public event provides an early start to Memorial Day Weekend and welcomes a long-awaited summer. With the ocean officially open, a fully-clothed entourage will then march into the chilly Atlantic Ocean to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Business Persons Plunge. The Ocean City High School band will play “Pomp and Circumstance” and a banner plane will fly by as local business owners and employees take the first swim of the summer.
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Wildwood Farmers Market Season Kick-Off
Saturday, May 25 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Ave, Wildwood
This is the place to be every Saturday morning from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.! Each week you will find over 85 vendors offering fresh farm goods including produce, plants, cut flowers & honey, baked goods, beverages, and more!
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“Fitness in the Plaza” Boot Camp Circuit
Friday, May 24 and Monday, May 27 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Ave, Wildwood
Don’t take a vacation from fitness – Check out a sneak peak of “”Fitness in the Plaza 2024 with Dion on Friday and Monday of Memorial Day Weekend from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. in Byrne Plaza! Dion keeps it interesting and challenging with games like fitness monopoly! Classes are $10. Parking is always FREE for Byrne Plaza Events
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Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Friday to Monday, May 24 – 27
Wildwoods Convention Center
The event begins on Friday at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean media event outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Festivities following the Unlocking of the Ocean include the opening of the Kite Sales Tent, Friday Night Social via the local kite club and the 9 p.m. Illuminated Night Kite Fly. Saturday includes the Silent and Loud Auctions (open to all); and Saturday and Sunday include the flying of large inflatable kites, team flying, as well as family games. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
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Wildwood Boardwalk Craft Show
Saturday and Sunday, May 25 + 26
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m
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Kid’s Book Bingo
Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd St, Avalon
It’s back! The first Book Bingo of the season! Come play Bingo and win books or other fun prizes! Suggested for ages 5-12.
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Wildwood Food Truck & Music Festival
Sunday, May 26 from 12 to 10 p.m.
Byrne Plaza, Wildwood
This year’s festival also features artist vendors, plus kids activities including bungee trampoline, face painting, sand art, inflatables, mini golf, slide, inflatable hatchet throwing, plus so much more! Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a day in the Sun and the water.
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North Wildwood Memorial Day 5k
Sunday, May 26 at 8:30 a.m.
North Wildwood Lifeguard Station, 26th Street and the Beach
This race benefits veterans – for more info, visit nwwvetrun.com
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Stone Harbor Strawberry Festival
Sunday, May 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Come out for Springer’s ice cream and strawberry treats!
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Wildwood Crest Summer Kickoff Concert
Sunday May 26 at 7 p.m.
Fern Road and Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest
Live music for the entire family at the Centennial Park entertainment pavilion with Big House, performing dance, party and alternative hits. Bring a blanket or a chair.
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Ocean City Memorial Beach Challenge
Saturday, May 25 at 8:05 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier
Saturday morning (May 25) brings the Memorial Beach Challenge, a spectacle to behold as athletes complete a two-mile obstacle course that covers much of the beach on both sides of the Music Pier. Proceeds from the event benefit The 31 Heroes Project, an organization that specializes in creating programs, financial support systems and future opportunities for service members, veterans and their families. The race begins at 8:05 a.m. near the Ocean City Music Pier. It also includes a Kids Fun Run. Visit memorialbeachchallenge.com for more information on the races and for registration.
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Paul Green Rock Academy Performance
Friday May 31 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Surfside Park, 2901 Avalon Ave, Avalon
Led by master teacher and original founder of School of Rock Paul Green, PGRA is an advanced touring ensemble of young musicians between the ages of 10 and 18, who have been selected for their musical prowess, showmanship, love of performing, and ability to share the stage with professional musicians as they tour the world.