Page 11 - 2025 Jersey Cape Vacation Guide

The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey is an annual free event that takes place the third weekend of October each year. Try to visit all the sites in one day!
JULY
Independence Day Celebrations: July 4th:
Fireworks, parades and special events held throughout the Jersey Cape, 609-465- 7181 or www.jerseycapevacationguide.com
Sand Sculpting Contest: 3rd: Ocean City. The first of the season. Categories for kids, adults & families. www.ocnj.us
NJ State Barbeque Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival: 11-13th: North Wildwood. Barbeque, live blues music and FREE family fun. Fri: 4pm – 11pm, Sat. 10am – 11pm, Sun. 10am – 6pm, FREE to spectators. 609-523-6565 or www.njbbq.com, www.angleseablues.com
NJ Jeep Beach Invasion: 11-13th:
Wildwoods Beach at Rio Grande Ave. All Jeep show with vendors, beach obstacle course and tons of fun for the entire family. www.NJJeepInvasion.com
Night in Venice: 26th: Ocean City.
6pm. Annual boat parade where theme decorated boats travel along the bay. This year is their 70th annual event. 609-525- 9300 or www.ocnj.us
AUGUST
60th Annual Ocean City Boardwalk
Art Show: 1-3rd: Leading artists
from throughout the East Coast exhibit and sell their work. Fri. & Sat. 10am – 8pm, Sun. 10am – 6pm. 609-399-6111. www.ocnj.us
Twins Contest: 6th: Prizes for who look the most and least alike 5:30pm, Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk,
Ocean City, www.ocnj.us or 609-525-9300.
115th Annual Ocean City Baby Parade: 14th: One of the oldest in the country. It parades down the boardwalk and features various age groups, dress, and costumes. 10:30am. ocnj.us or 609-399-6111.
Seafaring /Maritime Celebration: 16-17th:
Historic Cold Spring Village. Family event, pirates, music, and family fun. 11am - 4pm. www.hcsv.org
Merchants Day Sidewalk Sale: 23rd: The Annual Sidewalk Sale in downtown Stone Harbor is the event of the year! 10am-8pm 609-368-6101 or stoneharborchamber.com
SEPTEMBER
Harvest Brew Fest: 13th:
Cape May. Emlen Physick Estate. Craft beers festival with music, food, kids’ activities. 10am-5pm. www.capemaymac.org
Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow: 14th:
Ocean City, 1:00 pm, between 6th – 14th Sts. on the boardwalk. Thrill to some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world plus military demonstrations. 609-525-9300. www.ocnj.us
Irish Fall Festival: 18 - 21st:
Largest Irish Festival on the East Coast. Dancing, music, vendors & crafts. Daily 8am – 8pm; Sun. 8am to 7pm and parade is at 1pm. 609-729-0075; 800-IRISH91 or www.CMCAOH.com
OCTOBER
The Race of Gentlemen: 3 - 5:
Wildwood. Vintage car race on the beach. Celebrates Americana, hot rods and beach racing. All cars pre-date 1934. www.theraceofgentlemen.com
Fall Block Party & Fireworks Spectacular: 11th: From 5th – 14th Sts. on Asbury Ave. in Ocean City, 8am – 5pm. Over 400 crafters, food vendors and music. Evening Fireworks. 800-BEACH-NJ.
Wildwoods ‘50s, ‘60s & ‘70s Weekend: 17-18th: Fabulous weekend of fun, nostalgia and great music! Friday night features a ’50s, ‘60s & ‘70s Dance Party
at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Concerts & hotel packages available. 609-729-4000 or visit www.wildwoods.com
Lighthouse Challenge of NJ: 18-19th:
8am – 6pm. Visit 11 lighthouse sites,
3 lifesaving stations, and a museum over the two day weekend. Fee. 609-522-4520 or www.lighthousechallengenj.com
Fall Harvest Classic: 18th:
JFK Blvd. & The Promenade, Sea Isle City. Sand sculpting, seaside market, food court, children’s activities. 10am - 3pm. www.visitsicnj.com
Boo at the Zoo! 25th: Cape May County Park & Zoo. 10am - 2pm. Visitors wear costumes to this family event. Kids activities, games, candy, entertainment, obstacle course, pirate ship and costume contest. 609-465-5271.
NOVEMBER
Girls Weekend: 21-23rd
Sea Isle City. Pamper yourself with shopping and huge savings. Plenty to eat and drink too. www.seaislechamber.com
Christmas in Cape May:
Nov. 22 - Jan 3:
Events All month:
Victorian decorations and merchant hospitality. Holly Trolley Rides and candlelight tours all month, 609-884-5404 or www.capemaymac.org
Island Holiday/Christmas in Stone Harbor: 28-29th: Merchant hospitality, parade, kid & pet activities. 609-368-6101.
DECEMBER
Wassail Day at Historic Cold Spring Village: 6th: 11am-2pm, the Village is alive with holiday sights and sounds. 609-898-2300 or www.hcsv.org
Train Show: 6-7th: Ocean City.
At the Music Pier, Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace, 10 – 4pm Saturday and 10 – 4pm Sunday. 609-399-1412 or www.oceancityvacation.com
Christmas Candlelight House Tours:
6, 13 & 20: Stroll Cape May’s gaslit streets, enjoy carolers, and visit decorated homes, inns, and hotels on the town’s longest-running Christmas tour. 5:30pm-8:30pm. 609-884-5404 or www.capemaymac.org
First Night New Years Eve Celebration: 31st: Ocean City’s complete schedule of fun leading up to fireworks at midnight. More than 70 entertainment programs at 20 different venues throughout town. 609-525-9300 or www.ocnj.us
Enjoy Christmas in Cape May. The town features events all month long filled with Victorian splendor, trolley and carriage rides, candlelight tours and much more.
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