Cape May 2024 Special Events
If you are looking for things to do in Cape May, we have a complete list of Cape May Festivals and Events for 2024. In addition to theme weekends, Cape May year-round events include music fests, food and wine events, murder mystery dinners, Sherlock Holmes weekends, historic tours and so much more.
June
Cape May Coffee and Chocolate Festival
Friday June 28, 2024 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Cape May Convention Hall
The Cape May Coffee & Chocolate Festival is a celebration of all things coffee and chocolate related… and then some! Festival attendees will sample a variety of coffee roasts and styles, along with a multitude of decadent chocolate-themed sweets from local and surrounding area businesses. Join local coffee shops, gourmet roasters, artisan chocolatiers, bakeries, wineries and more. Explore additional exhibitors and their products and purchase items to take home.
Harborfest Street Festival
Saturday June 29, 2025 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Delaware Avenue, Cape May
Join the City of Cape May on Delaware Avenue for some family fun! Food, activities for both kids and parents, live music, vendors and more. Rain date: June 30th
Wings & Things Arts and Craft Festival
Saturday June 29, 2024 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
The 3rd annual Wings & Things Arts and Craft Festival features vendors, food trucks, beer and wine, kids activities and more. Plus, dress up as your favorite Character from Star Wars and receive Half Price Admission. This event is both family and pet-friendly.
July
Cape May City Fireworks
Thursday July 4, 2024, 9:30 pm
On the beach in front of Congress Hall, Cape May
Cape May’s annual fireworks display takes place on July 4th, weather permitting. Firework launch across from Congress Hall, from a barge a quarter-mile offshore. Enjoy a fantastic view of the show from the beach, promenade, or any property facing Beach Avenue. In the event of rain, fireworks may be rescheduled or canceled.
Independence Day Parade
Saturday July 6, 2024, 1:00 pm
Beach Avenue, Cape May
This parade is an annual event to honor veterans and features string bands along and other performing groups, family entries, classic automobiles, veteran organizations, and local officials. There will also be a “Best Decorated” contest. Participants are strongly encouraged to decorate their golf cart, bicycle, or baby carriage and show their Red, White & Blue for a chance to win a prize. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced immediately following the parade in front of the Convention Hall. The parade begins at 1:00 pm and runs along Beach Avenue. Rain Date 7/7/24.
Summer Craft Show on the Promenade
Saturday, July 13 – Sunday, July 14, 2024 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cape May Promenade
Summer Craft Show on the Promenade will have exhibitors that create unique, original artwork and handmade items.
Cape May’s Annual Baby Parade
Friday July 26, 2024 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Beach Avenue, Cape May
The 91st Annual Cape May Baby Parade begins at Congress Street and proceeds down Beach Avenue, concluding at Convention Hall near Howard Street. An awards ceremony will be held inside Cape May Convention Hall immediately following the parade. Trophies will be awarded in five separate categories: Beach Baby, Decorated Baby Carriage, Walking in Fancy Dress, Walking in Superhero Outfit, and Decorated on Wheels. There will also be an award for Best Overall Entry. Registration is free to all participants 12 years of age and younger. Registration and judging will be held at Congress Street and Beach Avenue beginning at 9 am. Pre-registration will be accepted until Thursday, August 5th at 4:30 pm. To register please call the Office of Civic Affairs at 609-884-9565 or email at recdept@capemaycity.com. You can also register in person at Cape May Convention Hall located at 714 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204. Rain Date 7/27/2024
August
Stairway to the Stars
Sunday August 4, 2024 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse
Stargaze from atop the Cape May Lighthouse! Climb the 199 steps to the watchtower on evenings of the new moon, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night. On clear weather nights, stars are more visible so bring your binoculars. Daytime climbs are also offered year-round.
Cape May’s National Night Out
Tuesday August 6, 2024 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Cape May Convention Hall
The Cape May City Police Department, along with the City of Cape May, will be hosting National Night Out at Cape May Convention Hall. This event is a national movement having one night where the community comes together to celebrate a night against crime.
North Cape May’s National Night Out
Tuesday August 6, 2024 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May
The Lower Township Police Department invites citizens to attend this year’s National Night Out at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. There will be public safety displays, games, prizes, a dunk tank, inflatables, complimentary refreshments and live music. It is a fun night for the whole family!
Summer Craft Show on the Promenade
Saturday, August 17 – Sunday, August 18, 2024 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cape May Promenade
Summer Craft Show on the Promenade will have exhibitors that create unique, original artwork and handmade items.
Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
Monday August 19, 2024 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse
Follow the light of the full moon on these rare nighttime climbs up the 199 cast-iron spiral staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy this nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Daytime climbs are also offered year-round.
Tomato Festival 2024
Saturday August 31, 2024
West Cape May Borough’s Backyard Park
The Borough of West Cape May is hosting the Tomato Festival at the Borough’s Backyard Park, 732 Broadway in West Cape May (behind the Fire House) on Saturday, August 31, 2024. We will celebrate all things tomato at our themed festival! Festivities are planned to begin at 9:00am and continue until 4:00pm. Proceeds from the quirky event benefit the WCM Shade Tree Commission in their endeavor to protect and improve the tree canopy of West Cape May. Come on out and share in the spirit of community. We look forward to celebrating the State’s well-known fruit with you in September!
September
Stairway to the Stars
Tuesday September 3, 2024 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse
Stargaze from atop the Cape May Lighthouse! Climb the 199 steps to the watchtower on evenings of the new moon, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night. On clear weather nights, stars are more visible so bring your binoculars.
Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
Tuesday September 17, 2024 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse
Follow the light of the full moon on these rare nighttime climbs up the 199 cast-iron spiral staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy this nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Antique & Classic Automobile Show
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Collier’s Liquors, 202 Jackson Street, Cape May
Come out to see Antiques & Classic cars.
October
Lima Bean Festival
Saturday October 12, 2024 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
West Cape May Backyard Park, 732 Broadway
West Cape May celebrates her farming heritage with the Annual Lima Bean Festival featuring a vast array of recipes, crafts and products available.
Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
Thursday October 17, 2024 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse
Follow the light of the full moon on these rare nighttime climbs up the 199 cast-iron spiral staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy this nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
November
Stairway to the Stars
Friday November 1, 2024 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse
Stargaze from atop the Cape May Lighthouse! Climb the 199 steps to the watchtower on evenings of the new moon, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night. On clear weather nights, stars are more visible so bring your binoculars.
Lighthouse Full Moon Climb
Friday November 15, 2024 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse
Follow the light of the full moon on these rare nighttime climbs up the 199 cast-iron spiral staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy this nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
Holiday Tree-lighting Ceremony
Saturday November 23, 2024 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Santa and his elves have decked out the Physick Estate with thousands of lights and holiday trimmings. Enjoy a free performance of holiday classics by the Atlantic Brass Band as we join Santa in lighting the tree!
December
West Cape May Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday December 6, 2024 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wilbraham Park, West Cape May
The Borough’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place the Friday before the Community Wide Christmas Parade.
The West Cape May Christmas Parade
Saturday December 7, 2024 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse
The West Cape May Community Christmas Parade sets the stage for the area’s holiday season! Always held on the first Saturday in December, and now in its 56th year, the parade marches through town beginning at the West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse, heading South on Broadway, turning East on Perry, and finishing its route through to the end of Carpenter Lane in the City of Cape May. In the event of inclement weather, the Parade will reschedule to (Sunday) December 3rd.
