Cape May 2023 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 2023. 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 Music Festival
May 25 – June 22, 2023
Various times and locations throughout Cape May
Enjoy live music in all genres at this annual festival. Many events are ticketed, see website for details.
Strawberry Festival
Saturday June 3, 2023 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wlbraham Park, West Cape May
Sponsored by the West Cape May Business Association, the Strawberry Festival has become an eagerly anticipated event each spring. The 24th annual event will feature arts, crafts, food, music and more.
Full Moon Lighthouse Climb
Saturday June 3, 2023 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Follow the light of the full moon on this nighttime climb up the 199 step staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. This event is repeated for every full moon throughout spring, summer and fall (upcoming dates are July 2, August 1, August 30, September 29 and October 28)
Cape May Restaurant Week 2023
Sunday June 4 – Sunday June 11, 2023
Various times and locations throughout Cape May
Three courses, one price! Cape May Restaurant Week is back this June with fixed-price dining at Cape May’s best restaurants. Menu pricing begins at $38 per person. The list of participating restaurants and menus will be available closer to the event in June. Reservations strongly recommended where available.
Friends, Poetry, Tales, & Tea at Historic Cold Spring Village
Monday June 12, 2023 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
The Friends of Historic Cold Spring Village are hosting a fundraiser on behalf of Historic Cold Spring Village. Donation is $20 at the door. Bring a favorite poem to read or a short story to share. Please limit your reading to five minutes. Refreshments will be served.
Promenade Arts and Crafts Show
Saturday June 10 – Sunday June 11, 2023 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cape May Promenade, Cape May
Arts and Crafts Show features handmade items, unique to each vendor!
Summer Craft & Collectibles Show
Saturday June 17, 2023
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Enjoy handmade crafts and collectibles at this show which will be repeated in October (8th, 14th and 28th).
Military Timeline Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village
Saturday June 17 – Sunday June 18, 2023
Historic Cold Spring Village
This event will feature encampments, weaponry displays and demonstrations from living history groups that depict various conflicts through the centuries.
Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb
Sunday June 18, 2023 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse on evenings of the New Moon, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and constellations are more visible on clear nights during the New Moon.
33nd Annual Quilt & Fiber Arts Show at Historic Cold Spring Village
Saturday June 24 – Sunday June 25, 2023 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
Historic Cold Spring Village is featuring fiber arts at the 33rd annual Cape May Quilt and Fiber Show. The event will be held on both days and will feature the Viewer’s Choice quilt show, speakers, demonstrations, and vendors.
July
Independence Day Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village
Saturday July 1 – Sunday July 2, 2023 Various times
Historic Cold Spring Village
Celebrate all things American at Historic Cold Spring Village’s annual Independence Day Celebration. A variety of patriotic family activities, programs, and music will be taking place and the Village’s restored historic buildings will be open, featuring demonstrations of Early American trades and crafts.
Cape May Independence Day Parade
Saturday July 1, 2023 1:00 pm
Cape May Convention Hall
Come One, Come All, and join the City of Cape May as they welcome back their annual Independence Day Parade. The parade is an annual event to honor our veterans and feature string bands along with many other performing groups, family entries, classic automobiles, veteran organizations, and local officials. A fun, new addition to the parade is the “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. Rain Date 7/2/23
Full Moon Lighthouse Climb
Saturday July 2, 2023 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Follow the light of the full moon on this nighttime climb up the 199 step staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. This event is repeated for every full moon throughout spring, summer and fall (upcoming dates are August 1, August 30, September 29 and October 28)
Cape May Independence Day Fireworks
Tuesday July 4, 2023 9:00 pm
Congress Hall Beach
You will be able to see the fireworks along the beach at Convention Hall past Congress Hall Beach. Rain Date is July 5th.
Promenade Arts and Crafts Show
Saturday July 8 – Sunday July 9, 2023 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cape May City Promenade, Cape May
This Arts and Crafts Show features handmade items, unique to each vendor.
Family Magic Show at Cape May Convention Hall
Tuesday July 11, 2023 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Convention Hall, Cape May
Rich Lessig returns to town to show you his best magic tricks. Fun for the whole family.
Automobiles, Trains, & Planes Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village
Saturday July 15 – Sunday July 16, 2023 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
Cruise into Historic Cold Spring Village for the Annual Automobiles, Trains and Planes Weekend! Classic Cars will be on display from 11am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
ee beautifully restored and preserved vehicles parked along the Village’s tree-lined, shell-paved lanes. Chat with the owners and learn about the process of restoring classic cars well as the fascinating stories behind their manufacture and history. In addition to automobiles, there will be model train displays both days in the Welcome Center exhibited by the Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Lines Model RR Club and other locations throughout the Village.
Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb
Monday July 17, 2023 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse on evenings of the New Moon, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and constellations are more visible on clear nights during the New Moon.
Christmas in July Crafts & Collectibles Show
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Come enjoy crafts and collectibles at this Christmas in July event.
Down On The Farm Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village
Saturday July 29 – Sunday July 30, 2023 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
Experience life on an Early American farm through hands-on activities and exhibits at Historic Cold Spring Village’s ‘Down on the Farm’ Weekend, Historic Cold Spring Village, an open-air living history museum, presents the trades, crafts, architecture, and lifestyles of an Early American, rural South Jersey farming community. The Village is also home to a working 8-acre heritage farm complex. Special exhibits throughout the Village will include collections of antique and modern farming equipment and tools. Visitors can tour the historic Corson-Gandy Barn, c. 1880, which is home to Levi the Village horse. Guests can visit the Village sheep, pigs, chickens, and calves.
August
Full Moon Lighthouse Climb
Tuesday August 1, 2023 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Follow the light of the full moon on this nighttime climb up the 199 step staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. This event is repeated for every full moon throughout spring, summer and fall (upcoming dates are August 30, September 29 and October 28).
National Lighthouse Day Crafts & Collectibles Show
Monday, August 7, 2023 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Enjoy this crafts and collectibles show in conjunction with National Lighthouse Day
Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb
Wednesday August 16, 2023 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse on evenings of the New Moon, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and constellations are more visible on clear nights during the New Moon.
Promenade Arts and Crafts Show
Saturday August 19 – Sunday August 20, 2023 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cape May Promenade, Cape May
Arts and Crafts Show features handmade items, unique to each vendor.
Seafarers’ Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village
Saturday August 19 – Sunday August 20, 2023 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
This event will feature pirates, music, and family fun. The Village buildings will be open, featuring historically clothed interpreters who will demonstrate the trades, crafts, and lifestyles of Early America.
Dance Night: Country Line Dance at Convention Hall
Wednesday August 23, 2023 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cape May Convention Hall
Enjoy country dance moves featuring the band Jakes Rockin Country Band. Dance instruction will be provided.
Full Moon Lighthouse Climb
Wednesday August 30, 2023 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Follow the light of the full moon on this nighttime climb up the 199 step staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. This event is repeated for every full moon throughout spring, summer and fall (upcoming dates are September 29 and October 28)
September
Tomato Festival
Saturday September 2, 2023 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
West Cape May’s Backyard Park, West Cape May
The Borough of West Cape May is hosting their annual Tomato Festival, celebrating all things tomato. Festivities will occur throughout the day. Proceeds benefit the WCM Shade Tree Commission in their endeavor to protect and improve the tree canopy of West Cape May.
Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb
Thursday September 14, 2023 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse on evenings of the New Moon, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and constellations are more visible on clear nights during the New Moon.
Harvest Brew Festival
Saturday, September 16, 2023 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Enjoy craft beers and celebrate South Jersey during this all-day festival that celebrates all things local! Enjoy local food vendors, local artisans, local craft beers and local musical talent.
Harvest Brew Festival Craft & Collectibles Show
Saturday, September 16, 2023 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May
Enjoy this harvest-themed craft and collectibles show in conjunction with Harvest Brew Festival.
Full Moon Lighthouse Climb
Friday September 29, 2023 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Follow the light of the full moon on this nighttime climb up the 199 step staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. This event is repeated for every full moon throughout spring, summer and fall (upcoming date is October 28)
Cape May Wine Trail
Friday September 22 2023 10:45 am
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Board the trolley at the Emlen Physick Estate and travel to Pier House in Cape May for a delicious lunch. The trolley will then travel to Jessie Creek Winery for a tasting and souvenir glass, and to Natali Vineyards for an educational tasting and tour. This event is for adults ages 21 and over.
October
Cape May Wine Trail
Friday October 6, 2023 10:45 am
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Board the trolley at the Emlen Physick Estate and travel to Pier House in Cape May for a delicious lunch. The trolley will then travel to Jessie Creek Winery for a tasting and souvenir glass, and to Natali Vineyards for an educational tasting and tour. This event is for adults ages 21 and over.
Lima Bean Festival
Saturday October 7, 2023 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
West Cape May Borough’s Backyard Park
West Cape May celebrates her farming heritage with the Annual Lima Bean Festival in the Borough’s Backyard Park! The festival is scheduled to begin at 9:00am and is planned to delight locals and visitors alike with a vast array of recipes, crafts and products available.
Victorian Weekend
Thursday October 5 – Sunday October 8, 2023
Various times and locations in Cape May
Come celebrate Cape May’s Victorian heritage!
Victorian Weekend Craft & Collectibles Show
Sunday October 8, 2023
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Enjoy handmade crafts and collectibles at this show during Cape May’s Victorian Weekend.
Craft & Collectibles by the Sea Show
Saturday October 14, 2023
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Enjoy handmade crafts and collectibles at this show by the sea.
Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey
Saturday October 14 – Sunday October 15, 2023
All day, various lighthouses throughout New Jersey
The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey is a two-day event held every year on the third weekend in October to encourage participants to visit participating lighthouses, life-saving stations and museums throughout the state. Commemorative T-shirts and mementos are offered for purchase to participants each year. Each participating site determines its hours and participation level. Each site may charge an entry fee.
Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb
Saturday October 14, 2023 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse on evenings of the New Moon, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and constellations are more visible on clear nights during the New Moon.
The 6th Annual Ghoul Spring Village
Saturday October 21, 2023 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
Historic Cold Spring Village is offering a family-friendly haunted walk-thru for young and old alike.
Cape May’s Annual Halloween Parade
Sunday October 22, 2023 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The parade route begins at Perry Street and Carpenters Lane, proceeds down Carpenters Lane to Ocean Street, travels down Washington Street and ends at the Emlen Physick Estate located at 1048 Washington Street. Parade registration is free and begins at 1:30 pm on the corner of Perry Street and the Washington Street Mall. Judging takes place at 2:00 pm
Halloween Craft & Collectibles Show
Saturday October 28, 2023
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Enjoy handmade crafts and collectibles at this Halloween-themed show.
Full Moon Lighthouse Climb
Saturday October 28, 2023 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Follow the light of the full moon on this nighttime climb up the 199 step staircase steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. Enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. This event is repeated for every full moon throughout spring, summer and fall.
November
Sherlock Holmes Weekend
Friday November 3 – Sunday November 5, 2023
La Mer Beachfront Resort, 1317 Beach Avenue, Cape May
Join other super sleuths for this year’s theme, “The Other Consulting Detective”. Performances will be taking place at La Mer Beachfront Resort, 1317 Beach Avenue, Cape May. Check-in begins on Friday with light fare. On Saturday from 1:00 – 3:00, a self-guided clues tour will be available, followed by lunch on Sunday with performances throughout the two days.
Fall Craft & Collectibles Show
Saturday, November 4, 2023 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue
Come enjoy this fall-themed crafts and collectibles show.
Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb
Monday November 13, 2023 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Avenue
Climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse on evenings of the New Moon, when the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and constellations are more visible on clear nights during the New Moon.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday November 18, 2023 Time TBD
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! Dawn’s Delights will be serving hot chocolate and baked goods for purchase.
Holiday Craft & Collectibles Show
Friday November 24 – Saturday, November 25, 2023 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue
Enjoy this two day holiday themed crafts and collectibles show
Breakfast with Santa at the Inn of Cape May
Saturday November 25, 2023
Various times throughout the morning
Share a delicious breakfast with family and friends and welcome special guest Santa Claus, himself, as he visits Cape May’s Ocean 7 Restaurant, the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. in the weeks leading up to Christmas! He will meet and greet his fans and there will be time for children to visit with Santa, take photos, and share their wish lists with him. Event is limited. Advance purchase required.
December
Breakfast with Santa at the Inn of Cape May
Saturday December 2 and Sunday December 3, 2023
Various times throughout the morning
Share a delicious breakfast with family and friends and welcome special guest Santa Claus, himself, as he visits Cape May’s Ocean 7 Restaurant, the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. in the weeks leading up to Christmas! He will meet and greet his fans and there will be time for children to visit with Santa, take photos, and share their wish lists with him. Event is limited. Advance purchase required.
The West Cape May Christmas Parade
Saturday December 2, 2023 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
West Cape May Volunteer Firehouse, West Cape May
The WCM Community Christmas Parade sets the stage for the areas holiday season. Now in its 57th year, the parade steps off at 5:00pm sharp from the WCM Volunteer Firehouse and marches South on Broadway, winds East on Perry, and onto Carpenter Lane in the City of Cape May. A small army of volunteers assemble an unforgettable hometown memory each year!
Cape May’s 50th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours
Saturday December 2, 2023 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Various houses throughout Cape May (see schedule for locations)
This self-guided walking tour celebrates the best of Cape May at Christmas, as you travel Cape May’s gaslit streets, hear musicians and carolers, and visit more than a dozen homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels where you’ll step inside to see both Victorian and more modern interiors beautifully decorated for the holidays. Don’t miss Cape May’s longest running and most popular Christmas tour. This event occurs three Saturdays in December, with the other dates being the 9th and the 16th.
Wassail Day at Historic Cold Spring Village
Saturday December 2, 2023 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
The Village paths come alive with the sights and sounds of the holiday season at this event! Select buildings will be open where guests can enjoy live music, hot beverages, and holiday treats served by historical interpreters in period clothing. Visitors can meet Father Christmas in the Country Store. Timed tickets are available.
Breakfast with Santa at the Inn of Cape May
Saturday December 9, 2023
Various times throughout the morning
Share a delicious breakfast with family and friends and welcome special guest Santa Claus, himself, as he visits Cape May’s Ocean 7 Restaurant, the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. in the weeks leading up to Christmas! He will meet and greet his fans and there will be time for children to visit with Santa, take photos, and share their wish lists with him. Event is limited. Advance purchase required.
Cape May’s 50th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours
Saturday December 9, 2023 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Various houses throughout Cape May (see schedule for locations)
This self-guided walking tour celebrates the best of Cape May at Christmas, as you travel Cape May’s gaslit streets, hear musicians and carolers, and visit more than a dozen homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels where you’ll step inside to see both Victorian and more modern interiors beautifully decorated for the holidays. Don’t miss Cape May’s longest running and most popular Christmas tour. This event occurs three Saturdays in December, with the other dates being the 2nd and the 16th.
Cape May’s 50th Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours
Saturday December 16, 2023 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Various houses throughout Cape May (see schedule for locations)
This self-guided walking tour celebrates the best of Cape May at Christmas, as you travel Cape May’s gaslit streets, hear musicians and carolers, and visit more than a dozen homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels where you’ll step inside to see both Victorian and more modern interiors beautifully decorated for the holidays. Don’t miss Cape May’s longest running and most popular Christmas tour.
Breakfast with Santa at the Inn of Cape May
Saturday December 9, 2023
Various times throughout the morning
Share a delicious breakfast with family and friends and welcome special guest Santa Claus, himself, as he visits Cape May’s Ocean 7 Restaurant, the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. in the weeks leading up to Christmas! He will meet and greet his fans and there will be time for children to visit with Santa, take photos, and share their wish lists with him. Event is limited. Advance purchase required.
