October 2023 Festivals and Events
Cape May’s 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.
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.
Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest
Friday October 6 (5:00 pm – 11:00 pm), Saturday October 7 (12:00 noon – 11:00 pm) and Sunday October 8, 2023 (12:00 noon – 5:00 pm)
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Join us for Oktoberfest 2023! Enjoy that ancient German tradition of merriment, roller coasters, tilt-a-whirls, beer, pretzels, and bratwurst! Mariner’s Pier will be open for Oktoberfest from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Fridays, from noon to 11:00 pm on Saturdays, and from noon to 5:00 pm on Sundays. Oktoberfest takes place on weekends from September 15, 2023 until October 8, 2023. Founders Restaurant will feature a special themed selection of Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, German potato salad, schnitzel, and more. On tap, guests will find a wide selection of beers and tasting flights to be enjoyed at an outdoor “biergarten” located behind Founders with live entertainment playing every night on the Coca-Cola stage in front of the Ferris Wheel. Raise a glass and tap a toe as bands play throughout the night. Musical performances are scheduled for Fridays from 6:30 pm-10:30 pm; Saturdays from 1:00 pm 5:00 pm; then again from 6:30 pm-10:30 pm; and Sundays from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday October 7, 2023 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Asbury Avenue from 5th – 14th Streets
Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more. In the evening, fireworks over the boardwalk from 6th Street – 14th Street.
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.
Classic & Vintage Car Show
Saturday October 7, 2023 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
200 Block of 96th Street, Stone Harbor
Come see your favorite classic and vintage cars on display.
Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales
Saturday October 7 – Monday October 9, 2023
Asbury Avenue and boardwalk from 6th Street – 14th Street
This is an annual sales event.
Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk
Sunday October 8, 2023 check in at 8:30 am, program begins at 9:00 am
6th Street and Boardwalk, Ocean City
Join us in the fight against Breast Cancer! The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides is a 5000+ participant breast cancer fundraising 5K walk honoring over 250 survivors in Ocean City.
Wildwood Food and Music Festival
Sunday October 8, 2023
Downtown Wildwood, starting at Byrne Plaza along Pacific Avenue between Oak and Schellenger Avenues in Wildwood.
Formerly known as Wildwoods Seafood and Music Festival, this food and music street fair is sponsored by the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce. It features a full day of fantastic food options, music, shopping, and more. The festival will include live music, delicious food, craft vendors and much more, and is free to attend.
Wildwoods ‘50s ‘60s & ‘70s Weekend
Friday October 13 – Saturday October 15, 2023
Various locations
Join us for this fabulous weekend of fun, nostalgia and great music! Friday night features a ’50s, ‘60s & ‘70s Dance Party at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm featuring The Cameos. Tickets are $20 per person. A free street fair will take place on Saturday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm in Fox Park featuring food and craft vendors, live entertainment, a Doo Wop Bus Tour, and a classic car show in the Wildwoods Convention Center Circle from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Saturday night’s concert in the Wildwoods Convention Center begins at 7:00 pm with doors open at 5:00 pm. This year, The Miracles, The Temptations featuring the legacy of Dennis Edwards, and The 5th Dimension will perform at the Saturday Night Concert, hosted by The Voice of Tribute Tommy C. Concert tickets range from $54 – $89.50.
Beach Clean Up
Saturday, October 14, 2023 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
JFK Boulevard and Promenade, Sea Isle City
Give back to the beach by helping in the annual cleanup
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.
Porsche Boardwalk Reunion
Saturday October 14, 2023 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Boardwalk from 6th – 14th Streets, Ocean City
Over 350 Porsches of all models and years between 1954 and 2021 are expected. Free Tech Sessions on Porsche related topics open to all at the Music Pier.
John R. Elliott Hero Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run
Sunday October 15, 2023 10:00 am
Sports and Civic Center, Ocean City
The 1 Mile Fun Run takes place at 10:00 am. Hero ceremonies are at 10:30 a.m. The walk starts at 6th and the boardwalk at 11:00 am. Registration begins at 9:00 am.
Halloween Parade & Dance Party
Friday, October 20, 2023 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
45th Street & Landis Avenue to JFK Boulevard, Sea Isle City
Celebrate the season with this parade and dance party.
Dog Day
Saturday October 21, 2023 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Boardwalk, Ocean City
Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk and all are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite furry canine friend. Activities for the day include dog-specific vendors at the Music Pier, photo-op stations on the boardwalk, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” Announcement.
Humane Society of Ocean City “Howl-O-Ween” Parade
Saturday October 21, 2023 Registration at 2:00, parade begins at 3:00
Sports and Civic Center, Ocean City (parade start; procession is boardwalk, 6-14th Streets)
Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes in the spirit of the season.
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 Parade
Thursday October 26, 2023 7:15 pm
Asbury Avenue from 6th – 11th Street
Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club
Halloween Craft & Collectibles Show
Saturday October 28, 2023
Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May
Enjoy handmade crafts and collectibles at this Halloween-themed show.
Business District Trick or Treat
Saturday October 28, 2023 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
96th Street, Stone Harbor
Enjoy a downtown Stone Harbor Trick or Treat experience at local Stone Harbor businesses. Shop & support our small businesses. Look for the GHOST signs on participating businesses’ windows or doors. Sponsored by the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
Greater Wildwood Elks Halloween Haunted House
Saturday October 28, 2023 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Elks Lodge, 109 West 1st Avenue, North Wildwood
Trick-or-treaters walk through a “haunted house” and receive treats.
North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party
Saturday October 28, 2023 4:30 pm vehicle check-in; event is from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
The annual family fun event features music, magic, balloon twisting and more. 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 best decorated vehicles. Registration is free and forms are available at 900 Central Avenue in North Wildwood or at City Hall. All vehicles participating in the event must be registered. Parking for visitors will be available in the municipal lot at 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues.
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.
