Welcome to Summer
Well, it’s finally here—the (unofficial) start to the season we’ve been waiting for! Now that the sun is shining and the temps are up, the forecast calls for fun. Each of the shore towns are primed and ready to welcome visitors back after a long dreary winter with many fun activities for the upcoming holiday weekend. Here is a list of events scheduled for this weekend, broken down by day for easy reference.
Friday
Ocean City’s Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge
Friday May 24, 2024 12:00 noon
Beach at Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace
The official “unlocking of the ocean” begins at 12:00 noon, after which plunge participants, dressed in business suits and carrying briefcases, will march into the ocean to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance to welcome the new season.
Wildwood’s Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony
Friday May 24, 2024 12:00 noon
Wildwoods Convention Center beach
Come join us to officially start the summer season. A large, ornate key will be used to ‘unlock’ the ocean, along with tourism and city officials, dignitaries, guest speakers and more.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Friday May 24, 2024 12:00 noon – 9:00 pm (repeats all weekend)
Beach at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
This annual event begins on Friday at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean media event outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Festivities include a Friday Night Social via the local kite club and the 9:00 pm 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 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Welcome Summer Concert AM Gold
Friday May 24, 2024 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Cape May Convention Hall Beach, Cape May
Say hello to summer with us! Join us for a free concert on the Convention Hall Beach featuring AM Gold. Remember to bring your chair or blanket to sit on.
Saturday
Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
Saturday May 25, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (repeats on Sunday)
Boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood
Boardwalk Craft Show features artisans, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts & more. Rain or shine.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Friday May 24, 2024 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (repeats on Sunday and Monday)
Beach at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
This annual event begins on Friday at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean media event outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Festivities include a Friday Night Social via the local kite club and the 9:00 pm 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 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Sunday
Turtle Trot 5k and 2-mile fun walk
Sunday, May 26, 2024 8:00 Registration 6:45 am; race begins at 8:00 am
95th Street Beach, Stone Harbor
The Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce invites you to “come out of your shells” and join the fun in our annual Turtle Trot 5K and 2-Mile Fun Walk! Sign up online. Raceday registration begins at 6:45 at the Lifeguard Shack parking lot at 95th Street and the beach. 5K Run starts at 8:00 a.m. The 2-mile Fun Walk will begin at 8:05 am.
Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
Sunday May 26, 2024 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood
Boardwalk Craft Show features artisans, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts & more. Rain or shine.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Sunday May 24, 2024 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (repeats on Monday)
Beach at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
This annual event begins on Friday at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean media event outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Festivities include a Friday Night Social via the local kite club and the 9:00 pm 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 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Wildwood Music and Food Truck FEASTival
Sunday May 26, 2024 12:00 noon – 10:00 pm
Byrne Plaza, Wildwood
Fifteen food trucks will be on hand to serve all types of foods. This year’s festival features artist vendors, 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 this celebration to kick off summer.
Cape May Music Festival
Sunday, May 26 – Sunday, June 23, 2024
Various locations throughout Cape May
This festival celebrates 35 years of bringing beautiful music to Cape May, NJ. Whether its classical, jazz, or other type, music lovers of all kinds are certain to find something they love during this month-long festival. Headlining events include: the New York Chamber Ensemble, the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players, the Bay Atlantic Symphony, New York-based BAILEN showcasing trio vocals and guitar, award-winning Atlantic Brass Band, a Jazz Brunch at the Inn of Cape May featuring Mary Lou Newnam and Ray Mallach, Atlanta-based cellist-songwriter, looper, improviser and storyteller, Okorie “OkCello” Johnson, a George Mesterhazy Tribute Concert, the Cape May Cabaret with Erich Cawalla & the Uptown Band Orchestra, and more. Information can be found on the Cape May MAC website.
Monday
Sea Isle City Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 27, 2024 10:00 AM 11:00 AM
Veterans Park, Sea Isle
Ocean City Memorial Day Service
Monday May 27, 2024 11:00 am
Veteran’s Memorial Park, Wesley Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets
Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday May 27, 2024 11:00 am
American Legion Post 184, Wildwood
The annual Memorial Day ceremony will take place on the front lawn and will honor our nation’s fallen heroes.
North Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday May 27, 2024 1:00 pm
North Wildwood Veterans Monument, Spruce and New York Avenues
This memorial day event is hosted by the VFW Post 5941.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Monday May 27, 2024 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Beach at Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
This annual event begins on Friday at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean media event outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Festivities include a Friday Night Social via the local kite club and the 9:00 pm 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 from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Cape May Music Festival
Sunday, May 26 – Sunday, June 23, 2024
Various locations throughout Cape May
This festival celebrates 35 years of bringing beautiful music to Cape May, NJ. Whether its classical, jazz, or other type, music lovers of all kinds are certain to find something they love during this month-long festival. Headlining events include: the New York Chamber Ensemble, the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players, the Bay Atlantic Symphony, New York-based BAILEN showcasing trio vocals and guitar, award-winning Atlantic Brass Band, a Jazz Brunch at the Inn of Cape May featuring Mary Lou Newnam and Ray Mallach, Atlanta-based cellist-songwriter, looper, improviser and storyteller, Okorie “OkCello” Johnson, a George Mesterhazy Tribute Concert, the Cape May Cabaret with Erich Cawalla & the Uptown Band Orchestra, and more. Information can be found on the Cape May MAC website.
Whatever you choose to do this weekend, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable one!
