Where to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at the Jersey Shore

Celebrate the unofficial start of summer in the beach town of your choice.

The Wildwoods International Kite Festival
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival promises fun for the whole family. Photo: Courtesy of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority

Cape May Music Festival

May 25–June 22: This festival presents classical, jazz and more. Most concerts will take place outdoors at the Episcopal Church of the Advent. The series kicks off with a performance by OkCello on May 25 and a free performance by the Atlantic Brass Band at the Rotary Bandstand on May 28. $20–$50 per concert. 

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

May 26–29: Head to the beach at Rio Grande Avenue for this free annual spectacle. Weekend festivities will begin with the Unlocking of the Beach ceremony on Friday and end with the World Indoor Kite Competition and Performance on Monday.

Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes

May 27: The sand course features Navy SEAL–approved obstacles. The main competition is followed by a kids’ fun run. All proceeds benefit 31 Heroes, an organization that supports service members, veterans and their families.

Beach Ball Drop

May 27: All weekend long, the Atlantic City Boardwalk will buzz with contests, games, giveaways and music. Don’t miss the main event: the annual Beach Ball Drop. On Friday at 5 pm in front of Resorts Casino, more than 5,000 colorful beach balls pour out of giant nets over the Boardwalk.

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Fest

May 27–29: Tunes from bands and deejays fill the air, hundreds of craft vendors set up shop, food vendors sell fare and kids have fun with sand art and water slides. Saturday’s parade begins at 10 am. Events will happen at Ocean Avenue and Riley Park.

Viking Village Arts & Craft Show

May 28: Head to Barnegat Light to browse more than 70 vendors selling fine art, photography, ceramics, clothing and accessories. 10 am–4:30 pm; free admission. Rain or shine.

Stone Harbor Turtle Trot 2023

May 28: Come out of your shell and join the 23rd annual event. The name of the race is inspired by the Diamondback Terrapins that cross Stone Harbor roads in search of a nesting area. A portion of proceeds benefits the Terrapin Conservation Project at the Wetlands Institute. 8 am; $25–$35. 95th Street Beach.

Margate Mothers’ Association Annual Memorial Day Parade

May 29: Uniformed groups and decorated bikes/strollers will march in this short procession, stepping off at the corner of Ventnor and Union Avenues and ending at War Memorial Park, where  a ceremony will follow.

Wildwood Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

May 29: The parade steps off at 10 am in front of Wildwood High School and ends at Memorial Park. A wreath-laying ceremony will follow.

Highlands Craft Show

May 30: Find a delightful array of handmade crafts at this rain-or-shine bazaar at Huddy Park. More than 50 artisans will sell their works from 10 am to 5 pm.


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