Events are presented in chronological order. There are a lot of new festivals this year; Cape May County has a surprising diversity of events in the fall that we gather here under the loving term “Fall Festivals.” There’s something here for everybody: car shows, Oktoberfest with authentic German food, music festivals, monster truck rallies, and more.
Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Oct. 12 (weekends only)
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood
Celebrate Oktoberfest with live music on the Coca-Cola stage, daily strolling entertainment by the Oompah Delics, and a festive biergarten atmosphere. The whole pier comes alive with new themed décor and a fall atmosphere. Enjoy German-inspired fare including Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel, and potato salad, plus a wide selection of beers and tasting flights. Souvenir 25 oz. steins available.
Wildwoods Food & Music Festival
Saturday. Sept. 6 from 2 to 8 p.m.
Byne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue
Downtown Wildwood fills with delicious food options, a beer garden, live music, vendors, and family fun.
Thunder Over the Waves Airshow
Friday to Saturday, Sept. 5 – 6
Wildwoods Beaches, Wildwood
The first-ever airshow in the Wildwoods takes flight with breathtaking aerobatics, military flyovers, parachute demonstrations, and patriotic displays over the award-winning beaches. Friday is practice day, capped by a VIP Pilot’s Dinner at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Saturday’s main event fills the skies with nonstop action from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend, with VIP seating and chalet upgrades available.
Saturday, Sept. 6 from 2 to 8 p.m.
MudHen Brewing Co.
Following the airshow, enjoy food vendors, craft vendors, sweets, classic boardwalk eats, a beer garden, and live bands.
Roots Classic Volkswagen Weekend
Friday to Sunday, Sept. 5 – 7
Wildwood Boardwalk, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood
A laid-back, three-day destination event for pre-2000 Volkswagens and the community that surrounds them. Enjoy get-togethers, BBQs, beach vibes, and cruising around town Sept. 5 – 6, leading up to the Roots Classic indoor and outdoor car show on Sept. 7. Find out about events throughout town at rootsclassic.com – The main event features a curated indoor show of pre-selected VWs, community-driven vendors, and an outdoor open-registration showcase.
Thursday to Sunday, Sept. 11 – 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Washington Street Mall, Cape May
Shop for great savings on clothing, gifts, collectibles, and more. Don’t miss some of the hottest deals of the season from Washington Street Mall merchants.
Oktoberfest at MudHen Brewing Co.
Friday to Sunday, Sept. 12 – 14
MudHen Brewing Co., 127 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood
Celebrate Oktoberfest with three days of beer, brats, and Bavarian fun. Enjoy live music and entertainment all weekend, including Doppelganger, Polkadelphia, circus performers, and more. Don’t miss the tapping of Märzhën Lager, a special Oktoberfest menu, and limited-edition steins and shirts.
Sea Isle City Fall Family Festival
Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
31 JFK Blvd at the Promenade
Stroll the seaside Vendor Craft Market along the oceanfront Promenade (9 a.m.–4 p.m.), enjoy delicious bites at the Food Court, and keep the kids entertained with free inflatable attractions, face painting, balloon art, a photo booth, and more in Excursion Park (10 a.m.–3 p.m.). Creative fun continues with sand art (fee) and the interactive art bar, while the Brass Pocket Band keeps the energy high with live music from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ocean City Municipal Airport, 26th & Bay Ave., Ocean City
Annual festival featuring a ground display of unusual airplanes from WWII planes to classics and warbirds.
Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk, landing on the 7th St Beach, Ocean City
Several highly trained and specially licensed Team Fastrax demonstrators will exit the aircraft 6,000 feet above Ocean City’s Beach & Boardwalk. Brilliant white and multicolored pyrotechnics ignite as they descend in formation, creating a dazzling display for spectators. The jump lands on the 7th St Beach and is viewable along the entire Boardwalk
Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St, Cape May
Celebrate South Jersey at this all-day festival on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. The event brings together local craft beers, food vendors, artisans, and live music for a true taste of the region. Free to attend; food and drink available for purchase. Live music runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.!
Boots at the Beach Country Music Festival
Friday + Saturday, Sept. 12 – 13
Seaport Pier, 22nd & Boardwalk, North Wildwood
North Wildwood fills with country music for this popular three-day festival. The event features live performances, dancing, crafts, vendors, and plenty of food. Admission is free, making it a can’t-miss for country fans.
Wildwood Fall Classic Car Show
Friday + Saturday, Sept. 19 – 20
Along the Wildwoods Boardwalk
Come see classic cars from every era right by the beach. Visitors can stroll the boardwalk, starting near the Convention Center, to see the cars and meet their owners.
Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show
Friday to Sunday, Sept. 19 – 21
Wildwoods Boardwalk & Convention Center
Classic hot rods and muscle cars take over the boardwalk and Convention Center for a weekend-long show. Cars will be displayed Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with awards presented Sunday morning. Free to attend on the boardwalk. For more information call 609-778-7887 or visit WildwoodCarShows.net.
North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival
Friday to Sunday, Sept. 19 – 21
Along Olde New Jersey Ave., North Wildwood
North Wildwood transforms into a sea of green for one of the largest Irish festivals in the nation. Vendors line the streets with Irish memorabilia and food, while live entertainment fills the weekend. The celebration culminates with a festive parade on Sunday.
Monsters on the Beach – Monster Truck Beach Races
Friday to Saturday, Sept. 26 – 27
Spicer Avenue Beach, Wildwood
Monster Trucks hit the sands of the Wildwood beach – the Renegade Monster Truck Tour brings an adrenaline-fueled weekend. Shows take place Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. For more information visit renegademonstertrucks.com.
Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m to 6 p.m.
Carpenter Lane between Ocean & Perry and Jackson Street
Cape May embraces Bavarian tradition with a day full of German food, beer, music, and artisan vendors. Streets fill with colorful booths offering crafts, antiques, and specialty items alongside lively entertainment. Rain date Sept. 28
Wildwood Crest Seafarer’s Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunset Lake & Centennial Park, Wildwood Crest
The street along Sunset Lake come alive with vendors offering everything from nautical trinkets to delectable seaside treats. There’s a lot to do and see, including live music, children’s activities, and captivating performances. The festival moves to Centennial Park at 5 p.m., where live music and dancing continues until the fireworks finale at 8 p.m.
Savor September Beer, Wine & Food Festival
Saturday, Sept. 20 from 12 to 8 p.m.
Along 96th Street in Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor celebrates the season with local wineries, breweries, food vendors, art, and live music. The festival takes over 96th Street, offering visitors a flavorful mix of food, drink, and entertainment in a charming coastal setting.
Wildwood Olde Time Italian Festival
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26 + 27 from 5 to 11 p.m.
Fox Park, across the Wildwood Convention Center
Fox Park transforms into “Little Italy” for a weekend filled with Italian food, music, and heritage. Visitors enjoy a procession of saints, authentic dishes, vendors, and live entertainment that celebrate Italian culture. Come hungry!
Oktoberfest at Harpoon’s on the Bay
Friday + Saturday, Oct. 3 – 4
91 Beach Dr, North Cape May
This authentic Oktoberfest celebration has live German bands, dancing on the street, weisswurst, bratwurst on pretzel buns, and a lot more. The owners – Jeff and Brady – have worked very hard to make the food and live music as close to what you’d find in Munich as possible. The restaurant overlooks the Delaware bay, come grab a German beer, or a local Oktoberfest beer, and join the party!
Friday to Sunday, Oct. 3 – 5
Beach by Mariner’s Pier at Morey’s Piers
A one-of-a-kind event featuring vintage car and motorcycle racing on the sandy shores of Wildwood. Experience the roar of meticulously restored machines as drivers push them to the limit in this adrenaline-filled weekend known as “TROG.” Races are tide-dependent and scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information and ticket options, visit theraceofgentlemen.com.
Mudhen Oysterfest
Sunday, Oct. 5 from 1 to 5 p.m.
MudHen Brewing Co., 127 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood
MudHen is teaming up with Cape Harbor Shellfish to bring you the freshest local oysters, perfectly paired with a crisp MudHen pint. Live music by Fat Mezz! Live oyster display + specials: 3 varieties of oysters served the MudHen way, specially for you. Giving Back – 10% of oyster sales benefit the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Cente. Join us for great food, live music, and a shucking good time
Upper Township Fall Festival
Sunday, October 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Amanda’s Field, 10 N Sunset Drive, Woodbine
Amanda’s Field becomes a hub of family fun with food trucks, games, and fall-themed activities. Live music is by Cape May Entertainment, the Beer Garden provided by Ludlum Island Brewery, a “Show and Go Car Show,” Food Truck alley, Craft Vendors, Laser Tag from Lone Wolf Gaming, and Kids Zone Sports Inflatables.
Cape May’s Victorian Weekend
October 10 – 13
Cape May’s Victorian Weekend features a Historic House Tour on Sunday, October 12, from 1–4 p.m., where visitors can explore restored homes, inns, and guesthouses decorated for fall. On Saturday, October 11, guests can enjoy a Vintage Base Ball Game, while on Sunday, October 12, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., they can browse the Crafts & Collectibles Show and see The Wheelmen with their antique bicycles. The event also includes an Architectural Walking Tour of Cape May’s Historic District, offered throughout the weekend. More info at CapeMayMac.org
Avalon Arts & Seafood Festival
Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Surfside Park, 30th Street & the beach
Avalon showcases the best of coastal culture with an event that blends fresh seafood, original artwork, crafts, live music, and children’s activities. Local beer and wine add to the festival’s festive flavor. Live streaming football and beverages at the Sound Advice Lounge. Hayrides on the beach from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting at the 29th Street parking lot.
West Cape May Lima Bean Festival
Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Backyard Park, 732 Broadway, West Cape May
West Cape May honors its farming roots with a celebration of the humble lima bean. Visitors enjoy unique recipes, crafts, and bean-inspired products at this quirky and beloved fall tradition.
Cold Spring Village Pumpkin Festival + Parade
Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 735 Seashore Rd, Lower Township
Historic Cold Spring Village hosts a family-friendly day of pumpkin painting, games, crafters, and seasonal treats. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. Visitors can explore the haunted barn, join the costume parade, and contribute to the “Share the Harvest” food drive. Please call the Lower Township Recreation Department at (609) 886-7880 for parade registration information.
Saturday, October 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5 – 14th Streets on Asbury Ave.
One of Ocean City’s signature events, this massive block party stretches along Asbury Avenue with hundreds of crafters, food vendors, and live music. A true autumn tradition at the shore.
Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rea’s Farm Market, 400 Stevens St., West Cape May
Enjoy a day of fall fun at a preserved working farm. The fair features vendor booths, hayrides, a corn maze, nature walks, fresh vegetables, pumpkins, contests, agricultural displays, music, and plenty of kids’ activities. A true old-fashioned harvest fair for all ages.
Cape May Audubon Fall Festival
Thurs. to Sunday, Oct. 16 to 19
Cape May Convention Hall
Cape May Convention Hall becomes the hub for birders with vendors, artists, tour companies, and optics brands on display. There’s a lot to do outside the convention hall, of course, including trolley trips, birding field trips, boat trips, and so much more. Families can enjoy live animal shows – including animal shows from Nature Nick, and activities that celebrate Cape May’s role in global bird migration. Kenn Kaufman gives the Saturday keynote, on his book “The Birds that Audubon Missed.”
Wildwoods 50s, 60s & 70s Weekend
Friday + Saturday Oct 17 + 18
Wildwood Convention Center
This retro celebration features classic street fairs, a dance party, and live performances that bring back the sounds of the past. It’s a fun-filled weekend of nostalgia at the shore. Friday night is the famous dance party, Saturday’s show has the Pointer Sisters & the Spinners.
Saturday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fox Park, across the Wildwoods Convention Center
MudHen Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct. 18 from 12 to 5 p.m.
MudHen Brewing Co., 127 W Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood
Come to MudHen Brewing Company for circus performers (2 to 5 p.m.), free pumpkin and face painting (12 to 4 p.m.), and live music from Dear Zoe (3 to 7 p.m.) and The Sensational Soul Cruisers (7 to 11 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk, 6th Street to 14th Street
Over 350 Porsches of all models and years between 1954 and 2021 will be on display. Free tech sessions on Porsche-related topics will be held at the Music Pier and are open to all.
Saturday, Oct. 18
Cape May County Zoo, 707 U.S. 9 North, Cape May Court House
Join the fun with a Jeep decorating contest, Trunk and Treat, and adult & kids costume contests. Peer judging with trophies awarded to the top 5 Jeeps and best costumes.
Friday, Oct. 17 + 18 / 25 + 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Historic Cold Spring Village, 735 Seashore Road, Lower Township
This spooky event expands to two weekends this year! Enjoy a family-friendly haunted walk through the Village grounds, which were carefully designed to resemble a New Jersey village as it would have existed during colonial times. Added this year: juried craft vendors & food trucks!
Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House
Kids are invited to come in costume and enjoy activities, crafts, games, candy, inflatables, and more. The costume contest begins at 11 a.m. (register before 10:45) with awards to follow. Entertainment includes the Cape May Dancers at noon, Master DJ & Sound with Halloween music, and a live animal presentation in the boneyard. Don’t miss the special Halloween Animal Enrichment throughout the Zoo.
Middle Township Olde Tyme Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Along Mechanic Street in Court House
Downtown Court House comes alive with rides, entertainment, food, and community activities. Kids and pets alike can enter the popular costume contest, making it a family favorite year after year. Rain date Oct. 26
Friday to Sunday, Nov. 7 – 9
Locations across Cape May
Exit Zero brings jazz musicians from all over the country to Cape May during their twice-annual jazz festival. Performers play locations across town. Stanley Clarke and Cassandra Wilson headline.
Saturday to Sunday, Oct. 25 – 26
Ocean City Boardwalk
Leashed dogs are permitted on the Boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Saturday features dog-specific vendors, photo-op stations, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” announcement.
Saturday + Sunday, Nov. 1 +2 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Enjoy fall at Willow Creek Winery, with an open-air artisan market by the NJ Farmer’s Cooperative, food + drink specials, live music, and more !
