Congratulations, reader: you made it to another Memorial Day Weekend, aka the start of summer at the shore. This weekend is jam-packed with events, but some of the highlights include the Wildwoods Kite Festival, Cold Spring Village’s big kickoff – Remembrance Weekend – and the not-so-polar plunge to kickoff the season in Ocean City. Are we missing anything? Let us know at chall@cmcherald.com
Lower Twp: Family Fun Night
Friday, May 23 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Clem Mulligan Park, 200 Harvard Ave, Villas
Bounce Houses, vendors, food trucks and much more. Event begins at 5:30 Followed by a movie in the park.
Wildwood: Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26, 2025
On the beach at Rio Grande Avenue & Wildwoods Convention Center
Don’t miss the 39th annual kite celebration with giant inflatables, team flying, indoor exhibits, and the Illuminated Night Kite Fly. Free to spectators. Visit SkyFestivals.com for more
West Cape May: Rea’s Friday Night Farmers Market
Friday, May 23 at 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Rea’s Farm Market, 400 Stevens Street
Local produce, crafts, and live music at the weekly farmers market.
Wildwood: Flags of Liberty Ceremony
Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10 a.m. (check-in at 9 a.m.)
Wildwoods Convention Center
Join the Greater Wildwoods Elks Lodge #1896 to honor veterans by unfurling their casket flags in this moving ceremony now held on the Boardwalk. All are welcome.
Ocean City: Unlocking the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge
Friday, May 23 at 12 p.m.
9th Street Beach, Ocean City
Ceremonial unlocking of the ocean for the season, followed by a playful plunge by business persons in full attire.
Stone Harbor: Unlocking the Ocean Color Run
Saturday, May 24
95th Street Beach
Beach, sun, and a rainbow of color! Registration is free for the Color Run starts at 8 a.m – free shirts for the first 200 entrants. Fun Run begins at 9 a.m. Stick around to Unlock the Ocean at 10:15 a.m.
Cape May: Historic Cold Spring Village – Remembrance Weekend
Saturday, May 24 – Sunday, May 25
Historic Cold Spring Village, 735 Seashore Road
Living history demonstrations and remembrance activities honoring veterans.
Wildwood: Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market Season Kick-Off
Saturday, May 24, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue, and 3501 Pacific Avenue
Kick off the 2025 season with over 70 vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, drinks, and more at this lively weekly market in Downtown Wildwood. dooww.com or follow @DooWildwoodNJ on social media.
Wildwood: Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show
Saturday, May 24 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & Sunday, May 25 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Southern end of the Wildwoods Boardwalk
Browse handcrafted art, jewelry, beach décor, and treats in a beautiful oceanside setting. Free admission, rain or shine! For more info call 609.522.0198 or visit BoardwalkCrafts.com
Ocean City: Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes
Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 a.m.
9th Street Beach, Ocean City
Obstacle course challenge on the beach honoring fallen heroes, with proceeds benefiting the 31 Heroes Project.
Cape May: Stargazing 2025
Saturday, May 24 at 8 p.m.
Cape May Point State Park
Join local astronomers for a night of stargazing and celestial observations.
Stone Harbor: Turtle Trot 5k
Sunday, May 25 at 8 a.m.
95th Street & the Beach
Race day registration and pre-registered runner check-in begins at 6:45 a.m. at the Lifeguard Shack Parking Lot on 95th Street and the beach, with the 5k Race commencing at 8 a.m. and the Fun Walk beginning just five minutes later The event will donate a portion of proceeds to the Diamond Terrapin Program at The Wetlands Institute.
Stone Harbor: Farmer’s Market Kickoff
Sunday, May 25 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join us every Sunday between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day to peruse local produce, artisan foods, spices, sauces, fresh seafood, cut flowers, and more. The market starts at 8 a.m. but a kickoff celebration takes place at 10 a.m.
North Wildwood: Run to Remember (Patrick Corcoran 5K)
Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. (check-in at 7:30 a.m.)
North Wildwood
Honor veterans and fallen heroes at this Memorial Day 5K. All proceeds benefit veteran causes. Registration is $35.
Wildwood Crest: Summer Kick-Off Concert
Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Centennial Park, Fern Rd. & Ocean Ave.
Enjoy a night of high-energy music by Big House to kick off the Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series. Bring your chairs and blankets for this family-friendly concert.
Sea Isle City: Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 10 a.m.
Veterans Park (Rain location: Community Lodge, 300 JFK Blvd.)
Mayor Leonard Desiderio will lead the ceremony alongside City Council, veterans, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
Middle Township: Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Parade begins at Memorial Field and concludes at American Legion Post 198
Parade travels through Boyd Street, Mechanic Street, and Dias Creek Road. Memorial Day Ceremony follows. Bike contest registration begins at 9 a.m. Register online or on-site at Memorial Field.
Stone Harbor: Fallen Warriors Ceremony
Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m.
Freedom Park, 96th Street, next to the Firehouse
All are invited to attend a firefighters ceremony to honor and remember all fallen heroes who have served and died for our country.
Lower Twp: Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m.
VFW Post 5343, 6 E Delaware Pkwy, Villas
Sea Isle City: Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Veterans Park
Mayor Leonard Desiderio will lead the ceremony at Veterans Park. Rain location: Community Lodge.
Ocean City: Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Park, 5th Street and Wesley Avenue, Ocean City
A solemn tribute to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
North Wildwood: Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Park, Spruce & New York Avenues
Honor fallen service members at this annual Memorial Day ceremony hosted by VFW Post 5941.
Wildwood: Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Convention & Parade
Wednesday, May 28 to Saturday, May 31, 2025
Juniper Avenue to Burk Avenue
The annual VFW convention returns to Wildwood! The parade will march the Boardwalk from
