The Wildwoods’ Summer Season Filled With Exciting Events

THE WILDWOODS — With summer right around the corner, the Wildwoods have planned numerous, fun-filled events for the entire season. The summer is jam-packed with exciting events, concerts, contests and celebrations for all ages – including a few that are new for 2014.
Memorial Day Weekend:
Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the summer fun with lots to see and do. Festivities begin on May 23 at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean ceremony – for the first time ever at Roberts Avenue and the boardwalk, followed by the unveiling of Wildwoods’ first in a series of planned Icon Wall Murals.
From May 23 through May 26, the annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, the largest kite festival in North America, takes place on the beach at Rio Grande Ave. and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. This event is free to spectators. Also from May 23 – May 25, the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs will hold the Regional Gymnastics Championship at the Wildwoods Convention Center. Competitions will be held on Fri. and Sat. from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and on Sun. from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children.
June Events:
June events begin with the North Wildwood Beach Writers’ Conference on June 3 and June 4 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily at the Wildwoods Convention Center, featuring speakers, workshops, writing contests and an opportunity to meet authors, publishers and agents.
The FREE Mummers Brigade Weekend takes place June 13-14. The festivities start at Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood on June 13 at 7 p.m. with a pub crawl and friendly competition amongst various clubs and local businesses. The fun continues on June 14 with a block party on Olde New Jersey Avenue from 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.; and the Mummers Parade steps off on 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues at 4:45 p.m., featuring the top brigades from this year’s New Year’s Day Parade in Philadelphia, PA. Spectators will be able to get up-close views of the stunning costumes and intricate dance steps these eccentric performers display.
New! The Wildwoods Beach ‘n Boat Fishing Challenge features tournament fishing for the entire family in and all around the Wildwoods for three fun-filled days and nights over Father’s Day Weekend – including special events and huge prizes. Tournament begins on June 13 at 2 p.m. and will continue through June 15 at 10 a.m. Fish for eight species from the beach, a boat, a dock, jetty or anywhere in salt water. Base camp and weigh-ins will be held in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Awards ceremony will take place on June 15 at 11 a.m. Don’t miss the “Family Fish Festival” on June 14 from noon – 5 p.m., where kids and big kids can have fun learning to tie knots, race crabs, try their hand at casting, win prizes and see big fish weighed in. Base camp and the weigh in station are located in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center.
From June 15 through June 20 you can wine and dine at some of the Wildwoods’ best restaurants at affordable prices during Restaurant Week in the Wildwoods. Participating restaurants will offer a four-course meal including salad, appetizer, entree and dessert for one low price of just $30 (plus tax and gratuity).
The 91st annual National Marbles Tournament takes place at Ringer Stadium on the beach at Wildwood Avenue from June 16 through June 19. This national competition for boys and girls ages 8-14 that have qualified by winning local tournaments throughout the United States encompasses more than 1,200 games of marbles played 8 a.m. – noon daily with the “King” & “Queen” of marbles to be crowned at the end of 4 days of spirited competition. This event is free to spectators with great views of the competition rings from the Wildwoods Boardwalk.
The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Maritime Festival takes place on the grounds of the historic Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and along Central Avenue fronting the lighthouse in North Wildwood. This outdoor festival is a celebration of New Jersey’s rich maritime history. Historians and authors will join dozens of artists and crafters for a weekend-long feast for the eyes and mind. Also featured will be great food and music as well as activities for the kids. Pirates will wander the grounds and tours of the historic 19th century lighthouse and award-winning gardens will be available. Festival admission is free. Lighthouse tours are $5 for adults, $1 for children. Hours are Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun.: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New! Another new and exciting event added to the Wildwoods this summer season is the Downtown Wildwood Farmer’s Market, which will be held every Sat. from June 28 through Aug. 30 from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., rain or shine. The market will offer fresh locally-grown produce, baked goods, specialty foods, local wine, craft beer and refreshments at 3501 Pacific Avenue (on the corner of Schellenger & Pacific Avenues).
The 20th annual North Wildwood Original Italian-American Festival, a celebration of Italian-American heritage, will take place on Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood, from June 27 to June 29. Also taking place June 28 and June 29 is the Cape Express Beach Blast Soccer event, where over 1,000 teams will compete on the Wildwoods beach between Cedar and Poplar Avenues from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. This event is free to spectators.
Fourth of July:
To celebrate the Fourth of July, the Wildwoods have planned a number of events. The Independence Day Parade on July 4, beginning at 9 a.m. at 9th and Atlantic Avenues in North Wildwood, will proceed north to 1st & Surf Avenues, North Wildwood. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated bikes in red, white and blue theme. The Patriotic Pooch Parade will join in the march of the Independence Day Parade through the island at 8th and Atlantic Avenues in North Wildwood. Dogs of all shapes and sizes will parade along the streets of the Wildwoods dressed in patriotic garb alongside decorated bicycles. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed pooches. Both parades are free to attend. Check-in for parade participants will be from 8 – 8:45 a.m. at 15th and Atlantic Avenues.
The Fourth of July Beach ‘n Boardwalk Patriotic Run/Walk also takes place on July 4 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. The 5K Fun Run will begin at the Wildwoods Sign and travel north to the Wildwoods Convention Center and then down the boardwalk extension to the beach. Participants will take the 1 Mile Walk down the Wildwoods Boardwalk to Cresse Avenue and back to the Wildwoods Convention Center. Awards will be presented for the top 5 female and top 5 male finishers. All funds raised from this event will be used to help maintain the Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
For those who prefer to walk at a browser’s pace, a Fourth of July Boardwalk Craft Show will take place 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue, rain or shine. All handmade products will be displayed for purchase. The Craft Show also continues on July 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles Show will be taking place at July 4 – July 6 at the Wildwoods Convention Center featuring collectibles, memorabilia and guest star appearances. Over 100 tables of the hottest collectibles will be on display, including sports cards, toys, comic books, Starting Line-Ups, McFarlane figures, non-sports cards, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic, Beanie Babies, videos, wax boxes, supplies, autographed memorabilia, sets, posters, coins, T-shirts, Legos, dolls and much more! Hours are Fri., 3 – 9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sun., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free.
A free Fourth of July Patriotic Show will be taking place at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue in Wildwood Crest at 8 p.m. at the Centennial Park Entertainment Pavilion, featuring the Manhattan Dolls. And another free concert to celebrate the 4th of July holiday will be held in Fox Park across from the Wildwoods Convention Center starting at 6 pm featuring the Jimmy Buffett tribute band Changes In Latitudes. Bring a blanket or beach chair and enjoy the shows. Following the concerts will be a free Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on the Beach at Pine Avenue, Wildwood at 10 p.m. The show will be visible from almost anywhere in the Wildwoods.
Additional July Events:
New! The BeachGlow Music Festival makes a splash in the Wildwoods July 5 from 3 p.m. -11 p.m. on the Wildwood beach. Concert-goers will enjoy a multi-act show, headlined by Dvbbs, the chart-topping EDM (electronic dance music) duo from Los Angeles. BeachGlow Concerts for Charity, Inc. are the only non-profit EDM concert producer in the nation. Proceeds from the event will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Find.
Dance Xplosion National Dance Finals will be held at the Wildwoods Convention Center from July 7 – July 12, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. Finalists from all over the country will be competing against one another to win the National title.
The annual New Jersey State Barbeque Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival is always a fun-filled three-day event. The festival takes place July 11 – July 13 at 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues, as well as at surrounding pubs in North Wildwood. Experience the best in Barbeque & Blues at this exciting three-day festival as 65 of the top barbeque teams in the country compete for the New Jersey State Title. There’s an also live cooking demonstration, incredible food and top regional and national blues acts on our free main stage. Festival hours are Fri. from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival takes place on the beach at Heather Road in Wildwood Crest, alongside the Beach Pier from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event will feature an amateur sand sculpting contest, amazing sand sculpture designs by ‘Can You Dig It’ professional sand sculptors including internationally known sculptor Matt Long, and live music right on the beach featuring progressive rock from Twelve:01 from 10-11:30 a.m. and summer-themed party music and the sounds of Key West with the Mango Men from 12-2 p.m. Rain date is July 13. Registration is free and prizes will be awarded.
July 13, WWE Live: Summer Slam Heatwave Tour makes its return to the Wildwoods Convention Center’s Oceanfront Arena at 8 p.m. featuring World Wrestling Entertainment superstars Daniel Byran, The USO’s, Big E, Bad News Barrett, The WWE Divas and many more! (Line-up is subject to change.) Tickets are available through the Wildwoods Convention Center Box Office or through Ticketmaster.
Morey’s Piers will be presenting one of the largest multi-sport beach tournaments in the world from July 18 through July 20. The Beach Sports Festival will include Lacrosse, Rugby and Hockey on the beach north of Mariner’s Landing Pier at Schellenger Avenue.
The NJ State Crab Festival is back again with exciting vendors, fun “crabby” activities for the kids, bushels of blue claw crabs, a beer garden, a “must try” crabby bloody mary and much more. The festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 19 along Park Boulevard in front of the Ice House Restaurant in Wildwood. Live outdoor entertainment will be featured throughout the day as well as a special performance.
The Sophisticated Productions National Dance Competition will take place at the Wildwoods Convention Center July 20 – July 25. This event features choreographed performances by individuals, duets, trios, small groups, large groups, lines and productions, ranging from amateur to experienced dancers. Dancers from all over the country will be competing for cash and prizes. Dance competitions take place 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily and admission is free.
RunAround – A Pop Experience is embarking on its first tour – hitting the Wildwoods Convention Center on July 26 at 7 p.m. Set to become the summer’s premiere family concert, RunAround features Disney stars Zendaya and Bridgit Mendler, joined by Hot Chelle Rae, Jacob Whitesides, Before You Exit, Nick Tangorra, Spencer Sutherland and other pop acts. RunAround will feature an interactive mobile experience that allows fans the opportunity to win meet and greets, merchandise and upgrades with all of the RunAround artists. Inside The GameLoud Village will be a second stage, tour and artist merchandise, and non-stop programming and activities for the fans. Fans will also have the chance to showcase their talent in the PopStar/Rockstar Karaoke Contest, hosted by teen celebrity guests, as well as take photos with some of their favorite performers. Tickets will be available through the Wildwoods Convention Center Box Office, Ticketmaster, or RunAroundTour.com.
The Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament will be held on the beach at Wildwood Beach Patrol headquarters at Schellenger Avenue on July 25 – July 27. Team check-in is July 25 with competitions taking place on July 26 and July 27 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The 4-on-4 team competition for players of all levels, ages 18 & over, is the largest beach Frisbee tournament in the world. More than 400 teams from all over the U.S. are expected to compete. This event is free to spectators.
Returning to the Wildwoods this year is the super-adorable Wildwoods Baby Waddle at 10 a.m. on July 29. This event is an opportunity for infants and toddlers up to 2 years old to show off their speedy crawling or “waddling” technique prior to the official Baby Parade. The Waddle race event will take place on the grassy circle in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Waddlers are encouraged to also participate the next day in the 105th Official Baby Parade on July 30, a Wildwoods tradition since 1909. Participants are encouraged to theme their attire, decorations and floats. Registration will take place at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 5 – 5:30 p.m. Line-up begins at 5:45 p.m. on the Boardwalk outside the Convention Center. The parade steps off promptly at 6 p.m. and proceeds up the Wildwoods Boardwalk to 16th Street in North Wildwood. The rain date is July 31.
Aug. Events:
Aug. kicks off with the Battle at the Beach Grappling Tournament, a mixed martial-arts competition featuring contestants from the tri-state area, taking place Aug. 1 through Aug. 3. Fri. night features 10 MMA fights from 8 – 10:30 p.m. Competitions will be held Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Wildwood Crest 5K Beach Race takes place Aug. 2 at 8:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, as well as the top male and female finishers in categorized age groups. The 5K Beach Race will be held on an out-and-back course near the water’s edge at low tide beginning and ending at the edge of the Wildwood Crest Beach Pier at Heather Road. The event also includes an untimed one-mile fun run/walk. Race-day registration will be held at the Crest Pier at 7 a.m.
New! On Aug. 3, participants will put on their swimsuits, jump on their bikes and lace up their sneakers for a new event: ‘Queen of the Crest’ Women’s Triathlon. The triathlon begins at 7 a.m. with a ¼ mile ocean swim held at Rambler Road, a 10-mile ride through Wildwood Crest and finishes with a 5K run on the Wildwoods beach.
The Harlem Globetrotters return for their fourth consecutive summer series at the Wildwoods Convention Center’s Oceanfront Arena. Four fun-filled games will be played Aug. 6 through Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. nightly. There is also a Globetrotters Basketball Clinic each day from 10 a.m. – noon where kids can learn basketball skills from the Harlem Globetrotters players. This is the only summer appearance that the Harlem Globetrotters make all year.
Rebel Image Tattoo presents the Wildwood Tattoo Convention & Show, a full-blown tattoo expo and show in the Wildwoods Convention Center from Aug. 15 through Aug. 17. It’s a weekend full of incredible tattoo artistry and fun events – famous national tattoo artists, live tattooing, a traveling tattoo museum, contests and so much more. The show takes place Aug. 15 and Aug. 16 from noon – 11 p.m. and Aug. 17 noon – 6 p.m.
If there weren’t already lots of walk/run events this summer, the Wildwoods have one more sporting event for running enthusiasts. Tri the Wildwoods’ Triathlon & 5k Run will take place Aug. 16 at 15th Avenue and the beach in North Wildwood beginning at 6:30 a.m. This is the event’s 10th anniversary and a rite of passage race encompassing a ¼-mile swim, a 10-mile bike trek and 3.1 mile (5K) beach run. Or you can participate in only the 5K beach run. Age-group winners receive awards and a massive prize raffle for everyone immediately following the event.
The Sports Card, Toys, Comics and Collectibles Show returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24 with collectibles, memorabilia and guest star appearances, plus more than 100 tables of the hottest collectibles on the planet: sports cards old and new, sets, autographed memorabilia, posters, supplies, toys, coins, beanie babies, comics, jerseys, videos and much more! Hours are Fri.: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sun.: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free.
The Colossal Coastal Roller Derby Expo takes place in the Wildwoods Convention Center Aug. 23 with hundreds of roller derby enthusiasts, skaters and vendors, featuring hard-hitting games and various other skate-inspired festivities. Male and female roller derby skaters throughout the country are expected to attend and will be playing using the Modern Athletic Derby Endeavor Rule Set. The tournament begins at 4 p.m., with the main event at 8 p.m.
The Wildwoods’ second Restaurant Week of the summer takes place from Aug. 24 to Aug. 29. Wine and dine in some of Wildwoods finest restaurants. All participating restaurants will offer a complete four-course meal, including appetizer, salad, entree and dessert for one low price.
The Wildwoods will present a super special free Labor Day Weekend Fireworks Spectacular Aug. 29 at 10 p.m. on the beach at Pine Avenue. This end of the summer celebration will be visible from almost anywhere in the Wildwoods.
Aug. 31, the Wildwood Block Party and Music Festival returns to Fox Park on Ocean Avenue between Burk and Montgomery Avenues beginning at noon. This free fun family festival includes crafts, games, rides, great food and continuous live entertainment.
And don’t forget – the Wildwoods offer free fireworks every Fri. night all summer long, free concerts four nights a week all summer long, and as always, free beaches every day.
Be sure to visit the Wildwoods website at www.WildwoodsNJ.com for a full calendar of summer events and details, as well as additional information about the Wildwoods, or call 800-992-9732.
Below is a partial list of the Wildwoods’ Summer 2014 events – from Memorial Day to Labor Day:*
May 23 – Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony
May 23 – Icon Mural Wall Unveiling
May 23-25 – Regional Gymnastics Championships
May 23-26 – Wildwoods International Kite Festival
May 24 – Gateway 26 welcomes Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Famer Goalie Bernie Parent
May 24-25 – Boardwalk Craft Show
May 25 – Wildwood Crest Summer Kickoff Concert featuring The Fabulous Greaseband
May 26 – North Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony
May 26 – Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony
June 3-4 – North Wildwood Beach Writers’ Conference
June 13-14 – Mummers Brigade Weekend
June 13-15 – Wildwoods Beach ‘n Boat Fishing Challenge
June 15-20 – Restaurant Week in the Wildwoods
June 16-19 – 91st Annual National Marbles Tournament
June 21-22 – Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Maritime Festival
June 27-29 – North Wildwood Original Italian-American Festival
June 28-29 – Cape Express Beach Blast Soccer
June 28-Aug. 30 – Downtown Wildwood Farmer’s Market
July 4 – Independence Day Parade & Patriotic Pooch Parade
July 4 – Fourth of July Beach ‘n Boardwalk Patriotic Run/Walk
July 4 – Wildwood Crest July Fourth Patriotic Show
July 4 – Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band Concert
July 4 – Fourth of July Fireworks Display Spectacular
July 4-6 – Boardwalk Craft Show
July 4-6 – Sports Card, Toys, Comics and Collectibles Show
July 5 – BeachGlow Music Festival
July 7-12 – Dance Xplosion National Dance Finals
July 11-13 – New Jersey State Barbeque Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival
July 12 – Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival
July 13 – WWE Live Summer Slam Heatwave Tour
July 18-20 – Morey’s Piers Beach Sports Weekend including LAX, Rugby & Hockey
July 19 – NJ State Crab Festival
July 20-25 – Sophisticated Productions National Dance Finals
July 25-27 – 22nd Annual Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament
July 26 – RunAround Pop Experience Concert starring Bridgit Mendler
July 29 – Wildwoods Baby Waddle
July 30 – Wildwoods Baby Parade
Aug. 1-3 – Battle at the Beach Grappling Tournament
Aug. 2 – Wildwood Crest 5K Beach Race
Aug. 3 – ‘Queen of the Crest’ Women’s Triathlon
Aug. 6-9 – Harlem Globetrotters
Aug. 15-17 – Wildwoods Tattoo Expo & Show
Aug. 16 – Tri the Wildwoods – Triathlon & 5K
Aug. 22-24 – Sports Card, Toys, Comics and Collectibles Show
Aug. 23 – Colossal Coastal Roller Derby Expo
Aug. 24-29 – Restaurant Week in the Wildwoods
Aug. 29 – Labor Day Weekend Fireworks
Aug. 31 – Wildwood Block Party & Music Festival
*Please note that the information and dates above are subject to change.