The season of football, cooler nights and pumpkin spice is upon us, and with that comes a spectacular array of fall festivals every weekend.
Somers Point Good Old Days
There is always something special about Good Old Days in Somers Point. This end-of-summer tradition at John F. Kennedy Park has one of the area’s best atmospheres. Guests can enjoy an antique car show, live music, magicians, carnival games and inflatables. More than 20 vendors and community groups will be in attendance along the festival grounds. While you’re there, grab a hot dog or hamburger from the grill, or savor a frozen treat. Good Old Days is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Downbeach Seafood Festival
Ventnor’s Ski Beach will transform itself into the ultimate food event of the season. Nearly two dozen food vendors will fuel your appetite with fresh seafood and local flavors. Sip on a wide selection of craft brews, enjoy live and local music, stop by the local vendors, watch cooking demos, and soak up the amazing bayside vibes. While you’re there, be sure to check out Chowder Cook-Off, where you can sample some of the region’s finest seafood chowders, all while benefitting the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased in advance online or at the gate.
Airshows in Wildwood and Ocean City
The month of September will welcome two airshows to our region. Wildwood will host its first ever Thunder Over the Waves. The beach and boardwalk will provide spectacular views of the show, with scheduled appearances from the Army Golden Knights, Scott Francis MXS, U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue, Jersey Jerks and Full Throttle Formation Team. Practice will take place on Friday, Sept. 5, followed by the main event Saturday, Sept. 6 from 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
If that wasn’t enough, Ocean City will host its annual Airport Festival the following weekend, on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Municipal Airport on 26th Street and Bay Avenue. For those who enjoy all things aviation, this event is for you. There will be multiple ground displays, consisting of World War II planes, classics and warbirds, along with a parachute jump by Team Fastrax. The following Sunday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m., is the Boardwalk Aerobatic Show. Bring your beach chairs or grab a bench along the boardwalk and enjoy a roaring display of classic planes and demonstrations.
Margate Fall Funfest
Margate’s bayside provides the perfect backdrop for this beloved event. More than 110 booths will be set up along Amherst Avenue with mouthwatering food, amusements, unique arts and crafts, local retailers, nonprofits, city services, and kid’s activities. Additional festivities include two stages of live entertainment, parades featuring Miss New Jersey, characters, a beer garden, and much more. Fall Funfest will be held Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28. Admission is free.
If that wasn’t enough, you also have Funfest After Dark, an adults-only affair featuring live music, beverage samplings and finger foods, and non-stop dancing. Tickets are now on sale for this after-hours soiree.
Shopping, dining and fun in Historic Smithville
There is nothing quite like the glory of Historic Smithville, especially during the fall. Guests can stroll the quaint village while visiting over 60 shops and eateries, going on a scenic train ride or hopping aboard the merry-go-round. Adding to the excitement are a plethora of activities, including the annual Smithville Italian Festival, to be held for Saturday, Sept. 27. Irish Festival weekend is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12. And mark your calendars for the return of Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5. Admission is free.
Ocean City Fall Block Party
Over 350 vendors and artisans will line Downtown Asbury Avenue for a full day of shopping, food, and fun. Enjoy the splendor of America’s Greatest Family Resort and shop for amazing deals. Block Party is set for Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Spook-tacular celebration coming to Somers Point
The historic Somers Mansion is hosting its first annual Fallfest on Saturday, Oct. 18. This event will not only feature vendors and food trucks, but promises to bring out the Halloween spirit with tarot card readings, candlelit mansion tours, ghost stories, a costume contest and other fun activities. This brand new event will take place from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Flemings Pumpkin Run
It’s never too early to add the Pumpkin Run to your weekend planner. Thousands of vehicles, ranging from classic cars to antique vehicles, street rods, muscle cars, motorcycles and vintage racecars, will line Flemings Junkyard in Egg Harbor Township for an entire day. But that’s not all. This event also includes a flea market with crafts, antiques, collectibles and tools. Don’t miss the variety of engines and tractors that will also make an appearance. The Pumpkin Run is coming Saturday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $10 at the gate and children under 12 are free.
More events galore
As you can see, these are just a few of the many activities that will be held in Southern New Jersey this fall. As you’re flipping through the pages of Shore Local, be sure to check out the Wahoo section for your complete guide to what’s happening each week. And if you know of something fun that’s happening in our area, we’d love to know about it! Send an email to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
