Despite gray skies, crowds gathered along the Boardwalk in front of Resorts Casino Hotel on Friday, May 22, as the annual Beach Ball Drop signaled the start of the 2026 summer season at the Jersey Shore.
Hundreds of colorful beach balls were released onto the Boardwalk as visitors and local residents celebrated the arrival of Memorial Day weekend in Atlantic City.
The longtime tradition has become one of the city’s signature kickoff events leading into the busy summer tourism season.
Families packed the Boardwalk for the festive atmosphere, which featured music, entertainment and plenty of photo opportunities.
The event drew visitors from across the region eager to celebrate the beginning of another summer at the Shore, with casinos, beaches, restaurants and attractions preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Photo credit: Tom Briglia/PhotoGraphics.
