While we slowly find ourselves heading towards August and the thought of back to school is edging forward in our minds, summer at the Jersey Shore is far from over. From free concerts to community traditions and festivals, there’s still plenty to look forward to before summer ends.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night or simply looking for an excuse to get outside, here are a few events worth marking on your calendar before the season comes to a close.
OC Night In Venice
One of Ocean City’s most well-known community traditions, Night in Venice, is happening on July 25. It’s a time when the city comes alive on the back bays. A grand boat parade passes through while houses located on the bay all decorate to the theme, and people from all around come out to celebrate. It’s a night of community, fun and decorations that everyone anticipates each year. For its 71st year, the theme will be “Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights,” combining our 250th anniversary with Christmas in July.
National Night Out
A time for all our local communities to celebrate. National Night Out is hosted by each town or city on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and all encourage its residents of all ages to come out, join in the fun and be a part of their community in a big way. Each National Night Out is an annual event that is designed to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie all in a fun atmosphere. Make sure to check your local municipality’s site to find out what time your town’s festivities kick off.
Brigantine Night in Venice
Like OC’s Night in Venice, Brigantine also joins in on the fun with their own version of the boat fleet parade we all know and love. On Aug. 8, the whole town of Brigantine will decorate the boats in the fleet as well as the houses along the bay for this year’s theme of Stars and Stripes on the Bay to celebrate 250 years of America. A great night of community and adventure.
Margate Duck Derby
One of Margate’s most anticipated family traditions returns on Sunday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual Duck Derby at Scott’s Dock features numbered ducks racing across the bay for prizes while raising money for local community initiatives. It’s a lighthearted afternoon that has become a favorite for residents and visitors alike, drawing families of all ages to the waterfront and supporting that community feeling the town strives for.
Ventnor Summer Concert Series
Nothing says summer quite like live music by the beach. Ventnor City’s award-winning Summer Concert Series continues throughout the season with performances at both Ski Beach and the Newport Avenue beachfront stage. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music while food vendors and local businesses add to the night. The free concerts are held every Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Somers Point Beach Concert Series
Another chance to catch a free show is Friday nights in Somers Point. The city’s popular Beach Concert Series at William Morrow Beach has been a hit for many years now and features nationally touring tribute acts as well as lots of local favorites. Visitors can pack a cooler, bring chairs and spend the evening enjoying live entertainment by the bay.
Wildwoods Air Show
On Sept. 12 and 13, the aviation performances return to the Wildwood beaches for two days of fun at this year’s Air Show. Free to watch and enjoy, spectators can watch the show from anywhere along the island’s beaches or boardwalk. A fun way to enjoy the weekend, see fun sights and be a part of the community.
Summer always seems to fly by, but these upcoming events prove there’s still plenty of time to make lasting memories. And the best part of all, as the summer season evidently winds down, more and more events will begin to pop up, ensuring that there is always something to do at the Jersey Shore.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
