Multi-day Events
Downbeach Seafood Festival
Saturday, Sept. 19 & Sunday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Ski Beach, Ventnor
This two-day event offers food, craft beer, live music, and family fun. Attendees will enjoy chef-led cooking demos, interactive exhibits, and locally crafted art. Adding to the excitement is the Oyster Tour of the Shore, and the always popular Chowder Cook-Off, with proceeds benefiting the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Visit www.downbeachseafoodfest.com for tickets and more information.
Spirit of 1776 Celebration
Friday, Sept. 18 – Sunday, Sept. 20
Veterans Memorial Park, 2153 Ocean Heights Avenue, Egg Harbor Township
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America and the spirit of our nation at this one-of-a-kind event. Festivities will include a Patriot Parade, live musical guests and performances, kite flying competition, and fireworks. The celebration will be held Friday from 6:30 – 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday starting at 12 – 2 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.1776sjc.org for the complete schedule of events.
Friday, September 18
JCC Active Adult & Senior Expo
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Katz JCC, 501 N. Jerome Avenue, Margate
Celebrate the older adult community and connect with friends in a welcoming atmosphere while learning about programs, resources, and services tailored to your lifestyle. There will be active aging vendors, health and wellness screenings, flu shots, and giveaways. The expo is free to attend.
Spirit of 1776: An Evening to Remember
6:30 – 9 p.m.
Egg Harbor Township Community Center, 5045 English Creek Avenue
The Spirit of 1776 Celebration kicks off Friday with an opening ceremony and concert to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of America. Enjoy a special performance by The Children’s Choir of South Jersey. The program is free to attend.
Saturday, September 19
Ocean City Surf Fishing Tournament
7:30 a.m.
Ocean City Intermediate School, 1801 Bay Avenue
The Ocean City Fishing Club will host their 57th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament. More than a hundred anglers will head to the beach for a full day of fishing, friendly competition and camaraderie. Registration will open at 5:30 a.m. at the Intermediate School. For more information, please email dheisley75@gmail.com.
Ocean City Airport Festival
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ocean City Airport, 26th Street and Bay Avenue
This annual festival is perfect for families and aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Features include a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II planes to Classics and Warbirds. The event will also feature a parachute jump from Team Fastrax.
Spirit of 1776 Celebration
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Park, 2153 Ocean Heights Avenue, Egg Harbor Township
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America and the spirit of our nation at this one-of-a-kind event. The festivities will start at 9 a.m. Patriot Parade along Ocean Heights Avenue, followed by an inaugural ceremony at 10:30. There will be free entertainment all day long with live musical guests and performances, special ceremonies, and a fireworks extravaganza at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.1776sjc.org
for the complete schedule of events.
Smithville Italian Festival
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Historic Smithville
Grab your family and friends and head out to Smithville for a spectacular fun-filled day, featuring three stages of live entertainment, up to 80 craft vendors, over a dozen food vendors, wine samplings, a beer tent, Bocce court, face painting, and a 50/50 raffle. The festival is free to attend.
Somers Point Art in the Park
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
John F. Kennedy Park
Join the Somers Point Arts Commission for their annual Art in the Park Festival. This outdoor event features an art exhibit and sale of fine art painting and photography. In addition, there will be music throughout the day, a Children’s Art Exhibit from students in the Somers Point Schools, art activities, food, and much more. Awards will be given and include a People’s Choice award. The festival is free and open to the public.
48 Blocks Festival
12 – 8 p.m.
Uptown Park and Fisherman’s Park, 420 Melrose Avenue, Atlantic City
The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is setting the stage for their free, all-day, all ages festival. Celebrate the city’s creative spirit with two stages of live music, theater, and poetry, alongside mural demonstrations, art activities, food, vendors, and community resources. The event is free to attend. Visit www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/48blocks for more information.
Absecon CreekFest
2 – 7 p.m.
Faunce Landing
Join Absecon Community Affairs for their annual event, featuring dozens of food trucks, drinks, and family fun in celebration of 250th anniversary of America. Attendees will enjoy live music by the Motts Creek Pickerd and Brandon Ireland Band, along with an array of activities and bayside fun.
The Righteous Brothers with the Ocean City Pops
7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Join the Ocean City Pops for a soul-stirring, nostalgic night of music at the Lovin’ Feelin’ Farewell Tour of the legendary Righteous Brothers. The show promises a captivating musical experience as Bill Medley and Bucky Heard span their combined catalogs focusing on the early days of rock and roll, the Blue-Eyed Soul era, all the way to Dirty Dancing. Tickets are available at www.oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Huge Yard Sale
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Historic Risley Homestead, 8 Virginia Avenue, Northfield
Join the Atlantic County Historical Society for a yard sale this Saturday. Items are priced to sell with proceeds benefitting historical programs and initiatives. Enjoy free tours of the Historic Risley Homestead.
Botanical Walk
9:30 a.m.
Birch Grove Park, 1675 Burton Avenue, Northfield
Join the Native Plant Society Southeast Chapter this Saturday for a botanical walk through Birch Grove Park. Michael Stanton, one of the state’s most active and knowledgeable field botanists, will lead the group. Bring your camera, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Visit www.npsnj.org for more information or email southeast@npsnj.org.
Tai Chi at the Library
10 a.m.
Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue
Wake up your body with a gentle Tai Chi flow meant to improve balance, mobility, flexibility and coordination. Participants are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable athletic clothing. Please call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.
Parachute Pyrotechnic Show
8 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk
The highly-trained and specially licensed Team Fastrax will lead a high-flying demonstration six-thousand feet above the Ocean City Beach and Boardwalk, which will feature a dazzling display of pyrotechnics for spectators. The group will then land at Seventh Street Beach. The show will be viewable along the entire Boardwalk.
Sunday, September 20
Egg Harbor Township Community Farmers Market
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
1 Swift Drive
EHT’s farmers market features dozens of local vendors and businesses, amazing food, local crafters, and more. The market is open weekly through mid-October.
Risley Square Farmers Market
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
319 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway
Shop for fresh produce, homemade goods, fresh baked treats, and more every Sunday at Risley Square. This vibrant outdoor market features dozens of local businesses and vendors. Explore the market every Sunday through Sept. 27.
Boardwalk Aerobatic Show
1 p.m.
Ocean City Beach and Boardwalk
Witness some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world, along with Coast Guard and military demonstrations at this annual air show, perfect for families of all ages. The show can be seen along the Beach and Boardwalk from Sixth to Fourteenth Streets.
Atlantic City Kite Festival
2 – 7 p.m.
Bader Field
Join the City of Atlantic City’s Multicultural Services as they host a day of high-flying fun with family and friends. Enjoy an afternoon of kite flying, along with music and entertainment, food, and more.
Monday, September 21
Music Bingo at the Library
6:30 p.m.
Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue
Grab your family and friends and join the library for a fun-filled evening of music bingo with prizes and great company. Please call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.
Monday Night Jazz Series
7 p.m.
Gregory’s, 900 Shore Road, Somers Point
The South Jersey Jazz Society marks the return of its Monday Night Jazz Series with an evening of Straight-Ahead Jazz and Beyond by The Behn Gillece Quintet. New Jersey native Gillece leads this exciting quintet on the vibraphone, along with Willie Morris on tenor sax, Neil Podgurski on piano, bass by Madison Rast, and Wayne Smith on the drums. Admission is $20 at the door and $15 for Jazz Society members. Seating is first come, first served.
Tuesday, September 22
Sinatra Concert at the Library
6:30 p.m.
Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue
Join your friends and neighbors at the library for a live musical concert featuring the songs of Sinatra. Please call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.
Senior Dance Society
7 – 9:30 p.m.
Somers Point Fire Co. No. 1, 447 Bethel Road
Join in the fun and enjoy an evening of dancing with live music duos every Tuesdays. Activities include social dancing, line dancing, dance mixers and more. For more information, contact Sharon at kookiecar@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, September 23
OCHS Surf Team Fundraiser
5 – 8 p.m.
DiOrio’s
Join the Ocean City High School Surf Team as they host their upcoming fundraiser. The event will include a buffet with buffalo tenders, meatballs, penne, salad, and drinks. $35 per person at the door.
Thursday, September 24
St. Vincent de Paul Golf Classic
1 p.m.
Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, 550 Country Club Drive, Galloway
Join St. Vincent de Paul Regional School for their 25th Annual Golf Classic. Grab your clubs and support a great cause. Whether you are a seasoned pro or weekend warrior, every swing, sponsorship, and gift supports the students as they grow in faith, knowledge and community. Registration and lunch will be held at 11:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Visit www.saintvincentdepaulevents.com to sign up or learn more.
Friday, September 25
Smithville Car Cruise
5 – 8 p.m.
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road
Cruise over to Smithville and hang out with fellow car enthusiasts. Drive to the side parking lot of the Village Green near the red-covered bridge and look for the orange cones set up. Move a cone and park your ride. Visit www.historicsmithville.com for more information.
Wednesday, September 30
Beyond the Bookshelf: Brunch with Zeeva Bukai
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Shirat Hayam, 700 N. Swarthmore Avenue, Ventnor
Join JFS Village for brunch and discussion with author Zeeva Bukai as she relates her family’s history through difficult times in the book ‘Anatomy of an Exile’. RSVP is required by Sept. 22. Please call 609-287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org to sign up or learn more.
Health and Wellness
Yoga in the Park
Monday – Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
O’Donnell Memorial Park, Atlantic City
Find your balance with free yoga classes through October. Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, these relaxing outdoor sessions offer the perfect way to unwind, recharge, and improve flexibility. The class is open to all ages and experience levels and is free to attend. Yoga mats are provided. Classes are hosted by Chelsea EDC. For more information, call Halim at 640-282-5359.
Depression and Anxiety Group
Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Avenue Suite 617, Atlantic City
This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness, and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Planning Ahead with Heart Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 12 – 2 p.m.
Cancer Support Community, 700 New Road, Linwood
NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care will present a special Lunch and Learn program entitled ‘A Final Gift: Planning Ahead with Compassion and Clarity’. The program will be presented by a regional clinical liaison who will address common myths and concerns about hospice and explain how care options can support quality of life while circumstances change. Registration is required by calling 609-926-2699.
Fall Flu Vaccine Clinics
Thursday, Sept. 24, 4 – 7 p.m.
Shore Physicians Group, 401 Bethel Road, Somers Point
SPG will host its first of two vaccine clinics, offering adults a convenient way to get vaccinated ahead of flu season, available for adults 18 and older, including vaccines specifically recommended for adults age 65 and older. Individuals at higher risk for complications from the flu are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider. Please call 609-365-6200 to schedule an appointment.
Dementia Support Group
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 1:30 p.m.
Egg Harbor Township Community Center, 5045 English Creek Avenue
Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.
NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups
Monday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point
NAMI of Atlantic/Cape May offers free self-help, peer led support groups for family members, caregivers, and friends of individuals over the age of 18 living with a mental illness. Family Support and Connections groups meet on the second Monday of each month. Please visit www.namiacm.org for further information.
Community Initiatives
Warm Hearts for Veterans
Now – Oct. 15
Wesley by the Bay’s is asking for the support of local businesses, vendors, and community members by donating new winter clothing and essential items. The donations will benefit homeless veterans throughout Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Suggested new donations include men’s or women’s winter coats, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, thermal shirts, hand and foot warmers, backpacks, and gift cards to McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, or Dunkin’. To learn more, please contact Kathy Speer at 609-399-6702 or email kspeer@umccomminities.org.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
