The end of summer is seen as a sad time around here for many. But September doesn’t just mean the end of summer and start of fall, it also gives us a taste of “locals summer”!
Locals summer means a little more room, more time and less people at our favorite bars and spots. The weather’s still warm enough to hit the beach some days, and many towns in our area host fun fall events to keep the good vibes going well into September and October.
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy everything our area has to offer. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or just someone who enjoys the festive spirit of the season, there’s plenty to look forward to this autumn.
So, don’t let this be a sad time as we think about what a great summer we had. Instead, celebrate the start of fall and a new season where we can experience so many good times still to come.
Somers Point Concert Series
The music doesn’t stop when Labor Day weekend ends. Somers Point continues its legendary Friday night concert series right into September, bringing live performances to the bayfront. Pack a chair, grab a sweatshirt for the cooler nights, and enjoy top-notch entertainment with unbeatable sunset views. Enjoy two more Friday nights full of fun, music and community!
Downbeach Seafood Festival
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you! On Sept. 13 and 14, head to Ski Beach in Ventnor City for a taste of the sea and sunshine. The Downbeach Seafood Festival is a September staple in our area and is a true celebration of everything from crab cakes to clam chowder. Stroll the site, sample dishes from some of the area’s best restaurants, and enjoy live music and vendors. It’s the perfect way to savor the flavors of the sea as the fall season slowly settles around us.
Ocean City Fall Block Party
Ocean City knows how to celebrate fall in style and bring a little taste of their summer farmers markets to every season. The city’s annual Fall Block Party will be hosted on Oct. 11 this year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This all-day event brings more than 400 crafters, food vendors, and entertainers to Asbury Avenue. The streets are lined with delicious smells, unique handmade goods, and live music. It’s the ultimate fall street fair and draws thousands each year.
Smithville’s Oktoberfest
Historic Smithville transforms into a fall wonderland as the leaves begin to change. The village will be hosting Oktoberfest on Oct. 4 and 5 this year. Visitors can stroll the cobblestone paths, enjoy unique shopping, and snack on seasonal treats while listening to live music. The charm of Smithville makes it one of the most magical places to experience autumn at the Shore, and Oktoberfest is the perfect event to take advantage of the season.
Wine and harvest festivals
For adults looking for a relaxing day out, South Jersey’s wineries and breweries host plenty of autumn celebrations. The Cape May Wine & Music Festival and various vineyard harvest weekends pair local wines with live music, food trucks, and crisp fall air. It’s the perfect way to toast the season.
If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, there are plenty of local farms in the area that offer hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking. Nothing says fall quite like wandering through a corn maze or sipping hot cider after a hayride. It’s a simple joy that never goes out of style.
What makes these fun fall events stand out is more than just the food or music, but the sense of community and the chance to slow down and savor the season while still enjoying the sea and all that makes South Jersey special. With the crowds of summer behind us, fall offers a more relaxed pace while still giving you plenty of reasons to get out and celebrate.
So, grab a cozy sweater and your calendar, because it’s time to mark down these can’t-miss fall happenings. From Somers Point concerts to Smithville festivals, from farmers markets to Halloween parades, this season promises plenty of reasons to keep the fun going well past summer.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in, news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC’s Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
