Ventnor has finalized a $233,000 contract to build a new band shell at Newport Avenue beach park, paving the way for a full schedule of summer concerts and events. The Board of Commissioners awarded the contract on Thursday, Jan. 9, to Massett Building Company of Egg Harbor Township after significant revisions to the project’s design.
According to Mayor Tim Kriebel, the initial plans for the band shell had to be repeatedly adjusted to reduce costs. Original estimates for the project reached as high as $747,000, far exceeding budget expectations.
“The updated design is simpler, but it will still meet the city’s needs and stand out as a unique addition to the beachfront,” Kriebel said.
Efforts to replace the aging Newport Avenue gazebo began in 2024 but faced delays due to high bids. The first round of proposals in June 2024 exceeded projections, leading the city to scale back the project. A second round in October also proved too costly. Finally, in December, six bids were submitted, with Massett’s being the lowest. The highest bid came in at $437,277.
The project will be funded through a combination of bond ordinances approved in prior years, a $50,000 state grant, and $75,000 pledged by the Ventnor Beautification Committee.
While the new band shell wasn’t ready in time for last summer’s events, the city accommodated public demand by erecting a temporary stage at Newport Avenue after initially moving concerts to Ski Beach. Officials are confident the permanent structure will be completed by Memorial Day.
Summer concerts and events set to return
Ventnor Special Events has announced a schedule of concerts and community activities for the upcoming season.
Summer Beach Jam performances are set for Saturday evenings at the new band shell on:
June 28, July 8, 12, 19, Aug. 7, 9, 16, 23, and 30.
Sunsets at Ski Beach concerts will take place Wednesday evenings on:
June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, and 27.
Ski Beach Movie Nights are planned for:
Monday, June 30, July 28, and Aug. 25.
Additional Scheduled Events:
Spring Shredding Day at Ski Beach – Saturday, April 26
Ventnor Block Party on Ventnor Avenue – Saturday, May 10
Chef’s Night Out – Sunday, May 18
Kickoff to Summer – May 23-26
LeTour de Downbeach at Newport Avenue – Sunday, June 1
Bike-a-Thon for the American Cancer Society at Ski Beach – Sunday, June 1
Citywide Yard Sale – Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29
Independence Day Celebration with the Ventnor Mile Run and fireworks at Newport Avenue – Thursday, July 3
National Night Out at Newport Avenue – Tuesday, Aug. 5
Downbeach Seafood Festival at Ski Beach – Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14
Mangia, Mangia Pasta Dinner at the Red Room Café – Sunday, Sept. 28
Fall Shredding Day at Ski Beach – Saturday, Oct. 4
Halloween Fest and Parade at Ski Beach – Sunday, Oct. 26
Twilight Holiday Parade on Ventnor Avenue – Saturday, Dec. 6
With the new band shell on the horizon and a packed lineup of events, Ventnor is ready for a summer season filled with music, community, and celebration.
