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Wildwood, New Jersey Festivals & Events Guide
Wildwood, New Jersey, is one of the Jersey Shore's most event-packed destinations.
With its famous boardwalk, free beaches, and a calendar bursting with over 160 annual events, this shore town knows how to throw a party. From kite festivals that paint the sky to classic car shows that turn the boardwalk into a rolling museum, here's your complete guide to Wildwood's can't-miss festivals and events.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
May 22–25, 2026
One of Wildwood's most spectacular traditions, the Wildwoods International Kite Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. Often described as "a full-blown kite festival on steroids," this four-day event takes over the Rio Grande Avenue beach and the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Festivities kick off Friday at noon outside the convention center, followed by the dazzling Illuminated Night Kite Fly at 9:00 PM, a must-see spectacle of glowing kites lighting up the night sky. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy kite competitions, demonstrations, a kite sales tent, indoor activities, and social events. Some have called it the largest kite festival in North America.
Spectator admission is free. Just show up, look up, and prepare to be amazed.
Classic Car Shows: A Boardwalk Tradition
Wildwood is a mecca for classic car enthusiasts. The town hosts multiple car shows throughout the year, transforming the iconic boardwalk into a rolling showcase of automotive history.
Spring Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show
May 8–9, 2026
The 35th annual Spring Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show kicks off the summer season. All makes and models 15+ years old are on display, from classic hot rods to vintage muscle cars. The event runs daily from 10 AM to 3 PM on the Wildwood Boardwalk. Admission is free, and with over 15,000 attendees expected, it's a lively way to welcome summer.
Fall Boardwalk Classic Car Show
September 25–26, 2026
The 51st annual Fall Boardwalk Classic Car Show (also known as "Cruisin' the Boards") is one of the longest-running car shows on the East Coast. This end-of-summer celebration brings classic cars and street rods to the boardwalk for a spectacular two-day showcase. Running 10 AM to 3 PM daily with free admission, the event draws over 20,000 spectators.
Other Motor Events
Beyond these two mainstays, Wildwood hosts the Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show in September at the Convention Center, the Jeep Invasion featuring beach obstacle courses, and The Race of Gentlemen (T.R.O.G.) , a unique October event where antique cars race drag-style down the beach itself.
Car show weekends are Wildwood's busiest off-season events, so plan ahead.
Barefoot Country Music Fest
June 18–21, 2026
The Northeast's largest outdoor country festival returns to Wildwood Beach for four days of non-stop music. Over 40 artists perform across multiple stages on the sand, just off the Boardwalk between two amusement piers.
2026 headliners include Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Post Malone, and Eric Church. Thursday's kickoff features Miranda Lambert and Cole Swindell, Friday brings Kelsea Ballerini and Shaboozey, and Saturday features Post Malone.
Festival tips:
- Gates open at 3 PM on Thursday, 1 PM Friday–Sunday
- The festival is rain or shine (severe weather may require evacuation)
- Your ticket is a wristband, wear it all four days; it can't be transferred
- Register your wristband to make cashless purchases
- Bring empty reusable water bottles (no glass), non-aerosol sunscreen, blankets (must be picked up by 4 PM), and phones
- Best drop-off/pick-up spot: The Wildwood Boardwalk sign at 3505 Atlantic Avenue
- Yes, you can hear the music from the boardwalk without a ticket
Friday Night Fireworks
Every Friday, July 3 – August 28, 2026
Wildwood's signature summer tradition: free fireworks launched from the Pine Avenue pier every Friday night at 10:00 PM. No tickets needed, just grab a spot anywhere along the beach or boardwalk for the best view.
National Marbles Tournament
June 15–18, 2026
Believe it or not, Wildwood hosts the oldest marble shooting tournament in the country, held on Ringer Courts on the Wildwood Boardwalk since 1922. Kids ages 8–14 from across the US compete in this quirky, family-friendly heritage event. Free to watch.
New Jersey State BBQ Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival
July 10–12, 2026
Held on Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood, this KCBS, sanctioned competition brings together barbecue masters and blues musicians for a mouthwatering weekend. Chow down on award-winning 'cue while rocking out to blues artists.
Thunder Over the Waves Airshow
September 11–12, 2026
Wildwood's own beach airshow debuted in 2025 with over 133,000 spectators and a $33.2 million economic impact. Military jets and aerial performers fly over the Wildwood beachfront in this thrilling, free-admission event.
Wildwood Days Festival
October 10, 2026
The first-ever Wildwood Days Festival, presented by The Bobby Rydell Foundation, takes over Byrne Plaza in Downtown Wildwood. This free community celebration promises a day of entertainment for all ages.
Wildwoods Restaurant Week
November 27 – December 6, 2026
Presented by the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, Restaurant Week offers food lovers the chance to explore Wildwood's dining scene with special prix-fixe menus. A perfect post-Thanksgiving getaway.
Weekly Summer Events
- Arts in the Parks: Family-friendly craft events every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 PM from June 23 to August 27
- Wildwood Music in the Plaza: Free concerts at Byrne Plaza
Essential Tips for Attending Wildwood Events
Plan Ahead for Accommodations
Car show weekends and major festivals are Wildwood's busiest times. The iconic Doo-Wop motels book up fast, reserve your stay well in advance.
Arrive Early
For popular events, arrive early to secure parking and good viewing spots.
Check the Weather
Many events are outdoors on the beach or boardwalk. Dress appropriately and check forecasts before heading out.
Free Beaches, Free Events
Wildwood is the Shore's "free-beach capital", no beach badges required. Most events also offer free spectator admission.
Tickets and Wristbands
Some events have limited capacity. Consider purchasing tickets in advance when available. For festivals like Barefoot, your ticket is a wristband, keep it on and register it for cashless purchases.
Getting There
The closest airport is Atlantic City International (ACY). For rideshare drop-offs at Barefoot, use the Wildwood Boardwalk sign at 3505 Atlantic Avenue.
Explore the Boardwalk
Wildwood's 38-block boardwalk is one of the longest on the East Coast, packed with shops, food, and entertainment. Morey's Piers offers 100+ rides and two water parks. Make time to explore between events.
Whether you're a kite enthusiast, a classic car fanatic, a country music lover, or just looking for a great family getaway, Wildwood's event calendar has something for everyone. Mark your dates, pack your sunscreen, and get ready for a shore season to remember.
Step Back in Time in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ: A Quaint Escape Near NYC
Just 17 miles from the bustle of midtown Manhattan lies the serene and historic borough of Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey.
Tucked away in Bergen County, this charming community of just over 4,000 residents offers a peaceful retreat and a fascinating glimpse into America's past, all within a compact, walkable square mile.
A Name Shrouded in Mystery
The journey to Ho-Ho-Kus begins with its name, a point of local pride and enduring mystery. Residents are particular about its pronunciation and form, preferring the hyphenated "Ho-Ho-Kus" over single-word variations. The most likely origin traces back to the Lenape Native Americans, who originally inhabited the land. While the exact meaning is debated, theories range from a Lenape word for "running water" to a Dutch interpretation meaning "high oaks" or a reference to the gray fox. This ambiguity adds to the town's unique character, inviting visitors to ponder its history from the moment they arrive.
Exploring the Heart of the Borough
The town’s growth was spurred by the arrival of the railroad in the 20th century, and today, the historic train station remains the centerpiece of a delightful, walkable business district. A self-guided walking tour is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
- The Hermitage: A visit to Ho-Ho-Kus is incomplete without exploring The Hermitage, a National Historic Landmark and one of the nation's finest examples of domestic Gothic Revival architecture. This historic home is famously known for hosting General George Washington during the Revolutionary War, offering a tangible connection to the founding of the United States.
- Charming Shops & Dining: The tree-lined streets around the station are home to a collection of unique shops and inviting local restaurants, perfect for a leisurely browse and a delicious meal. For a wider array of dining and shopping options, the neighboring town of Ridgewood is just a short drive away.
- A Picturesque Setting: Beyond the business district, the residential areas fan out to the north, west, and south. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved and pristinely maintained homes, showcasing a range of architectural styles and reflecting the town's quiet prosperity. It's a lovely area for a stroll to admire the classic American suburb.
Planning Your Visit
- Getting There: Ho-Ho-Kus is easily accessible by car via major highways and is served by NJ Transit rail lines, making it a simple and scenic day trip from New York City.
- Where to Stay: As a small, residential borough, Ho-Ho-Kus has no hotels. Visitors will find a variety of lodging options in the neighboring town of Paramus, known for its extensive shopping malls and hotels.
- Beyond the Borough: Its prime location in Bergen County makes Ho-Ho-Kus an excellent base for exploring the region. You can easily venture to the upscale shops and restaurants of Ridgewood or the retail mecca of Paramus.
Ho-Ho-Kus may be small, but it offers a rich tapestry of history, architectural beauty, and small-town charm. It's a perfect detour for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a tranquil escape just a stone's throw from the energy of New York City.
Discovering Wildwood: A New Jersey Hidden Gem
While the Jersey Shore is known for its crowded vacation spots, The Wildwoods stand out as a vibrant, must-visit resort, where the energy is part of the appeal.
Much of this classic beach community blossomed in the 1950s, fueled by new access from the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway. Today, that retro charm remains vividly alive. Dozens of hotels and motels still celebrate mid-century style, echoing an era of tail fins, big hair, and Elvis, making a trip here not just a beach getaway, but a nostalgic escape into Americana.
These aging beachfront hotels wear their years with a certain proud, unabashed tackiness, their neon signs flicker with a bygone charm, their lobbies might smell faintly of salt and decades-old carpet, and their decor is a glorious, unapologetic time capsule. Yet, this is precisely where they derive their fun and character, making them a delightful place to check out for a dose of nostalgic Americana. Just steps away, the bustling boardwalk unfurls as a two-mile sensory pilgrimage, a vibrant artery laced with a dizzying array of stores.
Here, the air grows thick with the sweet scent of melting sugar as shops endlessly pull saltwater taffy, while neighboring stalls overflow with souvenir t-shirts, gleaming trinkets, arcade games, and every form of irresistible junk food imaginable. For those who wish to soak in the scene without the stroll, iconic tram cars clatter along the planks, offering a breezy shuttle service to the far end or to any tempting point in between, ensuring the boardwalk’s delights are accessible to every visitor.
Soon, you will hear the familiar "watch the tram car" recording emanating from the cars and all you have to do is flag one down, hop on, and you're off. The beach is free, by the way. And, it is very wide particularly by NJ standards.
Most people familiar with the Jersey Shore know that many beaches are razor thin. This beach has sand added to it constantly and naturally by compliant tidal waters; it is at least 1/4 mile from boardwalk to surf [in low tide, that is]. Wildwood now boasts a convention center built on the beach and new rides jutting out from its piers.
Historic Cape May, home to more than 600 Victorian houses, is only four miles to the South and a great place to visit when you get tired of the boardwalk scene. Atlantic City is one hour to the north and is a frequent side trip destination, especially on rainy days.
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Alternatively, you can also escape to the county zoo for the day in the town of Cape May Court House. The best time to go to the Wildwoods is during July and August as the water temperatures can be too cold before that time. Still, most hotels have outdoor heated pools which you may prefer to salt water.
The resort is changing as many old buildings are being torn down and replaced by condos. Preservationists are attempting to maintain the family welcoming theme of the resort, so it remains to be seen what the resort's future will be. In the meantime, grab a beach towel and your sunblock and head over to wonderful, Wildwood, NJ!
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