May 21, 2015

Ten ways to celebrate Memorial Day down the shore

Big beach towns play host to fun events all weekend

By Aubrey Nagle
PhillyVoice Contributor

If you'll be part of the beach crowd this Memorial Day Weekend be sure to join in the local fun. From Point Pleasant to Cape May, the shore will be lit up with parties, fairs and concerts. It should be a beautiful weekend to honor the country's armed forces and welcome the unofficial start to summer.

Not heading down the shore? Have a staycation or visit local Memorial Day celebrations.

Wildwood's International Kite Festival

Wildwood will be full with colorful kites over the weekend. Friday night will see an illuminated kite flying display; Saturday and Sunday feature the East Coast Stunt Kite Championships on the beach. An indoor flying competition will be held Monday.

Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25
Hours vary | Free for spectators
Rio Grande Avenue and the Wildwoods Convention Center
4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
(732) 822-4884

Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale

Just a short drive from Belmar, Ocean Grove and Spring Lake, the local outlet complex will have a big sale. Brands like Burberry, Coach, Cole Haan, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and Ugg Australia will be represented.

Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25
Store hours vary
Jersey Shore Premium Outlets
One Premium Outlets Blvd., Tinton Falls, NJ
(732) 918-1700

95.5 PLJ Summer Kick-Off Concert

Lifehouse, Plain White T's, Life of Dillon and Rachel Platten will perform a free early morning concert to kick-start the weekend. The entire concert will be broadcast live on Todd & Jayde.

Friday, May 22
6-10 a.m. | Free admission
Jenkinson’s Pavilion
300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
(732) 892-0600

Red Hot Patriot

This tenacious play tells the story of Molly Ivins, the groundbreaking journalist and satirist from Austin, Texas. Ivins' story lives on as told by twin journalists Margaret and Allison Engel.

Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23
8-10 p.m. | $53
Robert Shackleton Theater
Bank & Lafayette St., Cape May, NJ
(609) 884-1341

Memorial Beach Challenge

This day of athletic recreational fun includes a stand-up paddleboard race, a soft-sand adventure race with Navy SEAL-approved obstacles and a kids fun-run. The day ends with a Memorial Paddle Out, which includes a wreath-laying ceremony.

Saturday, May 23
6 a.m. | Registration varies
Ocean City Music Pier
825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ
(609) 228-5770

Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show

Over the summer season, the Wildwood Boardwalk rolls out a huge craft show on select weekends. This year's schedule begins Memorial Day weekend.

Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24
9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free admission
Wildwood Boardwalk
South of Wildwoods Convention Center
(609) 522-0198

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival

Some of the region's favorite food trucks will have local mouths watering during this three-day event. Dark Side of the Moo, Empanada Guy, Mobile Mardi Gras and Red Hook Lobster Pound Truck will all be there.

Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25
11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | $3 general admission, $4 parking
Monmouth Park Racetrack
175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport, NJ
(732) 222-5100

Atlantic Brass Band

The 35-piece Atlantic Brass Band will present a program of classic American music to honor Memorial Day. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs on which to sit and enjoy the rousing concert.

Sunday, May 24
8-9 p.m. | Free admission
Rotary Bandstand
714 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ

Ja Rule LIVE!

Yes, Ja Rule is still a working music artist and he's coming to Atlantic City. He's performing a special Memorial Day show for the over-21 crowd. Be sure to follow the club's dress code rules if you hope to take in the nostalgia.

Sunday, May 24
8 p.m.-5 a.m. | $30-40
Dusk Nightclub
2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, NJ
(609) 345-3875

Memorial Day Luau

Live music, food and surfing combine for this annual family friendly event. AC Surf School will be on hand with stand-up paddleboarding, too.

Monday, May 25
2 p.m. | Free admission
101 Boardwalk and the Beach, Atlantic City, NJ
(732) 575-3845

Aubrey Nagle
PhillyVoice Contributor

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