May 28, 2015
This summer at the Jersey Shore, there's a festival for every taste, from events celebrating everything from indie film and music to local seafood and dragon boats. Here's a preview of 10 events that might just lure you away from the beach.
The world of indie film comes to Long Beach Island with this fest in Loveladies. The event will program a mix of nearly two dozen feature films and documentaries, as well as a slate of almost 50 shorts.
Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7. $125 all-access pass.
Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences. 120 Long Beach Blvd., Loveladies, N.J.
Mumford & Sons will headline the only East Coast stop of this mini-fest on June 5-6 in Seaside Heights. The eclectic bill will also include The Flaming Lips, Alabama Shakes, Dawes and Jenny Lewis.
Friday, June 5, through Saturday, June 6. $179 general admission for both days; $199 camping and general admission
Boardwalk at Grant Avenue, Seaside Heights, N.J.
Sea Isle City hasn't forgotten the “Great Nor'Easter of 1962” that wreaked havoc on the town –– this event, being held June 20-21, offers an annual reminder that the resort managed to come back. This festival will offer some 400 craft vendors, a “food court” with 20 stalls, a sand sculpting demonstration and contest, an antique auto show, free historical trolley tours, activities for kids and performances by local bands.
Saturday, June 20, through Sunday, June 21. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday; free admission
JFK Boulevard & Promenade, Sea Isle City, N.J. (609) 263-8687
Margate's iconic Lucy the Elephant will provide the larger-than-life backdrop for the sixth edition of this festival on June 27 (rain date: June 28). Activities will span paddleboard races, a beach volleyball tournament and a free surfing clinic, to live music; a children's area with games, music and a treasure hunt; and a food court and beer garden. There also will be a screening of “SpongeBob: Out of the Water,” a “Battle by the Beach” band competition and a beach bonfire to wrap things up.
Saturday, June 27 (rain date: Sunday, June 28). 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; free admission
9200 Atlantic Ave., Margate, N.J. (609) 214-8293.
This annual showcase of cover bands runs from July 9-12 at the Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel & Marina in Atlantic City. This year's edition will offer a little pop and plenty of rock 'n' roll, with groups paying tribute to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, The Foo Fighters, The Police, Chicago and Billy Joel, as well as Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin.
Thursday, July 9, through Sunday, July 12. Set times vary; free admission.
Huron Avenue and Brigantine Boulevard, Atlantic City, N.J. (800) 777-1177.
Barbecue fans won't want to miss this July 10-12 event in North Wildwood that includes a championship sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and cooking demonstrations. Competitors will be vying for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes, with the grand champion eligible for the invitation-only American Royale in Kansas City and the World Food Championships in Kissimmee, Florida. The simultaneous Angelsea Blues Festival will present national and regional acts on an outdoor stage, as well as in nearby venues.
Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12. 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; free admission for most events.
2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues, North Wildwood, N.J. (609) 523-6565
Aug. 8 is the day to enjoy a traditional crab boil and other summer foods paired with beers from Cape May Brewing Co., Tuckahoe Brewing Co. and Victory Brewing Co. at this event at the Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May. Entertainment will include live music and a traditional Victorian circus with jugglers and acrobats.
Saturday, Aug. 8. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; free admission
1048 Washington St., Cape May, N.J. (609) 884-5404
This high-flying celebration of historical aircraft will be held Sept. 4-7 at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. You will be able to board World War II-era bombers, among some two dozen aircraft, and peruse exhibits on the history of flying. Flights, priced at $450 a person, also will be available.
Friday, Sept. 4, through Monday, Sept. 7. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is $14 adults, $10 children.
500 Forrestal Road, Rio Grande, N.J. (609) 886-8787
This fourth annual event, which takes place Sept. 12-13 at Bader Field, will spotlight more than 50 restaurants and food personalities to celebrate all things seafood. Events include the Phillips Seafood crab-eating competition, a chowder cook-off, wine seminars and tastings, cooking demonstrations and plenty for kids, including animals from the Cape May Zoo, face-painting, games and amusements.
Saturday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 13. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday; free admission
Route 322, Atlantic City, N.J. (609) 412-9056
Participants at this fourth annual event on Sept. 19 will compete in a 200-meter course in Cape May Harbor. The fest also will feature dragon boat demos, live entertainment, food vendors and a beer garden.
Saturday, Sept. 19. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; free admission
Cape May Harbor, Cape May, N.J. (609) 884-5508
