The end of summer for lovers of the Jersey Shore is the worst version of the Sunday scaries. It’s no secret that this area is known for its summertime classic activities like going to the beach or playing boardwalk games. But, the hidden gem events of the Jersey Shore lie in its festivals that come around during the fall, when it’s still nice enough to be outside and locals can enjoy the area without the rush of the summertime crowd. Keep reading for a guide to 15 events at the Jersey Shore that we promise will cure your end-of-summer blues.
Asbury Park Fall Bazaar | Grand Arcade of Convention Hall + The Asbury Hotel, Asbury Park
Asbury Park has a few bazaars throughout the year, but the fall one is one of our favorites. The Asbury Park Fall Bazaar has two pop-up locations — one at the Convention Hall and the other at The Asbury Hotel. Visitors can shop local makers from the Jersey Shore. The bazaar also has live music, cute photo ops, food and drinks, and kids’ activities. This year, the Asbury Park Fall Bazaar takes place on September 28th and 29th from 12PM to 5PM.
Asbury Park PorchFest | Asbury Park
Asbury Park’s eighth annual PorchFest is happening on September 28th. Locals love PorchFest because it creates a community atmosphere by hosting local bands who perform on residents’ porches. There is music for everyone available — the 600 performances range from blues to Broadway to Rap. FYI: The Jersey Shore Girl suggests bringing or renting a bike for the day to quickly get from one porch performance to the next.
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Belmar San Gennaro Festival | Pyanoe Plaza, Belmar
Belmar’s San Gennaro Festival is a way to celebrate Italian culture down the Jersey Shore. The event begins at 10AM on September 16th with a unique San Gennaro Mass conducted in Italian at Belmar’s St. Rose Catholic Church. After, the feast begins at 11AM and goes on until 6PM in Pyanoe Plaza. Visitors can expect plenty of Italian food that is sure to cure those end-of-summer blues — plus, there’s live music and a variety of craft vendors.
Bond Street Block Party | 208 Bond Street, Asbury Park
Bond Street Block Party is another local event that Asbury Park residents suggest as a ‘can’t miss.’ As advertised in its name, Bond Street Block Party is a live music celebration right on the street opposite Bond Street Bar. It has a lineup of live music for the day, food, and drinks. Block Party is back on September 7th from 1PM to 10PM.
Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off | Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven
Long Beach Island’s beloved event, which was once known as Chowderfest, is taking on a fresh look this year as the Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off. This two-day event will take place on October 5th and 6th. There will be beer, wine, seltzers, food, shopping, and music. The Cook-off event will involve ten local restaurants competing for the best chowder — guests taste and vote for their favorite red and white chowders.
Exit Zero Jazz Festival | 714 Beach Avenue, Cape May
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival is three days of music featuring hundreds of musicians, and this year, it’s all happening from October 25th to 27th. The headline venue is Cape May Convention Hall. Still, the fun continues each night as the shows continue at local restaurants and bars. Locals love that there is a mixture of different types of bands and music to play all weekend long.
Festival of the Sea | 601 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
The Festival of the Sea in Point Pleasant celebrates its 46th year on September 21st. This festival has live music, games, family activities, and a free shuttle. JSG loves the addition of the beer and wine garden, plus over 200 crafters and vendors and some of our favorite Point Pleasant beach area restaurants.
Highlands Annual Oktoberfest | 51 Bay Avenue, Highlands
The Highlands Annual Oktoberfest is on October 5th from 12PM to 7PM in Veterans Park on Bay + Shrewsbury Avenues. This Oktoberfest celebration will satisfy all those cravings for German food, live music, and dancing. JSG loves that admission + parking are free, and there are fun activities like a best-dressed contest and beer stein-holding contest.
Irish Fall Festival | 2nd Street + Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
For those who want a chance to celebrate their Irish heritage outside of March, the Irish Fall Festival in Wildwood is an ideal opportunity. The festival will take place from September 19th to 22nd. The fun Irish activities at this event include live music, dancing, food, and craft vendors. The Irish Fall Festival also has a golf tournament, Irish dance lessons, a 5k run and 1k walk, a pipe exhibition, a Catholic mass, and a food court. All of this ends with a parade that greatly distracts from thoughts about summer being over.
Long Branch Fall Festival + Pooch Parade | 15 Morris Avenue, Long Branch
The Long Branch Fall Festival + Pooch Parade is on October 19th, from 11AM to 4PM. There is something that everyone will love at this event — including music, pumpkin carving demonstrations, miniature golf, and other fun games. There are many fall-themed foods like candy, apples, doughnuts, ice cream, and plenty of activities for kids. JSG’s favorite part is that there is a Pooch Parade and Costume Contest with prizes that your dog will love.
Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay | 9700 Amherst Avenue, Margate
On September 28th + 29th, The Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay is celebrating its 23rd year of creating a family-friendly venue for visitors. There will be over 110 booths and amusements like arts + crafts, food, local retailers, sponsors, and nonprofits. The Margate Fall Funfest has adult-centered areas like a beer garden and a vodka tent. Still, it also has events for the kids, such as costumed characters and a kids’ stage. There will also be interactive activities like a cornhole tournament and a dog show.
Sea.Hear.Now Festival | 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park
The Sea.Hear.Now Festival is a music festival located on Asbury Park’s North Beach of Asbury Park, Bradley Park, and Atlantic Park. It is two full days of music featuring over 25 bands on the three separate stages. This year, the event will take place September 14th and 15th and the headliners for the event are Noah Kahan and Bruce Springsteen. Besides the music, Jersey Shore boardwalk food options are inside the festival grounds, and you can watch surfers and take in the local artwork. FYI: The festival also has free beach yoga sessions that don’t require any Sea.Hear.Now ticket.
The Bazaar Fall Festival | 15 2nd Avenue, Long Branch
The Bazaar Fall Festival is hosted at Whitechapel Projects on Sunday, October 27th, from 12PM to 5PM. There are many cute fall activities at this Long Branch bazaar, such as a pet costume contest, fire pits, s’mores kits, and fall-themed workshops. The Bazaar Fall Festival has a curated market for shopping and a fall photo wall that will be great for sharing on social media.
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The Wildwoods Food + Music Festival | 3400 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood City
The Wildwoods Food and Music Street Festival is on Saturday, September 7th, from 11AM to 7PM. This event has food, shopping, and music. The Wildwoods Food and Music Street Festival starts at Byrne Plaza along Pacific Avenue between Oak and Schellenger Avenues in Wildwood. JSG especially likes the fact that this festival is free to enter.
Fall Taste of Highlands | 329 Bay Avenue, Highlands
The Fall Taste of Highlands is happening on Saturday, October 12th, from 12PM to 5PM. Those who get tickets to this event can expect food samples and cocktails from 18 different restaurants and retailers. The ticket also gives you access to the Seastreak Courtesy Shuttle, which takes visitors to each stop. The Fall Taste of Highlands collects non-perishable food items for its Fall Food Drive — donations are for the OLPH Pantry.
