A guide to events, festivals and more during the flowering season in the Jersey shore region.
Although the weather has been gloomy, the grass is greener and the flowers are in bloom — you just have to look through the rainy fog. With the entire Jersey shore region coming alive this spring, in anticipatiion of what could be one of the busiest summers in our area in a while, folks need something to do aside from weeding, mowing lawns and shopping for summer clothes. A walk on one of the region’s many boardwalks is always a treat, as is visiting one of the many parks and recreational areas in our area. Here is a guide to some of the events coming to the Atlantic City region this spring. (For concerts, click here; for more visit acweekly.com/events)
Food Festivals/Events
May 5-6
Stone Harbor Coastal Living Festival
96th Street Shopping District, Stone Harbor. A taste of the best of what Stone Harbor and the surrounding area has to offer in dining, shopping and shore living. Boats, seafood, outdoor furniture, live entertainment and shopping will all be featured in this free two-day event. 10am-5pm. 609-368-5102, ext. 108. stoneharborbeach.com
May 5
Smithville Children’s Festival
Historic Smithville and Village Greene, 615 Moss Mill Rd., Smithville. A fun day with two shows with live animals from the Cape May Zoo, music, crafts, face painting and more. Free. 10am-7pm. 609-748-6160.
May 9
Wildwoods Restaurant Showcase
Enjoy a sampling of mouth-watering dishes and decadent desserts from dozens of the Wildwoods’ finest restaurants and specialty shops. Held at the Bolero Resort & Conference Center, 3320 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood. All proceeds benefit the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Foundation and scholarships for area high school students. Auction will be held. $25 per person. 5:30-8:30pm. 609-729-4000 or gwcoc.com
May 18-20
The Taste of Revel
Revel, Atlantic City. Call 1-855-348-0500 or visit revelresorts.com. Starting at $65 for individual events; times vary.
May 23
MBCA Annual Spring Scholarship Luncheon
At the Tropicana, Swan Ballroom, noon. Feat. keynote speaker Dr. Rochelle Hendricks, N.J. Sec. of Higher Education. $45 per person. RSVP by May 15 to 348-1903 or acmetbiz.com.
May 26
Pizza Slaughterfest
Third annual festival and fundraiser in Atlantic City at Tony Boloney’s (300 Oriental Ave.). Featuring live music, pizza eating competition and more. Call 609-344-8669 for more information. 11am-8pm.
June 1-June 3
A.C. Multi-Cultural and Heritage Festival
Friday: The Tom Joyner Morning Show will broadcast live from the Surf Stadium, 6-11am. A multi-cultural parade on the Boardwalk starts at 6pm. A Gold & Platinum R&B Music Tribute at One Atlantic, at The Pier Shops at Caesars (entrance fee). Saturday: Beach Bash, Missouri Avenue Beach. Noon-6pm. (Free) One School Summer Concert, Gardner’s Basin, Noon-7:30pm. (Free)
All-Star Boxing Legends Gala, Resorts Superstar Theater, 9pm (entrance fee), Sunday: Gospel Festival at Surf Stadium, 6-10am, (free), followed by a Boardwalk Bazaar from noon-8pm (free) and “Jazz in the Garden,” at Gardner’s Basin and Kennedy Plaza, 1-7pm (free). For information on tickets call 609-432-9649. Presenented by City of Atlantic City.
June 3
Renault Winery Italian Festival
Renault chefs prepare authentic Italian menu. Outdoor bar, children’s events. Rain or shine. Noon-4:30pm. Call 609-965-2111 for more information.
June 1
Chefs At The Shore
Part of Professional Chefs Week, the fundraiser attracts local celebrity chefs from casino and regional restaurants. Signature dishes from area restaurants, cooking demonstrations, live music and an open bar of beers and wines. Chef J.D. Austin and his band, The Kitchen, will be the featured entertainers. $50 each or $450 for a block of 10 if purchased on or before June 1. After June 1, tickets will be issued at the at-the-door price of $60 per person. 609-348-2880.
General Festivals/Music
To May 6
Cape May Spring Festival
Come to Victorian Cape May, alive with activity and blooming with beauty during Spring Festival. Make your reservations by calling 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278. capemay.com
May 5
Spring Block Party
From 5th–14th streets on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City. Over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more. For more information call 609-399-1412. 9am 5pm.
May 5
Cinco de Mayo Block Party Event
All-day celebration of Mexican heritage and pride with authentic music, food, arts and crafts, and vendors between the 3700-3900 block of Pacific Avenue, Wildwood. Live entertainment will feature Stellar Mojo, Animal House and Groupo Travado! Face-painting, balloon-twisting, castle bouncing and authentic Mexican food and dancing. 11:30am-10:30pm For more info call 609-729-6500 or go to facebook.com/pacificavenueblockparty.com.
Chicken Bone Beach Spring Jazz Concert Series
May 19: Jazz legend Sonny Fortune; June 16: Marc Cary Quartet. Both shows 7:30-10pm, $30, at Stockton’s Dante Hall Theater of the Arts, Atlantic City. Tickets: dantehall@stockton.edu or 609-347-2167.
May 19
Wildwood Centennial Celebration Kick-off
Celebrate 100 years of memories at the City of Wildwood Centennial Celebration. The opening ceremony will take place at noon at the Wildwoods Sign, located at Ocean & Rio Grande avenues, followed by a day of family activities and games on the beach from 1-6pm. A bonfire and music will take place from 7-10pm and will conclude with a fireworks display at 10pm. For more information call 609-522-2444.
May 19-20
Smithville Mayfest
Historic Smithville and Village Greene, Rt. 9 and Moss Mill Rd. Smithville. Historic Smithville’s Mayfest has over 100 juried crafters, an international food court, music, kids activities and more. All of this along with the more 60 shops, carousel ride, train ride, paddleboats, eateries, and antique arcades that are already located at the Village year round.
May 18-20
Elephants for Autism Music Festival
Three-day event with numerous bands at Le Grand Fromage and The Boneyard, Atlantic City. All proceeds go to Elephants for Autism, creating free music programs for Austic Children. More Info: 609-214-5210 or e-mail elephanttalknj@gmail.com
May 20
Pirate Activity Day and Jolly Roger Cruise
The Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City presents this event, starting at 1pm. Admission is $12 for kids and $6 for adults. The first 120 visitors to check in will be treated to a Jolly Roger Cruise out of Gardner’s Basin at 3pm on Atlantic City Cruises ‘Cruisin One. Call for 609-449-1360 for details. 1pm
May 26-May 27
Wildwoods Heroes Memorial Day Weekend Festival
Thousands of active duty servicemen, women, veterans, first-responders and their families will be invited to participate in the weekend’s festivities, which include a military parade, family beach events and a recognition ceremony, as well as VIP treatment with special hotel rates, restaurant offerings and discounts to area attractions for active military, veterans and first responders will be in effect the entire weekend. A USO-style variety show and concert at the Wildwoods Convention Center emceed by entertainer Joe Piscopo will take place on Sunday, May 27. He will perform his orchestra-backed Sinatra musical set, and Philadelphia’s Bobby Rydell will perform “Wildwood Days,” in addition to a number of other special musical artists and entertainers. For more information and a schedule of events WildwoodsNJ.com/heroes.
June 2
Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival
Bank of America presents the Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival. The Grammy-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band will close the show, following sets by Dawes, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jukebox, The Ghost, Rodney Crowell, Cheryl Wheeler, Sara Watkins, Brother Joscephus and The Love Revival, Revolution Orchestra, Scrapomatic, Mason Porter and Quincy Mumford & The Reason Why. The festival hosts a Children’s Village, an array of food vendors, as well as craft beer and wine from the Flying Fish Brewing Company and Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery. 11:30am-8:30pm; $45. At Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, 457 Shirley Rd., Elmer. appelfarm.org
June 15-17
Phish
Phish will perform three consecutive shows (June 15, 16 & 17) at Atlantic City’s 142-acre Bader Field. Tickets are $60 per day or $150 for a three-day ticket. Children of all ages are welcome. Children 6 and under do not need a ticket. Purchase online or charge by phone 800-594-8499.
Misc. Spring Events
May 25
Unlocking of the Ocean & Business Persons Plunge
Participants dress in business suits, carry brief cases and march into the ocean to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” to welcome the new season. Noon, Moorlyn Terrace Street Beach in Ocean City. For more information call 609-525-9300.
June 1-3
Ocean City Flower Show
See beautiful commercial and amateur displays at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Show times are Friday, 2-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm and Sunday, 10am- 4pm. For more information call 609-525-9300.
June 5-6
Beach Writers’ Conference
Wildwoods Convention Center. 10th Anniversary event featuring speakers, workshops, writing contests and more. Meet authors, publishers and agents. Keynote speaker this year is Robert Strauss. Entrance fee. Visit nwbwc.com for details or call 609-522-9406.
June 13-16
Miss New Jersey
Boardwalk Parade (7pm, June 13), preliminary competitions, and the finals at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. For ticket and more information call 856-424-3564
June 13-July 21
Ruth Draper’s ‘Company of Characters’
The East Lynne Theater, 500 Hughes St., Cape May, 609-884-5898, presents this ticketed ongoing theater event. Visit eastlynnetheater.org.
Sporting Events
May 19
2012 NJMP Rallycross
The New Jersey Motorsports Park (8000 Dividing Creek Rd.) Millville, 1-856-327-8000) presents this motorsports event. Individual adult tickets are $15 if purchased online, and will be $20 at the gate on the day of the event. For children under 12 years of age, tickets are $10 online and $15 at the gate. A Family 4-Pack (2 adults, 2 children) will only be $40 online and $60 at the gate.
May 21
Ron Jaworski Celebrity Golf Challenge
Regional Events held in Atlantic City and at Atlantic City Golf Course, 900 Shore Rd. and One Leo Fraser Dr. Northfield. Call 609-236-4415 for details.
May 26-May 27
State Gymnastics Championships
United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs will hold a gymnastics competition. Sat. and Sun.: 8:30am-8:30pm. $12 for adults, $6 for children. At Wildwoods Convention Center. Visit usaigcnj.com.
May 28-June 3
ShopRite LPGA Classic
The Seaview Resort in Galloway hosts this Ladies Golf event. Good-Any-Day Grounds Ticket for $15; Weekly Grounds Pass for $30; Weekly Clubhouse Pass for $60 (provides access inside Seaview Resort). Times vary each day. Call 609-383-8330.
June 10-11
Playboy Golf Scramble
A Playboy Golf Party at The Pool at Harrah’s Sunday, registration at Ballamore Golf Club is 11:30am on Monday. Call 973-287-6288 or see playboygolf.com.
June 16
ESA Surf Contest (Ocean City)
Registration at 7am at 7th Street Beach. First heat in the water at 8am. Sign up the morning of the contest, if your membership is expired or if you are a new member, you may renew or join on the beach (no wave date: June 23). For more information call 609-884-5277 or visit snj.surfesa.org.
Walks/Marathons
May 12
10th Annual Shirley Mae Run & Michael J. Walk
(Tropicana Casino Resort, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City) More than 250 breast cancer survivors will gather to kick off the walk. The event begins with a survivor breakfast honoring South Jersey breast cancer survivors. After opening ceremonies, more than 2,000 participants and spectators will congregate on the Boardwalk in front of the Tropicana for the Shirley Mae 5K Run and the Michael J. 1.5 Mile Walk, along with a Kids Fun Run. Registration opens 7:30am, Run & Walk starts at 9:10am followed by the Kids Fun Run. 609-822-7172. shirleymaefund.org.
May 19
American Heart Association Heart Walk
Registration begins at 9am at the Sports & Civic Center, 6th & Boardwalk, walk begins at 10:30am. For more information call 856-546-5600.
May 19
South Jersey Walk-A-Thon
Hosted by Good Counsel Homes of South Jersey. Walk-a-thon on the Wildwoods Boardwalk. Registration from 8:30am-10am on the Boardwalk just south of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Walk begins at 10am. The walk-a-thon route will head north on the Boardwalk for 14 blocks and then return south on the Boardwalk to the starting point. Event ends at noon. For information call 609-465-7765 or visit goodcounselhomes.org.
May 19
Miles for Melanoma 5k Run & Walk in Memory of Andrea Sheridan
Registration at 9am, run begins at 10am at 34th Street Beach, Ocean City. Registration fee is $25 if registered online before May 12, $30 day of event. For more information call 717-538-4359 or visit blackoutmelanoma.com
May 20
Ocean City Triathlon/Duathlon
For more information call 609-398-6900 or e-mail Lrumer@ocnj.us.
May 20
Walk for Lupus Now South Jersey
Includes 2-4k walk on the Boardwalk. Register at the 6th Street practice field, off the Ocean City Boardwalk. Registration begins at 9am, walk begins at 10am. For more information call 302-622-8700 or walkforlupusnowsouthjersey.org.
June 3
Mitchell McAllister O.C. Walk
Registration begins 8:30am at 6th Street practice field. Walk in memory of teen Mitchell McAllister and help raise funds to support Emmanuel Cancer Foundations Direct Service Programs. Proceeds will support families in South Jersey who are faced with the challenges of caring for a child with cancer. For more information call 856-853-4803 or visit emmanuelcancer.org
Art Exhibits/Tours
To May 13
Lance Balderson: ‘Abstractions’
Address: Noyes Museum of Art: 733 Lily Lake Rd., Oceanville
Phone: 609-652-8848
Admission: Adults $5, seniors (65 and older) $4, students with ID $4 (Stockton students free), children (6 and under) free. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am-4:30pm. Extended hours Thurs. until 8pm, Sun. noon-5pm.
To May 27
George Nick: ‘The End of the Road’
Noyes Museum (See location and price details above)
To May 20
‘Alice: Into the Looking Glass’
Noyes Museum of Art (See above)
Ongoing Thursdays
Roaring ’20s Tour
Address: Great American Trolley Company, Atlantic City
Phone: 1-800-4-TROLLY
Admission: Adults $25; Children (5-10 yrs) $20. Under 5, free.
Hours: 10:15am-2:30pm
Plus, the Atlantic City Triathlon, the Album of the Week (Bob Dylan's superb 'Tempest') and Drew Toonz.
This year’s Multi-Cultural Heritage Festival weekend gave us an early start to what Mayor Langford anticipates as a great summer season.
Renaming the venue North End American Grill, they soon recognized that it would need until the following summer to fully complete their revitalization. Friday, June 1, will mark a milestone for them, with an invite-only Grand Opening event scheduled for 5-7pm.
An entertainment classic never goes out of style — especially with casinos and the people they attract. That seems to be the booking strategy at several Atlantic City casinos as they scramble to complete their spring and summer lineups. What had already been shaping up to be a strong season for shows is now on the verge of becoming the biggest and most diverse collection of attractions the city has seen since the dice began rolling down the Boardwalk 34 years ago.
What's happening at Atlantic City casino lounges, nightclubs and dance clubs each week
In addition to the area’s beautiful beaches and busy boardwalks, as part of the scenic Garden State, southern New Jersey has a number of parks and picturesque wildlife reserves for you to explore as you re-discover the concept of ambulatory movement.
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1. dinnylynne said... on May 3, 2012 at 12:52AM
“AtlanticCity is the true jewel of each coast. The ocean, beaches, boardwalk, casinos, fishing, shopping, etc. Now we need the powers to be to recognize that our allies across the pond would love to dock their crusise ships at an AC port and come to enjoy our city and spend their money here. Re-create an amusement pier of quality that families would ejnoy. And please, place brighter lighting along the boardwalk. Each street should have a little kioosk type vending with each states' souvenir items inside for purchase. Maybe even photo's of their sports teams, previous Miss Americas, We can and should do so much more with the natural elements AC has over any other gambling town! DO AC....more!”