28 Cool Things to Do During the Red Hot South Jersey Summer Ahead
While there are literally hundreds of cool events, concerts, restaurants and family friendly activities available in the region during the good old summertime, we have put together a list that highlights some of the very best ways to have fun this season —in no particular order.
1. Dave Matthews Band Caravan — Three days of music on three stages at Bader Field June 24-26, beginning at noon each day. A diverse lineup of musical acts will be featured, including a set by the Dave Matthews Band each night. Other performers include The Flaming Lips, O.A.R., Damian Marley, Dr. Dog, David Gray, Amos Lee and G. Love & Special Sauce. dmbcaravan.com
2. Red, White & Blueberry Festival — The 25th annual festival to celebrate all things blueberry takes place 10am-5pm on Sunday, June 26, at the Hammonton High School grounds on Old Forks Road, just off Rt. 30 (White Horse Pike) in Hammonton — the “Blueberry Capital of the World.” Admission and parking are free. hammontonnj.us
3. A Visit to the Golden Nugget — The Trump Marina has a new name and a new attitude. The new owners have promised something debuting each month. So far the casino has a new restaurant, The Chart House, and a new nightclub, the Red Room. Other developments this summer include a new steakhouse, Vic and Anthony’s, and the return of the popular cover band cavalcade Fakefest on the Deck (July 8-10). goldennugget.com/atlantic city
4. Cool Shows — Big shows at casino venues include Robert Plant June 25 at Borgata; Sade July 2 at Trump Taj Mahal; Rihanna with Cee Lo Green July 17 at Borgata; New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, Matthew Morrison July 29 at Boardwalk Hall; Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj Aug. 6 at Boardwalk Hall; and Trace Adkins and Kellie Pickler Sept. 2 at the Taj Mahal. See full list here.
5. Legends In Concert — Bally’s Atlantic City brings back the popular tribute show that always features Elvis July 2-Sept. 4 in the Palace Theater. Stars on tap in July are Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Jones, Donna Summer, Frank Sinatra, Madonna and Elvis Presley. August performances will feature Michael Jackson, Elvis, Jay Leno, Cher, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. ballysac.com
6. Free Music Series — Somers Point, Chicken Bone Beach, Mardi Gras on Boardwalk, International Nights, Atlantic City Summer Concert Series at Gardner’s Basin, etc.
7. Perez Hilton Party — In celebration of Gay Pride Week, Resorts will host a party with America’s best-known celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton, on June 27 at Resorts Superstar Theater, 8pm. It will also include the cast of Resorts’ acclaimed revue show Believe-Divas in a Man’s World, which features some of the country’s best female impersonators. Tickets are $55 or can be upgraded to VIP status for $25 more, which includes a one-hour meet and greet with Perez. 800-736-1420; ticketmaster.com
8. Cheap Eats — Since Atlantic City started its own successful restaurant week, which has taken place over the past few winters, Somers Point, Ocean City and Wildwood have followed suit. The Ocean City Restaurant Week takes places at participating dining spots in the family (and alcohol-free) resort June 20-26, offering two-for-one specials (eatinocnj.com). Wildwood’s Restaurant Weeks take place June 19-24 and Aug. 28-Sept. 2, featuring four-course dinners for $30 (wildwoodbythesearestaurantweek.com) or call 522-8300.
9. Historic Trolley Tours — Aching for the second season of Boardwalk Empire to begin on HBO this fall? The city’s Historical Museum (on the famed Garden Pier) is a must see for anybody interested in the resort town’s vibrant history. A selection of trolley tours includes the Roaring ’20s Tour. It is $24.95 plus fees; children ages 5-10, $19.95. 800-208-4421; atlanticcitytours.net
10. Balic Winery’s 9th Annual Summer Fest Gala — The multi-day event happens July 15-17 at Balic Winery on Rt. 40 in Mays Landing, and will feature an assortment of wine tastings, live entertainment, “European” food and more festival fun. Call 625-2166 or visit balicwinery.com
11. July 4 Fireworks — At 9:20pm, a spectacular fireworks display produced by “Fireworks by Grucci” will explode in the sky above Atlantic City’s Marina District, with another display starting 9:45pm along the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The show is open to the public with viewing areas at various casinos. Other local communities that will celebrate the July 4th holiday with a bang include Margate, Wildwood (which also has weekly fireworks on Friday in July and August), Ocean City, Avalon and Stone Harbor.
12. Night in Venice Boat Parade and Merchants of Venice Seafood Festival — Ocean City’s “Venice” weekend begins on Friday, July 15, with the Merchants of Venice Seafood Festival 5-9pm on Asbury Ave. between 6th-9th streets with food, entertainment and rides for the kids. The Night in Venice Boat Parade takes place Saturday beginning at 6:30pm, as decorated boats glide along a route on the bay from the Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue. 525-9300. ocnj.us
13. Club Piscopo and Three Circuses at Resorts — Scheduled to open July 4, Resorts’ new comedy club will be inside the old Starlight Theater and will feature young comics and live music, including jazz, according to Joe Piscopo himself, who came to town to announce the new club right before Memorial Day weekend. That same weekend, it was announced that not one, but three circuses will be coming to Resorts over the July 4 weekend: “The Great American Circus,” “Cirque Polynesian,” and an adult-only “Naked Circus.” resortsac.com
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