Updated for 2024-Summer is not only the perfect time to come and enjoy the pristine beaches, but if you check the schedule, you can also take in one of the fabulous and fun summer festivals in Cape May, NJ. Are you a lover of classical music? Or do you prefer rock? We have them all! Book early; our hotel fills up as fast as a pitcher at a beer festival.

Here is the lineup of the major summer festivals:

Cape May Music Festival

Time Frame: 30 days beginning around Memorial Day Weekend
Location: Multiple venues

The Cape May Music Festival has brought the sweet sounds of live music to the seashore for over 30 years. The music style includes classical, jazz, Americana, and the great American Songbook. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, a dozen or more concerts happen over several weeks. There are lunches, brunches, and outdoor concerts, something for every taste. Although most events require a ticket, check the schedule for the occasional free event.

Free Concerts at Rotary Park

Time Frame: Most Friday – Monday nights at 7 pm
beginning the 3rd week of June through the weekend after Labor Day
Location: Rotary Park, 400 Lafayette St, Cape May

Bring a blanket or a beach chair and enjoy free live music four nights a week during the summer at Rotary Park. Over four dozen concerts feature various artists, including pop, acoustic, country, Americana, and jazz.

Cape May Restaurant Week

Time Frame: First week in June
Location: Various restaurants; check the schedule

The first week in June is the much-anticipated Cape May Restaurant Week. For this event, several dozen restaurants put together a special multi-course menu, which is offered at a fixed price. Go to the website and check out the restaurants and their menus. Then, make your reservation online. Of course, once you get there, you are welcome to order directly from the menu, if you choose.

Cape May Strawberry Festival

Time Frame: First Saturday in June
Location: 732 W Broadway, West Cape May

The iconic strawberry, the base of summer’s favorite shortcake, is celebrated at the Cape May Strawberry Festival. You can get your fill of said shortcake and many other strawberry preparations. Over 100 vendors are expected (not all strawberry-related), so plan to exit with a full stomach and gifts for the folks back home.

Barefoot Country Music Fest

Time Frame: Third weekend in June
Location: On the beach at Wildwood

A short ride from Cape May is Wildwood, NJ, the home of the Barefoot Country Music Fest. The lineup of musicians is always top-notch, but once it’s over, you will appreciate the beauty and grandeur of Cape May.

4th of July Celebrations

Time Frame: Saturday before the 4th until the day after the 4th
Location: Various locations

Cape May comes alive for the 4th of July! The annual parade is always the Saturday closest to the 4th of July. It begins at 1 pm and takes place along Beach Avenue. On the 4th, fireworks are launched on the water a quarter mile from Congress Hall. On the Bayside of town, fireworks happen on the day before or after the 4th.

Cape May Baby Parade

Time Frame: Last Saturday in July
Location: Congress St and Beach Ave, Cape May

If you need to up your cuteness quotient, plan to come when you can see the Cape May Baby Parade. Participants must be under 12; prizes are awarded in categories like Beach Baby, Decorated in Fancy Dress, Walking in SuperHero Outfit, and Decorated Baby Carriage.

MidAtlantic Tournament

Time Frame: Third week in August
Location: Canyon Club Resort Marina

The Mid-Atlantic Tournament is one of the biggest fishing tournaments on the East Coast. Participants enter from all over the world. The minimum size blue marlin to win is 400 pounds and 102 inches! The stakes are high in this Calcutta-style tournament, with entry fees running as high as $32,000.

West Cape May Tomato Festival

Time Frame: Last Saturday of August
Location: West Cape May Backyard Park, 732 Broadway, West Cape May

New Jersey is well-known for blueberries and tomatoes; the West Cape May Tomato Festival celebrates all things “tomato.” Every vendor’s booth must have something tomato-related — a food product or merchandise. Who will be the most original?

Best Place to Stay

Where is the best place to stay to get your fill of beach and partake in one of our fantastic summer events and festivals in Cape May, NJ? Carroll Villa Hotel, of course! We will ensure you have a beach pass, towels, umbrella, and chair! Don’t forget all the ways to get out on the water. You will always come back to a super comfortable room, of course! Summer is always jam-packed, so make your reservations early!

Summer Festivals in Cape May NJ