As winter’s frosty grip loosens and nature begins to awaken from its slumber, there’s no better place to embrace the beauty of spring than in Cape May, NJ. Renowned for its charming Victorian architecture, pristine beaches, and vibrant community, the many spring festivals in Cape May, NJ, capture the season’s essence.

You may think the Jersey Shore is just a summer destination, but there are intriguing and fun events and festivals every season. You can enjoy musical performances, birding festivals, and Restaurant Week in spring. It’s the perfect time of year to celebrate spring break! Here are the highlights in chronological order:

Spring Festivals in April

Exit Zero Jazz Festival

April 19-21, 2024
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival happens in spring and fall, creating two great opportunities to hear live music. Most of the festival has recently moved indoors, with the main acts performed at the Convention Hall. Other acts are split among the stages at Taco Caballito Taquileria, Carney’s Main Room, and Carney’s Other Room. Passes are available for the entire festival or individual days.

Crafts and Collectibles Fair

April 27, May 4, and June 15, 2024
Springtime brings three dates for the Crafts and Collectibles Fair sponsored by Cape May MAC. It is an opportunity to wander around the booths of many talented vendors throughout the Northeast. It’s a perfect way to spend a spring day.

Spring Festivals in May

World Series of Birding

May 11, 2024
The World Series of Birding is an opportunity to raise money and awareness for bird and habitat conservation. Put together a team, and, starting at midnight, log as many different species of birds either by sight or sound. The point is not really to win but to participate and gain more insight into the habits of migrating birds—and have some fun while you are doing it!

Jersey Cape Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival

May 11 & 12, 2024
The Jersey Cape Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival is premiering at Historic Cold Spring Village this spring. Don’t know what sea glass is? Gorgeous naturally weathered pieces of glass found along beaches. We are sure there will also be plenty of examples of Cape May diamonds.

Cape May Spring Festival

May 16-19, 2024
The NJ Audobon Cape May Spring Festival is a four-day festival dedicated to birds. Listen to birding seminars, join bird-watching groups, and meet others with the same interests in birds. The timing is perfect; it is the season for spring migration.

Cape May Music Festival

May 26 – June 23, 2024
The Cape May Music Festival is a month-long festival full of captivating classical and jazz music. Check the schedule for your favorite, but there are jazz brunches, Bach lunches, symphony concerts, and a brass band.

Spring Festivals in June

West Cape May Strawberry Festival

June 1, 2024
The West Cape May Strawberry Festival is a one-day extravaganza of arts, crafts, antiques, baked goods, and strawberries. Spend the day wandering through Wilbraham Park, replete with dozens of booths.

Cape May Restaurant Week

June 2-9, 2024
One of the highlights in our list of spring festivals in Cape May is Cape May Restaurant Week. It’s an exceptional opportunity to enjoy a special 3-course meal at some of your favorite Cape May restaurants at a special price. Who doesn’t love that? This event occurs both in the spring and fall, so check out the list of participating restaurants.

The Gardens of Cape May Tour

June 15, 2024
The Gardens of Cape May Tour is your opportunity to visit and enjoy public and private gardens during a time of year when you will find many blooms. Be inspired by the designs, and bring those ideas home to your garden.

Plan Your Spring Getaway Now

When the weather starts to warm up consistently, and bulbs are beginning to peek out from the ground, we all itch to get outside and spend time outdoors. Spring is the perfect time to plan to run your first 5K of the year, take up a new hobby, or visit one of the many spring festivals in Cape May, NJ. The Carroll Villa Hotel is the perfect choice of lodging for any of these pursuits, with a superb location close to the beach downtown and an iconic restaurant located onsite. You will love the modern amenities in this historic hotel.

2024 Spring Festivals in Cape May, NJ