Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner. It’s that time when everyone heads down the shore and the summer season officially kicks off. For many, it’s more than just a holiday; it’s a long weekend full of fun and memories. To help you plan your holiday, here are exciting activities to do this memorial day weekend.
Wildwoods “Flag of Liberty”
Date & Time: May 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Wildwoods Convention Center
Wildwood will honor fallen veterans during the Flags of Liberty event. More than 100 families will gather at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to proudly unfurl their loved ones’ casket flags. The ceremony will move to the Boardwalk, where participants will form a chain of American flags as a moving tribute. The event will include speeches, the Posting of the Colors with bagpipes, and patriotic songs. Families who register will receive a commemorative T-shirt and pin. If you’d like to take part in the tribute and honor a veteran by unfurling a casket flag in their memory, you can register here.
The New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Date & Time: May 24- May 25, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Columbus, NJ
Cost: $10–$30
Grab your tunic and get ready for the NJ RenFaire. This Renaissance Faire features jousting, fire breathing, live performances, and artisan markets.
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival
Date & Time: May 23, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach
The annual celebration begins Saturday, May 24, with the Memorial Day Parade down Ocean Avenue, led by Grand Marshal Army Corporal Richard James Henkel. After the parade, the Boardwalk Festival takes over with 60+ vendors, food, and live music all weekend long. Saturday’s performances include the Mike Kaplan Big Band and Little x Little, while Sunday brings DJ Jay and a 4 p.m. show by Pat Roddy at Riley Park. On Memorial Day, May 26, the community will gather at 11 a.m. in Riley Park for a tribute featuring guest speaker BBPD Lt. Anthony Murray and a peaceful dove release to honor fallen soldiers.
Tour of Somerville
Date & Time: May 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Somerville
The Tour of Somerville returns this Memorial Day, bringing fast-paced bike racing through the streets of Downtown Somerville. While cyclists fly past, locals set up BBQs along the back straight and grab bites from nearby restaurants and food trucks. Kids can check out the DSA Community Zone, complete with bounce houses and a mini bike course. It’s high energy, good vibes, and 80 years of history, all packed into one day.
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Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Date: May 23 – 26
Location: 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
Feast your eyes on hundreds of colorful kites flying over the shores of Wildwood. This year’s kite festival features illuminated night flights, large inflatables, kite games, and a World Indoor Kite Exhibition.
Collingswood May Fair
Date & Time: May 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 601 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ
This fair stretches a mile in historic Collingswood. Event goers will enjoy live music, food courts, art exhibits, and a classic car show up and down Haddon Avenue.
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
Date: May 24 – 26
Location: Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport Ave, Oceanport, NJ
Cost: $6
Food trucks are all the rage these days, so you know we had to include a food truck fest. The Jersey Shore festival will feature 35 food trucks, live music, horse racing, and family fun over Memorial Day weekend.
Seaport Craft Show
Date & Time: May 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Huddy Park, 329 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ
Jewelry, gifts and crafts, oh my! More than 60 artisans will be at this year’s Seaport Craft Show for you to peruse. This rain or shine event is perfect for those with an artsy eye.
Art in the Park
Date & Time: May 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Rain or Shine)
Location: West End Park, Brighton Ave, Long Branch, NJ
This annual art event showcases local artists in mediums like sculpture, ceramics, photography, and mixed media. You don’t want to miss this.
Cape May Music Festival
Date: May 25
Location: Rotary Park (rain location Convention Hall)
Cost: free
The Atlantic Brass Band, led by Salvatore Scarpa, will close out Memorial Day Weekend with a lively concert of American classics. The performance is co-sponsored by Cape May MAC and the City of Cape May.
Resorts Casino Hotel’s Annual Beach Ball Drop
Date & Time: May 23, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Resorts Casino Hotel
Resorts Casino Hotel is kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a bang. Head to the Atlantic City Boardwalk for live music, model painting, and giveaways—all leading up to the epic Beach Ball Drop at 5 p.m., when 5,000 beach balls will come raining down to officially welcome summer. The fun starts at noon with the Opening of the Sea ceremony and a set from Sidestory. There will also be a grand opening of Let’s Glow, a summer pop-up bar with dancers, face painting, and a live DJ.
Collingswood May Fair
Date & Time: May 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: 678 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108
Collingswood will be buzzing with more than 200 artists and crafters lining a mile of Haddon Avenue. You’ll hear live music on multiple stages while the kids have a blast in the KidZone with rides, games, and crafts. Food courts will dish out everything from pulled pork to delicious desserts, and a classic car show will add to the fun vibe. Don’t miss the Collingswood Farmers Market, where you can grab Jersey Fresh produce and flowers. This one’s happening rain or shine!
EDP Memorial Day Classic 2025
Date & Time: May 24 – 25
Location(s): Green Branch Park, Pittsgrove, NJ; Friendship Fields, Bordentown, NJ; Maria Gatta Sports Complex: Oceanport, NJ; Capelli Sports Complex, Tinton Falls, NJ
This Memorial Day youth soccer tournament has been all the rage since they started doing it in 2020. Witness some of the best soccer teams from 8U-19U face off in a series of bracket style tournaments. Have a team yourself? You can still register to compete! View the full schedule, locations and more information on the EDP Memorial Day Classic here.
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
Date & Time: May 23, 5:30 p.m.
Location: Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park, NJ
Any Dead Heads looking for something to do this Memorial Day Weekend? This is a no brainer. Joe Russo’s Almost Dead puts on a rocking show covering the music of the Grateful Dead, and they’re coming to the Stone Pony Summer Stage. Spend a day at the beautiful Asbury Park beach before taking a short stroll over to the Pony where you’ll catch a full set of all of your Grateful Dead favorites.
Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns
Date & Time: May 23, 24 and 25 (varying times)
Location(s): B2 Bistro & Bar, Bayville, NJ; Surf City Hotel, Surf City, NJ; Sea Shell, Beach Haven, NJ
This cover band is a Jersey Shore favorite for their electrifying sets and unmatched energy. Shorty Long shows are always a party thanks to frontman Richard “Shorty Long” Tisch, whose masterful keyboard skills and established stage presence is a must see. With the Jersey Horns backing him up, Shorty Long has become a legend in these parts over the last 20 years!
Farmingdale’s 52nd Annual Memorial Day Parade
Date & Time: May 26, 1 p.m.
Location: Main Street, Farmingdale, NJ
Historical Farmingdale will host its 52nd MDW parade, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Beginning at 11 a.m. is the Main Street market, which brings some shopping fun to the patriotic town tradition. At 11:30 a.m., a veteran memorial ceremony will be held at the nearby Farmingdale War Memorial at Lutz Park. Streets leading into town close at noon, so plan accordingly. Planning on visiting? Check their page for more information.
Emo Night
Date & Time: May 23, 8 p.m.
Location: Anchor Rock Club, Atlantic City, NJ
Head to AC for a night filled with your favorite angsty tunes from the 2000s. DJ David Earl and Karle Gwen will be spinning some of the best music from the era all night long. We’re talking My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy and SO much more. The best part? It’s completely FREE.
Diva Royale Drag Queen Dining
Date & Time: May 23, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Tropicana Casino and Resort, Atlantic City, NJ
Dine with The Divas at this drag event. Every Saturday for the rest of 2025, Diva Royale is hosted at the Tropicana Casino. It’s the hottest dining event in town. More info here.
Tropicana Atlantic City 2025 Summer Fireworks
Date & Time: May 24, 10 p.m.
Location: Tropicana Casino and Resort, Atlantic City, NJ
Obviously, it’s not a truly patriotic weekend without some fireworks, right? This fireworks show kicks off under the moonlight, sending dozens of pyrotechnics into the night sky. The show is visible from the AC beach and boardwalk, so you can catch the fun from anywhere in town.
Z100 Jumpstart To Summer Concert
Date & Time: May 23
Location: Jenkinsons Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Lil John is headlining this must-see concert on the Jenkinsons Boardwalk. No RSVP needed, just show up and catch a full day of dance-worthy tunes. Show up early for a good spot–this is bound to be a packed event. More info here.
Guided Wine Tasting at Old York Cellars
Date & Time: May 24 – 25, 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Old York Cellars, Ringoes, NJ
Maybe the usual Memorial Day Weekend beer isn’t your thing—Old York Cellars has you covered. Wine lovers will experience an expertly guided wine tasting of award-winning wines from the premises. From full-bodied Cabernet to crisp Riesling, Old York Cellars has a bit of everything you’re looking for.
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