Nothing says fall like drinking a warm cup of apple cider while perusing your favorite local vendors at a street festival. Here are some of the season’s must-attend festivals – and even better, they’re all down the Shore.
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
5th to 14th Streets, Ocean City
October 8: 9 am to 5 pm
Free admission
oceancityvacation.com
Highlights: More than 400 crafters, food vendors and music; entertainment and fireworks on the boardwalk
Atlantic City Seafood Festival
Bader Field on Albany Avenue, Atlantic City
September 10: 11 am to 7 pm
September 11: 11 am to 6 pm
Cost: $5 admission; children 12 and under are free
acseafoodfest.com
Highlights: Live sand sculpting, cooking demos, live music, wine seminars and tastings, chowder cook-off, stand-up paddle board race
Irish Festival
Historic Smithville Village, Smithville
October 8 & 9: Begins at 10 am
Free admission
colonialinnsmithville.com
Highlights: Live Irish music, Irish market, Irish dancers
Harvest Festival
96th Street Shopping District, Stone Harbor
October 22: 11 am to 5 pm
Free admission
www.stoneharborbeach.com
Highlights: Hayrides, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating in Stone Harbor shops
Boots at the Beach Country Music Festival
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
September 16 & 17: 10 am to 10 pm
Free admission
bootsatthebeach.com
Highlights: Performances by Shot of Southern, Steel Creek and Philbilly; food vendors
Photo by Gerry Pagano
Dragon Boat Festival
1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May
September 24: 9 am to 5 pm
Free admission
capemaydragonboat.com
Highlights: A 200-meter race; equipment is provided
Fall Family Festival Antique Auto Show & Parade
29th Street to JFK Boulevard & Promenade, Sea Isle City
September 18: 9 am to 1:30 pm
Free admission
visitsicnj.com
Highlights: Live music, vintage cars and trucks, food and drinks
Annual Island Pumpkin Fest
Fox Park, Wildwood
October 30: 10 am to 4 pm
Free admission
wildwoodsnj.com
Highlights: Costume contest and parade, live entertainment, hay rides, kids’ activities, craft and food vendors
The Lima Bean Festival
Wilbraham Park, West Cape May
October 8: 9 am to 5 pm
Free admission
capemay.com
Highlights: Lima bean-themed recipes, crafts and products; live entertainment
Waves and Wheels Festival
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
September 9: 3 pm to 9 pm
September 10: 10 am to 10 pm
Free admission
wavesandwheelsfest.com
Highlights: Food trucks and live music performances
Holiday Celebration of Arts and Crafts
The Music Pier, Ocean City
November 12 & 13: 10 am to 5 pm
Free admission
oceancitycraftshows.com
Highlights: Artists, crafters and bakers with a variety of ornaments, decorations and food
