Fish lovers can slurp, shuck and sample their way through these seafood festivals.
Asbury Park Oysterfest
Sept 6-8: Indulge in finger-licking good grub at this three-day event that combines fresh fish, cold beer, live music and craft vendors.
Fri, 5-10 pm; Sat, 11 am-10 pm; Sun, 11 am-6 pm; $3. Bradley Park
Downbeach Seafood Festival
Sept 7: Get a taste of the sea from approximately 25 seafood restaurants, and drink up in the beer tent. Activities include a crab-cake eating competition, pet costume contest, the Atlantic City Aquarium’s touch tank, and a chowder cookoff benefiting the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
11 am-7 am; $10. Ski Beach, Ventnor
Festival of the Sea
Sept 21: Sample everything from lobster bisque to crab cakes, prepared by local restaurants. Non-fish options available. Shop at hundreds of vendor booths and enjoy live entertainment.
10 am-7 pm. Rain date, Sept 22. Arnold and Bay avenues, Point Pleasant Beach
Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival
Sept 29: This 10th annual seafood festival is fashioned after Ireland’s Galway Oyster Festival. Taste fare from Red Bank’s restaurants and hear live music on two stages.
Noon-6 pm. Rain date, Oct 6. White Street Parking Lot, Red Bank
Chowderfest Weekend
Oct 5-6: Bargain hunt and search for unique gifts under the big tents at the Merchant Mart on Saturday. Restaurants compete for best New England, Manhattan and creative seafood chowders on Sunday during the Cook Off Classic. Slurp up and cast your vote! Don’t forget to try the beer and hard ciders on tap.
Sat, 10 am-5 pm; free; Sun, 11 am-4 pm; $10-$65. Taylor Avenue Field, Long Beach Island
Avalon Seafood Festival
Oct 12-13: Sample delicious treats from the sea and shop at craft vendor booths.
10 am-5 pm. 30th Street Parking Lot
Indian Summer Weekend
Oct 12-14: Get your fill of fish from numerous seafood vendors serving up succulent bites all weekend long.
9 am-5 pm. Music Pier