What to Look Forward to at the Jersey Shore This August

Summer might be winding down, but the action along the coast certainly isn't. Keep the fun going at these nine one-of-a-kind events.

jersey shore events august highlands
Photo by Ken Braswell, ShoreGrafx Photography

Summer isn’t over yet! There’s still plenty of fun to be had down at the Shore, with food festivals, concerts and more taking place all throughout August. Make the most of the month and mark your calendar for these exciting upcoming events. 

Highlands 26th Annual Clam Festival

Aug 6–8: Get your seafood fix from local vendors as they cook up fresh catches at this free three-day festival. Other highlights include live entertainment, a beer, wine and sangria garden, clam-shucking competition and non-seafood dishes for landlubbers. Huddy Park; Friday, 6–11 pm; Saturday, noon–11 pm; Sunday, noon–8 pm.

Ocean City 58th Annual Boardwalk Art Show

Aug 6–8: The Ocean City boardwalk becomes a makeshift museum as prominent artists from up and down the East Coast set up shop for the weekend. Expect to find fine art for reasonable prices at this longstanding event. 8th Street to 13th Street; Friday and Saturday, 10 am–8 pm; Sunday, 10 am–6 pm.

6th Annual Wildwood Beach Baseball Tournament

Aug 6–8, 13–15: For a change of scenery, this two-week tourney takes the national pastime out of the ballpark and onto the beautiful beaches of Wildwood—specifically the stretch of sand behind the iconic Wildwoods sign at Ocean and Rio Grande Avenue. It’s free to watch, and there will be food, merchandise and activities for kids. A home run derby starts at 6 pm both Fridays.

13th Annual ALO Longboard Classic

Aug 7: Watch as skilled surfers ride unmodded, pre-1967 boards in this retro-themed competition. While they catch some waves, enjoy music, food and more. Proceeds help fund free programming and events organized by Ship Bottom–based nonprofit Alliance for a Living Ocean. 68th Street Beach; 8 am–4 pm. 

45th Anniversary IAATO Italian Festival

Aug 11–15: This free, five-day celebration of all things Italian is equal parts delicious food and wholesome family fun, including a fireworks display Friday night at 9. Joe Palaia Park; 5–11 pm daily.

18th Annual Atlantic City Airshow

Aug 18: Vicariously live out your Top Gun fantasies at Atlantic City’s most high-flying event. This year, the headlining U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will debut a new demonstration for the first time in nearly four decades. Supporting acts include the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, the U.S. Army Parachute Team (aka the Golden Knights) and the GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team. 11 am; free.

Barefoot Country Music Fest

Aug 19–22: Jersey goes country as this music festival takes over the beaches of Wildwood for three full days of summer fun. Things kick off Thursday at 6 pm with a performance by Lee Brice and more; Thursday-only tickets are available for $39. The rest of the fest will feature other big-name acts including Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. 1 pm; ticket prices vary.

Cape May Lighthouse Full Moon Climb

Aug 22: Catch full moon fever as you take part in this rare opportunity to climb Cape May Lighthouse after dark. 199 steps are all that stand between you and a nighttime vista seen from over 150 feet in the air. 8 pm; adults, $20; children 3–12, active military and veterans, $10. Tickets must be purchased onsite the night of.

jersey shore events august wildwood

Photo courtesy of The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority

Wildwoods Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks

Through Sept 3: What’s summer without fireworks? Wildwood puts on an impressive display every Friday night at 10. The show is visible from anywhere on the boardwalk, so find a secluded spot, sit back and watch the sparks fly.

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