10 Memorial Day Weekend Events at the Jersey Shore

Celebrate the unofficial start of summer in the beach town of your choice.

The Wildwoods International Kite Festival
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival promises fun for the whole family. Photo: Courtesy of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority

This Memorial Day weekend, kites soar above the Shore, music fills the salt air and shopping opportunities abound.

Makers + Shakers Pop-Up Retail Experience

May 27–Sept 25: The creatives behind the popular Asbury Park Bazaar series invite visitors to Long Branch to browse a rotating selection of handcrafted, locally made goods. Makers + Shakers will be located next to Wave Resort in the heart of Pier Village. Thursday–Sunday, 11 am–6 pm.

Wildwoods International Kite Festival

May 28–31: Head to the beach at Rio Grande Avenue for this free annual spectacle. Weekend festivities include an illuminated kite fly at night, sport-kite demonstrations, family games and auctions. Monday features the World Indoor Kite exhibition at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Concerts on the Green

May 28–30: Earlier this month, the Count Basie Center for the Arts kicked off this outdoor concert series at the Suneagles Golf Club in Eatontown. This weekend, experience the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Septet, with Wynton Marsalis on Friday and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes on Saturday and Sunday.

Opening Day at Monmouth Park

May 28: Live horse-racing returns to Oceanport for Memorial Day weekend. The first race starts at 5 pm. Parking and admission are free.

Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes

May 29: The sand course features Navy SEAL–approved obstacles. The main competition is followed by a kids’ fun run. All proceeds benefit 31 Heroes, an organization that supports service members, veterans and their families. 7 am–noon. 

Cape May Music Festival

May 30–June 27: This fest presents classical, chamber, jazz and more. Most concerts take place outdoors at the Emlen Physick Estate. The series kicks off with a free performance by the Atlantic Brass Band at the Rotary Bandstand on May 30 at 7 pm. $20–$25 per concert. 

Wildwood Memorial Day Parade

May 30: The parade steps off at the corner of Oak and Pacific Avenues and ends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Burk and Ocean Avenues. Lineup begins at 6 pm. Candlelight vigil to follow.

Highlands Craft Show

May 30: Find a delightful array of handmade crafts at this rain-or-shine bazaar at Huddy Park. More than 50 artisans will sell their works from 10 am to 4 pm.

Vietnam Era Museum Reopens

May 31: The Holmdel-based museum reopens for the first time in 14 months on Memorial Day from 10 am to 2 pm. Timed tickets purchased in advance are required. In the museum, guests can visit “As You Were: Stephen Warner – Words and Images from Vietnam,” a collection of photographs, letters and journal writings from the veteran and Skillman native. Tour guides will be on site. Outdoors, stop by the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial.

Margate Mothers’ Association Annual Memorial Day Parade

May 31: Uniformed groups and decorated bikes/strollers will march in this short procession, stepping off at the corner of Winchester and Union Avenues and ending at the All Wars Memorial at Mansfield Avenue. Ceremony at the memorial to follow.

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