Top 7 Events in Wildwood Crest for Summer 2019
Whether you imagine yourself creating precious memories with the family or cutting lose with good friends and a beer, this Summer is going to be awesome!
Wildwood Crest has an excellent calendar of events planned for the 2019 season, so grab your swimsuit and pack the car. Now is the time to head down the Jersey Shore!
Wildwoods International Kite Festival (May 24 – 27)
Held annually since 1986, The Wildwood International Kite Festival is now in its 33rd year and is going strong as the largest kite festival in North America. This event features kite makers from all corners of the globe showing off their most fantastic and colorful creations.
Things kick off Friday at noon with the Unlocking of the Ocean media event outside the Wildwoods convention center. Then the fun begins!
As always the kite sales tent will offer up totally unique and exciting flyables. Merchants will be vending sundry wares for the duration of the show. At 7pm on Saturday an kite festival auction (open to the public) will be held in the center, where they will be selling some masterpiece kites and in my experience it’s this aspect that makes the festival so unique.
If you’re looking for some fun after dark you won’t want to miss the totally enthralling 9p.m. Illuminated kite fly. The night sky comes aglow with breath-taking effect. Imagine the gentle sway of hundreds of kites against the soft-glow of the milkyway.
Saturday and Sunday will include the East Coast Stunt Kite Championships on the beach starting at 9am, in addition to several kite exhibits and workshops. Monday will center around the World Indor Kite Competition where fliers will demonstrate their mastery of flying a kite with no wind!
The event is free and takes place where Rio Grande Ave. meets the Beach, and at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Wildwood Beer Fest (June 8)
Beer lovers rejoice! This event, now in its 5th year, grants attendees access to 100+ craft brews. From hearty, bourbon barrel stouts to crystal clear German-style lagers (with no small amount of hopped-up IPAs), this event will have it all! Come get a sip of your of some local brews and possibly find your new all-time favorite.
The Cape May Brewers Guild will be putting on a live brewing demonstration which should be of interests to anyone looking to begin brewing at home.
Zip & Bounce will also be around with their Mobile Axe Throwing Lumberjack Challenge. So if you’ve seen heard about the newest trend of hurling hatchets while quaffing on some brewskis, but haven’t had the chance to try it, then this could be your chance.
Located in beautiful Fox Park, the festival is split into two sessions (12pm- 4pm / 6pm – 10pm) with tickets at the door selling at $45/each + sales & tourism tax. Attendees must be 21 years of age and all sales are final.
Downtown Wildwood Seafood and Wine Festival (June 15 – 16)
In its innagural year this festival promises to be quite the upscale event for all the wine afficiconados and foodies down the shore this summer.
Head over to the Garden/Tent area to enjoy locally-sourced wines and beers, offering an opportunity to meet with some of the vintners that make NJ one of the most unique in the growing regions in the world. Or enjoy some of the absolute best food trucks from the tri-state area alongside world-class gourmet artisan & seafood related vendors.
This one is for the whole family too! FREE activities for kids and family including (but not limited to) Corn Hole, Kam Jam, Lawn Jenga, Connect Four, Face Painting, and Bounce House for the kids.
While you’re here you’ll be sure to want to check out the wonderful downtown shops, bars, and restaurants.
Located at the Byrne Plaza at 3400 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Wildwood. Festivities will run from 2pm – 10pm on Saturday and Noon – 6pm on Sunday.
Anglesea Blues Festival and NJ State BBQ Championship (July 12 – 14)
Calling all the hoochie coochie men (and women) of Wildwood! Come get your mojo right at this awesome celebreation of smokin’ hot blues and lip smakin’ barbecue.
Get ready to stuff your face cause there will be nothing short of the world’s greatest mouth watering ribs, chicken, brisket, and pork, masterfully marinated and seasoned before being smoked to utter perfection.
Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society this competition draws a lot of talent from near and far. Only one team will reign supreme as groups from around the country compete for the top spot at this year’s championship. By the end of the weekend over $10,000 dollars in cash and prizes will be awarded to the very best BBQ’ers.
There will also be live cooking demonstrations, special displays, and an open air market with all the typical vendors. Not to mention the music which will feature top-knotch bluesmen from around the country.
Located 201 New Jersey Ave, the event is free to the public and all proceeds benefith the Anglesea Volunteer Fire Company.
Wildfest Food Truck and Music Festival (July 28)
Let the party begin! Foodies look no further for good eats this July because with over fifteen food trucks pulling into Fox Park you are going to have options! Indulge in the savory and sweet creations of some incredibly talented mobile chefs. Or relax with an ice cold lager as you take in the good vibes of some live music from the areas most popular bands.
Got kids? Well, they’ve got you covered as there is an entire area designated as the Kids Zone with activities and amusements for little ones of all ages. And for the young-at-heart they’ll have all the stuff needed to play a round of Knockerball… the bubble soccer game that is sweeping the nation!
For the shopaholics among us the event will feature quality vendors of everything from fine jewelry to bath and body to today’s hottest fashions. Can you say haute coture down by the shore?!
Located in beautiful Fox Park, the event will run from 4:00pm – 9:00pm and is FREE to the public.
Downtown Wildwood Inaugural Rib-Off Festival (August 3 – 4)
If you’re looking to munch on some quality grub while enjoying a day with the family down the shore, then this event might fit the bill. There will be over fifteen food trucks from the tri-state area in addition to several “smokers” with world-class BBQ for sale as they compete for the distinguished title of the Champion of the Best Wildwood Rib-Off Winner.
There will be plenty of vendors selling hand-crafted wares and items related to grilling ribs. The tent/garden area will have craft wine and beer for sale. Don’t forget to check back Sunday to witness history be made, as the judges painstakingly score the different contenders against a rigorous criterion.
This one is for the whole family! FREE activities for kids and family including (but not limited to) Corn Hole, Kam Jam, Lawn Jenga, Connect Four, Face Painting, and Bounce House for the kids.
Located at the Byrne Plaza at 3400 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Wildwood. Festivities will run from 2pm – 10pm on Saturday and Noon – 6pm on Sunday.
Parrothead Festival – Jimmy Buffett Tribute Beach Party (August 9)
Do you like piña coladas? Is your ideal meal a cheeseburger in paradise? Perhaps wasting away in Margaritaville doesn’t sound all that bad to you? If you answered yes to any of these question than we know where you will want to be this summer: the first annual Parrothead Festival!
Come decked in your most outrageous Parrothead gear.
That means ladies should come dressed in keeping with the tropical theme including lots of hula skirts, colorful leis, and brightly colored sundresses. Don’t forget to accessorize with parrot-themed jewelry, extravagant tropical sunglasses, and seashell or coconut brassieres .
Men should outfit themselves in getups just as wild as their female counterparts, if not just a touch zanier! You’ll see guys wearing hula skirts and seashell bras over t-shirts and shorts just like the ladies. If you’re looking for a less conspicuous look throw on a pair of boat shoes, your best Hawaiian shirt, and join the party.
THERE WILL BE PRIZES AWARDED FOR THE BEST/MOST OUTRAGEOUS PARROTHEAD OUTFIT.
Located in beautiful Fox Park this event is free and will run from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
