The start of the tourism season in the Wildwoods is upon us.
The Boardwalk is open for business, the rides are in operation and hotel/motel reservations, and rentals are strong.
The Wildwoods boast the most free events around, and, being only one tank of gas away from four major metropolitan areas, it’s a travel bargain.
It doesn’t matter what date you plan to vacation, or even if you’re only taking a quick weekend trip, there’s always something waiting for you to explore in the Wildwoods.

The free weekly events in the Wildwoods make every day a holiday and every night a Saturday night.
Every Monday, beginning June 25, you can find live entertainment at the Wildwood Crest Pier from 7:30– 9:30 p.m. and an Authentic Irish Pipe and Drum Brigade on the Boardwalk from 7:30 – 9 p.m.
On Wednesday nights, pack up your lawn chairs and take them over to the Gazebo at Ocean Avenue and Rambler Road in Wildwood Crest for the Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series. The Series runs from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. and showcases a wide variety of musical entertainment.
The weekend will seem to start early when you feel the excitement during Thursdays Boardwalk Family Fun Night, featuring a musical parade of clowns, stilt walkers, and giant colorful puppets that take over the Wildwoods Boardwalk from 7 – 9 p.m.

If the Boardwalk isn’t your speed, check out the Lou Boothe Amphitheatre located on 2nd Street and Ocean Avenue in North Wildwood.
Concerts are every Thursday and Saturday night at 8 p.m., an ideal way to unwind after a long day in the sun.
Every Friday night is like the Fourth of July in the Wildwoods. Beginning at 10:30 p.m., a fireworks extravaganza, featuring colorful displays of pyrotechnics accompanied by patriotic music simulcast on 98.7 The Coast radio will be a magical and memorable way to end your perfect vacation experience.
Sunday nights also bring musical entertainment to the Wildwoods beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Fox Park Amphitheater in Wildwood.

Throughout the summer you can find everything from major concerts to fun festivals, craft shows, and ecological programs.
Whatever your tastes and interests, you are sure to find something to experience in the Wildwoods.
On June 27-29, North Wildwood hosts their annual Original Italian-American Festival celebrating Italian heritage, food, and music.
On that same weekend, take a trip down the Boardwalk where the Boardwalk Craft Show will be held just south of the Wildwoods Convention Center.

July in the Wildwoods literally comes in with a BANG!
Check out the Cape May County Lifeguard Championships on the Beach at Rambler Road in Wildwood Crest.
Watch the county’s finest beach patrols compete in six different events as they try to claim the title, “champion.”
The following day is jam-packed with activities to entertain the whole family.
Starting with the Independence Day Parade in North Wildwood at 9 a.m., then head down to the Wildwoods Convention Center to browse through the Sports Card, Comic Book.
Beanie and Toy Expo that takes place July 4-6.
Wildwood Crest also holds their Fourth of July Freedom Festival on July 4-6, bringing: crafters, food, musical entertainment, and children’s activities to the community.
Top off your Fourth of July festivities with a brilliant fireworks display that lights up the sky, seen from every inch of the Boardwalk.

Another event not to be missed in the month of July is the New Jersey State BBQ Championships and Blues Festival in North Wildwood held on July 11-13.
The combination of smoky ribs and the soulful sounds of the Blues are sure to keep you coming back year after year.
Special events continue through the month of July with the Christmas in July Boat Parade on July 19 and the Mid-Summer Festival at the Gazebo in Wildwood Crest on July 26 - 27.

If a peaceful day away from is beach is what you’re after, head over the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse August 2 - 3. Not only can you climb the lighthouse and walk through the award winning gardens but you can also peruse through their weekend Craft Show.
Bring your family to be part of history on August 7 by watching or even participating in the 99th Annual Wildwoods Baby Parade. Dress up your children and deck out your strollers and wagons to stroll down the world famous Wildwoods Boardwalk.

The majestic Hobie Cats invade the waters of Wildwood on August 16 - 17. This is a colorful boating event that will leave you with beautiful pictures and memories to last a lifetime.
Visit Fox Park on August 23 for the Wildwood Block Party and Festival. Whether you come for the food, entertainment, or a genuine sense of community, this festival is a must-do on your vacation.
End the perfect summer with a bang on August 29 with the Labor Day Fireworks display over the beach that will leave you breathless.

The Wildwoods also hosts a vast number of events in September and October for the “second season,” starting with the Roar to the Shore Motorcycle Rally September 4-7, Mummers Sting Band Weekend September 6-7, the New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention September 11-13, the 15th Annual Boardwalk Classic Car Show and the Irish Festival both held September 18-21, Sunset Lake Seafarers Celebration September 20, An Olde Time Italian Festival September 26-27, and the Thunder on the Beach Monster Truck Races on September 26-28.
October brings crisp air and some news events as well as some old favorites. The Seafood and Jazz Festival will be held October 4 with Octoberfest on 11 and 12.
And don’t forget about the ever-popular Fabulous ‘50s Celebration October 17-19.

Each year, the Wildwoods add to an already expansive list of special events that provide families and individuals with a wide variety of entertainment and activities.
The full calendar of events and a listing of the Wildwoods Convention Center’s Oceanfront Arena Entertainment Series can be found by logging onto WildwoodsNJ.com, or by calling 800-WW-BY-SEA.