THE WILDWOODS

There’s so much fun to be had in NJ to mark the unofficial kickoff to summer, and after the year we’ve had, we’re ready to get outdoors and enjoy!

LOOKING FOR MEMORIAL DAY PARADES? SEE OUR FULL LIST

Summer Kick-Off Party
Friday, 6 pm
Belmar
Are you ready for summer? Belmar is hosting a Summer Kick-Off Party at the Pyanoe Plaza on Friday. Come with the family for a night of music and fun.

Wildwood International Kite Festival
Friday to Sunday, times vary
On the Beach at Rio Grand Avenue, Wildwood
Kicking off with an illuminated night kite fly at 9 pm on Friday, this weekend-long event is sure to entertain the family, and it is free to spectators. Stop by for the loud and silent auctions on Saturday, and check out the family games, sport kite demos, large inflatable kites, and more throughout the weekend,

Legoland: New York Preview Days 
Starting May 29
Goshen, NY
The long-awaited Legoland amusement park is finally open to visitors on May 29. You can book your tickets in advance to check out six of the seven slated lands for the park, including the MINILAND which features LEGO buildings of a lot of your favorite landmarks.

Intrepid Museum Memorial Day Weekend
May 28-31, 10am – 5pm
Intrepid Museum, NY
Throughout the weekend, explore a variety of displays, activities and demos from the military, including the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard. The weekend will conclude on Monday, May 31 with the Museum’s annual Memorial Day ceremony, which will be livestreamed for the public.

Memorial Day Weekend Carnival 
All weekend
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
There’s free admission to this carnival (ride tickets have a fee), so you can take the kids to ride some favorite attractions like the scrambler, eat a zeppoli and play some games of chance.

New Jersey Renaissance Faire
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
Liberty Lake, Bordentown Township
The New Jersey Renaissance Faire is back with its 11th season. Featuring merchants, food, and tons of exciting shows throughout the day, this weekend promises crazy entertainment for the whole family. Tickets (available for digital purchase only) are limited because of COVID protocols, so be sure to sign up soon if you are interested.

Home Opener/MDW Beer Fest
Saturday, 6 pm
Yogi Berra Stadium, Little Falls
The New Jersey Jackals play their first game of the season on Saturday. Beer Fest tickets are $45 and include a game ticket, all you can drink beer from 5 pm – 7 pm, a burger, and more. Be sure to stick around afterwards for the post-game fireworks.

Chester Food Truck and Music Festival
Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm
Municipal Field, Chester
This family-friendly fundraiser for the Chester First Aid Squad and the Chester/Mendham Food Pantry features 20 gourmet food trucks and a beer & sangria garden, and that’s just the start. There will also be face painting and inflatables for the kids, as well as vendors and live music. Admission is $5, and kids under age 10 get in for free. Attendees are also asked to bring a non-perishable canned or boxed good to help support the food pantry.

SIX FLAGS

XPedition Dino
Friday (daily through the end of June), various times
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Got a dinosaur lover at home? Good news! XPedition Dino at Six Flags begins on May 28! Drive or walk through the experience and meet 30 life-size dinosaurs, each with realistic movements and sounds! Registration is required in order to ensure Covid guidelines are met, so make sure to order your tickets online in advance.

Fireworks Display
Saturday, Dusk
Bryant Rd, Waretown
Nothing will get you in the summer spirit like this firework display over the Barnegat Bay! The show will begin at dusk on Saturday, with a rain date on Sunday at the same time.

Fire the Battleship’s Saluting Gun
Saturday (weekly), 12 pm – 2 pm
Battleship NJ, Camden
If you visit the Battleship, a non-profit museum and memorial, on Saturdays between noon and 2 pm, you’ll have the chance to pull the trigger and fire a salute. Guests who want to shoot the saluting gun may do so for a $50 donation which can be made either online or at the Ticket Office on Saturday morning.

Champagne Patio Garden and Fireworks
Sunday, open from 11:30 am – 11 pm
Renault Winery, Egg Harbor Township
If you’d like an adult-only experience this weekend, then be sure to check out Renault Winery’s champagne patio garden, featuring live entertainment, fire pits, and more. A special Memorial Day Weekend fireworks show will begin at 9 pm. Table reservations are recommended.

Memorial Day Ceremony
Battleship NJ, Camden
Monday, 10 am – 11 am
This memorial service will take place on the forward deck of The Battleship, and it will honor and remember the military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. This free event will include a live TAPS performance as well as the casting of a memorial wreath into the Delaware River. If you visit the Battleship on Saturday’s this summer, from 12-2 pm you can donate $50 and get a chance to fire the saluting gun.

Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, 11 am
4200 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood
This solemn service is for both residents and visitors of Wildwood. Through the ceremony, attendees will pay their respects to our veterans and active service persons, and recognize the sacrifices that they have made and continue to make for this country.

LOOKING FOR MORE MEMORIAL DAY PARADES? SEE OUR FULL LIST