Things to Do Memorial Day Weekend in South Jersey (2026)

Looking for ways to kick off summer in South Jersey this Memorial Day Weekend? Whether you’re staying local, heading down the shore, or planning a long weekend with family and friends, there are plenty of events happening across the region.

From beach traditions and boardwalk events to local festivals, races, and meaningful Memorial Day ceremonies, here’s your guide to what’s happening in South Jersey and at the Jersey Shore for Memorial Day Weekend 2026.

Top Memorial Day Weekend Events

1. Wildwoods International Kite Festival

Wildwood Beach & Wildwoods Convention Center | 📅 May 22 to May 25, 2026

The Wildwoods International Kite Festival returns for its 40th year in 2026, bringing colorful kites, massive inflatables, team flying, family games, and the Friday night illuminated kite fly to the beach. The event begins Friday, May 22 at noon outside the Wildwoods Convention Center, with activities continuing throughout the holiday weekend. It’s free to attend and a fun pick for families, beachgoers, and anyone who enjoys a good “look up and pretend your neck doesn’t hurt” event.

2. Atlantic City Beach Ball Drop

Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City Boardwalk | 📅 Friday, May 22, 2026

Atlantic City is kicking off summer with the annual Beach Ball Drop at Resorts Casino Hotel. The free event includes live entertainment, giveaways, contests, the Opening of the Sea ceremony, and thousands of beach balls dropping onto the boardwalk at 5 p.m. It’s a lively way to start Memorial Day Weekend, especially if you’re looking for that full boardwalk energy.

3. Ocean City Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge

9th Street Beach, Ocean City | 📅 Friday, May 22, 2026 at 12 PM

Ocean City’s famous Business Persons Plunge is back for Memorial Day Weekend 2026. Participants dress in business suits, carry briefcases, and march into the ocean to officially welcome the summer season. It’s weird, very Ocean City, and honestly, kind of perfect. The event takes place at noon on the beach adjacent to the Ocean City Music Pier.

4. Collingswood May Fair

Haddon Avenue, Collingswood | 📅 Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10 AM to 5 PM

If you’re staying closer to home, the 45th Annual Collingswood May Fair is one of South Jersey’s biggest spring events. Haddon Avenue will be filled with art, music, food, shopping, and activities for all ages. The event spans more than a mile of the downtown business district, making it a great option for anyone who wants a festive day without heading all the way down the shore.

5. Ocean City Memorial Beach Challenge

9th Street Beach, Ocean City | 📅 Saturday, May 23, 2026

The Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes takes place on Saturday, May 23 at the 9th Street Beach in Ocean City. The event includes a soft sand obstacle course inspired by Navy SEAL style challenges, along with a kids’ fun run. Proceeds benefit 31Heroes, an organization supporting service members, veterans, and their families.

6. Stone Harbor Turtle Trot 5K

96th Street and First Avenue, Stone Harbor | 📅 Sunday, May 24, 2026

The Stone Harbor Turtle Trot 5K and 2 Mile Fun Walk is a Memorial Day Weekend tradition for runners, walkers, families, and beach lovers. The race begins at 96th Street and First Avenue, and a portion of the proceeds supports the Diamondback Terrapin Program at The Wetlands Institute.

7. North Wildwood Run to Remember

North Wildwood | 📅 Sunday, May 24, 2026

The Run to Remember returns to North Wildwood for its 9th annual event honoring veterans. The race is part of the Wildwoods’ Memorial Day Weekend lineup and gives participants a meaningful way to recognize those who served while enjoying a morning by the shore.

Memorial Day Ceremonies in South Jersey and at the Shore

Memorial Day Weekend is also a time to pause and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Several South Jersey and shore towns are hosting ceremonies on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Cherry Hill Memorial Day Ceremony

Cherry Hill Municipal Complex | 📅 Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10 AM

Cherry Hill will host its Memorial Day Ceremony at the Cherry Hill Municipal Complex, giving residents a local opportunity to gather, reflect, and honor fallen service members.

Evesham Township Memorial Day Ceremony

Evesham Township Municipal Complex, Marlton | 📅 Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10 AM

Evesham Township’s Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at the municipal complex on Tuckerton Road. The ceremony includes a tribute at the Veterans Peace Memorial and offers a meaningful way for Marlton area residents to observe the holiday.

Sea Isle City Memorial Day Ceremony

Veterans Park, JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue | 📅 Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10 AM

Sea Isle City will hold its Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park. The gathering will include local officials, veterans, religious leaders, and community members honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

North Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony

Veterans Memorial Park, Spruce and New York Avenues | 📅 Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10 AM

North Wildwood’s Memorial Day Ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. This ceremony offers a thoughtful way to begin Memorial Day before enjoying the rest of the holiday at the shore.

Cape May Memorial Day Ceremony

Soldiers and Sailors Park, Cape May | 📅 Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11 AM

Cape May will host its Memorial Day Ceremony at Soldiers and Sailors Park at 11 a.m. The ceremony is free to attend and honors fallen military members in one of the Shore’s most historic towns.

Ocean City Memorial Day Service

Veterans Memorial Park, Ocean City | 📅 Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11 AM

Ocean City will hold its Memorial Day Service at Veterans Memorial Park, followed by a National Moment of Remembrance on the Boardwalk at 3 p.m. It’s a fitting way to recognize the meaning of the holiday while spending the weekend in one of South Jersey’s most beloved beach towns.

Family Friendly Fun for the Weekend

Looking for something easy that the whole family can enjoy? Memorial Day Weekend is packed with options across South Jersey and the shore.

The Wildwoods International Kite Festival is a great pick for families, especially with its colorful beach displays, large inflatable kites, and kid friendly activities throughout the weekend.

The Collingswood May Fair is another strong option, especially if you want food, shopping, music, and local vendors without dealing with shore traffic.

In Ocean City, families can enjoy the boardwalk, rides, beach, Memorial Beach Challenge, and the classic Business Persons Plunge. It’s basically the unofficial “summer has entered the chat” weekend.

For a more relaxed shore day, Cape May, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City, and North Wildwood all offer beaches, shopping, dining, and walkable downtown or boardwalk areas.

Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore

Memorial Day Weekend is also a great time to enjoy South Jersey’s restaurants, wineries, breweries, and outdoor dining spots.

If you’re heading to the shore, consider making reservations early in towns like Cape May, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor, Wildwood, and Atlantic City. Holiday weekends fill up quickly, and nobody wants to spend their first summer weekend hangry!

If you’re staying inland, downtowns like Collingswood, Haddonfield, Medford, Moorestown, and Marlton offer plenty of local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and walkable areas to explore.

Make the Most of Memorial Day Weekend in South Jersey

Whether you’re honoring fallen heroes at a local ceremony, watching kites fly over the Wildwood beach, joining a boardwalk tradition in Ocean City, or enjoying a festival close to home, Memorial Day Weekend is one of the best times to experience South Jersey.

It’s the start of summer, the return of shore season, and a reminder of how much there is to enjoy right here in our area.

If you’re thinking about making a move in South Jersey, finding a shore getaway, or selling your current home, the Zielinski Real Estate Group is here to help. Reach out today for expert guidance on buying or selling real estate in South Jersey.