With our list of Cape May fall festivals, summer is the only time to visit! Let the festivities begin as the leaves change colors. There are plenty of Oktoberfest activities, history-themed weekends, and jazz festivals in Cape May, NJ, to keep you hopping along. We also have several festivals to celebrate the fall for some good ol’ outdoor fun!
If you are planning a visit, book early! Many others will be making a leaf-peeping drive to the end of the New Jersey Turnpike, too! In addition to the festivals and splendor of colors, autumn is also one of the best times of year for bird and whale watching!
So, whatever events pique your interest, grab your planner and pack your luggage for a spectacular autumn getaway. We’ve compiled a guide to all the best Cape May fall festivals.
Airfest 2024
August 29 – September 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Naval Airstation Wildwood Aviation Museum | 500 Forrestal Rd, Cape May, NJ
Come and see the Classic Jet Aircraft Association flying in, landing, and doing a meet and greet with the crowd. Visit the museum and enjoy live music, food, drink, vendors, and more.
Revolutionary and Civil War Encampment
September 7 & 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cold Spring Village | 733 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ
Come see authentically clad and equipped American Revolution and Civil War reenactors bring history to life. On both days, Historic Cold Spring Village will feature encampments, weaponry, and demonstrations.
Harvest Brewfest
September 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Emlen Physick Estate | 1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ
Come and join us in celebrating all things local, especially craft beer! There will be local artisans, musical talent, and food! Proceeds assist with the restoration of the Emlen Physick Estate.
Oktoberfest
September 28, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Carpenters Lane between Ocean, Perry, and Jackson Streets, Cape May, NJ
See a block of Cape May transformed into a Bavarian beer garden with authentic German music, food, and crafts. Who doesn’t love a great Oktoberfest oompah band?
Cape May Victorian Weekend
October 11-14, All Day
Emlen Physick Estate | 1048 Washington St, Cape May, NJ
Come to Cape May Victorian Weekend and learn more about our history and culture through various entertaining exhibits and activities. You can also visit a large craft and collectibles fair.
Lima Bean Festival
October 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Backyard Park | 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ
The lowly legume is featured in a multitude of new and inventive ways in recipes, crafts, and products. Are you intrigued? Come and check out the Lima Bean Festival.
Pumpkin Festival
October 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cold Spring Village | 733 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ
The Annual Pumpkin Festival is a family-friendly event celebrating all things pumpkin. Enjoy pumpkin painting and games. Visit the crafters. Hot dogs, funnel cakes, and other fun food are available throughout the event. Don’t miss the children’s Halloween parade at 11 a.m.!
Annual Ghoul Spring Village Weekend
October 18-19, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cold Spring Village | 733 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ
Historic Cold Springs Village is sponsoring a family-friendly haunted walk-through for the weekend. Please note that the only entrance for this experience is from Seashore Road.
Cape May Fall Festival
October 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | October 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | October 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cape May Convention Hall | 714 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ
Sponsored by the New Jersey Audubon Society, the Cape May Fall Festival includes an exhibit hall full of artists, publishers and magazines, international touring companies, and Nature Nick. Sign up for field trips, trolley trips, and boat trips. Free and fun for the whole family.
Exit Zero Jazz Festival
October 25-27, 12 to 6 p.m.
Cape May Convention Hall | 714 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ
Check the schedule for artists at multiple additional local venues.
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival is back! Evening headliners include Christian McBride and Ursa Major, The Cookers, Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix, Keyon Harrold Presents “Foreverland,” and Nduduza Makhathini. This year, all performances are indoors, primarily at the Convention Hall and numerous clubs throughout Cape May.
Fall Crafts and Collectibles
November 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cape May Convention Hall | 714 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ
Get a headstart on your holiday shopping! This Fall’s Crafts and Collectibles Show, housed in the Cape May Convention Hall, will feature a large selection of highly qualified North East craft and antique dealers.
Wow! There is something for everyone this fall, so visit Cape May, New Jersey, to avoid missing out on all the fun. Take a careful look at the guide for fall festivals in Cape May, NJ, pick your favorites, and book your room in advance. We can’t wait to see you this fall.
Photo Credit:
© IOFOTO via canva.com
© Mark Castiglia via canva.com
