How to spend Memorial Day weekend at the Jersey Shore

Escaping to the Jersey Shore to soak up the summer is a time-honored Philadelphia tradition. Whether you’re taking a day trip or extending your stay in the sun and sand, there are plenty of ways for you and the entire family to enjoy this kick-off to the summer season.

Pack up the car, load up on sunscreen and save space on your phone to document those iconic beach sunsets.

If you’re heading down the Shore this Memorial Day weekend and looking for something more than a beach day, here are some fun events to check out.

Looking for events in Philly? Check out our Memorial Day events calendar for Philly.

(Ocean City / community / in-person / kid-friendly / fundraiser) Think you could handle a Navy SEAL-approved obstacle course? Bring the whole family (younger members of the family can join the kids’ fun run) to the beach and try your luck with these two competitive events. The day closes with a Memorial paddle out with a special wreath-laying to honor fallen heroes. Proceeds from the event will benefit 31Heroes, which supports veterans and their families. (May 28, 7:30 a.m., 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, memorialbeachchallenge.com)

(Wildwood / art / in-person / community / kid-friendly) Shop unique pieces from dozens of local makers and vendors right on the boardwalk in Wildwood. Admission is free to explore a wide range of creative and high-quality handmade goods. Tents will be set up directly on the boardwalk just south of the convention center. (Free, May 28-29, 9 a.m-5 p.m., 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, boardwalkcrafts.com)

(Wildwood / festival / in-person / kid-friendly) The 36th-annual Wildwood Kite Festival, one of the largest in North America, features kites from makers across the globe. Whether you’re learning to fly a kite or are ready to sail the skies like a pro, there’s an activity here for you. You can buy yourself a kite, take part in the illuminated night kite fly, join in on silent auctions, and more. The festival ends with a World Indoor Kite Competition on Monday where competitors attempt to fly their kites with no wind. (Free, May 27-30, throughout Wildwood, wildwoodsnj.com)

(Atlantic City / party / in-person) Cruise into summer with this unforgettable yacht party. A live DJ will be on board providing the perfect background track while you dance and sail the marina. Bars on board will be cash-only, so plan ahead before you set sail. ($45, May 29, 8;30-11 p.m., 800 N. New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City, eventbrite.com)

(Wildwood / community / in-person) This drag show features some of Wildwood’s fiercest drag queens. Kick-off your Memorial Day weekend with the drag versions of Dolly Parton, Madonna, Beyoncé and many more. ($20, May 27-28, 7 p.m., 3700 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, eventbrite.com)

(Cape May / community / in-person) Head to Cape May for a ceremony honoring service members and fallen heroes. After the ceremony, join the Coast Guard as they present a rifle salute and launch a flower boat from the Gurney St. Beach in honor of fallen veterans. (Free, May 30, 11 a.m -1 p.m., 714 Beach Ave., Cape May, capemay.com)

(Barnegat / in-person / kid-friendly / outdoors) Barnegat is set to host its annual Memorial Day parade to kick off the summer season. The event concludes with a remembrance ceremony at the lighthouse. Attendees can throw flowers along the parade route in honor of fallen veterans. (Free, May 29, 6-7:30 p.m., W. 11th St., Barnegat, welcometolbi.com)

(Barnegat / art / in-person / community) Open rain or shine, there’s plenty to browse at this arts and craft pop-up. Shop handmade goods and antiques, and take advantage of the fresh produce stand and coffee bar. (May 29, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 19th St. and Bayview Ave., Barnegat, vikingvilliageshows.com)

(Atlantic City / in-person) Celebrate the start of summer and the grand opening of Bally’s new location with fireworks, live music, and giveaways. DJs spin all night, alongside live music acts, and there will be plenty of food and cocktail options. (Free, May 29, DJs, 1 p.m.-12 a.m., Fireworks, 9 p.m., 1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, ballys.com)

(Ocean City / in-person) You’ve never seen beachgoers quite like this. Participants in this plunge dress in business wear as they jump into the cool ocean water. A local band plays tunes to provide some background music for this epic sight. It’s a great chance to meet local business owners and celebrate the summer season in Ocean City. (Free, May 27, noon-1 p.m., Moorlyn Terrace St. Beach, Ocean City, oceancityvacation.com)

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