top of page

highlights of this historic year
Spotlights on Signature Events, Stories & Experiences
The latest stories, announcements, and special content celebrating Cape May's trifecta of anniversaries in 2026. Explore in-depth posts on events, traditions, commemorative projects, and the people and moments that make this milestone year unforgettable.
Search


Blue Öyster Cult Closes Out the Cape May Summer Concert Series August 23rd
Classic rock legends Blue Öyster Cult close the 2026 Cape May Summer Concert Series on Sunday, August 23rd. The show takes place at Cape May Convention Hall beginning at 8pm. For over five decades, Blue Öyster Cult has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. One of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success, Blue Öyster Cult is often cited as a major
5 days ago


The Legendary Wailers Bring Reggae to Convention Hall August 9th
The Legendary Wailers bring their unique sound to the 2026 Cape May Summer Concert Series on Sunday, August 9th. Led by Julian “Junior” Marvin, The Legendary Wailers are dedicated to playing and singing Bob Marley’s songs the way the reggae icon intended them to be heard. The show takes place at Cape May Convention Hall, beginning at 8 pm. Julian Junior Marvin was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He moved to London as a child, where his family and the United Kingdom theatre commun
5 days ago


A.J. Croce Presents ‘Croce Plays Croce’ in the Cape May Summer Concert Series
Singer-songwriter A.J. Croce, son of the legendary Jim Croce, presents “Croce Plays Croce” in the Cape May Summer Concert Series on Friday, August 7th. The show, a special night of music featuring a complete set of classics by his late father, some of A.J.’s own tunes, and songs that influenced both him and his father, takes place at Cape May Convention Hall beginning at 8pm. Jim Croce was an American folk singer with a short-lived professional recording and touring career,
Jul 15


The Spinners Bring Smooth Harmonies to the Cape May Summer Concert Series
The Spinners, one of the most successful and beloved vocal groups in R&B history, perform in the Cape May Summer Concert Series on Sunday, August 2nd. The show takes place at Cape May Convention Hall beginning at 8pm. With a career that spans more than six decades, The Spinners created a catalog of songs that remains a cornerstone of classic soul music. The group’s greatest commercial success came during the 1970s when the group teamed with producer Thom Bell. Together they
Jul 15


Revolutionary Lives Traveling Exhibit on Display at Cape May Community Center
The City of Cape May will host the RevolutionNJ traveling exhibit Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now starting July 10th and continuing through July 24th. This engaging experience highlights the often-overlooked stories of everyday New Jerseyans whose lives, labor, and choices shaped the Revolutionary era and continue to inspire civic engagement today. New Jersey's diversity mirrors its Revolutionary narrative. Like today, the state was a rich mi
Jul 8


Joan Osborne Presents Relish Live at Cape May Summer Concert Series
As America marks its 250th anniversary and Cape May celebrates 175 years as a city and 50 years as a National Historic Landmark, multi-platinum singer and songwriter Joan Osborne is also celebrating an anniversary. She presents Relish Live, commemorating the 30th anniversary of her debut album, at the 2026 Cape May Summer Concert Series on Sunday, July 26th. The concert takes place at Cape May Convention Hall, starting at 8pm. Joan Osborne’s Relish was a landmark album that
Jul 8


The Stylistics Bring Philadelphia Soul to Cape May Summer Concert Series
The Stylistics bring the classic sounds of Philadelphia soul to the Jersey Shore on Sunday, July 12th. The Vocal Group Hall of Fame inductees will perform in the Cape May 2026 Summer Concert Series at Cape May Convention Hall, starting at 8pm. In 1966, The Stylistics became a group when Beverly Hamilton, an English teacher at Benjamin Franklin High School in Philadelphia, suggested that two rival singing groups in the school join forces. In 1970, the group recorded “You’re A
Jul 8


2026 Cape May Summer Concert Series Presents Music For Historic Milestones
As America marks its 250th anniversary, Cape May is celebrating its own anniversaries: 175 years as a city and 50 years as a National Historic Landmark. The 2026 Cape May Summer Concert Series presents a diverse lineup of performances perfect for celebrating these milestones. The concerts will be held at Cape May Convention Hall at 714 Beach Avenue, and all shows begin at 8 pm. “America250, combined with the anniversaries of Cape May’s incorporation and historic landmark des
Jul 3


Cape May Offers Free Family Fun All Summer Long
Summer has arrived in Cape May, and with it comes a season packed with free family fun for all ages! The City of Cape May invites families to make lasting summer memories with a variety of free weekly events, including magic shows, dance nights, and movies on the beach. Magic Shows with Rich Lessig Get ready for an evening of wonder and laughter as magician Rich Lessig returns to Cape May Convention Hall for his popular Tuesday night performances. From July 7th through Augus
Jun 29


Celebrate America’s Birthday in America's First Seaside Resort
The City of Cape May invites residents and guests to join in a patriotic celebration of America’s 250th birthday on the 4th of July, right here in America's first seaside resort! The celebration will take place in the evening with Cape May’s annual Independence Day Fireworks display. Sponsored by the City of Cape May, Congress Hall, and the County of Cape May, fireworks will be launched from a barge offshore in front of Congress Hall beginning at approximately 9:30pm. The ra
Jun 19


Cape May’s Free Music in the Park Concert Series Returns to Rotary Park
The City of Cape May is once again bringing the sounds of summer to the heart of town with the return of its popular Free Music in the Park Concert Series at Rotary Park. Beginning in June and continuing through early September, residents and guests are invited to enjoy free live musical performances under the stars at the Rotary Park Bandstand on Lafayette Street. Concerts are held at 7pm and feature a diverse lineup of talented local and regional musicians performing every
Jun 16


2026 Cape May Summer Concert Series Presents Music for Historic Milestones
As America marks its 250th anniversary, Cape May is celebrating its own anniversaries: 175 years as a city and 50 years as a national historic landmark. The 2026 Cape May Summer Concert Series, which begins on Sunday, June 28th, presents a diverse lineup of performances perfect for celebrating these milestones. The concerts will be held at Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue, and all shows begin at 8 pm. “America250, combined with the anniversaries of Cape May’s inco
Jun 3


Make it Easy, Ride the Jitney!
With a track record of unique shopping, dining, beaches, and local experiences, Cape May is one of the region’s most popular destinations. As a coastal town within driving distance of some of the most populated areas in the country, getting around and finding convenient parking can be especially important during peak season. While there are a variety of parking options available throughout town, sometimes it’s just easier to leave the car behind. Luckily, Cape May offers a fr
May 29


City of Cape May Hosts 2026 Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony
The Emlen Physick Estate, one of the recipients of the 2026 Stewardship Award The City of Cape May reaffirmed its deep commitment to historic preservation on Wednesday, May 13, as it revived the Historic Preservation Awards during a ceremony held at the iconic Chalfonte Hotel. The event, hosted during National Historic Preservation Month, carried added meaning in 2026 as the city marks the 50th anniversary of its designation as a National Historic Landmark. That milestone rec
May 21


USS Jacob Jones Memorial Coming to Cape May
Following extensive public comment and design enhancements, a monument to honor United States Navy sailors who gave their lives during the World War II’s “Battle of the Atlantic,” was unanimously approved in May 2026 by Cape May City Council. Cape May is the chosen location of the memorial because the destroyer the USS Jacob Jones, the first United States warship to be attacked by a German U-Boat following Germany’s declaration of war against the United States, was sunk just
May 21


New Honorees Added to Carlyle J. Dennis Citizenship Award Monument
Just off the 500 block of Washington Street on the Washington Street Mall on the charming Draper Walk, visitors will find a meaningful tribute to community leadership in Cape May—a monument recognizing recipients of the prestigious Carlyle J. Dennis Citizenship Award. Presented annually, this honor celebrates individuals whose outstanding leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Cape May City. When selecting the recipient for this award, City Council looks for
May 18


GALLERY: 2026 Run Through History 5K
The City of Cape May sends a huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the first annual Run Through History 5K! From competitive runners chasing a personal best to families and friends enjoying the course at their own pace, your energy made this inaugural event a memorable one! We loved seeing our community come together to celebrate fitness, fun, and local history. Thank you to every participant, volunteer, and supporter who helped make the day such a success. We’d also l
May 11


Cape May Recognized by Travel + Leisure as a Must-Visit Jersey Shore Destination
Cape May is once again earning national recognition—this time from Travel + Leisure, one of the world’s leading travel publications, which recently highlighted the historic seaside town as a standout destination along the Jersey Shore. Known as America’s first seaside resort, Cape May continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, charm, and coastal beauty. Cape May has welcomed travelers for generations, offering an experience that feels both timeless and
Apr 22


Cape May Named One of the Best Small Towns in the Northeast
As Cape May celebrates 175 years as a city, 50 years as a National Historic Landmark, and 250 years of America, it continues to earn national recognition—this time as one of the Best Small Towns in the Northeast. In the latest USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Cape May secured a spot in the Top 10 Small Towns in the Northeast, ranking among the region’s most beloved destinations. The list, curated by travel experts and voted on by the public, highlights towns with exce
Apr 14


Cape May Named A Runner-Up for Best Small Town Food Scene in America
As Cape May continues its milestone celebration—175 years as a city, 50 years as a National Historic Landmark, and 250 years of America—it is once again earning national attention for something it has always been known for: incredible food. In the latest USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Cape May was named a runner-up for Best Small Town Food Scene in America, recognizing it among the top culinary destinations in the country. The annual competition highlights small tow
Apr 12
bottom of page
