Memorial Day Weekend in Cape May is something special. It's the moment the town fully wakes up for summer — the beaches open, the restaurants fill up, the music starts, and that unmistakable shore energy kicks in. If you've been thinking about making the trip, here's everything happening this weekend so you can plan the perfect few days.
Free Beach Concert — Friday May 22nd
Kick off the weekend in the best possible way. The City of Cape May is hosting a free concert on the beach near Convention Hall on Friday May 22nd from 6:30–8pm. The band is AM Gold — a Yacht Rock-style cover band playing the classics from Christopher Cross, Lionel Richie, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and more. Grab a beach chair, feel the sand between your toes, and let summer begin. It doesn't get more Cape May than this. Convention Hall Beach is at 714 Beach Avenue. Free admission.
Cape May Music Festival — Atlantic Brass Band
The 37th Annual Cape May Music Festival is running May 9–June 21, and Memorial Day Weekend is one of its highlights. On Sunday May 24th, the internationally award-winning 35-piece Atlantic Brass Band performs under conductor Salvatore Scarpa with a rousing new program of band music — the perfect high note for the long weekend. Co-sponsored by Cape May MAC and the City of Cape May. Free admission.
Cape May Stage Ribbon Cutting — Sunday May 24th
Something new is opening this weekend! Cape May Stage is celebrating a ribbon cutting on Sunday May 24th — a great chance to support local arts and be part of a new chapter for one of Cape May's cultural institutions.
Memorial Day Ceremony — Monday May 25th
Take a moment to mark the meaning of the day. The City of Cape May hosts its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday May 25th — a moving community tradition honoring those who served. Details to be announced closer to the date at capemaycity.com.
Beach Season Opens
Memorial Day Weekend marks the official opening of Cape May's beaches — and that means beach tags are now required. Tags are available from the City of Cape May and can be purchased on the beach or online. Whether you head to the family-friendly Poverty Beach, the wide open stretches of Sunset Beach, or the dog-friendly Higbee Beach on the bay side, this is the weekend the shore officially comes alive.
Restaurant Week Runs Through June 7th
If you're visiting Memorial Day Weekend, you're right at the tail end of Cape May Restaurant Week (May 31–June 7). Several of Cape May's best restaurants are offering special prix-fixe menus at set price points — a great excuse to try somewhere new or splurge on a special dinner.
While You're Here — Don't Miss
The Coastal Cruiser — new this season, hop-on hop-off wine and brewery shuttle running daily 10am–10pm. Perfect for a laid-back Saturday of sipping without driving.
Cape May Whale Watcher — dolphin and whale watching tours departing from the Miss Cape May II. Memorial Day Weekend is peak season for dolphin sightings.
Shields Bike Rental — explore Cape May on two wheels. The flat streets and bike trails make it one of the best cycling towns on the East Coast.
Cape May Lighthouse — climb to the top for panoramic views of the peninsula. One of Cape May's most iconic experiences.
Stay at Eastcote Homestays
Planning to come for Memorial Day Weekend? We still have availability at The Eastcote Flat — a bright, botanical 2-bedroom cottage steps from Hawk Haven Vineyard and just 10 minutes from Cape May's beaches and all the Memorial Day action. Book direct at eastcotehomestays.com for the best rates — no platform fees, just you and us.
For the full Cape May events calendar, visit capemaychamber.com/events.