There’s plenty of fun to be had at these beach destinations all season long, but these festivals just make a trip a little more special. Here are some of the food, music, and art festivals happening this spring and summer.
(And be sure to check out our May Battle of the Beaches issue. We break down our favorite beaches in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey and tell you which is best for families, shopping, food, history, boardwalk fun, couples, friends, and nightlife.)
Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival
May 3
Eat, drink, and be merry at this annual Rehoboth festival. There will be tastings from area restaurants; unlimited samples of wine, cocktails, craft beers, and bourbon; and live music throughout the day. This year, it will be held in Schellville, the outdoor venue that hosts an elaborate Christmas village in the winter months. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, starting at $150
Exit Zero Jazz Festival
May 16–18
This twice-annual festival brings three days of live jazz performances throughout Cape May. Performances will be divided between the beachfront convention hall and nearby bar Carney’s. Samara Joy (accompanied by an octet), Terence Blanchard, and Captain Black Big Band are the headliners. Cape May, New Jersey, starting at $85
AsburyFest
June 6–8
It’s a weekend of good vibes at the Jersey Shore for this summer festival. Expect food and drinks from dozens of vendors, crafts and gifts for sale, and (in true Asbury Park style) a full lineup of live music. Asbury Park, New Jersey, $5
Ocean City Air Show
June 14–15
Aviation enthusiasts will have a chance to witness the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other performers as they soar over the beaches of Ocean City. There will be flight demos, stunt shows, flight formations, and even more jaw-dropping acts. Ocean City, Maryland, free
Running of the Bull
June 28
Dewey Beach bar The Starboard is the home base for this raucous tradition. The town gathers for drinks and music before taking off on a group run down the beach, pursued by a bull — which is really two people in a costume. Dewey Beach, Delaware, $10 donation recommended
Go Fourth
July 4
Lewes goes all out for the Fourth of July, with a parade of decorated boats, a car show, “old-timey” kids’ games, and the unofficial Doo-Dah Parade from Manila Avenue down Kings Highway. Of course, it all wraps up with fireworks at dusk. Lewes, Delaware, free
Artists Paint OC
August 13–17
Fifty professional artists will spread out throughout Ocean City to paint some of the stunning views and vistas around the beach town. The artists will compete for top prizes throughout the event.
Ocean City, Maryland
Feature image courtesy Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival
This story originally ran in our May Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
