A full weekend of Memorial Day events in the Wildwoods

The Wildwoods will host a slate of patriotic and family-friendly Memorial Day weekend events.

They include:

Friday, May 22 – 10th Annual Flags of Liberty Ceremony:

Flags of Liberty is a moving patriotic event honoring the memories of our deceased veterans. Spectators are invited to join the Greater Wildwoods Elks Lodge #1896 as families and hundreds of supporters gather at the Wildwoods Convention Center turn-around near the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall to honor their deceased Veteran heroes by unfurling their deceased loved one’s casket flags on May 22 at 10 a.m. Participants will line the Wildwoods Boardwalk in a moving ceremony to honor their loved ones by holding up a chain of unfurled American flags in remembrance. For more information about the ceremony visit WildwoodsNJ.com/FOL or email [email protected].

Friday, May 22 – Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony:

In conjunction with the Flags of Liberty Ceremony, the Wildwoods’ Unlocking of the Ocean ceremony marks the official opening of the 2026 summer season on Friday, May 22, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Wildwoods Convention Center turn-around. The ceremony will feature a photo opportunity in which three ceremonial keys will be presented to the mayors of the Wildwoods and their beach patrol captains. They will then use their key to “unlock” their beaches during their own local ceremonies, ushering in the summer season. For more information, visit WildwoodsNJ.com.

Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25 – Wildwoods International Kite Festival:

Continuing the Wildwoods’ kickoff of Memorial Day Weekend and the unofficial start of summer is the 40th annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival on Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25. This local tradition is the largest kite festival in North America. The festival features kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible colorful creations over the beaches and begins on Friday at noon outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Festivities following include opening of the Kite Sales Tent, Friday Night Social via the local kite club and the 9 p.m. Illuminated Night Kite Fly. Saturday includes the Silent and Loud Auctions (open to all); and Saturday and Sunday include the flying of large inflatable kites, team flying, as well as family games. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. Free to spectators. For more information visit SkyFestivals.com.

    The kite festival features kite makers from around the world flying their most colorful creations over the beaches.
  

Additional Memorial Day Events:

Friday, May 22 – Downtown Wildwood Fitness in the Plaza Preview Classes:

Downtown Wildwood is bringing the energy back to Byrne Plaza with the return of Fitness in the Plaza for Summer 2026, presented in partnership with Shore Fitness. This outdoor fitness series offers a fun and affordable way to stay active all summer long in the heart of The Wildwoods. Byrne Plaza is located at 3400 Pacific Avenue. The full season will begin on June 15 and be held five days each week, through August 28. Classes will start at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday. Weekly programming includes Pilates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and Bootcamp on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes are $10 per session and open to all fitness levels. For updates and more information about Byrne Plaza and Downtown Wildwood visit DOOWW.com

Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 – Memorial Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show:
Stroll along the southern end of the Wildwoods Boardwalk and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Boardwalk Crafts Shows, where creativity meets the ocean breeze. These events showcase an array of talented artisans and crafters, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and home décor to unique artwork and beach-inspired treasures. Explore the many booths lining the southern end of the boards and find one-of-a-kind gifts, delicious homemade treats, and more. Whether you’re looking for the perfect souvenir or simply soaking in the sights and sounds, the Boardwalk Crafts Shows provide a delightful shopping experience with the beautiful backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Wildwoods sign. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free, rain or shine. For more information call 609-522-0198, email [email protected] or visit BoardwalkCrafts.com.

Saturday, May 23 – Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market Season Kickoff:

The Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market returns for another summer season in 2026, kicking off during the Wildwoods’ jam-packed Memorial Day weekend events lineup, and concluding on Labor Day weekend. The Farmers Market is held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at 3400 Pacific Avenue, in Byrne Plaza, and across the street at 3501 Pacific Avenue. With more than 70 vendors set up each week, visitors can always find something new. Shop fresh produce, like jersey tomatoes and corn, freshly baked items to eat while you stroll the market or to take home for dessert as well as fresh guacamole, made on-site, in addition to vendors selling homemade pickles, local honey, breakfast sandwiches, hot and cold coffee and drinks, jerky, granola, hot sauce, as well as a great assortment of craft beer, spirits and wine. There are also more than 30 crafters selling handmade items including soaps, candles, jewelry, home goods, clothing, pet supplies, gifts, and more. Learn more about the Downtown Wildwoods Farmers Market and Downtown Wildwood at DOOWW.COM.

    More than 70 vendors will set up each Saturday during the summer for the Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market.
  

Monday, May 25 – North Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony:

A Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the VFW Post #5941 will be held on May 25, at Veterans Memorial Park, located at Spruce and New York Avenues in North Wildwood. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. For more information, visit NorthWildwood.com or call 609-729-5832.

Monday, May 25 – Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony:

The annual Memorial Day ceremony will take place May 25, on the front lawn of American Legion Post #184, Wildwood to honor the nation’s fallen heroes. Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. For more information call 609-522-3613 or visit Legion184.org.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.