Seaside Heights runs one of the better free entertainment calendars on the whole Jersey Shore. We’re talking beach concerts with tribute bands, Wednesday fireworks all summer long, movies on the sand, a full weekly kids’ activity lineup at Casino Pier, and a spring-through-fall event calendar that gives you something to do almost every night of the week in peak season.
The summer Seaside Heights events lineup is one of the reasons Seaside is so great for families. There’s something happening almost every night of the week during peak season. Here’s everything confirmed for 2026, so you can plan your trip around the highlights.
Seaside Heights Events
Spring Seaside Heights Events
March
Polar Bear Plunge — Saturday, March 14
Originally scheduled for February 28, the 2026 plunge was pushed to March 14 after the Blizzard of 2026 buried the boardwalk under two feet of snow. Same great chaos, slightly less frostbite. Registration opens at 9 AM at Blaine Avenue; the plunge kicks off at 1 PM. Thousands of people in costumes run into the Atlantic to raise money for Special Olympics New Jersey. Spectators fill the boardwalk since the beach fills completely with plungers. You don’t need a ticket to watch — just show up and find a railing.
April
2026 Easter Promenade Sunday, April 12 | 1:00 PM Annual Easter boardwalk event.
Feel the Love VIP Party — Sunday, April 12, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Lucky Leo’s VIP event with gift card giveaways every half hour and a chance to win Lion King tickets.
‘night Mother Play Reading — Friday, April 17, 7:30 PM Staged reading of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, hosted in Seaside Heights.
Lucky Leo’s Silent Auction — Sunday, April 19, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Ambitious Mother Lunch — Sunday, April 19, 11:30 AM A networking lunch at Gallery 619 for moms in business — child-friendly.
Sip & Paint: Watering Cans — Friday, April 24, 6:00 – 8:00 PM Hosted at Gallery 619.
A Walk in Their Shoes — Sunday, April 26, 8:30 AM On-site registration and breakfast at 8:30 AM at The Sawmill Boardwalk Room; walk begins at 10 AM. Proceeds benefit Ocean’s Harbor House, which provides housing and support for youth experiencing homelessness.
Spring Into Fun VIP Party — Sunday, April 26, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Lucky Leo’s VIP party.
May
Seaside ALS United Walk — Saturday, May 2, 9:00 AM
First Responder’s Day at Casino Pier — Saturday, May 2, 12:00 – 6:00 PM Special pricing and recognition for first responders.
Lucky Leo’s $2,500 Gift Card Sweepstakes — Sunday, May 3, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Beach Volleyball Tournament — Saturday, May 9
Bike MS: Coast to Coast — Saturday, May 9, 6:30 AM MS charity ride that ends at the Shore.
Mother’s Day on the Boardwalk — Sunday, May 10, 11:00 AM The Mayor and Council hand out flowers to visiting mothers at the Franklin Avenue stage.
Mother’s Day at Casino Pier — Sunday, May 10, 12:00 – 6:00 PM
NJ Jeep Invasion — Saturday, May 16, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Go Topless Day on the beach. Jeep enthusiasts take over the lot — free to watch.
Seaside Heights vs. Seaside Park Tug of War — Friday, May 22, 3:00 PM Borough employees, police, DPW, lifeguards, the mayor and council, and local business owners pull against Seaside Park. Both fire departments are the beneficiaries. Held at the beach at Porter Avenue, right on the SH/SP border. Free to watch.
Hell On Wheels BMX — Sunday, May 24, 1:00 – 4:00 PM Free BMX stunt show on the beach.
Pickleball Tournament — Saturday, May 30
Play for Pay Lacrosse Tournament — Sunday, May 31, 9:00 AM Beach lacrosse tournament with divisions from youth to high school.
Pups & Pints — Sunday, May 31, 12:00 – 5:00 PM Dog-friendly boardwalk event with participating bars, pet vendors, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. (Our rental on Blaine Avenue doesn’t allow dogs, but this one is worth a day trip.)
June
Rock the Heights — June 5 (3 PM) & June 6 (2 PM) Free two-day music event with over a dozen bands performing at multiple locations around town. Park once and walk.
Flag Football Tournament — June 5–6
Titan Championship Wrestling: Seaside Showdown — Saturday, June 6 Live professional wrestling on the boardwalk in front of The Beachcomber Bar & Grill. Meet and greet at 4 PM, bell time at 5 PM. Free.
Scouting America Camporee — Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14
The Hip Abduction w/ Will Evans — Friday, June 12, 7:00 PM Beach concert with reggae, afrobeats, jam, and blues rock.
Sand Soccer Storm Tournament — June 20–21
Summer Seaside Heights Events
Free Beach Concerts: Thursdays in July and August
This is the one we look forward to most. Every Thursday evening, the Blaine Avenue beach stage hosts free tribute concerts — full productions with real lighting rigs and crowds that fill the beach. The 2026 lineup is a good one:
- Thursday, July 9th: Who Loves You Show Featuring Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys
- Thursday, July 16th: Captain Jack – Billy Joel Tribute
- Thursday, July 23rd: Soulshine – An Allman Brothers Experience
- Thursday, July 30th: Fearless – The Taylor Swift Experience
- Thursday, August 6th: Theater Rock – A Celebration of the Best Broadway Rock Musicals
- Thursday, August 13th: Suit & Mai Tai Yacht That Rocks
Details: Gates open 6:30 PM, music starts 7:30 PM at the Blaine Avenue beach stage. Free — no tickets. Bring your own beach chair. No glass, no alcohol on the beach. If you want a spot near the stage, get there by 6:30 — the beach fills fast and by 7:15 it can be standing room behind the chairs. The vibe is very family-friendly early in the evening.
If you’re staying in our townhouse on Blaine Avenue, the stage is a five-minute walk.
Monday Night Boardwalk Concerts: All Summer Long
IEvery Monday evening at 7 PM at the Franklin Avenue Stage, near Lucky Leo’s. More casual than the Thursday beach concerts — local singers and smaller acts, a mix of families winding down their beach day and couples out for a walk on the boards. A good way to ease into the week without committing to a full evening.
2026 Monday Night Concert Schedule:
- June 29: Joey Arminio & The Family
- July 6: Nostalgix
- July 13: Julian & Dominique
- July 20: Jukebox Legends
- July 27: Stiletto & the Saxman
- August 3: Step By Step
- August 10: Jukebox Legends & Ladies
- August 17: Sky’s the Limit
- August 24: The Cameos
Free, no tickets. Bring a chair or grab a slice of pizza from the boardwalk and watch standing.
Comedy Tuesdays With Big Joe Henry
Tuesday evenings at the Franklin Avenue Stage at 7 PM. Hosted by NJ radio personality Big Joe Henry — a variety show with musicians and special guests. Free on the boardwalk.
Fireworks: Wednesday Nights All Summer
This might be the most underrated Seaside Heights event of the season. Every Wednesday evening from July through August, Seaside Heights lights up the sky with fireworks visible from anywhere on the boardwalk. Add July 4th to the mix and you’ve got ten fireworks nights total in 2026.
2026 Fireworks Schedule (9:30 PM):
- July 4 (Saturday)
- July 8, 15, 22, 29
- August 5, 12, 19, 26
The fireworks are launched from the beach and the view is good from anywhere along the boardwalk. Our personal favorite spot is up on the Casino Pier side — you get a little elevation and a clear sightline over the water. For families, Wednesday nights turn into a full boardwalk evening: dinner, rides, maybe an arcade game or two, and then everyone stops for the 9:30 show before heading home.
The kids never get tired of it, even week after week. Something about live fireworks over the ocean that doesn’t get old.
Tuesday evenings at the Franklin Avenue Stage at 7 PM. Hosted by NJ radio personality Big Joe Henry — a variety show with musicians and special guests. Free on the boardwalk.
Movies on the Beach: Sunday Evenings, July through August
Grab your blanket and your lightest hoodie (it gets cool after dark, even in July) — free movies on the beach are back for 2026. Every Sunday starting July 5th through August 23rd, the town sets up a big screen at the Fremont Avenue beach entrance and shows a film starting at dusk.
- July 5: Jaws
- July 12: Zootopia 2
- July 19: She Super Mario Galaxy
- July 26: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants
- August 2 – Back to the Future
- August 9 – Lilo & Stitch
- August 16 – ET
- August 23 – How to Train Your Dragon
Sunday movie nights pair naturally with a calm beach day — you’re already out, the kids are happy, and you don’t need to do anything except stay put as the sun goes down. One of those evenings that feels easy and ends up being memorable.
Get there 45 minutes before dusk to grab a good spot. Bring snacks — the Acme on Route 35 is your friend for a beach night supply run. Movies run about 90 minutes to two hours, so plan accordingly with younger kids.
Kites in the Heights
Giant kites over the ocean, your own kite flying, and family activities on the beach. Afternoons on Tuesday, July 14, July 28, August 11, and August 25.
Titan Championship Wrestling
Seaside Showdown — Saturday, August 22. Live professional wrestling on the boardwalk in front of The Beachcomber Bar & Grill. Meet and greet at 4 PM, bell time at 5 PM. Free.
Weekly Summer Events For Kids
On top of the town’s event calendar, Casino Pier runs its own weekly free entertainment schedule throughout summer. Here’s what to expect:
MONDAYS
Character Meet & Greets located by the Ferris Wheel, 2pm-4pm
- June 29: Toy Cowboy, Toy Ranger & Cowgirl
- July 6: Yellow Guys
- July 13: Island Princess & Island DemiGod
- July 20: Hedgehogs
- July 27: Spider Heroes
- August 3: Safari Mr & Mrs Mouse
- August 10: Pink Patrol Pup & Blue Patrol Pup
- August 17: Australian Pups
- August 24: Hawaiian Girl & Blue Alien
- August 31: Turtles
Face Painting located by the Arcade Doors near Surf Stop & Go, 2pm-4pm
TUESDAYS
Breakwater Beach: Mermaid Meet & Greets, 11am-12pm, near Lighthouse Cove (Toddler Area)
Tuesday, July 7th
Tuesday, August 4th
Mermaid Sing-a-Longs, 11am-12pm, by the Waterfalls (Near Hot Tubs)
Tuesday, July 21st
Tuesday, August 18th
Lucky Leo’s Double Play (10 AM – 1 PM).
Jurassic Pier Adventures at Casino Pier! July 7, 8 & 9, FREE Shows at 6pm & 7pm, located at the ferris wheel.
Big O’Drums show at Breakwater (11 AM – 1 PM).
WEDNESDAYS
Foam Party at Breakwater Beach. An evening packed with music, laughter, and mountains of foam as we turn up the excitement in the park. Dance, splash, and play as foam cannons fill the air. Special $20 admission from 5PM–7PM. July 15, 29, August 5
Rizzo’s Wildlife World at Casino Pier. Snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, insects, small mammals, and a baby alligator. Kids lose their minds over the alligator every single time. Show at 4pm on the Pier Stage by the Ferris Wheel. July 15, July 29, August 5, August 12
FRIDAYS
Princess Concerts located on the Casino Pier Stage by the Ferris Wheel
4pm Show Time, singing followed by Photos | 3pm-4:30pm Face Painting next to the Stage
- July 10th: Island Princess & Mermaid Princess
- July 17th: SPECIAL Princess on the Pier Party with FREE Hair Braiding, Glitter Make Up + Ice Sisters, Enchanted Princess & Glass Slipper Princess 2pm-4pm
- July 24: Christmas in July with Ice Sisters
- July 31: Sleeping Princess & Forbidden Apple Princess
- August 7: Agrabah Princess & Tower Princess
- August 14: SPECIAL Princess on the Pier Party with FREE Hair Braiding, Glitter Make Up + Island Princess, Mermaid Princess, Enchanted Princess & Glass Slipper Princess 2pm-4pm
- August 21: Glass Slipper Princess & Tower Princess
- August 28: Ice Sisters
Aerialist Show featuring dazzling Nikki Rush. special Christmas in July Aerialist Show on Friday, July 24th! July 22, 23, 24 Shows at 6pm, 7pm & 8pm by Pirate’s Hideaway
Casino Pier Wristband Specials: $40 for 2 hours Monday–Friday, $45 Saturday–Sunday.
Memorial Day Weekend — Season Kickoff
Seaside Heights wakes up every Memorial Day weekend. The boardwalk rides open, the stands turn their lights on, and the town shifts from its off-season quiet into full Jersey Shore mode. It’s a good time to visit if you want the full experience without the absolute peak-of-July crowds.
The beach badges go on sale for the season (2026 prices: $13 daily, $50 weekly, $75 seasonal — here’s how beach badges work in Seaside) and the main summer programming begins to roll out. The boardwalk is at its best in late May — fully staffed, fully lit, but not yet packed wall-to-wall.
July 4th Weekend — Peak Season, Peak Energy
We’ll say this directly: if you’ve never been to Seaside Heights for the Fourth of July, it’s worth experiencing at least once. The energy is completely different from any other weekend of the summer. The boardwalk is packed, the fireworks are launched from the beach on the 4th itself, and every event on the calendar is firing at full volume.
What you need to know about 4th of July in Seaside:
- Traffic in and out of town is intense — plan to arrive by noon if you’re driving in that day
- Parking fills up completely; the municipal lots on the bay side are usually the most reliable
- Fireworks on July 4th launch from the beach at 9:30 PM, same as the Wednesday night shows
- The boardwalk stays open late and the crowds are out in full force — fun chaos, but chaos
If you’re staying in the rental, this is one of the weeks where having a home base makes all the difference. You can walk to the fireworks, walk home when you want, and not deal with a single traffic light.
Late August — Full Calendar, Thinner Crowds
Here’s something a lot of visitors don’t know: late August is actually when the Seaside Heights events calendar is running at full speed AND the crowds start to thin. Pennsylvania schools go back before Labor Day, which means the absolute peak of summer — that wall-to-wall Fourth of July feeling — eases off.
You still get:
- Wednesday night fireworks through August 26
- Monday night boardwalk concerts through August 24
- Thursday beach concerts through August 13
- Sunday movies through August 23
But the parking gets easier. The line at the pizza window gets shorter. The beach feels a little more spacious. If you’re working around school schedules, that last full week before Labor Day is our honest recommendation for the best balance of full event calendar and a more relaxed Shore experience.
We wrote more about timing your trip in our Seaside Heights family vacation planning guide if you want the full breakdown.
Labor Day Weekend: One Last Hurrah
Labor Day weekend officially closes the peak season. The big events wrap up, but the boardwalk runs on weekend hours into September, and the beach is still perfectly swimmable. Some people actually love a Labor Day weekend visit — the tourists are gone, the water is at its warmest of the year, and the whole Shore has a wistful end-of-summer vibe that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.
Fall Seaside Heights Events
The town doesn’t shut down after Labor Day — some of the best Seaside Heights events happen in September and October. Pages 2–7 of the exit82.com calendar are filling out now with the full summer and fall lineup. Based on prior years, watch for these recurring events:
Wine on the Beach September 12 12PM – 5PM — Jersey winery tastings, culinary seminars, live music, and food vendors on the beach. Enter at the Blaine Avenue dune crossover. Sells out in advance — worth booking early. Honestly one of our favorites of the whole year.
Que by the Sea BBQ Festival (Mid-to-Late September) — Grant Avenue turns into a legitimate BBQ competition with real pitmasters, live music, and food vendors. Multi-day event, free to attend.
Oktoberfest (Late September) — Craft beer tastings, German food, a beer garden, food trucks, a Muscle Car Showdown, and a ceremonial keg tapping Saturday morning.
Ocean County Columbus Day Parade & Italian Street Festival (October) — Parade down the Boulevard followed by a weekend of Italian heritage events on Grant Avenue. Free.
Practical Tips for Attending Seaside Heights Events
A few things we’ve learned from years of attending Seaside Heights events:
Parking: The municipal lots on the bay side (Blaine Avenue area) tend to have more turnover than the ocean-side lots. For evening events, people cycle out as others arrive — you can usually get a spot by 6 PM if you’re patient. Metered street parking is limited, so budget for a lot.
What to bring: Beach chair for anything on the sand. Light jacket or hoodie for evening events — it gets cool fast when the sun drops, even in August. Cash for the boardwalk, since some vendors are cash-only.
With little kids: The Monday night boardwalk concerts and movies on the beach are the most stroller-friendly. The Thursday beach concerts can get dense in the crowd area closer to the stage — aim for the outer edge with young children.
Staying for the week vs. day-tripping: Honestly, the events calendar is one of the arguments for renting a place rather than day-tripping. A Wednesday fireworks show and a Thursday beach concert in the same week are a lot more relaxed when you don’t have to drive 90 minutes home at 10 PM. Our four-bedroom townhouse on Blaine Avenue sleeps up to 10 and comes with 8 beach badges, which handles the whole group.
2026 Seaside Heights Events Quick Reference
| Event | When | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polar Bear Plunge | March 14, 1:00 PM | Blaine Ave Beach | Free to watch |
| Rock the Heights | June 5–6 | Multiple boardwalk locations | Free |
| NJ Jeep Invasion | May 16, 10 AM–4 PM | Beach lot | Free |
| Tug of War | May 22, 3:00 PM | Porter Ave Beach | Free |
| Hell On Wheels BMX | May 24, 1–4 PM | Beach | Free |
| Pups & Pints | May 31, 12–5 PM | Boardwalk | Free |
| Monday Night Concerts | June 29 – Aug 24, every Monday, 7 PM | Franklin Ave Stage | Free |
| Comedy Tuesdays | Tuesdays all summer, 7 PM | Franklin Ave Stage | Free |
| Wednesday Fireworks | July 4 + July 8–Aug 26, Wednesdays, 9:30 PM | Beach/Boardwalk | Free |
| Thursday Beach Concerts | July 9 – Aug 13, Thursdays, 7:30 PM | Blaine Ave Beach Stage | Free |
| Movies on the Beach | July 5 – Aug 23, Sundays, dusk | Fremont Ave Beach | Free |
| Kites in the Heights | July 14, 28, Aug 11, 25 (afternoons) | Beach | Free |
| Wine on the Beach | Sept 12, 12–5 PM | Blaine Ave Beach | Ticketed |
| Que by the Sea BBQ | Mid-Late September (TBD) | Grant Avenue | Free |
| Oktoberfest | Late September (TBD) | Boardwalk area | Ticketed |
FAQ: Seaside Heights Events 2026
Are the Seaside Heights events free?
Almost all the town-sponsored summer events — beach concerts, boardwalk concerts, movies on the beach, and fireworks — are free. No tickets, no registration. A handful of fall events like Wine on the Beach are ticketed. The main costs at any free evening come from parking, food, and boardwalk activities.
When do Seaside Heights events start each summer?
Main summer programming kicks off Memorial Day weekend. The Monday Night Concert Series typically starts late June. Beach concerts and fireworks run July through mid-August.
Can I bring kids to the Seaside Heights events?
Yes — almost everything on this calendar is family-oriented. Thursday beach concerts are all-ages and end at a reasonable hour. Sunday movies include family film selections. Casino Pier’s weekday lineup (character meets, Mermaid Meet & Greet, Rizzo’s Wildlife, Princess Sing-Along) is built specifically for young kids. For fireworks, bring chairs, plan for a late bedtime, and grab a spot on the outer boardwalk where you have room to spread out.
Where are the beach concerts held?
Thursday evening beach concerts are at the Blaine Avenue beach stage — enter from the boardwalk at the Blaine Avenue ramp. Gates open 6:30 PM, music starts 7:30 PM. Monday night boardwalk concerts are at the Franklin Avenue Stage near Lucky Leo’s.
What’s the best week to visit for events?
Late July through early August gives you maximum overlap: Thursday beach concerts, Monday boardwalk concerts, Wednesday fireworks, and Sunday movies all running simultaneously. If crowds are a concern, the last full week of August is worth serious consideration — the event calendar is still running strong, but the peak-summer crowds have thinned noticeably.
THE AUTHOR
I have spent my whole life going to and loving the beach. I am a wife, a mom of 2, and a business leader with an MBA in Marketing from Seton Hall University. We have owned a home in Seaside Heights since 2012, and I have been writing about Seaside Heights and the beach for the past 10 years. I love discovering new things about our town and helping you make the most of your vacation. The only thing I love more than writing about Seaside Heights is being there!
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