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Looking Ahead: Things to do in Wildwood 2026 & Wildwood Events in 2026

This summer flew by!!

The 2025 beach season in Wildwood has wrapped. Winter gloom is too much to bear, so I am already thinking about and planning for 2026 in the Wildwoods. Near year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting lineups yet!

From massive beachfront concerts and classic car shows to kite festivals and cheerleading championships, the Wildwoods are stacked with reasons to plan early.

Whether you come for the music, the food, or the family-friendly fun, here’s a look at the can’t-miss events that will define Wildwood 2026 — and why planning ahead now is your smartest move.

🎶 Why 2026 Will Be a Wildwood Summer to Remember

  • Bigger headliners, same small-town energy — the Barefoot Country Music Fest (June 18–21) brings top artists (Post Malone and Eric Church confirmed as headliners!!!) to the Wildwood beach for four unforgettable days.

  • The return of summer traditions — fireworks, kite festivals, sand sculpting, and the adorable Wildwoods Baby Parade light up the season.

  • Year-round excitement — cheer and dance nationals, tattoo expos, and nostalgia weekends make Wildwood a four-season destination.

  • Prime rental season — events fill up the town fast, so early booking guarantees the best spots and rates.


Based on available information so far, here is an overview of what to expect in the Wildwoods for 2026 (created with the help of my beloved ChatGPT 😆)

🌴 Wildwood 2026 Festivals & Events Calendar

(📍 = Wildwoods Convention Center | 🏖 = Beach / Boardwalk | 🎆 = Fireworks Series)

FEBRUARY

Feb 14–15

Spirit Brands Nationals (Cheer/Dance) 📍

High-energy national championship weekend

Feb 21–22

Cheer Tech Spirit National Championships 📍

Worlds-Bid teams; huge crowd favorite

MARCH

Mar 6–8

Mid-Atlantic Championships Grand Nationals 📍

Varsity All-Star showcase; packed arena atmosphere

APRIL

Apr 11–12

Spirit Brands: Shore Showdown & Beast of the East 📍

Back-to-back cheer weekend

Apr 22

Business @ the Beach Expo 📍

Free networking + local business showcase

MAY

May 9

North American Spirit Tournament 📍

Spring season finale for cheer teams

May 22–25

Wildwoods International Kite Festival 🏖📍

Memorial Day kick-off with giant kites & night fly

JUNE

Jun 15–18

National Marbles Tournament (103rd year) 🏖

Classic competition at Ringer Stadium

Jun 18–21

Barefoot Country Music Fest 🏖

40+ artists on the beach — summer’s headline event

Late Jun – Aug (Fridays)

Friday Night Boardwalk Fireworks 🎆

Weekly 10 PM show over the ocean

JULY

Jul 10–12

Anglesea Blues Festival & NJ State BBQ Championship

North Wildwood — music, ribs & brisket

Jul 10–12

New Jersey Jeep Invasion 🏖

Hundreds of Jeeps cruising the sand

Jul 17–19

New Jersey Bronco Invasion 🏖

Ford Bronco fans + vendors on the beach

Mid-July

Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival 🏖

Family sand art competition & live music

Late July

Wildwoods Baby Parade

Adorable costumes on the boardwalk (110+ years)

AUGUST

Aug 7–9

Wildwood Tattoo Beach Bash #16 📍

Tattoo artists, stage shows & live inking

Late Aug

Tri the Wildwoods Triathlon 🏖

Swim-bike-run race through beach & boardwalk

SEPTEMBER

Mid/Late Sep

Fall Boardwalk Classic Car Show

Vintage & muscle cars lining the boards

Sep 24–27

Irish Fall Festival (North Wildwood)

Bagpipes, parade, and pub fare on Olde NJ Ave

OCTOBER

Early Oct

The Race of Gentlemen (T.R.O.G.) 🏖

Vintage hot rods racing on the sand + retro bands

DECEMBER

Mid-Dec

Spirit Brands Holiday Festival 📍

Seasonal cheer competition to close the year


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