Beautiful Cape May

Cape May is bursting with history, music, and Victorian charm this week, and we have rounded up ten unforgettable ways to spend your days in America's oldest seaside resort! ☀️

🎻 250th Anniversary Symphony Celebration
Celebrate our nation's 250th birthday in true Cape May style! The Bay Atlantic Symphony performs an open air concert on the storied Congress Hall Grand Lawn overlooking the Atlantic, preceded by a beautifully prepared three course, family style summer supper. It is a patriotic evening of food, music, and ocean breezes you will not want to miss. Tuesday, July 7th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm. 🎆

🚗 Backstreets & Byways City Tour
Hop aboard a breezy electric cart for a 90 minute guided journey down Cape May's back streets and byways, the routes most visitors never see. Experienced guides share the fascinating maritime and agricultural roots of Cape Island and its story as a National Historic Landmark City, with two stops along the way for photos. Tuesday, July 7th, 9:15am to 10:45am. 📸

📜 250th Anniversary Event: Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Join neighbors and dignitaries on the front steps of Cape May Stage for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, part of a national moment of reflection and unity as America marks 250 years. This free community event brings history to life right in the heart of town. Wednesday, July 8th, 2:00pm to 4:00pm. 🦅

🎨 Family Fun Crafts Show at the Lighthouse
Browse handmade goods from local artisans, let the kids loose on craft stations and outdoor games, and soak up the summer sunshine at the base of the iconic Cape May Lighthouse. Admission to the grounds is free, and climb tickets for the 199 step lighthouse are available on site for those chasing the ultimate view. Wednesday, July 8th, 9:00am to 2:00pm. 🏮

🚋 Black Legacy in Historic Cape May Trolley Tour & Harriet Tubman Museum
This moving combination experience begins with a guided trolley tour celebrating the vital role of Cape May's African American community in its National Historic Landmark story, then continues at the renowned Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey. Learn how Tubman and formerly enslaved railroad businessman Stephen Smith helped carry hundreds to freedom. Thursday, July 9th, 10:00am to 2:00pm. 🕊️

🎭 Together Off-Broadway: Merman & Martin in Concert
Catch the final performance of this one week engagement at Cape May Stage! Two Broadway greats, Ethel Merman and Mary Martin, come to life through story and song, featuring classics like I Got Rhythm, The Sound of Music, and Hello Dolly. A warm, witty tribute to the women who helped define the American musical. Friday, July 10th, 8:00pm. 🎤

🎶 Rotary Park Free Music in the Park
Grab a blanket or a folding chair and settle in for a relaxed summer evening of live music performed by talented local musicians in the shade of Rotary Park. It is the kind of simple, feel good night that makes Cape May summers so special, and it is completely free. Friday, July 10th, 7:00pm. 🌳

🔮 Channeling Dinner with Medium Craig McManus
For something a little different, enjoy a three course prix fixe dinner at the historic Inn of Cape May followed by a two hour channeling session with well known medium Craig McManus. It is an intriguing, one of a kind evening for the curious and open minded. Recommended for guests 16 and older. Friday, July 10th, 6:00pm to 10:00pm. 🕯️

🚋 Picture This Selfie Trolley Ride
Ride to three of Cape May's most picturesque, lesser known corners just as the golden hour light rolls in, with plenty of time at each stop to snap the perfect photo. Friendly, knowledgeable guides share fun tidbits about the town along the way, making this a favorite for families and photographers alike. Saturday, July 11th, 4:30pm to 5:30pm. 🌅

🏡 Architectural Walking Tour
Lace up comfortable shoes and stroll Hughes Street, Ocean Street, and Columbia Avenue with a knowledgeable guide who brings Cape May's dazzling Victorian architecture to life. It is a wonderful, unhurried way to see the gingerbread trim and grand porches that make this town one of a kind. Sunday, July 12th, 9:30am to 10:30am. 🏛️

However you spend it, this is shaping up to be a beautiful week in Cape May! Tag a friend, share this post, and let us know in the comments which event you are most excited about this week. 💙

Cape May Weekly Event Links (July 7 to 12, 2026)
250th Anniversary Symphony Celebration
https://www.caperesorts.com/congress-hall/events-calendar/special-events/250th-anniversary-symphony-
Backstreets & Byways City Tour
https://capemaymac.org
250th Anniversary Event: Reading of the Declaration of Independence
https://capemaystage.org/2026-season-lineup/
Family Fun Crafts Show at the Lighthouse
https://capemaymac.org
Black Legacy in Historic Cape May Trolley Tour & Harriet Tubman Museum
https://capemaymac.org
Together Off-Broadway: Merman & Martin in Concert
https://capemaystage.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=423
Rotary Park Free Music in the Park
https://capemaycity.com
Channeling Dinner with Medium Craig McManus
https://capemaymac.org
Picture This Selfie Trolley Ride
https://capemaymac.org
Architectural Walking Tour
https://capemaymac.org

Fireworks over the water, a parade down Beach Avenue, live music in the park, and a whole lot of small town charm await this weekend in Cape May! Whether you are visiting for the Fourth of July or just soaking up everything America's First Seaside Resort has to offer, here are 10 can't miss events and activities happening now through Sunday.

🎆 Cape May City Independence Day Fireworks
Watch the sky light up over the water on Saturday, July 4th as fireworks launch from a barge just offshore. Grab a spot on the beach, the promenade, or anywhere along Beach Avenue for a front row view of this Cape May tradition. Arrive early, since parking and prime viewing spots fill up fast.
https://www.capemaychamber.com/events/details/cape-may-city-independence-day-fireworks-13267 🎆

🎉 Cape May City's Independence Day Parade
Come one, come all to the annual Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 4th at 1:00 pm. This beloved event honors local veterans and features string bands, family entries, classic cars, and community groups marching through the historic district. It is a perfect way to kick off your holiday weekend with the whole family.
https://www.capemay.com/calendar/events/cape-may-independence-day-parade/ 🎉

🎶 Rotary Park Free Music in the Park
Cape May's beloved summer concert series continues with free live music all weekend long. Catch Nolan Quinn & The Troublemakers on Saturday, July 4th and the Quarantined Quartet on Sunday, July 5th, both performing at Rotary Park at 400 Lafayette Street. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a laid back evening under the stars.
https://wpgtalkradio.com/cape-may-free-concerts-2026-summer/ 🎶

🏛️ 250th Celebration at Church of the Advent
Join in a special milestone celebration on Saturday, July 4th honoring 250 years of American history right here in Cape May. This community event blends local heritage with holiday spirit, making it a meaningful stop on your Independence Day itinerary.
https://www.capemaychamber.com/events/details/250-celebration-church-of-the-advent-13301 🏛️

🎬 Cape May City Movies on the Beach
Pack a blanket and settle into the sand for a free outdoor movie night on the beach. This popular summer series runs weekly through August, making it an easy and affordable way to enjoy a relaxed evening by the water with family and friends.
https://www.capemaychamber.com/events/details/cape-may-city-movies-on-the-beach-13088 🎬

🎤 Together Off Broadway: Merman & Martin in Concert
Broadway comes to Cape May starting Saturday, July 4th through Friday, July 10th with this tribute concert celebrating the legendary voices of Ethel Merman and Mary Martin. A fun option for an air conditioned evening of show tunes and nostalgia after a day at the beach.
https://www.capemaychamber.com/events/details/together-off-broadway-merman-martin-in-concert-13000 🎤

🇺🇸 Congress Hall's Grand Fourth of July Celebration
Now in its third decade, this beloved celebration at Congress Hall brings live music, festive food and drink, and holiday cheer to the Grand Lawn. It is one of the most iconic ways to celebrate Independence Day in Cape May, drawing locals and visitors alike for a true seaside holiday atmosphere.
https://www.caperesorts.com/activities/cape-may 🇺🇸

🚶 Backstreets & Byways City Tour
Step off the beaten path on Friday, July 3rd for a guided walking tour that explores the quieter streets and hidden corners of Cape May's historic district. Perfect for history lovers looking to discover stories and architecture you would otherwise walk right past.
https://www.capemaychamber.com/events/details/backstreets-byways-city-tour-07-03-2026-13205 🚶

⚓ Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour
Also happening Friday, July 3rd, this guided tour takes you through Cape May's working waterfront to learn about the town's deep rooted fishing industry and maritime history. A great pick for anyone curious about where Cape May's famous seafood comes from.
https://www.capemaychamber.com/events/details/fisherman-s-wharf-walking-tour-07-03-2026-13196 ⚓

🏘️ Architectural Walking Tour
Wrap up the weekend on Sunday, July 5th with a stroll through Cape May's famous Victorian streetscape. This guided tour highlights the gingerbread trim, wraparound porches, and colorful facades that earned Cape May its National Historic Landmark status.
https://www.capemaychamber.com/events/details/architectural-walking-tour-07-05-2026-13215 🏘️

However you spend it, this Fourth of July weekend in Cape May is shaping up to be one for the books! Share this post with someone you would love to bring along, and tell us in the comments what your plans are for the week ahead.