AC Mike’s Weekend Update: Jazz in Cape May, Godsmack in AC & Halloween Across the Shore (Oct. 23–25, 2026)

Hey Folks,

We are deep into October, and the Jersey Shore has no intention of slowing down! This Friday, October 23, through Sunday, October 25, Cape May turns into a jazz village, Atlantic City rolls out big concerts and a waterfront fall festival, Ocean City gives the Boardwalk over to dogs in Halloween costumes, and Wildwood and Smithville are filling Saturday with their own brand of spooky fun. There are also chances to help clean our beaches, support neighbors, enjoy local theater, and simply get outside while the Shore still looks and feels beautiful.

Whether you want a night out with live music or a low-cost afternoon with the family, here’s the weekend worth knowing about. We checked the actual city, venue, festival, and organizer calendars rather than relying on generic event listings. Outdoor plans can change with weather, and ticketed events can fill up, so I’ve put the direct event links right beside the details. Pick a couple of favorites and make a weekend of it.

Atlantic City: Big Stages, Big Songs & Fall Fun by the Water

Godsmack Brings the Rise of Rock Tour to Hard Rock

Friday, October 23, at 9 p.m. — Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, Atlantic City. If your perfect Friday night comes with loud guitars and a packed concert hall, Godsmack is the headline to circle. The group’s Rise of Rock World Tour stops in Atlantic City with special guest Dorothy, bringing two hard-rock acts to the same bill. This is the high-energy choice for rock fans looking to kick off the weekend in a big way, rather than a casual bar set. Check the Hard Rock event page for current tickets, door information, and any changes before heading out. Godsmack’s official Atlantic City event page.

The Sixties Show at Borgata: Turn Back the Musical Clock

Friday, October 23, at 7:30 p.m. — The Music Box at Borgata, Atlantic City. The Sixties Show is another strong Friday option, especially if you love the records that filled the airwaves in the 1960s. It’s a live concert built around the sound, spirit, and familiar songs of that era, in a room that’s smaller and more intimate than the big arena across town. Get dinner at Borgata, settle in, and make the music your main event for the evening. The resort’s official listing has the performance time and ticket link. Borgata’s official Sixties Show details.

Postmodern Jukebox Makes Saturday a Vintage-Style Night Out

Saturday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m. — The Music Box at Borgata, Atlantic City. Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox is one of those shows that works even when your friends don’t all listen to the same music. The ensemble takes recognizable modern songs and turns them into vintage-inspired performances with a full cast of singers, musicians, and dancers. The Future Is Vintage World Tour promises a mix of musical eras, theatrical flair, and an entertaining night for anyone who enjoys hearing a familiar tune in a completely different style. If you’re choosing just one Saturday evening concert, this one offers something different from the usual hit-song set list. Official Postmodern Jukebox show and ticket information.

A Comedy Option: My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure

Saturday, October 24, at 8 p.m. — Sound Waves at Hard Rock, Atlantic City. Prefer laughs to a concert? Anthony Wilkinson’s My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure brings its over-the-top family characters and casino-set comedy to the Sound Waves stage. This is a scripted theater outing rather than a traditional stand-up set, with the kind of broad, fast-moving humor that can make a group night out feel like an occasion. Anyone interested in a show after dinner should look over the official description and ticket information to decide whether it’s their kind of comedy. Hard Rock’s official comedy event page.

Harvest Town Brings Families to Gardner’s Basin

Saturday, October 24, from 2 to 6 p.m. — Historic Gardner’s Basin, 800 North New Hampshire Avenue, Atlantic City. Don’t overlook this one just because it isn’t inside a casino. The City of Atlantic City is hosting Harvest Town with food, games, rides, trunk-or-treat, laser tag, a hay-bale maze, and pumpkin decorating while supplies last. It’s a different side of the city: families spending an October afternoon together at the waterfront. This is a particularly good counterpoint to the ticketed entertainment around town, and a chance to enjoy a community event before the nighttime shows begin. The city lists Sunday, October 25, as the rain date, so check for updates if the weather is questionable. City of Atlantic City’s Harvest Town announcement.

For a More Relaxed Atlantic City Night, Follow the Music

Friday through Sunday — Council Oak Lounge at Hard Rock; Saturday — Nola’s Bar & Lounge at Ocean Casino Resort. You don’t need an arena ticket to find live music this weekend. Hard Rock’s Council Oak Lounge lists the Paul Jost Trio on Friday, October 23, from 7 to 11 p.m.; the Dan Jost Trio on Saturday, October 24, from 7 to 11 p.m.; and the Amy Faden Duo on Sunday, October 25, from 7 to 11 p.m. That’s a good option for people who would rather spend their night listening over dinner or drinks. Ocean Casino Resort also lists the High Five Swan Dive Duo at Nola’s on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sky City Social at 10 p.m.; Nola’s is a 21-and-older venue. Confirm seating and any venue rules directly before visiting. Hard Rock’s Council Oak live-music schedule and Ocean Casino Resort’s Nola’s event details.

Cape May: A Whole Weekend of Jazz, a Powerful Play & a Halloween Parade

Exit Zero Jazz Festival Is the Weekend’s Big Cape May Draw

Friday, October 23, through Sunday, October 25 — Cape May Convention Hall and other participating Cape May venues. Here’s a major weekend event that’s worth a special trip. The autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival turns Cape May into a music town for three days, with nationally and internationally known performers, music spilling into other venues, and opportunities to hear sounds you might not discover on your own. Advertised artists include Marcus Miller, Chucho Valdés, Danilo Pérez, and Kenny Garrett, along with a much broader mix of jazz, blues, and related music. Whether you’re a serious jazz fan or just curious, this is the kind of cultural event that makes the Shore’s fall season special.

Festival Central is at Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue, where the announced box-office hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Those are box-office hours, not a promise that every performance begins at 10 a.m.; use the artist schedule to plan individual shows. Some performances and passes are ticketed, and seating arrangements vary by venue, so pick your favorites before you leave home. Official Exit Zero Jazz Festival lineup, schedule, and passes.

The American Soldier: Three Performances, One Meaningful Story

Friday and Saturday, October 23–24, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, October 25, at 3 p.m. — Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Cape May. If you’re looking for something thoughtful rather than spooky, Cape May Stage is presenting The American Soldier for three performances only. Written and performed by Douglas Taurel, the solo production draws on letters from service members and their families to tell stories of military life across generations. It’s an intimate alternative to a concert or festival, and an especially timely cultural stop during the nation’s 250th-anniversary year. The company has the show description and ticketing information on its own website. Cape May Stage’s official performance page.

Cape May’s Halloween Parade Takes Over Sunday Afternoon

Sunday, October 25, at 3 p.m. — Carpenters Lane, Ocean Street, and Washington Street area, Cape May. On Sunday, the Halloween costumes come out for Cape May’s annual parade. Expect a lively mix of people in costume and decorated vehicles as the procession moves through town; it’s a fun reason to bring the family into Cape May even if jazz isn’t on your agenda. The city lists the event from 3 to 5 p.m. around the Washington Street Mall. Anyone planning to participate should review the city’s registration and line-up instructions; otherwise, grab a viewing spot and enjoy the afternoon. City of Cape May’s official Halloween Parade listing.

Boo at the Zoo Is a Terrific Family Stop

Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House. This one checks a lot of boxes for families: costumes, animals, entertainment, games, candy, crafts, and more, all gathered at the county park. The county says admission to Boo at the Zoo is free. Costume contest registration is scheduled from 10 to 10:45 a.m., with the contest beginning at 11 a.m.; there are also animal presentations and additional performances during the day. It’s worth building a half-day around the visit, especially if you have younger kids who want Halloween fun without a late-night haunted house. Cape May County’s official Boo at the Zoo page.

A Quieter Seasonal Stop: Tiny Halloween Scenes at the Physick Estate

Friday through Sunday, October 23–25, during exhibit hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May. Cape May MAC’s Department 56 Halloween Exhibit is a different kind of spooky outing. Rather than jump scares, it features a collection of miniature Halloween buildings, characters, and accessories on the enclosed entrance porch of the historic Physick House. This is a good fit for people who enjoy detailed displays, historic settings, or a gentler seasonal diversion between other Cape May activities. The exhibit is scheduled to run through October 31; confirm visiting details before you go. Cape May’s Department 56 Halloween Exhibit details.

Ocean City: The Boardwalk Goes to the Dogs — and There Are Good Causes to Support

Dog Days Returns, with the Howl-O-Ween Parade on Saturday

Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, October 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Ocean City Boardwalk. This is one of my favorite kinds of Shore calendar entries: something that sounds simple but brings the whole community out. Ocean City is welcoming leashed dogs onto the Boardwalk for Dog Days, a special October exception to the usual rules. Saturday brings pet-related vendors, photo opportunities, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s Pet of the Year announcement at noon by the Music Pier. If you have a four-legged family member, this is the weekend to enjoy the boards together.

The big moment comes Saturday at 3 p.m., when the Howl-O-Ween Parade heads along the Boardwalk from Sixth Street to 14th Street. Expect creative dog-and-owner costumes and plenty of smiles from the sidelines. The city’s most recent announcement says day-of parade registration and packet pickup begin at 1 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center; the parade itself starts at 3 p.m. Registration benefits the Humane Society of Ocean City. Whether you’re participating or simply coming to watch, plan for the crowds and give yourself some extra time. Ocean City’s October 21 event update and official Howl-O-Ween Parade listing.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Take a Walk That Matters

Saturday, October 24 — registration at 8:30 a.m.; Promise Garden ceremony at 10 a.m.; walk at 10:30 a.m. — Ocean City Boardwalk, starting near the Civic Center at Sixth Street. The South Jersey Shore Walk to End Alzheimer’s is bringing families, caregivers, businesses, and neighbors together to raise awareness and support the effort against Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The walk is listed as a noncompetitive 2.5-mile event, so it isn’t about finishing first; it’s about showing up for a cause that touches a lot of families. Participants can join teams, volunteer, or support a walker. Ocean City’s official event announcement and registration information.

Give Something Back with the Fall Beach Sweep

Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — check in at the Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk. Here’s a rewarding way to start your Saturday: help keep our beaches clean. Clean Ocean Action’s Fall Beach Sweep brings volunteers together to collect shoreline litter and protect the coast we all enjoy. Bring a bucket and gloves, follow the organizer’s instructions, and dress for the morning weather. If you’re coming with friends or family, it’s a chance to turn a few hours of work into something useful for the community. Official Ocean City Beach Sweep event listing.

Costumes and Skateboards at the Halloween Costume Skate

Saturday, October 24, from 4 p.m. to dusk — Ocean City Skate Park, Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue. Ocean City has another Halloween option for kids and teens who would rather roll than parade. The Skate Park is holding a costume-themed afternoon with skateboarding, a best-trick competition, a costume contest, and candy for participants. It’s a nice way to finish the day after Dog Days or the beach cleanup, particularly if your family already spends time at the park. Check the city’s event listing for updates and safety or participation requirements. Ocean City official October events calendar.

Wildwood & North Wildwood: Costumes, Candy, Music — and Even Wedding Planning

North Wildwood’s Free Trunk-or-Treat Block Party

Saturday, October 24, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. — Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood. Here’s a family-friendly afternoon with plenty of local personality. The North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Block Party lines up decorated vehicles so costumed kids can visit one trunk after another for treats, with music, magic, and balloon twisting added to the mix. The event is free, and the organizers are awarding prizes for the best-decorated vehicles. If you’re bringing a car to participate, registration is required; visiting families can simply follow the event instructions for parking and entry. Official Wildwoods Trunk-or-Treat details.

Greater Wildwood Elks Open Their Free Haunted House

Saturday, October 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. — Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge, 109 West First Avenue, North Wildwood. After the afternoon trunk-or-treat, families looking for another Halloween stop can head to the Elks’ haunted house. This is a free walk-through seasonal attraction with themed rooms and treats while supplies last. Some visitors will enjoy the spooky atmosphere more than others, so parents should decide whether it’s a good fit for younger children. It’s one more example of a neighborhood group creating something fun for the whole island. Official Greater Wildwood Elks Haunted House details.

Boos & Brews at MudHen Brings the Grown-Up Halloween Party

Saturday, October 24, with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. and live music from 7 to 11 p.m. — The Station House at MudHen Brewing Company, 127 West Rio Grande Avenue, Wildwood. Want to make Saturday night your Halloween night out? MudHen’s Boos & Brews mixes costumes with a live set from Cheers The Band, face painting from 6 to 10 p.m., circus performers from 7 to 10 p.m., and a costume contest. Categories include funniest, scariest, and best couple costumes, with gift-card prizes advertised by the venue. Go in costume if you want to join the fun; check the organizer for event details, access, and any changes. MudHen’s official Boos & Brews event page.

Sunday’s Wildwoods Wedding Expo Is a Different Kind of Weekend Plan

Sunday, October 25, from noon to 4 p.m. — Wildwoods Convention Center. Not everything this weekend is about Halloween. If you’re planning a wedding or helping someone who is, the Wildwoods Wedding Expo brings photographers, florists, caterers, entertainment providers, and other vendors into one place. It’s an opportunity to compare ideas in person instead of spending another evening scrolling through websites, and the event also advertises samples, show specials, and prize opportunities. Tickets and registration are handled through the organizer; use the official listing before making the trip. Wildwoods Wedding Expo details and registration link.

Historic Smithville and the Seven Mile Island: Two More Good Reasons to Head Out

Monster Bash Takes Over Historic Smithville

Saturday, October 24, with vendors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Historic Smithville Village, Galloway. Monster Bash turns Smithville’s familiar shop-lined paths into something a little more otherworldly for the day. Organizers list vendors, special guests, pumpkin-carving or painting activities, and a costume contest, with details of the entertainment posted as they are confirmed. That makes it easy to combine a spooky outing with browsing the village’s shops and grabbing a meal. A note for parents: the official event page cautions that some monsters and realistic costumes may be too intense for very young visitors. The listed rain date is Sunday, November 1, not this Sunday. Historic Smithville’s official Monster Bash details.

Clean Ocean Action Sweeps in Avalon and Stone Harbor

Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Avalon, 30th Street Boardwalk; Stone Harbor, 95th Street beach. Ocean City isn’t the only place where volunteers can help the shoreline this weekend. Communities on Seven Mile Island also have Clean Ocean Action fall beach-sweep locations listed for Saturday morning. This is an especially good choice for locals who want to do something meaningful close to home rather than drive to a bigger festival. Confirm your meeting spot, bring suitable cleanup supplies, and check the organizer’s instructions before heading out. Avalon and Stone Harbor event locations and times.

What’s Coming Up This Weekend: A Quick Planner

Friday, October 23

• 7:30 p.m. — The Sixties Show, The Music Box at Borgata, Atlantic City. Event details.
• 9 p.m. — Godsmack with Dorothy, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, Atlantic City. Show and tickets.
• Friday through Sunday — Exit Zero Jazz Festival, Cape May Convention Hall and participating Cape May venues; individual performance times vary. Lineup and schedules.
• 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday — The American Soldier, Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Cape May. Show details.

Saturday, October 24

• 9 a.m.–5 p.m. — Dog Days, Ocean City Boardwalk; 3 p.m. — Howl-O-Ween Parade, Sixth through 14th Streets. City schedule.
• 8:30 a.m. check-in; 10:30 a.m. walk — Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Ocean City Civic Center/Boardwalk. Walk information.
• 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Fall Beach Sweeps, Ocean City Music Pier and separate Avalon/Stone Harbor meeting points. Ocean City cleanup.
• 10 a.m.–2 p.m. — Boo at the Zoo, Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House. Official event details.
• 10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Monster Bash vendors and activities, Historic Smithville, Galloway. Event details.
• 2–6 p.m. — Harvest Town, Gardner’s Basin, Atlantic City; Sunday rain date. City details.
• 2:30–5 p.m. — North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat, Olde New Jersey Avenue. Event details.
• 4 p.m.–dusk — Halloween Costume Skate, Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue, Ocean City. Event details.
• 5:30–8 p.m. — Elks Haunted House, 109 West First Avenue, North Wildwood. Event details.
• 7:30 p.m. — Postmodern Jukebox, The Music Box at Borgata, Atlantic City. Show and tickets.
• 8 p.m. — My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure, Sound Waves at Hard Rock, Atlantic City. Comedy tickets.
• 7–11 p.m. music; other festivities from 6 p.m. — Boos & Brews, MudHen’s Station House, Wildwood. Event details.

Sunday, October 25

• 9 a.m.–3 p.m. — Dog Days continues, Ocean City Boardwalk. City event details.
• Noon–4 p.m. — Wildwoods Wedding Expo, Wildwoods Convention Center. Expo details.
• 3–5 p.m. — Cape May Halloween Parade, Washington Street Mall area and announced parade route. City event details.
• Festival performances continue — Exit Zero Jazz Festival, Cape May; check individual show times. Festival schedule.

My suggestion: pick one main event, leave room for an unplanned stop at a Shore restaurant or shop, and check the weather and the official event page before heading out. That way you get the big experience without feeling like you have to race from one end of South Jersey to the other. And if you’re staying local, spending an hour at a free community event or helping with a beach sweep is every bit as much a part of Shore life as the big shows.

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