AC Mike’s Weekend Update: Big Music, Boardwalk Traditions & Plenty to Do at the Shore
Hey Folks,
Here we go again — another summer weekend at the Jersey Shore, and if you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the house, I’ve got a few for you.
From Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16, Atlantic City is loaded with live music, entertainment and one of our great local traditions. And if you want to venture down the coast, Ocean City, Somers Point, Cape May and Wildwood have plenty happening too.
This is one of those weekends where you could start on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, wind up listening to music on the beach in Somers Point, and somehow convince yourself you had a perfectly reasonable weekend.
That’s summer in South Jersey.
Three Nights of Widespread Panic at Hard Rock
Let’s start with one of the biggest music stories of the weekend.
Widespread Panic takes over Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for three straight nights — Friday, Saturday and Sunday — at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena.
The shows begin at 8 p.m. each night, and anybody who knows this band knows that their fans don’t simply attend a concert. They make a weekend out of it. Expect to see plenty of Panic fans roaming the Boardwalk before and after the shows.
Widespread Panic Atlantic City show and ticket information
Woodstock Vibes Return to the Atlantic City Boardwalk
If one three-day music run isn’t enough, there’s another one happening just down the Boardwalk.
Re-Wind 69: 3 Days of Peace, Love and Rock ’n’ Roll runs Friday through Sunday at Showboat Resort Atlantic City.
The event is a throwback to the sounds and atmosphere of Woodstock, with tribute performances celebrating artists including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Santana, The Who and the Grateful Dead, along with psychedelic visuals, vendors, food and plenty of late-’60s flavor.
It starts at 2 p.m. each day.
I like seeing events like this on the Boardwalk because they give people another reason to make Atlantic City the destination for the entire weekend — not simply drive in for a show and drive home.
Re-Wind 69 details and ticket information
Keanu Reeves Is Playing Atlantic City — Yes, That Keanu Reeves
Here’s one that might surprise a few people.
Dogstar plays Sound Waves at Hard Rock on Friday, August 14. And yes, the band’s bass player is actor Keanu Reeves.
Dogstar has been around since the 1990s and reunited in recent years, so this isn’t some celebrity jumping onstage for a few songs. They’re a legitimate touring rock band, and seeing them inside the relatively intimate Sound Waves should make for an interesting Friday night.
Check Hard Rock Atlantic City for tickets and information
Marshall Tucker Band at Borgata
If Southern rock is more your speed, The Marshall Tucker Band comes to The Music Box at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
We’re talking about a band whose music has been part of the American soundtrack for more than five decades. If “Can’t You See” comes on the radio and you don’t turn it up at least a little bit, I’m not sure we can be friends.
Marshall Tucker Band tickets and show information
A Classic Atlantic City Tradition: The Wedding of the Sea
Saturday also brings something completely different — and something that is uniquely Atlantic City.
The annual Wedding of the Sea Festival takes place Saturday, August 15, beginning at 10 a.m. The tradition includes Mass at the Seminole Ballroom at Hard Rock followed by a procession to the beach and the ceremonial blessing of the Atlantic Ocean.
This tradition has deep roots in Atlantic City, and I always enjoy seeing the community continue the customs that connect today’s AC with generations that came before us.
The celebration is free and open to the public.
Wedding of the Sea Festival information
Saturday Night Has Something for Everybody
Saturday is one of those nights when Atlantic City gives you almost too many choices.
- The Clairvoyants bring their mind-reading and illusion show to The Music Box at Borgata at 7:30 p.m. — show information and tickets.
- Melvin Seals & JGB take over the Tropicana Showroom at 8 p.m., carrying on the musical spirit associated with the Jerry Garcia Band — event details.
- Hot August Night — A Neil Diamond Tribute hits Golden Nugget at 8 p.m.
- Matteo Lane & Heather McMahan bring the laughs to Caesars Atlantic City at 8 p.m.
- The Empire Strips Back, a Star Wars-inspired parody production, begins its Atlantic City run at Harrah’s.
And don’t forget The Hook at Caesars, which continues its regular weekend performances. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Atlantic City.
The World Series of Poker Circuit Is in Town
There’s another crowd arriving in Atlantic City this weekend.
The World Series of Poker Circuit is underway at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, running August 13 through August 24.
Atlantic City and poker have a long history together, so it’s good to see another major poker event bringing players into town for an extended stay.
Sunday Afternoon Yacht Rock at Ocean
Maybe you went a little harder than expected Friday and Saturday. I understand.
Sunday afternoon offers a smoother landing.
Boat House Row: A Yacht Rock Experience returns to Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort at 4 p.m.
Think Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Toto and all that smooth late-’70s and early-’80s music you pretend you don’t know every word to.
Boat House Row tickets and information
Don’t Forget Ocean City
There’s plenty happening across the bridge in Ocean City, too.
Little Miss Ocean City takes place Friday from 7–9 p.m. at the Music Pier, followed by Junior Miss Ocean City Saturday from 7–9 p.m.
Then on Sunday, country music legend Lee Greenwood joins the Ocean City Pops at the Music Pier at 7:30 p.m.
That combination — a summer Sunday night, the Music Pier and the Pops — is about as Ocean City as it gets.
See the official Ocean City events calendar
Free Music in Somers Point
If you’re looking for something free, head over to Somers Point on Friday night.
The Somers Point Summer Beach Concert Series continues at William Morrow Beach from 7–9:30 p.m.
I’ve said it before: there’s something special about live music along the bay on a summer night. Bring a chair, grab something to eat nearby and enjoy one of the great community traditions in our area.
Somers Point events and concert information
Heading Farther South?
Cape May continues its free Music in the Park series at Rotary Park all weekend. The Honeyhawks perform Friday, the Tri-County Symphonic Band plays Saturday and Johnny Zarfati performs Sunday.
See Cape May’s summer concert schedule
And in Wildwood, Coastin’ By The Ocean takes place Saturday and Sunday at Morey’s Piers. The annual event is geared toward roller coaster and amusement ride enthusiasts, with registration required for eligible enthusiast-group members.
Coastin’ By The Ocean information
AC Mike’s Weekend Short List
If you just want the cheat sheet, here you go:
- Friday: Re-Wind 69 at Showboat; Widespread Panic at Hard Rock; Dogstar at Sound Waves; Marshall Tucker Band at Borgata; free Summer Beach Concert in Somers Point.
- Saturday: Wedding of the Sea; Re-Wind 69; Widespread Panic; The Clairvoyants; Melvin Seals & JGB; Hot August Night; Matteo Lane & Heather McMahan; Junior Miss Ocean City.
- Sunday: Re-Wind 69 finale; Boat House Row at Ocean; Widespread Panic at Hard Rock; Lee Greenwood with the Ocean City Pops; free music in Cape May.
Get Out and Enjoy South Jersey
What I like about this weekend is the variety. You’ve got national acts, jam bands, classic rock, comedy, free concerts, family events and traditions that have been part of our Shore communities for generations.
That’s something we sometimes take for granted around here.
You don’t necessarily need a big plan. Pick a town, get outside, walk the Boardwalk, support a local restaurant or business, catch some music and enjoy August while we’ve still got it.
And wherever you end up this weekend, remember that the local businesses making our Shore towns special depend on all of us. Grab breakfast at the neighborhood spot. Have dinner before the show. Buy something from the local shop. Tip the people taking care of you.
That’s how we keep South Jersey strong.
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Thank you for being part of the AC Mike community. Now get out there and enjoy the weekend.
Live-Work-Play-AC!
See you on the 48
AC Mike
Thanks for reading AC Mike's Newsletter.
Wishing GREAT fun and a memorable weekend to You, Mike; as well as ALL people who will be attending the weekend events!!