Your Ultimate Margate 2026 Game Plan Starts Right Here

Hey Folks,

I’m telling you right now… if you’re planning your things to do in Atlantic City and Downbeach this year, you better carve out some time for Margate. This 2026 lineup? It’s not just good—it’s stacked.

I’ve been to a lot of these over the years, and if you know, you know… Margate just does it right. It’s local, it’s fun, and it brings people together without trying too hard.

And I’ve got to give a shoutout to Anna Maria Blescia-Courter, Executive Director of the Margate Business Association. She’s one of the people behind the scenes making sure this town keeps delivering year after year. If you’ve ever enjoyed one of these events, chances are—you’ve felt her impact whether you realized it or not.

🌸 Spring Kickoff: Cherry Blossom Celebration

We start strong on May 2 with the Cherry Blossom Celebration along Ventnor Ave. Live music, food, vendors, kids running around—it’s that perfect “winter’s over” vibe.

👉 Get details at MargateHasMore.com

🚴 Le Tour de Downbeach

June 6, and yeah—I’ve seen this ride roll through. It’s a 12-mile cruise from Ventnor through Margate and Longport into Atlantic City and back.

And the payoff? A legit BBQ at Tomatoes. Not a bad finish line.

🏖️ Beachstock — The One You Don’t Miss

June 27. This is the monster event.

Beachstock is exactly what it sounds like—the biggest beach party around. You’ve got the Jetty x Ben Gravy Pineapple Surf Classic, live music, food trucks, beer garden, volleyball, cornhole… it’s a full-day takeover.

Then at night? It flips into Beachstock After Dark—bonfire, Hawaiian dancers, music, and a family movie right on the sand. That’s a South Jersey summer night done right.

🎬 Thrilling Thursdays

July through August—this is that weekly rhythm locals love.

• Sidewalk sales
• Farmers market at Steve & Cookie’s by the Bay
• Family movies with kids’ activities

It’s low-key, it’s consistent, and it gives you a reason to come back every week.

🎆 July 4th on the Beach

Fireworks at Granville Ave beach. Simple, classic, and always a great crowd. The kind of night where everybody just looks up and smiles.

♠️ Canasta & Mahjong Benefit

July 21 at Steve & Cookie’s—this one’s got a great local feel. Games, auction items, bites, drinks… and it supports a good cause.

🚑 Lifeguard Races

August in Margate—if you’ve never seen these, go. It’s fast, competitive, and a true Jersey Shore tradition. Decatur Ave beach gets packed.

🦆 Duck Derby

August 23 at Washington Ave Pier. This is pure family fun. Buy a duck, cheer it on, and maybe walk away with a prize. Simple and awesome.

🍂 Fall Funfest by the Bay

September 26–27… this is another big one.

100+ vendors, food, music, kids stuff, beer garden—and yeah, the Steve & Cookie’s Dog Show is always a crowd favorite.

Then Friday night rolls into Funfest After Dark—live music, wine, spirits… a little more grown-up vibe to close out the summer season.

🎄 Holiday Wrap-Up

November 28 brings Shop Small Saturday with a twist—an ASL Santa and town-wide holiday events. It’s a great way to kick off the season and support local.

📅 🥊 What’s Coming Up

• May 2 – Cherry Blossom Celebration
• June 6 – Le Tour de Downbeach
• June 27 – Beachstock + After Dark
• July–August – Thrilling Thursdays
• July 4 – Fireworks on the Beach
• July 21 – Canasta & Mahjong Benefit
• August – Lifeguard Races
• August 23 – Duck Derby
• Sept 26–27 – Fall Funfest
• Nov 28 – Shop Small Saturday

👉 Final Word

If you’re mapping out your summer, don’t just stay in Atlantic City—move around. Margate, Ventnor, Longport… that whole Downbeach stretch is where a lot of the real magic happens.

And I’m telling you—pick just one of these events and you’ll end up coming back for three more.

👉 Full details and updates here: MargateHasMore.com

Live-Work-Play-AC!
See you on the 48

AC Mike