The Wildwoods host the 27th Annual New Jersey State Barbecue Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival ~ Friday, July 11 - Sunday, July 13

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THE WILDWOODS - Indulge in mouthwatering ribs, chicken, brisket and pork while enjoying some of the best blues music at the Jersey Shore during the 27th Annual New Jersey State Barbecue Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival, set for Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13.

The event will take place at 2nd & Olde New Jersey Avenues and surrounding pubs in the North Wildwood Entertainment District.

The three-day festival will feature barbecue teams from around the country showing off their grill skills in a quest for the best BBQ. 

There will be teams competing for glory and 1st through 5th places in pulled pork, ribs, chicken and brisket. The top overall scorer will be named the Grand Champion, and the second overall scorer will be designated the Reserve Grand Champion.

The official judging is conducted by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. The Grand Champion of the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship is eligible to compete in the invitation-only American Royale World Championship, held annually in Kansas City, Missouri.

While you are enjoying delicious BBQ, you can also enjoy smoking hot blues music!

The Wildwoods host the 13th Annual Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival ~ Friday, July 11th

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THE WILDWOODS - Families, friends and kids of all ages: Head to the beach to play in the sand at Heather Road in Wildwood Crest during the 13th Annual Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival on Friday, July 11 from 9 am to 2 pm!

This amateur and semi-pro sand sculpting contest is FREE for all participants and spectators, and it is a rain or shine event.

The Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival transforms the beach into a stunning display of artistic talent and creativity. Held each summer, the festival attracts talented sand sculptors from all over the world to create intricate and breathtaking works of art using nothing but sand and water.

Visitors can stroll along the shoreline, marveling at the impressive sculptures ranging from detailed animals and famous landmarks to imaginative, whimsical designs.

The Wildwoods host world famous Harlem Globetrotters® for four games at the Wildwoods Convention Center ~ Tuesday, July 22 - Friday, July 25

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THE WILDWOODS - Join the world famous Harlem Globetrotters® in the Wildwoods as they make their victorious return to the Oceanfront Arena in the Wildwoods Convention Center!

Witness the world record-breaking, trick-shot stars of basketball LIVE as they bring their signature SPINS, DUNKS and SLAMS to the court, taking on their determined rivals, the Washington Generals.

Games take place nightly at 7 pm from Tuesday, July 22 through Friday, July 25.

This year, the Harlem Globetrotters are bringing FUN and innovative CHALLENGES to showcase their superstars' impressive skills and seemingly impossible feats of athleticism. Watch in awe as players go -head-to-head in an exhilarating battle of skills featuring epic dunks, jaw-dropping four-point shots and more - it's friendly competition at its most exciting!

Attendees may find themselves mid-court as a part of the FAN-FILLED Halftime Skills Showcase!

The Wildwoods Convention Center hosts return of Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles Shows ~ July 4-6 & August 22-24

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THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods Convention Center hosts the return of the Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles Show, set for Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6 - an event perfect for collectors of all kinds and fun for the entire family.

Presented by RK Sports Promotions, the expo will feature more than 200 tables of the hottest collectibles, including old and new sports cards, non-sports cards, old and new toys, comic books, Pokemon, sets, supplies, Funko Pops, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic, Beanie Babies, videos, jerseys, books, posters, coins, t-shirts, Legos, antiques and so much more.

There's something for everyone!

The Wildwoods Convention Center hosts exciting dance competitions this summer, attracting talent from across the country

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THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods Convention Center hosts three exciting dance competitions this summer in the Oceanfront Arena, attracting talented dancers from across the country to the Wildwoods.

All performances are choreographed to music and are sure to amaze!

Starlux Mini Golf in the Wildwoods in Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards in the Best Mini-Golf & Putt Putt category

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THE WILDWOODS - Starlux Mini Golf has been nominated in the category of "Best Mini Golf/Putt Putt" in Newsweek's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. The mini-golf attraction was chosen by Newsweek's editorial team in collaboration with industry experts and Newsweek contributors.

Voting is open to the public until July 17. Fans are encouraged to vote for Starlux Mini Golf here:

http://www.newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-mini-golf-putt-putt-2025

Starlux Mini-Golf features a two-story mini-golf experience with 27 themed holes. Located in the heart of the resort, the course is a quintessential Wildwoods experience, with themes evoking the beach, ocean and boardwalk:

The Wildwoods host sun, sand & soccer at Cape Express Beach Blast on the Wildwoods Beaches ~ Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29

MORE Beach Blast Soccer Tournament will return to the Wildwood beaches on Saturday, July 19 & Sunday, July 20

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THE WILDWOODS - Soccer players of all ages will have a blast on the Wildwoods beaches during the Beach Blast Soccer Tournament, to be held Saturday and Sunday, June 28 & 29, from 7 pm - 6 pm daily.

The event is so popular that a second tournament, MORE Beach Blast, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 19 & 20.

Beach Blast is a five-on-five barefoot-on-the-sand soccer tournament on the beach hosted by the Cape Express Soccer Club of Cape May County, with divisions for boys and girls U8 to U19, men's, women's and co-ed open.

The Wildwoods capture national spotlight with a wave of prestigious accolades in 2025

The Wildwoods have achieved national recognition from USA Today, NASDAQ's Go Banking Rates, Tripadvisor, HGTV, Priceline and more...

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THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods, a favorite Jersey Shore destination for generations, have emerged as the hottest destination at the Jersey Shore in 2025, earning a wave of prestigious national accolades and recognition.

"Fans of the Wildwoods have long known that our destination is spectacular," said Louis M. Belasco, Executive Director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA). "We are grateful that the Wildwoods continue to be recognized for all the reasons families have loved vacationing here for decades."

The Wildwoods' five-mile island has appealed to vacationing families for more than a century, garnering numerous accolades throughout its history as a top vacation destination. 

In addition to its staple attractions like their FREE beaches and 38-block world famous Boardwalk, the Wildwoods are also home to an exciting year-round schedule of events, many of which are completely FREE, earning the island widespread recognition, and boosting its presence as a must-visit destination. 

The Wildwoods have become a much sought after family vacation destination, achieving national recognition from publications such as USA Today, NASDAQ's Go Banking Rates, Tripadvisor, HGTV, Priceline and more. 

Below is a list of awards and accolades the Wildwoods have won to date in 2025: 

The Wildwoods host Doo Wop Back to the 50's Neon Night Tours every Tuesday and Thursday night in the summer

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THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods, New Jersey is home to the largest collection of mid-century resort architecture in the country!

Visitors can tour the island and see retro 50's and 60's motels, signs and landmarks, as well as new examples of Doo Wop architecture emerging in the Wildwoods. Tours are scheduled to start June 17 and run to August 24, every Tuesday and Thursday night from 8 pm - 9:30 pm.

Tours begin in front of the Doo Wop Experience Museum, located at 4500 Ocean Avenue in Wildwood, and are narrated by a tour guide as visitors are transported around the island on a tro

The admission fee is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger; children 2 and under are FREE. Reservations are suggested and tickets are available in person or online HERE.

Jeep Invasion Returns! ~ Thousands of Jeeps invade the Wildwoods' beaches during the annual NJ Jeep Invasion – July 11-13

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THE WILDWOODS - Start your engines for the annual NJ Jeep Invasion on the Wildwoods' beaches, set for Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13.

This can't-miss event is the largest gathering of Jeeps in the Northeast, with over 2,000 Jeeps in attendance and over 75 of the industry's top vendors.

All Jeep and vendors are parked on the beach for this three-day, family friendly event. Participants and spectators alike enjoy a weekend filled with Jeep displays, vendor booths, raffles, educational workshops, a beach obstacle course and Jeeps cruising around the island, creating an exciting, high-energy atmosphere.

The entire event takes place on the beach between Andrews and Cresse Avenues, behind the iconic Wildwoods Sign. The event is a true spectacle of automotive passion, as Jeep owners proudly show off their rides and connect with like-minded individuals in a community that values adventure, customization and the open road.

The Wildwoods, NJ's Beautiful FREE Beaches Nominated for Best Beach in New Jersey in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards 2025

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THE WILDWOODS - USA Today announced that the Wildwoods' beautiful FREE beaches are in the running for the second consecutive year for Best Beach in New Jersey in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards Contest 2025.

The Wildwoods' beaches won the Best Beach in NJ award in 2024 and hope to repeat by placing number one on the USA Today ranking again this year.

Fans and supporters are encouraged to vote online for the Wildwoods' beaches starting Monday, April 21 at noon. Supporters can vote once a day, every day, until the voting period ends on Monday, May 19 at 11:59 am.

The Wildwoods' sparkling, clean beaches, stretching for five miles across the shores of North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, are unlike most seashore resort beaches in that they are so spacious, offering plenty of room to spread out, and unlike most New Jersey beach destinations, the Wildwoods beaches are completely FREE with no beach tags required.

Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority announces new 2025 tourism campaign

Coming off a record-breaking 2024 summer tourism season, the Wildwoods launch new "Welcome to the Wildwoods" tourism campaign...

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THE WILDWOODS - The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) recently launched its new 2025 tourism ad campaign, "Welcome to the Wildwoods!"

The campaign invites visitors to enjoy everything they could ever want in a safe, fun vacation experience - all on one five-mile island.

"The campaign highlights the Wildwoods' distinctive charm as a beach destination that caters to every family member. It showcases the island's versatility as a vacation spot where you can find everything you could ever want for your vacation experience, all on one five-mile island," said Ben Rose, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for GWTIDA.

The campaign features two all-new commercials showing video highlights of everything there is to do in the Wildwoods, from relaxing on the Wildwoods' spacious, clean and FREE white-sandy beaches, to exploring the 38-block, world famous boardwalk with three action-packed amusement piers featuring over 100 rides and attractions, three beachfront water parks, great shopping, fun carnival games and flashing arcades, plus unique dining and nightlife experiences, watersports, fishing, boating and more.

GO BIRDS!! ~ Morey's Piers announces special day of fun benefiting Eagles Autism Foundation

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WILDWOOD, NJ - Morey's Piers, a renowned amusement destination nestled in the heart of Wildwood, New Jersey, is thrilled to announce a special fundraising event benefiting the Eagles Autism Foundation on Friday, June 13, 2025.

From ticket sales and special experiences, Eagles Player Bartender and Game Operators, to a specialized Sunny Seagull Plush, a portion of proceeds will support the Eagles Autism Foundation's mission to raise funds for innovative autism research and care programs.

"We're thrilled to partner with the Eagles Autism Foundation for a day that combines family fun, community engagement and a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact," said Kyle Morey, Director of Marketing for Morey's Piers. "We're excited to welcome everyone on June 13, and believe it will be an experience to remember."

Among the programming will be a Player Bartender at PigDog Beach BarBQ, a Player Game Operator serving up a limited edition Morey's Piers x Eagles Autism Foundation Sunny Seagulls, appearances by Swoop and Eagles Cheerleaders, and more!

Barefoot Country Music Fest drops daily lineup schedule

Limited Super VIP Passes remain for the 5-Year-Celebration...

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WILDWOOD, NJ - Barefoot Country Music Fest (BCMF) has released the daily schedule for its five-year anniversary, giving fans a first look at when their favorite artists will take the stage.

Set for June 19-22, 2025, BCMF will bring an all-star lineup to the beaches of Wildwood, NJ, with performances from Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Rascal Flatts, Megan Moroney, Jordan Davis, Warren Zeiders, Chris Janson, Boyz II Men and more!

The Daily Schedule is as Follows (also see graphic below):

Wildwoods Welcome Center to host Opening Weekend festivities ~ Friday, April 4th & Saturday, April 5th

The weather is warming, the days are getting longer and, every week, more and more seasonal businesses in the Wildwoods are reopening their doors.

A new season is in bloom, and the Wildwoods Welcome Center is set to mark the occasion with its own Opening Weekend celebration this Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. 

"This is always an exciting time of year, as we welcome back visitors to the island and prepare for the summer season ahead," said Bob Sahasaylo, Executive Director of the Greater Wildwood Hotel/Motel Association (GWHMA), which operates the information center at 1 NJ-47, just over the George Redding Bridge.

"The annual opening of the Wildwoods Welcome Center is an opportunity to get reacquainted with our guests and have some fun while sharing info and celebrating the things we love most about our island."