Step back in time to poodle skirts, classic cars and rock ‘n’ roll at Wildwood’s annual ’50s, ’60s & ’70s Weekend, run each October by the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, with a classic car show and a Friday night dance party.
Classic Car Show Spectacle
The heart of the weekend is the classic car show at the circle in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center and at Fox Park, on Ocean Avenue (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in 2025). Owners show off their restored classics and visitors walk among them.
What makes it special is the access: you can walk right up to the cars, chat with their owners and hear the stories behind each restoration.
Local Tip: Get to the car show early for photos before the crowds. The Doo Wop Experience museum is at Fox Park too, at 4500 Ocean Ave; in the fall it opens Friday and Saturday evenings.
Sock Hops and Live Entertainment
On Friday night the Wildwoods Convention Center hosts a dance party in the spirit of the ’50s and ’60s sock hops (tickets were $20 in 2025).
For this year’s schedule and tickets, check the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce or the event listing on WildwoodsNJ.com.
Vintage Shopping and Dining
The weekend falls in mid-October, when many Boardwalk rides and shops have cut back to fall hours or closed for the season, so check hours before you plan around a ride or a shop.
Wildwood’s 1950s motels and neon signs along the Doo Wop strip make a fitting backdrop for the weekend.
Perfect Weekend Base
In mid-October, Coastal Sands Inn (4110 Atlantic Ave) is the Coastal Collection hotel that is open, a short walk from the Convention Center and Fox Park. The other four hotels close for the off-season and reopen in April.
After the Friday dance party you can walk back to your room, with no parking to worry about, and Wildwood’s free beaches are a few blocks away for a fall walk between car show visits.
Local Tip: Book Coastal Sands Inn directly on its hotel page once the Chamber posts this year’s dates.
Whether you love classic cars, 1950s culture or just a fall weekend at the shore, the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s Weekend is a good reason to visit Wildwood in October.
Stay a Few Blocks from the Beach and the Boardwalk.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers. Coastal Sands Inn stays open through the winter; the other four hotels reopen each April.
Where to stay in Wildwood
Planning a Wildwood trip? Coastal Collection runs five locally owned hotels a few blocks from the beach and the Boardwalk: Coastal Sands Inn, Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, Sunrise Inn and Paradise Inn. Compare them on the hotels in Wildwood page and book directly with the hotel.
