Wildwood, NJ · Every May
Memorial Day Weekend in Wildwood
Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer in Wildwood. In 2026 (May 22-25) it opened Friday morning with the 10th annual Flags of Liberty Ceremony at the Wildwoods Convention Center, brought the 40th Wildwoods International Kite Festival to the beach, and filled the southern end of the Boardwalk with the first Boardwalk Craft Show of the summer on May 23-24. In 2027 Memorial Day is Monday, May 31; 2027 event dates have not been announced yet.
What Makes Memorial Day Special
Memorial Day Weekend in Wildwood marks the unofficial start of summer at the Jersey Shore, combining patriotic ceremonies with vibrant boardwalk festivities. The Boardwalk Craft Show runs Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, with artisans and crafters along the southern end of the nearly two-mile Boardwalk.
The Flags of Liberty Ceremony, organized by the Greater Wildwood Elks #1896 Veterans Committee and the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority, honors deceased veterans: families unfurl casket flags at the Wildwoods Convention Center near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, then line the Boardwalk with a chain of American flags. In 2026 it began at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 22, alongside the Unlocking of the Ocean ceremony that opens the summer season. The Wildwoods International Kite Festival ran Friday through Monday, with a 9 p.m. illuminated kite fly on Friday at the Rio Grande Avenue beach behind the WILDWOODS sign, kite flying and family games on the weekend, and the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Convention Center on Monday.
The kite festival is free to spectators, and Wildwood’s beaches are free with no beach tags. Check WildwoodsNJ.com in the spring for the 2027 schedule.
Book early. Memorial Day Weekend is the first big holiday weekend of the summer, and booking direct shows live availability at all five hotels.
What to Expect Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend brings Wildwood’s first big summer crowds, with busy beaches and a busy Boardwalk. Late-May weather at the Shore can swing from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
- Boardwalk Craft Show: Artisans and crafters on the southern end of the Boardwalk, Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine (May 23-24 in 2026)
- Flags of Liberty Ceremony: Friday-morning tribute to deceased veterans at the Wildwoods Convention Center and Boardwalk (10 a.m., Friday, May 22 in 2026)
- Kite Festival: Four days, Friday through Monday (May 22-25 in 2026), with large inflatable kites, team flying and family games, free to spectators
- Free Beach Access: All Wildwood beaches remain free with no beach tags required, perfect for Memorial Day picnics
- Rides: Check moreyspiers.com for the weekend’s ride and water park hours before you go
Pack layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons, comfortable walking shoes for the boardwalk, and sunscreen for beach time. Expect restaurant wait times to be longer than usual, so consider making dinner reservations in advance or exploring the many boardwalk food stands for quick bites.
Where to Stay Memorial Day Weekend
All five Coastal Collection hotels are a few blocks from the beach and the Boardwalk, within walking distance of the craft show, the kite festival and the Convention Center. Sunset Beach Hotel on Ocean Avenue is about a three- to four-minute walk from the Wildwoods Convention Center.
We’re locally owned and operated, and our front desk can point you to the weekend’s events. You’ll also enjoy Wildwood’s free beaches (no beach tags required).
Where to stay in Wildwood
Staying over for Memorial Day Weekend Wildwood NJ? 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.
