WILDWOOD — The unofficial end of summer will be a busy one in the Wildwoods, with four days of events planned throughout the island for Labor Day weekend.
Activities are scheduled from Friday, Sept. 4 through Monday, Sept. 7, ranging from Boardwalk fireworks and live music to a craft show, farmers market and even a world championship skeeball tournament.
One of the weekend's largest events comes Sunday, when Wildwood holds its annual End of Summer Labor Day Weekend Block Party and Music Festival at Fox Park.
The free festival runs from 1 to 10 p.m. Sept. 6 on Ocean Avenue, across from the Wildwoods Convention Center, and will include live entertainment, food and craft vendors and children's activities.
Fireworks Kick Off Holiday Weekend
Labor Day weekend festivities get underway Friday with several activities, including the Wildwoods' traditional Friday night fireworks.
The show begins at 10 p.m. Sept. 4, with fireworks launched from the beach at Pine Avenue and synchronized to music played over the Boardwalk sound system.
Those looking for a quieter start to the holiday weekend can head to the beach at Burk Avenue behind the Wildwoods Convention Center for Yoga on the Beach.
Classes begin at 9 a.m. each day from Friday through Labor Day Monday and feature Hatha yoga along with Qi Gong and other techniques. The cost is $8 per class.
Farmers Market Wraps Up 13th Season
Saturday will mark the final Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market of the season.
The market will be open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Ave., extending from Oak Avenue to Schellenger Avenue.
More than 70 vendors are expected for the season finale, selling Jersey Fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, flowers, artwork, clothing, jewelry and other items.
The market will be held rain or shine, with free parking available.
Craft Show Comes to the Boardwalk
The Labor Day Weekend Boardwalk Craft Show will also return Saturday and Sunday.
The show will be held on the Boardwalk behind the Wildwoods Sign at Rio Grande Avenue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Vendors will offer handmade crafts, boutique merchandise, gifts and other items. The event will be held rain or shine.
World Championship Skeeball Tournament
For visitors who believe their Boardwalk arcade skills are championship caliber, Saturday night offers a chance to prove it.
Ed's Funcade, at 3700 Boardwalk at Lincoln Avenue, will hold its World Championship Skeeball Tournament from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
The tournament is free to enter.
Saturday evening will also bring live music to Wildwood Crest.
The Meghan Knight Band will perform as part of the Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series beginning at 7 p.m. at Centennial Park, at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue.
The free, all-ages outdoor concert will feature modern country and pop music. Attendees are encouraged to bring beach or lawn chairs.
Sunday Block Party Says Goodbye to Summer
Sunday's End of Summer Block Party will serve as the centerpiece of the holiday weekend.
The nine-hour festival at Fox Park will feature free live entertainment along with food and craft vendors and activities for children.
The event has traditionally served as Wildwood's big sendoff to the peak summer tourism season, although Labor Day will not mark the end of major events in the resort.
The Wildwoods' fall calendar continues the following weekend with the return of the Wildwoods Airshow on Sept. 12 and 13, featuring the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team and other military and civilian aircraft.
Labor Day itself will provide one final opportunity for Yoga on the Beach at 9 a.m. Monday.
Additional information about Labor Day weekend events and other activities is available through the Wildwoods tourism website.
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Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
