The Wild Con Jersey Shore Comic Book Show returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center ~ Saturday, January 17th

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Calling all Nerds, Geeks, Comic Book Fans, Pop Culture Aficionados and Cosplayers!

It's going to be WILD at the WILD-CON, returning to the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm. The Jersey Shore Comic Book Show returns with new guests, artists, vendors and so much more to kick off the New Year and Con Season.

This year's event brings featured guests: actor Glenn Taranto, voice actor Travis Artz and actresses/producers Genoveva Rossi and Michelle Santiago. Artists appearing will be Jeff Brennan, Keith Williams, Joe DelBeato, Criss Madd, Bob Petrecca, Denny Fickle, Tom Schloendorn, and a surprise guest who will be making a comeback to the con scene.

Vendors will have comic books, trading cards, toys, crafts and much more - there's something for everyone!

The ultimate expo for fishing and boating enthusiasts returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center ~ January 9-11, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Get hooked on all the excitement at the Fishing and Boating Expo in the Oceanfront Areana at the Wildwoods Convention Center from Friday, January 9 through Sunday, January 11, 2026. 

Presented by "The Fisherman Magazine," Rack & Fin Radio and MudHen Brewery, this year's event has expanded to over 80,000-sq-ft of indoor display and vendor area with 14 different boat dealers and 100 vendor booths.

The event features an expansive display of boats offering attendees more options to climb aboard, explore and purchase. Some of the types of boats on display will be center consoles, cabin cruisers, pontoons, skiffs, wave runners and more.

The expo will offer the latest "gotta have toys" available to view, demo and buy and feature a wide range of exciting new products, services and programs that fishermen and boaters want for the upcoming season. 

Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority wins New Jersey Tourism Excellence award for Marketing

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Greater Wildwood Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) received a 2025 New Jersey Tourism Excellence Award from the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association (NJTIA) in the category of Marketing. The award is presented to the Wildwoods for its 2025 "Welcome to the Wildwoods" campaign.

The NJTIA Tourism Excellence Awards entries are judged by a panel comprised of university marketing professors from throughout the state of New Jersey. The NJTIA Excellence Award was presented to the Wildwoods at the Annual New Jersey Conference on Tourism Luncheon on Wednesday, December 10 at the Golden Nugget, Casino & Marina in Atlantic City, NJ.

The NJTIA Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate and honor the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to shape and elevate the state's tourism landscape. These awards recognize those who exemplify exceptional dedication, creativity and innovation in delivering memorable experiences that strengthen New Jersey's reputation as a premier destination. 

Experience the thrills and chills during the 20th Annual Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge in the Wildwoods on January 17, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Special Olympics New Jersey returns to the Wildwoods to kick off 2026 with a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean during the 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1 pm on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Get ready for a beach day in January and dig out your bathing suit and join the fun!

The Polar Bear Plunge in the Wildwoods is a FREE event for spectators to watch, but plungers pay donations at tiered levels. "Now I'm Ready Bear" plungers must raise a minimum of $110 by December 31, 2025. The "Better Late Than Never Bear" plungers must raise $120 minimum by January 16, 2026.

Early registration is available online by visiting www.PlungeWildwood.org. 

Additional registration for the "Almost Missed It Bear" plungers will be available on-site the day of the event for a minimum donation of $125.

All plungers are encouraged to dress up in costume, break out the plunge props, make banners and signs, and most importantly, have FUN! 

"Pinch the GrYnch" Boardwalk Run to benefit local children in need this Christmas in the Wildwoods ~ Saturday, December 13th

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Join the Lunch with Lynch Foundation and the Wildwood Police Department as they take on the GrYnch with their annual "Pinch the GrYnch" Boardwalk Run & Mile Walk, held on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

The race begins at 10 am in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center and will be rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive holiday outfits.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the "Lynch Who Stole Christmas from the GrYnch" Toy, Coat and Food Card Drive. 

The Lunch with Lynch Foundation has brought the joy of Christmas morning to over 13,000 kids local to the Wildwoods community for the past 14 years. Now in its 15th year, this event is just one of the many to help raise money for gifts for local children in need.

The annual Boardwalk Basketball Classic tournament returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center ~ December 23 & 26-31

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Enjoy a week filled with excitement and friendly team competition at one of the largest holiday coed high school basketball tournaments in the country. The annual Boardwalk Basketball Classic returns to the Wildwoods Convention Center on Tuesday, December 23, and Friday, December 26 through Wednesday, December 31, 2025, for seven days of non-stop action.

The tournament will feature an impressive lineup of high school boys and girls basketball teams from South Jersey, the Delaware Valley and beyond, totally approximately 1,000 competitors. 

Contract awarded for construction of new "green" addition to Cape May-Lewes Ferry fleet

$78.6 million vessel expected to join Cape May-Lewes Ferry fleet in 2029...

PRESS RELEASE

NEW CASTLE, DE - Today, Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced that the addition of a new diesel-hybrid vessel is one step closer to joining the Cape May-Lewes Ferry fleet. 

The DRBA Commission unanimously voted to award a contract for the construction and outfitting of a new 75-car passenger/vehicle ferry to SENESCO Marine LLC of North Kingstown, RI. The project low bid was $78.6 million.

The new ferry will eventually replace the MV Cape Henlopen, an over 40-year-old diesel engine ferry that currently serves passengers who travel between Lewes, Delaware and Cape May, New Jersey. DRBA Executive Director Joel Coppadge realizes the historical significance of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and its importance to the resort communities on both sides of the Delaware Bay.

Retired Tram Car gets new lease on life: Museum launches fundraising campaign to preserve iconic Jersey Shore treasure

PRESS  RELEASE

WILDWOOD, NJ - The phrase "Watch the Tram Car, Please," the hum of the motor and the laughter of generations past: Tram Car #8 is coming home, and the Wildwood Historical Society is leading the charge to preserve this piece of Jersey Shore history.

For over 70 years, the iconic Sightseer tram cars have glided along the boardwalk, transporting beachgoers to memories and moments that last a lifetime. The historical society is leading a fundraising campaign to restore Tram Car #8, one of the last remaining traditional tram cars, to its former glory.

As part of the campaign, the museum is offering 2026 Wildwood Calendars featuring historical images of Wildwood scenes. 

The Family Holiday Celebration promises fun for the entire family at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, December 13th

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods, NJ invite all to enjoy the annual free Family Holiday Celebration, held at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, December 13 from 9 am to 4 pm.

The Wildwoods Convention Center will be sparkling with holiday lights and filled with the sounds of holiday music during this FREE family-friendly celebration. 

Enjoy unique, one-of-a-kind holiday crafts and gifts for sale, children's face painting, balloon twisting, a free children's craft making table, local school children's choruses and band performances, a magician, a special performance by the Avalon String Band, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, and much more!

The Family Holiday Celebration will end with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony outside the Wildwoods Convention Center at 4 pm.

The exciting and fun-filled entertainment schedule for the Family Holiday Celebration is as follows:

Wildwood's Holly Beach Park transforms into a Winter Wonderland for the holiday season with two festive weekend events: December 12-13 & 19-20

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Experience the most charming holiday lights display at the Jersey Shore: Wildwood's Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park, located at 123 East Andrews Avenue in Wildwood, NJ.

Beginning Friday, December 12, 2025, Holly Beach Park will be transformed into a festive display of sparkling lights and cheerful treats promising to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

The main event nights, featuring special activities and treats, will run across two weekends:

• Friday and Saturday, December 12-13, 2025
• Friday and Saturday, December 19-20, 2025

A magical holiday light show will run every 30 minutes from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Rekindle the magic of the holidays at the Wildwood Holiday Spectacular ~ Saturday, December 6th

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Get ready to usher in the festive season with an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia!

The Bobby Rydell Foundation is proud to announce the return of the Wildwood Holiday Spectacular on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 7 pm to 9 pm. This highly anticipated event promises to rekindle the magic of the holidays, bringing together music and joy for a night to remember.

The second annual event will feature a star-studded musical lineup guaranteed to warm hearts and set the perfect festive mood. Attendees will be treated to an evening of soulful renditions of classic hits and holiday favorites from some of the industry's most respected performers, including Brooklyn Bridge, Richie Santa delivering a tribute to Elvis Presley with a holiday twist, Tommy Cono, and Wildwood's own Joey M. will perform soulful renditions of classic hits and holiday favorites.

Enjoy holiday cheer at the Christmas Parade and Festival in Downtown Wildwood on December 5-6

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The holiday spirit continues with festive activities during the Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Place in Downtown Wildwood, set for December 5-6, 2025.

Enjoy free carnival rides, vendors and musical entertainment at this magical event taking place on Friday, December 5, from 5 pm to 8:30 pm, and Saturday, December 6, from 10 am to 3 pm. 

There will be live music by the John Walter Band and story time with Mrs. Claus.

Welcome Santa and his helpers as they parade through the Wildwoods on Friday, December 6, beginning at 6 pm. The parade steps off on 16th Avenue in North Wildwood, proceeding south along Central Avenue, and continues along Pacific Avenue to Spicer Avenue, where the parade will turn and proceed to Byrne Plaza. 

Kelsea Ballerini announced as headliner for Barefoot Country Music Fest 2026

Multi-platinum superstar and Grand Ole Opry member to bring her hit-filled show to Wildwood Beach ~ Tickets on sale now!

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD, NJ — Barefoot Country Music Fest (BCMF), the Northeast’s largest outdoor country music celebration, has announced its next superstar headliner for 2026: Kelsea Ballerini. The multi-platinum singer-songwriter, trailblazer, and Grand Ole Opry member will bring her chart-topping hits, fresh new music, and signature charm to Wildwood Beach when BCMF returns June 18–21, 2026.

Since making history with her debut album The First Time, Ballerini has become one of country music’s most influential voices. She was the only female country artist to reach No. 1 with the first three consecutive singles from a debut album — earning a GRAMMY® nomination for best new artist. Her catalog includes five albums that have all reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, including the Platinum-certified The First Time, Gold-certified Unapologetically, and Subject to Change, as well as her 2020 companion albums Kelsea and Ballerini. 

With seven No. 1 singles, 32 RIAA certifications, and multiple platinum hits such as “Miss Me More,” “Peter Pan,” and “Half of My Hometown” (featuring Kenny Chesney), Ballerini continues to raise the bar for female artists in country music.

National spotlight continues to shine on the Wildwoods in 2025

Islands.com recently named the Wildwoods' Beaches among "America's Best White Sand Beaches" and Discoverer.com named the Wildwoods Boardwalk as one of the "6 Historic Beach Boardwalks Everyone Should Visit"

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS -  The national spotlight continues to shine on the Wildwoods in 2025, where beautiful beaches and an iconic Boardwalk have earned widespread acclaim. 

Islands.com recently named the Wildwoods' beautiful beaches among "America's Best White Sand Beaches" and praised the Wildwoods Boardwalk as having an "all-American vibe, while Discoverer.com named the Boardwalk one of "6 Historic Beach Boardwalks Everyone Should Visit."

These accolades further solidify the Wildwoods' position as one of the nation's most premier seaside travel destinations.

"The Wildwoods continue to shine on the national level, recognized for our beautiful beaches, iconic Boardwalk and one-of-a-kind events. These recent accolades from Islands.com, Discoverer.com and other leading publications recognize what our visitors have always known: the Wildwoods are one of the nation's most beloved seaside resorts," said Louis M. Belasco, Greater Wildwoods Tourism & Improvement Development Authority Executive Director.

Light up the holiday season with tree lighting ceremonies throughout the Wildwoods this December

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Celebrate the official start of the holiday season in the Wildwoods this December by attending four unique and festive tree lighting ceremonies across the 5-mile island. The spirit of the season illuminates in Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood, and at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Visit each event for festive treats, holiday music, photos with Santa, and create lasting family memories!