Volvo Cars helps preserve and modernize an iconic Jersey Shore experience

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD, NJ - The Wildwoods Boardwalk Sightseer Tram Cars, one of the most recognizable and beloved features of the Jersey Shore, are entering a new chapter in a shared initiative with Volve Cars aimed at preserving and modernizing this historic transportation experience for future generations.

Owned and operated by the non-profit Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District Management Corporation (WSID), the Sightseer Tram Cars represent a rare example of a fully self-sustaining public transportation system. The operation receives no government funding and serves hundreds of thousands of visitors each year through its independent, mission-driven model.

This new initiative represents a significant step forward in maintaining the integrity of the Tram Car experience while embracing modern technology. As part of the first phase, Volvo Cars will provide three fully electric EX40 vehicles, aligning with the original electric-powered design of the historic tram cars. This transition underscores a commitment to sustainability while honoring the system's roots.

Wildwood Crest announces 2026 beach lifeguard coverage

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST, NJ – The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol has announced its coverage schedule for the 2026 summer season.

All beaches will be open and protected by lifeguards, weather permitting, from 10 am to 5:30 pm on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, May 23-25, as well as on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31 and June 6-7. 

The PigDog Beach Volleyball Classic returns to the Wildwoods beaches ~ June 6-7

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The PigDog Beach Volleyball Classic will serve up some top-notch volleyball action on the Wildwoods beaches - Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, 2026.

Featured courts will be located at Morey's Piers' PigDog Beach Bar, located on the beach between Oak and Maple Avenues. There's an opportunity for players of all ages and abilities to bump, set and spike in the shadow of America's largest seaside amusement park. 

Divisions range from recreational to top-tier, youth through adult, and doubles as well as teams of four players. 

Wildwoods Sightseer Tram Car returns to the Wildwoods Boardwalk for 2026 beginning on Mother's Day Weekend

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD, NJ - Just in time for Mother's Day Weekend, the Boardwalk Special Improvement District has announced that Sightseer Tram Car rides, and the iconic "Watch the Tram Car, Please!" announcement will return to the Wildwoods Boardwalk on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

2026 marks the 78th season of the Sightseer Tram Cars carrying happy families up and down the 38 blocks of fun shops, amusement piers, water parks, bars and restaurants that make up the 2-mile-long Wildwoods Boardwalk. 

They have certainly traveled through a lot of history since they debuted in 1939 when Franklin D. Roosevelt opened the World's Fair in Flushing Meadow, NY. The Sightseer Tram Cars were brought to the Wildwoods Boardwalk 10 years later, in 1949, and, as they say, the rest is history! 

Downtown Wildwood Fitness in the Plaza returns for Summer 2026; FREE preview classes set for Friday, May 22nd

PRESS RELEASE

DOWNTOWN WILDWOOD, NJ - Downtown Wildwood is bringing the energy back to Byrne Plaza with the return of Fitness in the Plaza for Summer 2026, presented in partnership with Shore Fitness.

This outdoor fitness series offers a fun and affordable way to stay active all summer long in the heart of the Wildwoods. 

* Check out the 2 FREE Preview Classes, set for Friday, May 22 of Memorial Day Weekend at Byrne Plaza (3400 Pacific Avenue): 

North Wildwood hosts annual Captain Kidd Pirate Day with Boardwalk parade and beach treasure hunt on Saturday, May 16th

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Ahoy, young buccaneers ~ Get ready to set sail for a day of swashbuckling fun at North Wildwood's annual Captain Kidd Pirate Day on Saturday, May 16 (rain or shine)!

Don your finest pirate attire and join the lively parade, which kicks off at 11 am at 26th Avenue and the Boardwalk. Prizes will be awarded for the best pirate costumes following the start of the treasure hunt.

All children ages 12 and under are invited to wear their best pirate-themed apparel and participate in a free parade of brave buccaneers and swashbuckling scallywags to where "X" marks the spot. 

Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market Season #13 Opening set for Saturday, May 23rd

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - The Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market returns for its 13th season on Saturday, May 23, 2026, brining fresh flavors, local craftsmanship and vibrant community energy to the heart of the Wildwoods.

The market will be open every Saturday from 8 am to 12:30 pm through Labor Day Weekend.

Featuring 80+ vendors each week, the market offers an impressive variety of goods, including:

Kick off Memorial Day Weekend in the Wildwoods with the return of the International Kite Festival ~ May 22-25, 2026

Celebrating 40 Years in 2026!

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods kick off Memorial Day Weekend and the unofficial start of summer with the 40th Annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival on Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25.

This Wildwoods tradition is the largest kite festival in North America and features long festival kite makers from around the world flying their most incredible colorful creations over the Wildwoods' FREE white sandy beaches.

The Kite Festival is FREE to spectators and kicks off on Friday, May 22 at noon. Kite festivities follow the with the opening of the Kite Sales Tent, a Friday night kite social, and the 9 pm illuminated kite fly at the Rio Grande Avenue beach behind the famous WILDWOOD Sign. 

Morey's Piers' PigDog nominated for “Best Beach Bar” by USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - PigDog Beach Bar, located on the beach in the heart of the Wildwoods, has been nominated for "Best Beach Bar" in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Kyle Morey, 3rd generation owner and Marketing Director said, "This nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and the energy our guests bring every day. We're incredibly prod to see PigDog recognized on a national stage."

Voting officially started today, April 20, 2026, and runs through May 18, 2026, with the winner announced on May 27, 2026.

This nomination follows another major recognition for the destination, as the Wildwoods were recently named Best Boardwalk by USA Today for the second consecutive year, further solidifying the area as a premier beach destination. 

Kona Surf Shop is in the running to be named the "Best Surf Shop" in the U.S. in USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards 2026

Kona Surf Company in the Wildwoods has been nominated for "Best Surf Shop" in USA Today's 2026 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - Kona Surf Company in the Wildwoods, NJ is in the running for "Best Surf Shop" in the country in the 2026 USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Kona is a staple in the Wildwoods, serving as the hub for surf supplies and local surf culture on the island for nearly six decades. 

Fans and supporters are encouraged to vote online for the Kona Surf Company, once a day, every day, until the voting period ends on Monday, May 18 at 11:59 am. The top 10 winners for "Best Surf Shop" will be announced on Wednesday, May 27 at noon. 

Improvements scheduled for Wildwood Crest's Centennial Park

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST - The Borough of Wildwood Crest is set to perform upgrades to Centennial Park, located at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue.

Work will be done in two phases, with the first phase scheduled to commence before the end of April and completion scheduled prior to Memorial Day Weekend.

The proposed work for the first phase of the project includes the installation of new bollards, concrete sidewalks and decorative double-sided paver walls, as well as the restoration of disturbed areas to original conditions. 

Wildwoods Boardwalk named "Best Boardwalk" in the U.S. in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2026

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - USA Today announced the Wildwoods' Boardwalk has won Best Boardwalk in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2026!

The Wildwoods' Boardwalk was nominated by a panel of travel experts and voted on by the general public. This is the second consecutive year the Wildwoods Boardwalk has been named to the #1 spot on the list. 

The complete "10 Best" list includes popular boardwalks from around the country:

   1. Wildwoods Boardwalk

          2. Kemah Boardwalk

          3. Ocean City Boardwalk

          4. Carolina Beach Boardwalk

          5. Atlantic City Boardwalk

          6. Venice Beach Boardwalk

          7. Ocean Beach Park Boardwalk

          8. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

          9. Virginia Beach Boardwalk

        10. Boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach

Fans and supporters voted online for the best boardwalk in the nation, with the Wildwoods taking the number one spot in the 2026 ranking. Nominees on the list included boardwalks from across the nation, including in New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Delaware, Maine and California. 

The 2026 Spring Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show on the Wildwoods Boardwalk returns ~ Friday & Saturday, May 8-9

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Spring Wildwood Kustom Hot Rod & Muscle Car Show will once again be held on the world famous Wildwoods Boardwalk as custom vehicles gather at the Jersey Shore - Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. 

As the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean, the sound of revving engines will fill the air, signaling the start of a weekend packed with classic cars, hot rods and vintage vehicles.

The show will feature classic cars displayed from 26th Street to the Wildwoods Convention Center on the Wildwoods Boardwalk, where visitors can stroll the boards and experience the craftsmanship and beauty of hundreds of restored classic cards from 10 am to 8 pm. 

Spring cheer competitions return to the Wildwoods Convention Center in April and May

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The Wildwoods Convention Center will host an amazing lineup of athletic and talented cheerleaders from around the country for cheer championships during the months of April and May. 

For each event, teams will compete on a spring floor and perform incredible stunts in hopes of winning the judges' votes. Experience high-energy performances choreographed to music and sound effects as talented cheer teams compete for top prizes. 

The Wildwoods Convention Center hosts New Jersey's leading RV dealers for the New Jersey Spring RV Show ~ Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS - The  10th Annual Wildwood Spring RV Show is rolling into the Wildwoods Convention Center this April. Get ready to explore your next adventure on wheels on Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19 at this exciting event for the whole family.

Tour the industry's best RVs, support local vendors, and learn tips and tricks for the upcoming camping season. With incredible markdowns to clearance pricing and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, this is the ultimate event to gear to gear up for your next adventure.