The Avalon Free Public Library, Avalon History Center, the Avalon Recreation Department, and a number of other local civic organizations host a variety of great events every Summer to help you make the most of your time in our beautiful town and create memories that will last a lifetime! This year is no different and we are very excited to share what we have in store for you all Summer long! So, save this guide to the season’s biggest events to help you plan your next visit and check back for updates and changes as we learn of them, as this won’t be all that Avalon has in store for you this Summer!
May
may 3 @ 8am
Avalon Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale
AVALON GREENHOUSE ON 39TH STREET
Come by between the hours of 8am and 3pm to pick from an assortment of Summer flowers, hanging baskets, patio pots, tomatoes, herbs, vegetables, and native plants as well as a variety of tasty baked treats! A presale order form is available at www.avalongardenclub.org, but all payments must be made in cash or check. Plants will also be available for purchase on Sunday, May 4 from 10am to 1pm in the same location.
MAy 3 @ 11AM
Enchanting Appalachia: Music & Culture
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Mary Roth will discuss the rich culture and history of Appalachia and its people and will also perform traditional music of the region on the Celtic Bouzuki / Guitar and the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer. Audience participation is encouraged!
May 8 @ 6pm
History Center Nostalgia Night
ROCK N’ CHAIR RESTAURANT
Avalon has long been a place where memories are made, for residents and visitors alike. We invite you to take part in a night of “remembering together,” sharing stories and memories of Avalon from 6 to 7pm.
May 12 @ 5PM
Art House Film:Â And Mrs.
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
May 13 @ 5:30PM
Documentary Film: Worse Than War
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The History Center presents a screening of Worse Than War: Genocide, Eliminationism, and the Ongoing Assault on Humanity – a film by PBS and Daniel Jonah Goldhagen. Before the screening, retired history professor and author Robert Holden will show a power point about Goldhagen’s concept of Eliminationism and how it is still practiced on indigenous peoples around the world. The film will be shown in its entirety and discussed in detail during the presentation. Please note that graphic content may be shown.
May 24 @ 10am
Book Bingo for Kids
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Let’s kick off the first weekend of summer and play Book Bingo! It wouldn’t be Memorial Day Weekend without it!
May 31 @ 9am
Art & Authors on Dune
VARIOUS BUSINESSES ALONG DUNE DRIVE
Between the hours of 9am and 3pm take a stroll along Dune Drive for this day-long celebration featuring skilled fine artists and local authors, sponsored by the Avalon Chamber of Commerce and Avalon Free Public Library. Artists will showcase their work across various mediums, including watercolor, oil/acrylic, photography, and mixed media/sculpture while Authors will be signing and selling copies of their books.
may 31 @ 6:30PM
Avalon Lions Club Oldies Dance Party
AVALON COMMUNITY HALL
Kick off the summer season with an evening of dancing to your favorite oldies with DJ Joe Martino.
This fun-filled night is BYO food and drinks—ice will be provided. Admission is $25 per person.
June
june 7 @ 10AM
41st Annual Avalon Garden Club Flower Show
AVALON COMMUNITY HALL
The theme for this year’s show is “Designed by Nature”. Enjoy the exhibits at this free event and vote for your favorites by 1pm. The winners will be announced by Avalon Mayor John McCorristin at 2pm and the event wraps up at 3pm. A raffle will also be held.
june 7 @ 12pm
Avalon Historical Society Historic Marker Dedication: Avalon Pier
29TH & BOARDWALK
Established in 1929, the Pier served as Avalon’s social and entertainment hub for over 50 years—featuring a movie theater, retail shops, a fishing pier, and the beloved Marine Ballroom. Celebrate the legacy of this cherished landmark during this special ceremony.
june 7 @ 6:30PM
AHLOA’s June Jam
Dance to the music of South Jersey band Loose Ends from 7 to 9 pm at AHLOA’s brand new social event! Beer and wine will be available for purchase but feel free to bring your own food. This event is free to attend but requires advance registration or ticket pick-up. Learn more about AHLOA here.
JUne 9 @ 5PM
Art House Film:Â Suze
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
june 14 @ 8AM
Avalon Lions Pancake Breakfast & AHLOA Community Connections
AVALON COMMUNITY HALL
Start your Father’s Day weekend in Avalon with a morning of good food and great conversation!
From 8-11am, the Avalon Lions Club will host its popular Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser in the front half of Community Hall. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while supporting the Lions’ charitable work in the community.
Then, from 9-10:30am, stop by the AHLOA Community Connections event in the back half of the Hall. Meet representatives from Borough departments and local organizations, pick up useful information and giveaways, and chat with AHLOA board members.
Bring the whole family—and treat Dad to breakfast!
JUNE 14 @ 12PM
Avalon Historical Society Historic Marker Dedication: Avalon Swing Bridge
FOOT OF THE 800 BLOCK OF 21ST STREET
Completed in 1929, the bridge was the first structure to carry vehicles into town and played a key role in Avalon’s growth. Featuring a hand-cranked swing mechanism for boat passage, it served the community for over 50 years and is a symbol of Avalon’s early development.
June 14 @ 6PM
Documentary Film: Salt Marsh Stories
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Salt Marsh Stories was the brainchild of longtime Stone Harbor resident, Bill Dougherty, who grew up playing on the back bay in the 1930s and put together by local historians Jim Talone and JP Hand. This story comes in three parts: a short history of Cape May County and the marshlands, given by historian JP Hand, Bill’s own reminiscence of life on the meadows and waterways, and then a report from the Wetlands Institute explaining the incredible life that goes on in the marshes behind Stone Harbor and Avalon. Talone and Hand will both be on hand for a discussion and Q&A.
JUNE 17 @ 6PM
Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
june 19 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: Sensational Soul Cruisers
SURFSIDE PARK
JUNE 20 @ 1PM
Avalon Historical Society Olde House Tour
AVALON HISTORY CENTER
Experience the tradition and beauty of several of Avalon’s old homes with this self-guided tour that runs from 1pm to 4pm.
Tickets will go on sale starting June 7 online at http://www.avalonfreelibrary.org and will be held at the Avalon History Center. They can also be purchased in person at the History Center beginning at 10am on the day of the event. Call 609-967-0090 for more information.
June 21 @ 10AM
Sand Sculpture
30TH STREET BEACH
Watch as artist Brendan Schaffer sculpts sand into a beautiful work of art!
Sculpting begins at 10 am and will continue until the sculpture is completed at approximately noon, weather permitting.
June 21 @ 12PM
Avalon Historical Society Historic Marker Dedication: William Tozour, Jr.
21ST STREET & DUNE DRIVE
Honor the life and legacy of William Tozour Jr., a pioneering builder, developer, and civic leader in Avalon. As the first individual recognized with a marker in his memory, Tozour’s impact includes the development of Avalon Lagoons, the Avalon Elementary School, and over 1,000 structures on the island. Join the Avalon Historical Society in paying tribute to his lifelong dedication to the community.
june 21 @ 5PM
Summer Solstice Festival
SURFSIDE PARK
Enjoy an unforgettable evening and welcome the arrival of summer at Avalon’s Summer Solstice Festival! Head to the park between 5 and 9pm for an exciting event filled with delicious food vendors, beer and wine sales, balloon artists, face painters, and a fairy tinsel hair booth! Plus, enjoy live music by Jimmy and the Parrots between 6 and 8pm, sponsored by the Avalon Free Public Library. Come together with friends and family to enjoy this celebration of the longest day of the year.
June 23 @ 2PM
Matthew Dodd presents Songs & Stories of Old Sailing Days
39TH STREET TENNIS BUILDING
Dressed in 1800’s seamen’s clothes, Matthew Dodd takes listeners back to the days when men spent years “before the mast” on the great square-rigged sailing ships– the merchantmen, the navy men, the whalers, the fishermen, the pirates and the privateers. Matthew uses true stories and “yarns” plus ballads and sea shanties to tell of the daily life, the hardships, the dangers, the superstitions and the extraordinary adventures (at sea and in port) of the men who sailed the world on deep sea ships, and of the women who waited for their return.
june 26 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: StevieMac
SURFSIDE PARK
june 27 @ 6:30PM
Kids’ Fridays @ Surfside: Frozen Fever
SURFSIDE PARK
These kid’s events feature character shows, free face painting, a DJ dance party, and more!
JUNE 30 @ 7PM
Recommended Reads with Carol Fitzgerald from bookreporter
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Carol Fitzgerald from bookreporter is back to share recommendations for must-reads in 2025! Featuring new books across genres and themes, find out which books are guaranteed to sizzle this summer and which ones to add to your to-be-read list!
July
july 3 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: Best of the Eagles
SURFSIDE PARK
JULY 7 @ 7PM
Bay Atlantic Symphony
AVALON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
This performance will feature Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 2 in D major and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in Bâ™ major, with the Symphony’s principal flautist Kimberly Reighley featured as a soloist on the former.
july 10 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: Johnny Folsom 4
SURFSIDE PARK
July 11 @ 7PM
Fearless: The Taylor Swift Experience
SURFSIDE PARK
JUly 12 @ 8:30AM
16th Annual Avalon Flip Flop Walk
AVALON COMMUNITY HALL
Join the local Storbeck Family, the Avalon Flip Flop Walk founders, and The Parkinson Council for a family-friendly, hope-driven, community-focused event that raises awareness about the impact of Parkinson’s disease as well as funds for research and comprehensive care to improve the quality of life for families living with Parkinson’s in our region. You can get more info here.
JULY 14 @ 5pm
Art House Film: Bonus Track
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
JULY 14 @ 7PM
Bachelors of Broadway
AVALON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
july 17 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: Amish Outlaws
SURFSIDE PARK
july 18 @ 6:30PM
Kids’ Fridays @ Surfside: Mickey’s Magical Showcase
SURFSIDE PARK
These kid’s events feature character shows, free face painting, a DJ dance party, and more!
JULY 21 @ 7PM
Author David Grann
AVALON COMMUNITY HALL
David Grann is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Killers of the Flower Moon and The Lost City of Z, the former of which was a finalist for The National Book Award and won an Edgar Allan Poe Award. His newest book is The Wager.
He is also the author of The White Darkness and the collection The Devil and Sherlock Holmes. Grann’s storytelling has garnered several honors, including a George Polk Award. He lives with his wife and children in New York.
You can borrow his books from the Library here!
JULY 23 @ 6:30PM
Voices from the Beyond
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Caitlin Haffert joins us for an evening of spirit connections! In a mediumship demonstration, attendees’ deceased loved ones come through to demonstrate continuity of life after physical death. Please note: A few attendees may experience a direct reading and attending the event does not guarantee that you will receive a communication from your loved one. However, your spirit loved ones know you are present even without a direct reading.
Caitlin Haffert (she/her) is a Psychic Medium, Energy Healer, Animal Communicator, and Soul Coach with over 15 years’ experience.
july 24 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: All About Joel
SURFSIDE PARK
JULY 25 @ 10AM
Avalon History Center Open House
AVALON HISTORY CENTER
Please come by the History Center between 10am and 12pm to see their exhibits, meet new friends and enjoy some locally made light refreshments. Attendees will also have a chance to learn about the History Center’s various initiatives and participate in their ongoing video and oral history programs.
july 28 @ 7PM
Author Taylor Jenkins Reid
SURFSIDE PARK
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the New York Times bestselling author of Carrie Soto Is Back, Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones & The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as well as four other novels.
She currently resides in Los Angeles.
Her next novel, Atmosphere, releases this June.
You can borrow her books from the Library here!
july 31 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: Double Vision
SURFSIDE PARK
August
august 1 @ 6:30PM
Kids’ Fridays @ Surfside: Royal Princess Showcase
SURFSIDE PARK
These kid’s events feature character shows, free face painting, a DJ dance party, and more!
AUGUST 6 @ 7PM
Author Jo Piazza
SURFSIDE PARK
Jo Piazza is a former travel editor who has visited 47 countries and met her husband Nick while reporting about the Galapagos Islands. After living in New York and San Francisco the couple and their 3 children have settled into Philadelphia.
She writes books about strong women defying the odds and hopes her writing will sweep you away and start a conversation with your friends!
You can borrow her books from the library here!
August 7 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: Yacht Rock Gold Experience
SURFSIDE PARK
august 8 @ 6:30PM
Kids’ Fridays @ Surfside: Superheroes Unite
SURFSIDE PARK
These kid’s events feature character shows, free face painting, a DJ dance party, and more!
August 9 @ 1PM
Avalon History Center presents Teddy Roosevelt
39TH STREET TENNIS BUILDING
Teddy Roosevelt was one of our most amazing Presidents. He was a sickly child but developed into a strong young man. His wife and mother died on the same day. He then took a year to grieve and explore the West. Upon his return, he focused on politics eventually becoming the Governor of New York and the Vice President of the United States. When President Mc Kinley was killed, Roosevelt became our 26th President. He is best known for his efforts in developing the Panama Canal and championing the conservation movement. Presented by Jerry McNeff.
AUGUST 11 & 12
Riddlesbrood Theater Company presents Shiver Me Timbers!
AVALON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
Ages: 16+
August 14 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis
SURFSIDE PARK
august 15Â @ 6:30PM
Kids’ Fridays @ Surfside: Wicked in Avalon
SURFSIDE PARK
These kid’s events feature character shows, free face painting, a DJ dance party, and more!
August 18 @ 7PM
Magic & Illusions with Anthony Salazar
AVALON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
Ages: 16+
August 21 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: Still Surfin’
SURFSIDE PARK
AUGUST 22 @ 10AM
Library Escape Room
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Grab your family or a group of friends and see if you can escape from the library’s Escape Room- new for 2025! Groups will register for a specific time and will have 30 minutes to solve the puzzles and find the key! Best for up to 8 individuals and ages 10+. Registration is required. Avalon property owners may register beginning July 22 at 9:30 am. All others may register beginning August 5. To register, visit www.avalonfreelibrary.org or call 609-967-7155.
august 22Â @ 6:30PM
Kids’ Fridays @ Surfside: Minion Mayhem
SURFSIDE PARK
These kid’s events feature character shows, free face painting, a DJ dance party, and more!
AUGUST 25 @ 7PM
Author Doug Tallamy
AVALON COMMUNITY HALL
Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 88 research publications and has taught Insect Taxonomy, Behavioral Ecology, Humans and Nature, Insect Ecology, and other courses for 36 years.
Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities.
You can borrow his books from the Library here!
AUGUST 26 @ 7PM
Paper Peddler Trivia Night
AVALON HISTORY CENTER
Gather a team of friends and demonstrate your knowledge of Avalon’s rich business history and culture in a Quizzo-inspired trivia game! Enjoy old photographs, stories and memorabilia. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. Registration is required. Call 609-967-0090 to reserve a table for your team of up to 4 people.
August 28 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: BIG HIX
SURFSIDE PARK
September
september 4 @ 7pm
Thursdays @ Surfside: Triple Rail Turn
SURFSIDE PARK
All events are subject to change, but we will do our best to keep this page up to date as the information is provided to us. Author talks set to take place in Surfside Park will move indoors to neighboring Community Hall in the event of inclement weather. Other outdoor events may be cancelled due to rain or other inclement weather.
If you noticed a mistake here or know about an event that should have been included, let me know at sean@avalonfreelibrary.org.
Cover image created with Midjourney prompt: sun rising over the ocean, viewed from behind dune grass with open water stretching to the horizon.
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