Cape May Ferry Launches Summer Concert Series with Free Weekly Shows

Issue #384

July 05, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

🎵 Cape May Ferry Launches Summer Concert Series with Free Weekly Shows

💰‍Ocean City Eyes $1.8M Boost With New Short-Term Rental Fee

 ‍✈Jets, Skydivers, Fireworks and More Coming to Atlantic City’s Soar & Shore Festival

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 July 5

OUR NEW EVENT SUBMISSION FORM

Have an Upcoming Event?

Nestled on a 60-acre farm in Cape May, Nauti Spirits Distillery offers a rare experience: farm-to-bottle spirits made entirely on-site. From milling and fermenting grain grown on their own land to distilling and bottling every batch, the distillery is a model of craftsmanship and transparency. When ingredients can’t be sourced from the farm, they turn to local partners, ensuring a consistent commitment to regional agriculture.

In the tasting room, all cocktails are made from scratch using fresh-squeezed juices and house-crafted mixers. Guests can expect standout drinks such as the Delaware Bayberries, featuring pineapple syrup, cranberry juice, and sweet potato vodka. For bourbon lovers, Nauti Spirits’ Atlantic Bourbon is a highlight—aged for four and a half years, its small-batch blend delivers a consistent, grain-forward flavor profile. Other unique offerings include jalapeño-infused vodka and their special Signal Gin, distilled with honeydew, jasmine, and grapefruit.

The distillery also prides itself on innovation, incorporating cutting-edge tools like a rotary evaporator to preserve delicate flavors during the distillation process. This allows them to highlight fresh herbs and florals like honeysuckle, basil, and cilantro without sacrificing their essence. Their upcoming seasonal release—raspberry lemon vodka—was created using this low-heat method and is set to debut in mid-July.

Beyond the spirits, Nauti Spirits is a vibrant hub for community events. Tommy Peters manages marketing and events while also cultivating the greenhouse that supplies fresh ingredients for the venue’s cocktails. His dual role blends creative event planning with the hands-on care of homegrown botanicals, adding a personalized touch to both the drinks and entertainment. They host live music every weekend, year-round, and offer their scenic property for private gatherings, including bridal showers and bachelorette parties. Seasonal attractions like a fall corn maze and a popular anniversary celebration in June draw large crowds. They also team up with local food vendors for special events, enhancing both visibility and community ties.

Giving back is central to the distillery’s mission. On the last Thursday of each month, a portion of sales goes to local charities such as the Community Food Closet and the Arc of Cape May. Sustainability is another core value—composting, local sourcing, and responsible land stewardship are all part of daily operations.

Nauti Spirits also encourages accessibility, offering drink specials like $6 highballs and $4 off signature cocktails on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer and fall seasons. For those seeking authenticity, flavor, and a welcoming environment, the distillery continues to be a standout in Cape May’s craft beverage scene.

Cape May Ferry Launches Summer Concert Series with Free Weekly Shows

 

  The "Making Waves" concert series returns to the Cape May Ferry Terminal this summer, offering eight weeks of free Wednesday evening performances starting July 9. Held in partnership with Lower Township, the event features regional tribute bands and local favorites, with food and drinks available from on-site restaurant Stowaways and outdoor concessions. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and enjoy the music against a scenic waterfront backdrop. Admission is free, and all performances are scheduled to take place on the lawn of the terminal, weather permitting. With great music, food, and ocean views, the “Making Waves” series promises a memorable way to spend summer evenings in Cape May. This year’s lineup includes a variety of tribute acts and regional favorites, kicking off with Soul Cruisers on July 9. The schedule continues with high-energy performances each week:

· July 9: Soul Cruisers – Classic Philly Soul, Motown, and Stax July 16: Split Decision – Danceable rock, pop, and R&B hits  July 23: E Street Shuffle – Bruce Springsteen tribute July 30: Jimmy Kenny Band – Beach-style tribute to Buffett, Chesney, and Zac Brown August 6: Fatt Mezz – South Jersey rockers performing a benefit show  August 13: Amish Outlaws – Eclectic genre-hopping performer  August 20: Kick It Out – Tribute to iconic rock band Heart August 27: Don’t Call Me Francis – Multi-genre party band to close the season

 

Ocean City Eyes $1.8M Boost With New Short-Term Rental Fee

 Ocean City’s Council has introduced a 3% occupancy fee on short-term rentals booked through online platforms, aiming to generate $1.8 million annually. The measure passed 5-2 and excludes hotel bookings and traditional real estate agents. While supporters say the fee helps offset city service costs without harming tourism, opponents raise concerns about fairness and affordability. A final vote is set for July 17, with state review pending approval.

Jets, Skydivers, Fireworks and More Coming to Atlantic City’s Soar & Shore Festival

 Atlantic City’s Soar & Shore Festival returns July 14–20, with a free airshow on July 15–16 featuring vintage warbirds, modern jets, and aerobatics along the beachfront near Bally’s. Organized by Herb Gillen Airshows, the event includes skydiving, flybys, and thrilling stunts. Beyond the airshow, the festival offers fishing competitions, a FIFA activation, a car show, silent movies, fireworks, and live game show events. With beachside views, interactive events, and aerial feats, the festival offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, bring beach gear, and explore the range of entertainment happening throughout the city.

Answer to the July 4th Trivia Question

Where do Cape May’s Independence Day fireworks launch from each year?

A) Cape May Lighthouse
B) Rotary Park
C) A barge in front of Congress Hall
D) Sunset Beach

Answer: C) A barge in front of Congress Hall

You can see the Fireworks in front of Congress Hall. However, you can see them from along the beach at Convention Hall past Congress Hall Beach. Rain Date is July 5th.

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