Bagpipes, Boxing, and Beer: Irish Fall Festival Returns to the Wildwoods

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🍀Bagpipes, Boxing, and Beer: Irish Fall Festival Returns to the Wildwoods

🐶 Paws, Applause & Prizes: Top Dog Named at Cape May Contest

🏊 High Rip Current Risk Issued for Jersey Shore Beaches

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

 September 16

• Dolphin Watch Around Cape May - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

• Cape May Zoo - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

• Andy Reeves at the Mad Batter - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Sunset Dolphin Cruise - 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm

• Andy Reeves at the Cricket Club - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Spirits, Oddities & Obsessions Combo Tour - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Spirits & Oddities Trolley Tour - 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm

  September 17

• Beachcombing the Cove - 8:30 am - 9:30 pm

• Dolphin Watch Around Cape May - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

• Monarch Drop-In at the Nature Center of Cape May - 10:30 am - 11:15 am

• Cape May Zoo - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

• Cape May Lighthouse - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

• Jon Katity and Rea at the Mad Batter - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Cape May Stage presents: Dutch Masters - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  September 18

• Cape May Lighthouse - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

• World War II Lookout Tower - 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

• Classic American Tales presents Tales at the Dormer House- 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

• Howard Street Ramble is at The Chalfonte- 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• The Symposium & Open-Mic at Nauti Spirits Distillery- 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

• Cape May Stage presents: Dutch Masters - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Strange Victorian Obsessions House Tour- 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm

  September 19

• Cape May Lighthouse - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

• Dolphin Watch Around Cape May - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

• Irish Fall Festival - 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

• Rea’s Friday Night Farmer’s Market - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Live Music at Cape May Winery - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Sunset Dolphin Watch Party - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• Cape May Stage presents: Dutch Masters - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  September 20

• Hawk ID Mini-Workshop - 9:30 am - 10:00 am

• Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

• Cape May Zoo - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

• Irish Fall Festival - 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

• Historic Cold Spring Village Presents: Railways, Collectibles & Craft Show- 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

• Live Music at Cape May Winery - 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

• No Biz Like Show Biz Fundraising Gala - 6:00 pm -10:00 pm

• Cape May Stage presents: Dutch Masters - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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Bagpipes, Boxing, and Beer: Irish Fall Festival Returns to the Wildwoods

A wave of Irish pride will sweep through North Wildwood from September 19–21, 2025, as the annual Irish Fall Festival returns for another spirited celebration of heritage, culture, and community. Hosted by the Cape May County Ancient Order of Hibernians, the festival is one of the largest Irish-themed events on the East Coast, drawing thousands to the Wildwoods for three days of music, dance, and festive camaraderie. The streets transform into a lively display of green and gold, with Irish flags flying high and traditional tunes echoing from every corner. Festival-goers can browse rows of vendor tents brimming with Celtic crafts, authentic Irish apparel, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The air fills with the aroma of classic festival fare as families and friends gather to enjoy food, drinks, and nonstop entertainment. Bagpipers, fiddlers, and Irish step dancers create a vibrant atmosphere that captures the heart of Ireland. Beyond entertainment, the festival includes a range of community events such as a 5K run, a traditional Catholic Mass, and the highlight of the weekend — the Sean Cullen Memorial USA vs. Ireland amateur boxing match, drawing boxing fans for a friendly yet fierce showdown. With its deep roots in tradition and its welcoming, festive spirit, the North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival continues to be a beloved event for locals and visitors alike. For more details, call 609-729-0075 or visit cmcaoh.com.

Paws, Applause & Prizes: Top Dog Named at Cape May Contest

 The 11th Annual Cape May Dog Pageant took place on September 13, 2025, at The Rusty Nail. Dundee, an English Cream Golden Retriever from Pittsburgh, won the overall “Top Dog in Show” title, excelling in Style, Tricks, and Musical Chairs. Ten dogs competed in total, and the event raised funds for Animal Outreach of Cape May County. The pageant, started by Lisa Johnson, highlights the pet-friendly nature of the local resort and has become a beloved local tradition.

 High Rip Current Risk Issued for Jersey Shore Beaches

A majority of the crowds may be gone but beachgoers along New Jersey’s coastline are being urged to use extra caution as the National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk for Tuesday, September 16. The alert is in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and covers Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties. Forecasters warn that dangerous rip currents are likely throughout the day and could persist into Wednesday, creating hazardous swimming conditions even for experienced swimmers. This high-risk advisory comes during a stretch of late-summer weather that could draw large crowds to Jersey Shore beaches. Local officials are reminding residents and tourists alike to stay alert and prioritize safety during their visit.

Answer to the September 15th Trivia Question

Which Cape May event is popular among birdwatchers for observing migrating raptors and other bird species?

A) Cape May Jazz Festival
B) The Harbor Fest
C) Cape May Fall Migration Festival
D) Cape May Music Festival

Answer: C) Cape May Fall Migration Festival.

The Cape May Fall Migration Festival is a well-known event that attracts birdwatchers from all over the world. Cape May is one of the top birding spots in North America, especially during the fall migration season, when thousands of birds, including raptors, pass through the area.​