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CAPE MAY, NJ – Summer has arrived in Cape May, and with it comes a season packed with Free Family Fun for all ages! The City of Cape May invites families to make lasting summer memories with a variety of free weekly events, including magic shows, dance nights, and movies on the beach.

Magic Shows with Rich Lessig

Get ready for an evening of wonder and laughter as magician Rich Lessig returns to Cape May Convention Hall for his popular Tuesday night performances. From July 7 through August 25, families can enjoy an entertaining mix of magic, comedy, and audience participation beginning at 7 p.m.

Dance Nights

Whether you enjoy Latin rhythms, country classics, elegant ballroom dancing, or energetic fun for the kids, Cape May's Summer Dance Nights offer something for everyone. Held Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cape May Convention Hall, these free events encourage guests of all ages to get moving and enjoy an evening of music and fun.

• Country Line Dancing – July 2 and August 19
• Kid’s Dance Party – July 8 & August 26
• Latin Night – July 15 & August 12
• Popular Line Dance – July 22
• Ballroom Dancing – August 5

Movies on the Beach

One of Cape May's favorite summer traditions returns as families gather under the stars for Movies on the Beach at Gurney Street Beach, adjacent to Cape May Convention Hall. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets, and snacks as feature films begin at dusk.

This year's lineup includes some patriotic favorites to celebrate the Nation’s birthday:

• July 2 – Independence Day
• July 9 – An American Tail
• July 16 – Miracle
• July 23 – National Treasure
• July 30 – Captain America
• August 6 – Field of Dreams
• August 13 – JAWS
• August 20 – Top Gun
• August 27 – Wonder Woman

In the event of inclement weather, cancellations will be announced on the City of Cape May's Facebook page.

For additional information, visit www.capemaycity.com or call 609-884-9565.  Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/capemaycity and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/capemaycity/.

CAPE MAY, NJ – The City of Cape May is once again bringing the sounds of summer to the heart of town with the return of its popular Free Music in the Park Concert Series at Rotary Park.

Beginning in June and continuing through early September, residents and guests are invited to enjoy free live musical performances under the stars at the Rotary Park Bandstand on Lafayette Street. Concerts are held at 7 PM and feature a diverse lineup of talented local and regional musicians performing everything from classic rock, jazz, country, Motown, pop favorites, and beach music.

The beloved summer tradition offers a relaxing and family-friendly atmosphere where audiences can gather with friends and neighbors while enjoying live entertainment in one of Cape May's most picturesque public spaces. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, as seating is limited.

The 2026 Free Music in the Park series features 47 performances scheduled on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday evenings throughout the summer season. Concerts take place at the Rotary Park Bandstand, located at 400 Lafayette Street in the center of Cape May.

In the event of inclement weather, concert updates and cancellations will be posted on the City's Facebook page.

For additional information, visit www.capemaycity.com or call 609-884-9565.  Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/capemaycity and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/capemaycity/.

Cape May City Deputy City Manager Justin Riggs selected for Executive Board of the New Jersey Municipal Management Association (NJMMA)

CAPE MAY, NJ – The City of Cape May is pleased to announce that Deputy City Manager Justin Riggs has been selected to fill a vacant position on the Executive Board of the New Jersey Municipal Management Association (NJMMA), a statewide organization dedicated to advancing excellence in local government management and supporting municipal administrators throughout New Jersey.

The NJMMA serves as a professional organization for municipal managers, administrators, assistant administrators, and other local government professionals. Through education, training, networking, and advocacy, the association promotes ethical leadership and effective municipal governance across the State of New Jersey.

Riggs joins a distinguished group of municipal professionals committed to strengthening local government and enhancing the delivery of public services. His appointment recognizes his dedication to public service, professional leadership, and ongoing contributions to municipal government.

Since joining the City of Cape May administration, Riggs has played an integral role in municipal operations, strategic planning, personnel management, special projects, and intergovernmental coordination. He has worked closely with City Manager Paul Dietrich, Mayor Zack Mullock, and City Council to advance key initiatives that improve services for residents, businesses, and visitors.

“Justin has distinguished himself as a dedicated and forward-thinking public servant who consistently demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to excellence,” said City Manager Paul Dietrich. “His appointment to the NJMMA Executive Board is a reflection of the respect he has earned among his peers and the contributions he has made to the municipal management profession.”

Riggs expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the association.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve on the Executive Board of the New Jersey Municipal Management Association,” said Riggs. “This appointment provides an opportunity to collaborate with municipal leaders from across the state, share innovative ideas, and help strengthen the profession of local government management. I am grateful for the support of City Manager Paul Dietrich and Mayor

and Council, and I look forward to representing Cape May while contributing to the continued success of municipalities throughout New Jersey.”

The City of Cape May congratulates Deputy City Manager Riggs on this achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions to both the City and the municipal management profession throughout New Jersey.

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Photo: (L-R) City of Cape May Deputy City Manager Justin Riggs and Sonia Alves-Viveiros, New Jersey Municipal Management Association President

Photo Credit: City of Cape May

CAPE MAY, NJ – Deputy City Manager Justin Riggs has been officially selected as one of America’s 250 Public Service Champions by the National Academy of Public Administration through the Local Gov 250 initiative.

Deputy City Manager Riggs is one of only eight individuals in the State of New Jersey to receive this prestigious national recognition, which honors outstanding public servants from across the United States. Local Gov 250 is a nationwide effort led by a coalition of local governments and associations to elevate the role of public service as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Through storytelling, recognition, and innovation, the initiative highlights how public servants have shaped—and continue to shape—American democracy from the ground up.

“Public service is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of the residents and visitors of your community,” said Riggs. “I am proud to be part of the Cape May City team that works every day to make that difference, and I am honored to be recognized alongside so many dedicated professionals from across the country.” 

City Manager Paul Dietrich praised Riggs for his leadership and dedication to public service. “Justin’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and service to our community is evident in everything he does,” said Dietrich. “This recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to see his work acknowledged on a national level.” 

Mayor Zack Mullock also commended Riggs, saying, “Justin’s dedication and leadership are vital to the success of our city and the many ongoing projects and initiatives. His recognition as a Public Service Champion reflects not only his personal commitment but also the excellence of Cape May’s municipal team.”
This recognition underscores the critical role local government leaders play in delivering essential services, fostering community engagement, and driving innovation at the local level.

For more information on the Local Gov 250 initiative, please visit: https://www.localgov250.org/

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, the State Planning Commission shall conduct six public hearings for the purpose of receiving testimony on the draft Final New Jersey’s State Development and Redevelopment Plan and the draft Infrastructure Needs Assessment pursuant to the State Planning Act at N.J.S.A. 52:18A-202(c) as set forth in the State Planning Rules at N.J.A.C. 15:30-5.2.   

The six public hearings will be convened as follows: CLICK HERE 

Do you have a love for Cape May and a passion for volunteering? We have just the opportunity for you! The City of Cape May's Recreation Department is looking for volunteers for our new Community Center! If you wish to apply or find out more information, please contact Kacie at 609-884-9567 or krattigan@capemaycity.com

Following extensive public comment and design enhancements, a monument to honor U.S. Navy sailors who gave their lives during the Second World War’s “Battle of the Atlantic,” was (unanimously) approved Tuesday (5/19) by Cape May City Council.

Cape May is the chosen location of the memorial because the destroyer the USS Jacob Jones, the first US warship to be attacked by a German U-Boat following Germany’s declaration of war against the United States, was sunk just miles off Cape May’s shoreline. A total of 138 Jacob Jones officers and crew perished.

                At a meeting on Tuesday (5/19), City Council approved the design and location of the monument, which has been under discussion over the past year.  A group of local leaders has been working on a project plan and preliminary design of the memorial since 2024.

                “We are very grateful to Mayor Mullock and members of Council for their support of this project, which will honor the countless brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the battle for control of the Atlantic,” said Myles Martel, founding member of the Jacob Jones Memorial Committee. “The location here Cape May will be a vivid reminder of how frighteningly close World War II came to the American coast.”

The monument, “The USS Jacob Jones Memorial: Portal to Freedom,” will be located on the Cape May promenade near Philadelphia Avenue.

“We thank the committed and enthusiastic group of local leaders who are pursuing this project, which will dramatically further Cape May’s reputation for heritage and patriotism,” said Cape May Mayor Zachary Mullock. “We also appreciate the active participation of many of our residents in discussions about the design and location of this important memorial.”

                Now that City Council has given its approval, Martel said donations to fund the project will be raised through a nationwide campaign through a 501(c)(3), which the committee has established. No public funds will be used in constructing the memorial, Martel said.

               The Jacob Jones was the first U.S. destroyer deployed in the “Battle of the Atlantic” to patrol for German U-Boats off America’s East Coast. On Feb. 18, 1942, it was attacked off the Cape May coast just days after it began its mission and less than three months after the declaration of war with Germany. At the time of the Jacob Jones sinking, the East Coast of the U.S. was particularly vulnerable as Germany significantly disrupted supply routes between North American and Europe.

                Martel said that the Jacob Jones attack had a major impact on U.S. military strategy. He noted that headlines across the nation carried the news of the tragic deaths of the crew and resulted in an understanding the of the urgent need for improved coastal defense and military preparedness.

                “This striking and poignant monument can help ensure that future generations understand the price of freedom, the risk of our nation being exposed to a foreign adversary and the enduring strength of the American spirit. In reverently telling the story of the brave sailors of the Jacob Jones, we will honor and elevate the national recognition of all those who gave their lives in the ‘Battle of the Atlantic’ to preserve our precious freedom,” said Martel.

               Leading the design of the monument is John Boecker, a Yale University-trained architect who is a Cape May resident.  

For more details on the project visit www.ussjacobjonesmemorial.org.