CAPE MAY, NJ – Say Hello to Summer 2026 with a FREE Concert featuring AM GOLD on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. Get ready to “Yacht Rock” on the beach behind Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue. Cape May Officials will introduce upcoming summer events, including concerts, movies on the beach, parades, and so much more! So, bring your beach chair or blanket and take in the smooth sounds of this Yacht Rock Party from AM Gold to start your Cape May summer off right!

This year, Cape May City proudly celebrates the 50th anniversary of its designation as a National Historic Landmark. This golden milestone honors half a century of preservation, pride, and national recognition. Awarded in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial, the designation recognized Cape May City as one of the nation’s most intact and remarkable collections of 19th-century architecture. More than an honor, it affirmed Cape May City as a place where history lives not behind glass, but in homes, hotels, streets, and daily life.

The story of Cape May City’s architectural legacy is rooted in resilience. After the Great Fire of 1878 reshaped the community, the City rebuilt with extraordinary speed and creativity. Victorian-era styles—Italianate, Queen Anne, Stick, and Second Empire—rose side by side, creating a cohesive and visually rich seaside town unlike any other in the United States.

As the decades passed, Cape May City’s historic character endured thanks to the vision and dedication of its residents. At a time when many communities were losing historic buildings to modernization, Cape May City chose preservation. Local advocates, civic leaders, and homeowners recognized that the city’s past was its greatest asset—and worked together to protect it.

 The 1976 National Historic Landmark designation was both a recognition and a promise: that Cape May City’s architectural heritage would be valued, protected, and shared. Over the past 50 years, that promise has guided thoughtful restoration, adaptive reuse, and careful planning. Preservation has supported a vibrant tourism economy, strengthened community identity, and positioned Cape May City as a national model for historic stewardship.

Today, Cape May City’s landmark status is woven into everyday life. Its grand hotels welcome guests as they have for generations. Colorful cottages line quiet streets. Public buildings, churches, and storefronts continue to serve the community while telling stories of craftsmanship, hospitality, and coastal tradition.

As Cape May City celebrates 50 years as a National Historic Landmark in 2026, this anniversary honors not only beautiful buildings, but the people who have protected them. It is a celebration of shared pride, enduring character, and a collective commitment to ensuring that Cape May City’s historic charm continues to inspire future generations.

 To celebrate, the City is hosting a “Seaside Celebration” on Sunday, May 24, including a free beach party featuring Animal House from 12 PM – 2 PM and DJ Mike Dempsey from 2 PM – 5 PM on Convention Hall Deck. Prior to the performances, Brendan Schaffer will be returning to demonstrate his sand sculpture building skills for the public to enjoy. The public is also encouraged to join us and compete in the Sand Sculpture Contest, beginning at 10 AM. Judging takes place at 2 PM and winners will be announced at 2:30 PM. Come one, come all and celebrate!

 After spending time having fun in the sun all weekend, the City tributes what is most important about this holiday, and that is the remembrance of the military personnel who have died while serving our country. The City of Cape May, in conjunction with the American Legion Post 193 and VFW Post 386, will conduct a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM to honor our fallen heroes. The Remembrance will take place at Soldiers and Sailors Park, located at Gurney Street and Columbia Avenue in Cape May.

 Immediately following the ceremony in the park, at approximately Noon, the United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May detachments will participate with Flotilla 82 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in presenting the Rifle Salute and launching of the flower boat from Gurney Street Beach.

 At the conclusion of the Flotilla Ceremony, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary flower boat will be moved to Cove Beach at the end of Beach Avenue where it will be on display for the public to view for the rest of the day. This is an opportunity for the public to take in the beauty of the flowers in memory of those military members who lost their lives in service to our country. The display will be staffed by members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 82-Cape May.

 The public is encouraged to attend these ceremonies to honor our Military Veterans.

 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/.