Autumn is here in all its glory! As Cape May is located in the Mid-Atlantic region, we are fortunate to experience a very traditional change of seasons. From the sub-tropical summer heat in July to the windswept, frigid beaches of January…Cape May is exposed to a bit everything that Mother Nature has to offer. While weather preferences are typically subjective…it’s hard to deny that October is one of the most gorgeous months of the year here in town. Rarely is it hot and muggy (like the September week we just experienced!)…but it also never gets TOO cold. Nearly every day is full of breezy blue sky, moderate temperatures, and nearly non-existent humidity. In short…it doesn’t get any better for the enjoyment of indoor and outdoor activities. And here in Cape May, there’s LOTS coming up. Let’s take a look…
On Saturday, September 30th, Oktoberfest returns 
to Cape May’s historic Jackson Street! This perennial event is ALWAYS a favorite for locals and visitors. Touted as the kickoff of fall’s arrival, the festival features food, music, and fun for the entire family. There’s no charge either. So stop by for a few minutes, or wallow away the full day. There’s no better way to welcome this wonderful season of bold colors, crisp air, and of course…pumpkin everything!
Beginning Friday, September 29th through Tuesday, October 3rd, experience the SOMA NewArt Gallery’s final exhibition of its 2017 season. The season will conclude with the finest of work from artists Sam Donovan and Stan Sperlak-a venerable Cape May favorite! The gallery is always a nice place to explore, whether you’re just looking around, or you’re in the market for that perfect piece of original art.
Have you experienced Cape May’s Beach Plum Farm? If not, head over to “Fall at the Farm”. This event begins on Saturday, September 30th and will take place every Saturday through the end of October. There will be live music, hayrides, and of course…the freshest of seasonal goodies. It’s a wonderful way to experience the very best of land and sea right here on Cape Island.
Friday, October 6th through Monday, October 9th, you won’t want to miss Cape May’s 45th Annual Victorian Weekend, presented by the Cape May Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. Victorian weekend is an annual autumn event that places an emphasis on all things historic. Activities include house tours, living history events, workshops, and more. The weekend-long event effortlessly blends education, fun, and relaxation for an experience that is unparalleled and truly unique to Cape May.
In the midst of Victorian Weekend, we encourage you to head on over to West Cape May’s Wilbraham Park on Saturday, October 7th. It’s there that you will find the always popular and proudly quirky West Cape May Lima Bean Festival! West Cape May takes this annual event very seriously, and tedious efforts are put forth to ensure that it’s an experience unlike any other. This is a great opportunity to meet many a Cape May local, and you’ll also have your choice of an astounding variety of recipes, crafts, pottery, and other Lima bean themed products that we guarantee you’ve never laid eyes on. Homestead will also be present at the festival, so please stop by and say hello. You’ll even have a chance to win our coveted Lima bean Beach chair! (The actual chair is pictured above/left). NOTE: In the event of rain, the Lima Bean Fest will be held on Monday, October 9th.
From October 7th through the 31st, be sure to visit “Scarecrow Alley” on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. You’ll have the chance to vote for your favorite homemade scarecrow. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the estate’s spooky Halloween décor, perfectly setting the tone for this most favorite of fun holidays!
Cape May’s Wine and Music Fest will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 7th and 8th at the Hawk Haven Winery. The festival will feature live music, fine local wines, a variety of delicious food, and even a craft beer garden.
Finally, it just wouldn’t be October in Cape May without some old fashioned Halloween fun! With a fitting beginning of Friday, October 13th, Halloween Happenings in Cape May will continue up to and including Halloween Night. With its rich history, Cape May also has an abundant “haunted history” that’s both exciting and educational. The Cape May MAC does a wonderful job of presenting this history in a fun, whimsical style.
So whether you’re fortunate to be spending a week (or longer) in Cape May this fall, or you’re planning a weekend getaway…there will be something exciting on the horizon throughout the month. Join us in celebrating October-one of our very favorite months-and “fall” for the fall here in Cape May.
