Events at a Glance
TJ, Janet and Audrey Habina, with Greta, Amy and Jacquelyn Johnson at the Spring Shorebird & Horseshoe Crab Festival.
May 17-29
Entries for Avalon Historical Society Photo Contest
The Avalon Historical Society will accept entries for its annual photo contest May 17-29. Entries should be dropped off at the Avalon History Center, or mailed to 215 39th St., Avalon, NJ 08202. Judging will be held the first week of June.
More information: avalonhistorycenter.org
May 19
Beachside Science at Surfside Park, 6pm, Surfside Park
Presented by The Wetlands Institute and sponsored by the Avalon Environmental Commission. A five-part series of monthly activities and presentations on nature and our environment starts with “What is a Barrier Island, and Why Are Living Fossils Here?”
More information: avalonrecreation.org
May 20
Woodstock Lecture, 6pm, Avalon Free Public Library (virtual)
Join radio host Craig Harris as he leads attendees on a multimedia, participatory, and fun-filled 52nd anniversary celebration of the Woodstock Music & Art Festival. The virtual event will include rare audio, archival film, captivating stories, songs and guided music-making.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
May 22-23
Spring Shorebird & Horseshoe Crab Festival, 10am-4pm, The Wetlands Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard
The Wetlands Institute has announced a full schedule of conservation-based, interactive activities for the 8th Annual Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival. A variety of programs are scheduled throughout the island including guided marsh tours, shorebird identification, back bay boat cruises, creature features, crafts, and more.
More information: wetlandsinstitute.org
May 24
“Sand Graphics” Author Talk & Slideshow, 6pm, Avalon Free Public Library (virtual)
Local photographer Stu Friedman will join participants virtually as he discusses his book, “Sand Graphics” and shows photography from his many nature walks through the dunes and along the beach as a volunteer for The Wetlands Institute.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
May 28
2021 Summer Reading Kickoff, All Day, Avalon Free Public Library
Readers of all ages can join the Avalon Library this year with a theme of “Tales and Tails!” Sign up online for the program, visit the library for details, and read the summer away. Participants can complete and return their logs by Aug. 7 for a chance to win prizes and giveaways!
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
Fun Fridays, 10am, Avalon Free Public Library (virtual)
Enjoy a virtual presentation for kids hosted by the Avalon Free Public Library featuring “Parrot Palooza.” Soar through the world of parrots with Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Meet a parrot (virtually) while learning all about these colorful and intelligent birds.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
May 28-31
The Art of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, Ocean Galleries, 9618 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers will have a limited-engagement fine-art exhibition at the Stone Harbor Ocean Galleries. The iconic drummer has scheduled appearances for Saturday, May 29 from 7-10pm and Sunday, May 30 from 11am-2pm. All artwork will be on exhibit and available for purchase. The exhibit is open to the public; however, a minimum purchase is required to spend time with the artist. RSVPs are strongly suggested.
More information: oceangalleries.com, 609-368-7777
May 29
Stone Harbor Beach Opening Ceremony & Color Run, 9am, 95th Street beach
Join Stone Harbor in officially opening the beach for the summer with a Color Fun Run. This non-timed event is open to all ages, and travels north to 82nd Street and back to 95th Street. Be one of the first 200 people to register to receive a free T-shirt, and the many color stations along the way will help to decorate it! Participants are encouraged to dress up, and prizes will be awarded for the most patriotic costumes. The traditional beach opening ceremony with Stone Harbor Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour and the Beach Patrol Captain will take place after the race.
More information: stoneharborrecreation.com
May 30
20th Annual Turtle Trot 5K Race/2-Mile Fun Walk, 8am, 96th Street & First Avenue
Start your morning with a family-fun run and walk through Stone Harbor! Register for this annual holiday weekend tradition and get a healthy start to the day for a great cause. Proceeds go to The Wetlands Institute’s Diamondback Terrapin Conservation Program.
More information: stoneharborchamber.com
Stone Harbor Farmers Market, 8am-12:30pm, 95th Street Water Tower Plaza
Opening day of this Sunday summer tradition that features a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, meats, desserts, coffee and more, all locally grown and created in South Jersey.
More information: shnj.org
May 31
Stone Harbor Memorial Day Service & American Legion Open House, 10am, 11617 Second Ave. Stone Harbor
While there will be no parade this year due to COVID, the American Legion Post #331 will host a ceremony at 9am in Avalon at Veterans Plaza, followed by a 10am ceremony at the Stephen C. Ludlam Post in Stone Harbor. The Legion will also host its annual Open House, outside, following the 10am ceremony.
More information: stephencludlampost331.org
June 6-13
Restaurant Appreciation Week, Island-wide
Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a night out with friends, or breakfast with the family, we love our island restaurants and appreciate that they are always here for us, no matter what the occasion. And now we are here for them! Join us in taking a dining tour from north to south, from gourmet to casual.
More information: visitavalonnj.com
June 16
Beachside Science at Surfside Park, 6pm, Surfside Park
The next monthly installment of this fun and fascinating program is titled “A Diamond in the Dunes – The Northern Diamondback Terrapin.” It is hosted by The Wetlands Institute and sponsored by the Avalon Environmental Commission.
More information: avalonrecreation.org
June 25
Surfside Live, 7-9pm, Surfside Park
There is an interactive, live performance for children every Friday through August, featuring character visits, a DJ dance party, games, trivia and more. The first event will feature “Frozen Showcase.”
More information: avalonrecreation.org
June 27
Sundays at Surfside, 7-8:30pm, Surfside Park
Bring your beach chairs for a weekly summer concert series every Sunday night through August, starting with Jimmy & the Parrots.
More information: avalonrecreation.org
June 28
Language Mondays, 10am, Avalon Free Public Library (virtual)
Join the Avalon Free Public Library for Language Mondays every week through July 26 featuring Beginning Spanish for Kids for grades 3-6.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
June 29
Avalon Beach Movies, Dusk, 30th Street beach
Grab your beach chairs and head back to the beach at dusk for a family movie every Tuesday evening starting with “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”
More information: avalonrecreation.org
June 30
Crafty Wednesdays, 10am, Avalon Free Public Library (virtual)
This kids’ program offered by the Avalon Free Public Library opens with Mixed Media Concertina Books. Youngsters are invited to join Paige Cunningham to create a multifaceted garden scene using folded paper, pencil, charcoal, paint, stencils, and collage.
More information: avalonfreelibrary.org
