Irish Fall Festival Returns to North Wildwood This Weekend – Full Details
The streets of North Wildwood will come alive this weekend with the sights and sounds of Ireland as the 34th Annual Irish Fall Festival returns, running from Thursday, September 18 through Sunday, September 21, 2025.
Hosted by the Cape May County Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the festival is one of the largest Irish gatherings on the East Coast, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.
For four days, Olde New Jersey Avenue will be filled with vendors, live entertainment, and traditional Irish culture.
The festival has become a staple of September in North Wildwood, signaling the start of fall with bagpipes, green attire, and the warmth of community celebration.
Irish Fall Festival Returns to North Wildwood This Weekend 2025
Kickoff Events on Thursday
The festivities officially begin on Thursday with two traditions. In the morning, the A.O.H. Golf Tournament tees off at Cape May National Golf Course.
Later that evening, live amateur boxing makes its return at Wildwood Catholic Academy, featuring Irish fighters going glove-to-glove against regional contenders.
These events set the tone for an action-packed weekend ahead.
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Vendors, Music, and Culture
Friday through Sunday, festival-goers can browse through a huge selection of vendors along Olde New Jersey Avenue from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Shoppers will find everything from Irish crafts and clothing to unique jewelry, collectibles, and plenty of food stands serving up festival favorites.
The heart of the celebration, however, is the free Irish entertainment stage. Running 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., the stage will host a rotating lineup of bands, dancers, and performers.
Expect to hear bagpipes, fiddles, and traditional pub songs echoing through the streets while Irish step dancers showcase their high-energy footwork.
Friday and Saturday nights are especially lively, as the streets become a hub for music and dancing late into the evening.
Saturday Highlights
Saturday morning begins with the annual 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk, starting at Seaport Pier and following a scenic course along the Wildwoods Boardwalk.
Runners and walkers alike can take part, with prizes awarded to top finishers.
At 10 a.m., the Brian Riley Pipe Exhibition takes place at Bill Henfey Park, honoring one of the festival’s great musical traditions. Later in the morning, free Irish dance lessons at the Knights of Columbus Hall give families and kids a chance to learn a few steps themselves. Throughout the afternoon, more live music keeps the momentum going.
Mass and the Parade on Sunday
The festival concludes on Sunday with two beloved traditions. At 10:30 a.m., a special Catholic Mass will be held at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church at Glenwood and Atlantic Avenues, featuring a color guard, bagpipers, and a liturgical soloist.
Immediately following is the Irish Parade, the grand finale of the weekend. Stepping off at 12:30 p.m. from 13th & JFK Boulevard, the parade marches down JFK toward Olde New Jersey Avenue.
Spectators line the streets to watch dozens of pipe bands, floats, and community groups celebrate Irish heritage.
Tips for Visitors
Because the Irish Fall Festival attracts such large crowds, visitors are encouraged to arrive early, use public transportation when possible, and take advantage of the North Wildwood Jitney service.
Bringing cash is also recommended, as many vendors operate outside of credit networks.
The North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival has grown since its humble beginnings in 1992, now recognized as one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations at the Jersey Shore.
Whether you come for the music, the shopping, the parade, or simply the atmosphere, the festival promises something for everyone.