What’s Happening on Long Beach Island This Weekend + Next Week | October 2026
If you think Long Beach Island slows down after Labor Day, think again.
Early October is one of my favorite times of year on LBI. The summer crowds have thinned, the beaches are quieter, and some of the island’s best fall events are happening. Whether you live here year-round, own a second home on LBI, or are planning a fall weekend at the Jersey Shore, there is plenty happening on Long Beach Island over the next two weeks.
Here’s what to have on your radar for October 2–10, 2026.
Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off Weekend | October 3–4, 2026
One of LBI’s biggest fall traditions is back in Beach Haven.
The weekend begins Saturday, October 3 with the Merchant Mart from 10 AM–5 PM, followed by the Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company Block Party from noon–9 PM. Sunday, October 4 is the main event: the Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off from 11 AM–6 PM at the Taylor Avenue parking lot and field.
Saturday’s Merchant Mart is free to attend, while Sunday’s Chowder Cook-Off requires a ticket. According to the event organizers, advance tickets are $35 per person and day-of tickets are $40.
If you’re looking for something to do on Long Beach Island this weekend, this is definitely the main event.
Local tip: Make a full day of it. Walk around Beach Haven, stop into the shops, grab something to eat and spend some time by the water. Fall weekends here have a completely different feel than July and August and that’s part of what makes them so good.
Ecto Ghouler 5K | October 3, 2026
Before heading to the food and festivities, you can start Saturday morning with the Ecto Ghouler 5K in Beach Haven.
The race takes place October 3 from 8:00–11:30 AM at Veterans Park on Engleside Avenue.
Between the race, Merchant Mart and the Fire Company Block Party, Saturday is shaping up to be a full day in Beach Haven.
Candlelight Concert at the LBI Historical Museum | October 2, 2026
For something a little different, the Long Beach Island Historical Museum is hosting a Candlelight Concert on Friday, October 2 from 5:30–7:00 PM.
The evening features Four Shore Strings performing music ranging from Elvis and The Beatles to Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, all inside the museum in Beach Haven. Tickets are $45 per person and include pre-concert refreshments and museum access.
It’s a great date-night option if you’re making a full weekend out of your LBI visit.
Next Up: LBI FLY Invitational Kite Festival | October 9–10, 2026
And if you can’t make it down this weekend, there’s another reason to come back next weekend.
The 12th Annual LBI FLY Invitational Kite Festival takes place Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10 on the beaches of Ship Bottom.
The main kite fields will stretch from approximately 18th through 27th Streets, with huge inflatable kites, art kites, interactive areas, kids’ kite-making and kite flyers coming from around the United States and internationally.
Friday’s events are scheduled from 12–5 PM, followed by Saturday’s main festival from 10 AM–4 PM. Saturday evening also features the Night Fly Extravaganza from 6:30–8:30 PM, when illuminated kites take over the beach after dark.
The daytime festival is free to attend, with a suggested donation for the Night Fly. Parking is available on streets throughout Ship Bottom and Long Beach Township.
This is one of those events that really shows why LBI isn’t just a summer destination.
Don’t Forget the Simple Stuff
You don’t necessarily need an event to enjoy Long Beach Island in October.
Take a long walk on the beach without the summer crowds. Grab coffee and wander through one of the island towns. Head north and visit Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Explore Beach Haven, catch a sunset over the bay, or simply enjoy having a little more room to breathe.
This time of year is what many locals refer to as “local summer,” and once you’ve experienced LBI in the fall, you understand why.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Long Beach Island?
Absolutely. October can be one of the best times to experience Long Beach Island if you prefer fewer crowds, fall events, quieter beaches and a more relaxed pace.
While some seasonal businesses begin reducing their hours after summer, many restaurants, shops and attractions remain open, particularly on weekends. It’s always a good idea to check individual business hours before heading out.
Living on LBI Beyond the Summer
One of the things I love most about Long Beach Island is that the lifestyle doesn’t end when summer does.
There is something special about experiencing the island when things quiet down morning walks on the beach, fall sunsets over the bay, community events and weekends that feel a little less rushed.
And for many of my real estate clients, that’s an important part of deciding where to buy on LBI. You’re not simply buying a beach house for July and August. You’re creating a place your family can come back to throughout the year.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home on Long Beach Island, NJ, or you simply have questions about the different towns and neighborhoods on LBI, I’m always happy to be a local resource.
Caitlin Greve
Broker-Salesperson | Beach House Group | SERHANT.
Long Beach Island, New Jersey
