The City of Cape May is presenting 43 free concerts this summer in Rotary Park, just off the 400 block of the Washington Street Mall! This means you have even more excuses to visit the Mall and enjoy our unique shopping, dining, and more. Just like the Mall has something for everyone, so does this year's Music in the Park lineup. From some of Cape May's hottest local musicians such as The Bastard Sons of Captain Mey and Maddie Hogan to patriotic music from the 63rd Army Band and America's Sweethearts, the lineup is sure to keep you entertained. Music in Rotary Park is a Cape May tradition that has been happening for nearly five decades. Children and adults alike will often dance to the beat as the sun goes down and the music plays. Be sure to bring your own beach chair or blanket as benches in the Park are limited. The music begins at 7pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday July 2nd through September 5th. Additional concerts are held on June 30th and September 10th, 11th, and 12th. Come early and/or stay late and explore the Mall's boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, candy stores, and ice cream shops. Cancellations due to weather will be announced at facebook.com/capemaycity. The lineup is as follows: Wednesday June 30: Rowan College of South Jersey - Cumberland Campus Bands Friday, July 2: 63rd Army Band Saturday, July 3: Jack Melton Swing Band Sunday, July 4: America's Sweethearts Monday, July 5: John Clark Band Friday, July 9: The Honeyhawks Saturday, July 10: Gordon Vincent Sunday, July 11: The Cape May Diamonds Monday, July 12: Celtic Music with Charlie Zahm and Friends Friday, July 16: The Squares Saturday, July 17: Herb Moore Trio Sunday, July 18: Maura McKinney Mastro Monday, July 19: Dan Barry Quartet Friday, July 23: Geno White Trio Saturday, July 24: The Cape Shore Jazz Orchestra Sunday, July 25: The Quietmen Irish Tenors Monday, July 26: Maddie Hogan Friday, July 30: The Capers Saturday, July 31: The Barrington Band Sunday, August 1: Maura McKinney Mastro Monday, August 2: Suite Inspiration Friday, August 6: The Al Harrison Dixieland Band Saturday, August 7: The Fabulous Silver Wings Sunday, August 8: Heard Immunity Monday, August 9: Dan Barry & Friends Friday, August 13: John Clark Band Saturday, August 14: Herb Moore Trio Sunday, August 15: Maddie Hogan Monday, August 16: Blondage Rocks Friday, August 20: The Capers Saturday, August 21: Jack Melton Big Band Sunday, August 22: The Original Hobo Band Monday, August 23: Bastards Sons of Captain Mey Friday, August 27: The John Walter Community Band Saturday, August 28: Rowan College of South Jersey - Cumberland Campus Bands Sunday, August 29: Ed Goldberg and the Odessa Klezmar Band Monday, August 30: Gordon Vincent Friday, September 3: Geno White Trio Saturday, September 4: The Squares Sunday, September 5: The John Walter Cape Community Band Friday, September 10: The Honeyhawks Saturday, September 11: Bluebone Sunday, September 12: Jack Melton Big Band

The fall edition of our famous four day sidewalk sales is happening this September! Occurring twice annually, once in the spring and once in the Fall, our sidewalk sales are famous for some incredible deals from our Mall merchants. Most of the Mall's boutiques, gift shops, specialty stores, and other shopping options set up tables and displays on areas of the Mall in front on their storefront with a variety of specials featuring great savings on clothing, gifts, collectibles, jewelry, and more! The specials will not just be on leftover summer merchandise (though there will be plenty of that too...and now is the time to prep for next summer). You can expect deals on fall and winter related items as well, such as Cape May crew neck sweatshirts, scarves, and sweatpants. There are savings to be had for everyone! Our Fall Sidewalk Sale is also a great way to get started on some of that Christmas shopping. Yes, we said it...Christmas shopping. It is never too early to get start crossing off those wish lists. On the first day of the sale, there will be exactly 100 days until Christmas! If that isn't a sign to start your holiday shopping, we don't know what is. Plus, for the Cape May lover in your life, there will be plenty of souvenirs and other Cape May-related items on sale. Our 2021 Fall Sidewalk Sale runs for four days from Thursday September 16th through Sunday 19th. Tables and displays will be set up along areas of the Mall from 9am to 7pm each day. Cape May is known for its stunning September weekends that are still just like summer! Warm temperatures, sunny skies, and refreshing breezes are common. This sounds like all the more reason to make your way to the heart of Cape May and take in the sales. In fact, why not make a whole weekend out of it? We have enough shopping, dining, and activities on the Mall to keep you busy and happy all weekend long! In addition to Cape May's many hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts, there are even some options for accommodations along the Mall. Check out our Activities & Services page if you are looking for a place to stay at the center of the sidewalk sales! We'll see you on the Mall!

Even though it is mid-August, there is still plenty of summer left. In fact, Cape May typically experiences summer-like weather through Columbus Day Weekend. That means you still have plenty of time to take advantage of everything that the Washington Street Mall has to offer in the summertime. To help, we've created the ultimate heart of Cape May summer bucket list. Have you checked off all of these ideas yet? If not, start planning today! Dine al fresco The Mall has tons of options to enjoy the beautiful summer weather and dine al fresco. The City of Cape May has provided expanded options for outdoor dining due to COVID-19, including closing off Decatur Street between Carpenters Lane and Lyle Lane. Most restaurants on the Mall have some type of outdoor patio dining area lined with luscious flora. A variety offer some degree of shade for those hotter dog days of summer, while others are tented to provide cover in case of inclement weather. No matter whether it is a hot stifling summer day or a breezy summer night under the stars, there is nothing like dining al fresco in the heart of Cape May. Enjoy some ice cream Ice cream and summer is the perfect match. With six different ice cream shops, including options on every block of the Mall, you are never far away from a sweet, cool treat. Each ice cream shop has its own flair, including options from frozen custard cones to large brownie sundaes and everything in between. Get a new summer outfit Our numerous boutiques offer the season's hottest fashions from both renowned top designers and local up and coming talent. You deserve to look your best during the best time of the year. Stop by some different shops and find new clothing...it could be a new dress for the ladies or new boardshorts for the guys. Accessorize your outfit with charms and pearls and a new summer bag. Don't forget the shoes...they complete the look! Rock out to live music in the park Music in Rotary Park, just off the 400 block of the Mall, is a Cape May summer tradition that has been happening for nearly five decades. Children and adults alike will often dance to the beat as the sun goes down and the music plays. From some of Cape May's hottest local musicians such as The Bastard Sons of Captain Mey and Maddie Hogan to patriotic music from the 63rd Army Band and America's Sweethearts, the lineup is sure to keep you entertained. Come early and/or stay late and explore the Mall's boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, candy stores, and ice cream shops. Learn more and see the lineup: https://www.washingtonstreetmall.com/post/enjoy-music-the-mall-this-summer Work out in the park The City of Cape May also hosts Zumba in Rotary Park everyday except Sundays from 8:30am to 9:30am. Zumba is perfect for everybody and every body! Each Zumba class is designed to bring people together to sweat it on. The instructors take the "work" out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you'll see why Zumba fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise. Super effective? Check. Super fun? Check and check. Zumba is a total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy, and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class. Drop in for only $5 per class. After class, refuel at one of the Mall's delicious bakeries and coffee shops. Snap a new picture for the 'gram There is a reason why the Washington Street Mall is known as Cape May's picturesque town square. There are so many different photo backdrops, it is hard to choose just one. Our red brick pathways are lined with well manicured planters, trees, and shrubs. At night, the trees are lit with shiny white lights. The buildings that make up our shops and restaurants are cute and colorful and have fascinating architectural features. Flowing fountains make up the center of the 400 and 500 blocks, while an antique clock makes up the center of the 300 block. Finally, no trip to the Mall is complete without a picture at the famous Cape May bell on the 500 block. We hope our Ultimate Heart of Cape May Summer Bucket List helps you to make the most of the best time of year in Cape May. We'll see you on the Mall!

It is the best time of the year in Cape May: the 4th of July! There is no better place to let freedom ring and celebrate America than in America's Original Seaside Resort. As the first beach resort town in the United States and a vacation spot for several U.S. presidents, it is no wonder that there is a deep love and appreciation for our great country here in the heart of Cape May - and it shows. The Washington Street Mall is lined with hundreds of American flags, both big and small. We also have Liberty Way on the 500 block, numerous monuments dedicated to those who fought for our freedom, made-in-America products, patriotic concerts, and America-themed clothing and gifts. Clearly, the heart of Cape May is THE place to be this 4th of July. Several events are scheduled on and around the Mall this weekend to the celebrate the 4th. First, we have our 50th Anniversary Kickoff happening Friday at 6pm at the fountain on the 400 block, adjacent to Casale's Shoes. We officially opened as the Washington Street Mall on June 24th, 1971, and we're so excited to be celebrating 50 years as Cape May's town square. Mayor Zack Mullock, city officials, Mall merchants, and others will give remarks on the Mall's impact on Cape May over the past 50 years and give best wishes for the future. Former Councilwoman Bea Pessagno, whose father was instrumental in the formation of the Mall, will reflect on the Mall's history and how it came to be. There may also be other surprises in store as well! This event is meant to kickoff our 50th anniversary and the celebration is likely to continue all year long. Looking for live music this weekend? You got it! Music is scheduled in Rotary Park (just off the 400 block of the Mall) each night this weekend, including some fitting patriotic music. The 63rd Army Band, comprised of a diverse group of musicians from New Jersey's Army National Guard, kicks off the weekend Friday night. On Saturday night, relive America's swing era with the Jack Melton Swing Band. Finally, pregame the fireworks and enjoy history through harmony on the 4th of July with America's Sweethearts. All concerts start at 7pm, and don't forget to bring a beach chair or blanket as seating is limited. Come early and/or stay late and grab dinner or dessert at one of the Mall's fantastic dining options. Cape May is setting off fireworks on the 4th of July from a barge off Steger Beach, which is a block off the Mall down Jackson and Perry Streets. If you position yourself right, you should be able to see them over the buildings along the Mall. If you are on the beachfront, be sure to swing by the Mall to get your obligatory post-fireworks ice cream cone. It is tradition! Still need that 4th of July outfit? You're in luck! Numerous shops and boutiques on the Mall have the perfect outfit to show your American pride. Looking for some last-minute decor? Import Bazaar is your go-to spot for American flags of all sizes. With festive decor, enjoyable events, and an overall exciting atmosphere, you do not want to miss the 4th of July in the heart of Cape May. As America's Original Seaside Resort, we do Independence Day right. We'll see you on the Mall!

By now, everyone is ready kick off summer, especially with the COVID-19 struggles over the past year. And if all indications are correct, it is going to one incredible season. The best place to celebrate the start of summer this Memorial Day Weekend is in the heart of Cape May on the Washington Street Mall. The Mall is THE place to be! As of Friday, May 28th, there are no COVID-19 restrictions or mandates in place that affect any businesses on the Mall. Masks and social distancing are no longer required, and we are super excited to see your smiling faces again! Do keep in mind though that some establishments may choose to continue these safety precautions, and if they do, we ask you to respect that. Seated service at bars and restaurants is no longer required and dance floors can reopen, so we'll see you at the Ugly Mug or Fins to see your dance moves for the first time since March 2020! Mayor Zack Mullock opens summer with a special celebration on Friday at 6:30pm in Rotary Park, just off the 400 block of the Mall. Mayor Mullock will welcome summer and outline what is to come in Cape May this season. Immediately following the Mayor's message, catch your favorite blues, motown, reggae, 90s alternative, and more great music as Subliminal Message Band rocks the night away. We also hear that Cape May's famous Captain Mey might make an appearance this summer...find out Friday night at Rotary Park how you can help the City capture him! Following the music (or before, we won't judge), head over to the Mall to grab some ice cream! It is only right to treat yourself on the first night of summer. Just to name a couple, whether it be a custard cone from Kohr Brothers or a huge cookie sundae from Ben & Jerry's, there are plenty of options for all! Be sure to hit up the Mall's boutiques over the weekend to complete your summer wardrobe. Think your wardrobe is complete? Think again...you can never have too much! Just to name a couple, Making Waves has new summer sandal arrivals, and Sea Star Boutique has the perfect dresses to have you summer ready. It is very important to remember, however, the true reason of Memorial Day. All gave some, but some gave all. As you stroll down Liberty Way, think of that fact. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle. Take the time to reflect around the Mall's many monuments and historical markers. The Mall is also decked out in hundreds of American flags, big and small. Let these flags be a reminder that we live in the greatest country on Earth, and let freedom ring in America's Original Seaside Resort! See you in the heart of Cape May!