September on Long Beach Island offers something that the peak summer months simply cannot: space to breathe. Beach parking becomes readily available, restaurant reservations are easier to secure, and you can actually walk the length of the beach without navigating around dozens of umbrellas and chairs. The weather remains warm and inviting, but the frantic energy of July and August gives way to a more relaxed, contemplative atmosphere.

This is when locals reclaim their island, rediscovering favorite restaurants without long waits, enjoying peaceful morning beach walks, and reconnecting with the natural beauty that makes LBI special.

As we head into the final stretch of the 2025 summer season, businesses across the island are rolling out end-of-season specials and events that celebrate both the conclusion of another successful tourist season and the beginning of the island’s most authentic time of year.

Local Summer Exclusives

The best perks of Local Summer: cars and dogs are welcome on the beach in the off season!

Secure a Beach Buggy permit and drive your car right onto the beach at one of the designated entry points. No more lugging things around! Drive up with your fishing gear, camera equipment or all the kids beach toys. Check out the Vehicle Beach Access Guide for more information.

After October 1st, every beach is a dog beach! Bring along the pup for a walk and a swim. Dogs must be leashed and please clean up after them!

Local Summer and Fall Events in LBI

September 6

3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta

From 10:00 am to 11:00 am, cardboard boats will be launched from the bay beach in Bayview Park to race around the buoy and return to the beach. The first boat back, in their heat, is the winner! 

Local’s Summer Concert

The first ever Local’s Summer Fire Pit Concert at 68th Street Beach, featuring The Discoteks! Starts at 6:00 pm.

September 13

Day at the Bay

Live music, a beer garden, food and merchant vendors and fireworks at dusk to celebrate 100 years! Head to Ship Bottom’s boat ramp from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

September 26

Comedy Night at Surflight Theater

A night of laughter with Headliner Michael Sommerville and Vince Valentine. Starting at 7:30 pm.

October 4 & 5

Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off

This beloved culinary festival gathers chowder enthusiasts, local restaurants, and food lovers for a day of taste-testing, entertainment, and community fun in the Queen City. Located behind Bay Village. Saturday is free, and Sunday is ticketed.

LBI Sea Glass and Art Festival

Head to Things A Drift in Ship Bottom for handmade genuine sea glass jewelry, original coastal watercolors and artwork, handmade cards, curiosities, and nautical home décor created by local artists. Take your discoveries along for sea glass, fossil, and beach find identification. Learn at the sea glass and fossil lectures. Plus, get a chance to win recognition at the Best of the Best Sea Glass, Fossil & Artifact, and Wrack Line Sculpture Contests!

October 10 & 11

11th Annual LBI FLY Invitational Kite Festival

The skies above Ship Bottom beaches (18th-27th street) will be filled with some of the largest and most unique kites from all over the country, even one all the way in from Germany! A beautiful display will take place on the 11th, where you can join the Night Fly on 68th street beach at 6:30pm. Friday’s event is from 12-5 and Saturday is from 10-4. Hosted in partnership with the Passing Wind Kite Club and South Jersey Kite Flyers.

October 11

Shellabration

Another incredible event with the Jetty Rock Foundation, Shellabration spotlights oysters and their role in clean water and keeping our coastal ecosystem healthy. Enjoy coastal fare, live music, craft beer and cocktails, kids activities and a shucking contest! All proceeds will benefit the Jetty Rock Foundation’s Oyster Recycling Programs and related initiatives. Located at 6805 Long Beach Blvd in Brant Beach from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

October 12

53rd Annual LBI 18-Mile Run and 12K

The St. Francis Community Center is hosting a run/walk with scenic coastal views and a well-supported race course for a great cause!

The tourists may be heading home, but for those who know and love LBI, the best season is just beginning. Welcome to Local’s Summer!

The magic of summer evenings on Long Beach Island comes alive with the return of our beloved Free Summer Concert Series. This year’s lineup promises to deliver unforgettable musical experiences across multiple venues, from the bayside breezes of Ship Bottom’s Waterfront Park to the oceanfront atmosphere of Long Beach’s beach fire pits. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a day at the beach or seeking family-friendly entertainment under the stars, these concerts offer something for every musical taste, featuring everything from classic rock tributes to tropical island vibes.

Every Monday at 7:00 pm

Bay Breeze Park in Barnegat Light

• June 30 – Epic Soul
• July 7 – The Chris Fritz Band
• July 14 – The Kootz
• July 21 – Tequila Rose
• July 28 – Shorty Long
• August 4 – No Discipline
• August 11 – Pure Petty
• August 18 – Bullzeye
• August 25 – Facedown
• August 29 (Friday) – The Danksters

Every Wednesday – Two Venues

Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars (6:30 pm)

• July 9 – Mushmouth
• July 15 – Tequila Rose
• July 23 – Chevy Lopez
• July 30 – The Pickles
• August 6 – Ty Mares & The Metaphoricals
• August 13 – Riptide

Veteran’s Park in Beach Haven (7:30 pm)

• June 25 – The Pickles
• July 2 – Tequila Rose Band
• July 9 – Jimmy & The Parrots
• July 16 – Rave-Ons
• July 23 – Diablo Sandwich Band
• July 30 – The Suyat Band
• August 6 – The Kootz
• August 13 – Carnaby Street
• August 20 – McLean Ave Band
• August 27 – Gypsy Moon Duet

Thursdays at 6:30 pm – Two Venues

Wooden Jetty Beach in Holgate

• July 3 – Rob Connolly
• July 10 – Josh Werner Band
• July 17 – Ty Mares Trio
• July 24 – Gypsy Moon
• July 31 – Sahara & Zinnia Moon
• August 7 – Jack Mangan Band
• August 14 – Pentley Holmes
• August 21 – Allison Stella
• August 28 – James Gate

Waterfront Park in Ship Bottom

• July 3 – The Jersey Tenors
• July 10 – Simmerr
• July 17 – Dread Pilot Roberts
• July 24 – Tequila Rose Band
• July 30 – The Counterfeiters
• August 7 – Chris Fritz Band
• August 14 – The Verdict
• August 21 – Danny’s 52nd St. Band
• August 28 – Jimmy & The Parrots

Fridays & Sundays

68th Street Beach Fire Pits in Long Beach Township

Fridays at 7:00 pm

• June 27 – Suit & Mai Tai
• July 4 – The Royals
• July 11 – Man Down
• July 18 – Glenn Roberts Band
• July 25 – Frontiers
• August 1 – Chris Fritz Band
• August 8 – Who Brought the Dog
• August 15 – Garden State Radio
• August 22 – The Pickles
• August 29 – Sneak Attack

Sundays at 12:00 pm

• June 29 – Bryan Hansen Band
• July 6 – Acoustricats
• July 13 – Naughty Pines
• July 20 – Chevy Lopez
• July 27 – East Two Three
• August 3 – Gypsy Moon
• August 10 – Jimmy Brogan Band
• August 17 – Black Ties
• August 24 – Innlet
• August 31 – DJ Lotta

Pack your beach chairs, grab your friends and family, and join us for what promises to be another spectacular season of free outdoor entertainment. These concerts offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the island’s welcoming energy while discovering new artists and reconnecting with familiar favorites. Don’t miss this chance to create lasting summer memories on beautiful Long Beach Island. Admission is always free, but the experiences are priceless.