If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to enjoy summer in New Jersey, the Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival is your ticket to two action-packed days of sky-high thrills and shoreline fun—all completely free. Taking place Tuesday, July 15, and Wednesday, July 16, this family-friendly celebration delivers everything from adrenaline-pumping aerial stunts to classic cars, silent movies, and fireworks over the ocean.
✈️ High-Flying Action on the Shore
This mid-July event is set against the backdrop of Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk and beaches. The Soar & Shore Festival kicks off with a practice day on Tuesday, giving attendees a first look at the daring aerial acrobatics, formation flying, and breathtaking maneuvers by elite pilots and aviation performers. Whether you’re a longtime airshow enthusiast or experiencing the excitement for the first time, Tuesday offers a sneak preview of what’s to come.
Then on Wednesday, July 16, the full spectacle takes off with the main airshow event, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks finale along the beachfront that lights up the Atlantic City skyline. This is a prime opportunity to enjoy summer evenings along the Jersey Shore in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
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🎣 Beyond the Sky: Festival Highlights on the Ground
While the skies are buzzing overhead, Atlantic City will be buzzing with land-based activities that round out this spectacular celebration:
🏆 Jimmy Johnson’s “Quest for the Ring” Fishing Championship
📅 July 13–19 | 🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Frank S. Farley State Marina at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino
Fishing fans, this one’s for you! Join in the excitement of nightly weigh-ins and lively marina festivities as teams compete for championship glory in one of the country’s top sportfishing tournaments.
🚗 Second Annual Atlantic City Car Show
📅 Wednesday, July 16 | 🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Auto lovers will be thrilled with the return of the Atlantic City Car Show featuring vintage and custom vehicles, delicious food trucks, and live pipe organ demonstrations. It’s a fantastic blend of nostalgia and local culture, free and open to all ages.
🎬 Silent Movie Experience
📅 Wednesday, July 16 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Cap off your evening with an old-school cinematic treat. Catch the classic silent films Sherlock, Jr. and Two Tars, complete with live pipe organ accompaniment—a unique experience that blends the artistry of early film with the grandeur of a historic Atlantic City venue.
🎟️ Admission Info & Recommendations
- Admission: Free for all events
- Recommended Age: All ages welcome
- Tip: Arrive early to grab a great viewing spot, and don’t forget your sunscreen and beach gear for a full day by the ocean.
🌊 Why You Should Go
From high-flying aerial spectacles to land-based classics like car shows and movies, the Soar & Shore Festival is more than just an event—it’s a true celebration of Atlantic City’s vibrant summer spirit. It’s also a perfect blend of technology, tradition, and entertainment that draws families, aviation fans, and shore lovers from across New Jersey and beyond.
As one of the summer’s standout festivals, this is your chance to experience Atlantic City like never before. Whether you’re coming for the planes, the fireworks, the classic cars, or just the unbeatable boardwalk vibe, Atlantic City’s Soar & Shore Festival promises memories that will last long after the last firework fades from the sky.
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