With concerts, movies, exhibits, a parade and the largest beachfront airshow on the East Coast, Atlantic City has a host of free events for visitors and residents alike for the month of August. Listed below are just a few of the opportunities available:
DO A Concert
Sunday, August 3
Keeping in tune with the highly anticipated Blake Shelton free beach concert that will take place on July 31st, Lady Antebellum takes to the stage for a free concert of their own on the beach area between The Pier Shops at Caesars (@ Arkansas Avenue) and Central Pier (@ St. James Place). This harmony based trio has earned awards from the CMA’s, ACM’s and Billboard. Opening act will be Alex and Sierra (winners of "X-Factor" and behind the hit song "Scarecrow"). Show time starts at 4:00 p.m. with main event coming to the stage at 6:00 p.m. For more information, including guidelines and helpful resources, please visit www.doatlanticcity.com.
Presented by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Atlantic City Alliance, Atlantic City Free Public Library and the City of Atlantic City, other free concert opportunities include:
Fridays
August 1: The Exceptions (8:00 p.m.)
August 8: The Exceptions (8:00 p.m.)
August 8: 40 Year Overnight Success Tour with Jim Crain & the Atlantic City All-Stars Band - Bartram Beach (7:00 p.m.)
August 15: The Nerds (8:00 p.m.)
August 22: Bud Noble Trio – Bartram Beach (7:00 p.m.)
August 22: Screaming Broccoli (8:00 p.m.)
August 29: Eddie Bruce (8:00 p.m.)
Saturdays
August 2: Lefty Lucy (8:00 p.m.)
August 9: Screaming Broccoli (8:00 p.m.)
August 16: Soul Generation, The Jones Girls, S.O.S Band – Gardner’s Basin (2:00 p.m.)
August 16: B-Street Band (8:00 p.m.)
August 23: Slippery Band (8:00 p.m.)
August 30: The Smithereens – Arkansas Avenue Beach (4:00p.m.)
August 30: 5 Believers (8:00 p.m.)
Sundays
August 3: Eddie Bruce (8:00 p.m.)
August 10: The Jost Project (8:00 p.m.)
August 17: The Jost Project (8:00 p.m.)
August 24: Lefty Lucy (8:00 p.m.)
August 31: The Original Cowsills – Arkansas Avenue Beach (4:00 p.m.)
August 31: Slippery Band (8:00 p.m.)
Mondays
August 4: Marcia Ball (7:00 p.m.)
August 11: The Charlie Daniels Bands – Arkansas Avenue Beach (8:00 p.m.)
August 18: Boardwalk Guitar Summit (7:00 p.m.)
August 25: Royal Southern Brotherhood (7:00 p.m.)
Tuesday
August 12: John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band – Arkansas Avene Beach (4:00 p.m.)
Wednesday
August 13: Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals – Arkansas Avenue Beach (4:00 p.m.)
Note: All concerts will be held at Kennedy Plaza, unless specified.
DO A Movie
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority presents Movies under the Stars:
Fridays – Bartram Avenue Beach
August 1: The Nut Job (PG)
August 8: Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs (PG)
August 15: Tad, The Lost Explorer (G)
August 22: Monsters University (G)
August 29: Frozen (PG)
Sundays - Brighton Park
August 3: The Lego Movie (PG)
August 10: All is Lost (PG)
August 17: Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG)
August 24: Ratatouille (PG)
August 31: Frozen (PG)
Mondays - Historic Gardner’s Basin
August 4: Akeelah and the Bee (PG)
August 11: Captain Phillips (PG-13)
August 18: Man of Steel (PG-13)
August 25: Hunger Games: Catching Fire (PG)
Note: All movies begin promptly at dusk.
Saturday, August 2
The Garden State Film Festival is pleased to present an outdoor screening of Wild Ocean, hosted by Capt. Joel S. Fogel of the Explorers Club. Wild Ocean is a documentary about the annual sardine run up the South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Coast. Each year an unbelievable feeding frenzy takes place in the oceans of South Africa as billions of sardines migrate up the KwaZulu-Natal Coast. Wild Ocean captures spectacular breaching whales, feeding sharks, diving gannets, and massive bait balls inside and up close. The migration has provided an annual food source for both life in the sea and the people living along the African shores for countless generations. The film demonstrates how business, government, and the local people have joined forces to protect this invaluable ecological resource. In addition to Wild Ocean, a selection of short films will also be shown. Movie viewing begins at 8:45 p.m. at Brighton Park and the Boardwalk (near Bally's). For more information, please call 877.908.7050877.908.7050.
A Tailgate Party
Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 31
Get your pre-concert party on as Global Spectrum, operators of Historic Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center, host free tailgate parties on the Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza before the Kiss & Def Leppard (8/2) and Aerosmith (8/31) concerts. The tailgate parties will feature live DJ entertainment and an appearance by Longport Media’s 103.7 WMGM who will be broadcasting live from the event. The pre-concert party on August 2nd will begin at 3:30 p.m. and August 31st’s will begin at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please contact 609.348.7000 609.348.7000.
Do The Famers Market
Fresh produce and good music are aplenty at the Atlantic City Farmers Market located at Center City Park, which is on Atlantic Avenue between North and South Carolina Avenues. Funded and organized by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, the market offers residents and visitors farm fresh fruits and vegetables along with handmade goods from local artisans. A second location at Bartram Avenue and the Boardwalk was added this year. Free entertainment also returns to the Center City Park location at Noon on Thursdays:
August 7: Angela Burton & Passion
August 14: Eddie Morgan & REK’D 4 Jazz
August 21: Hard Act to Follow
August 28: The Maytrix Band
The Center City Park market is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and the Bartram Avenue location is open on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. as well. For more information, please call 609.347.0500609.347.0500.
DO A Parade
Monday, August 11
The 4th Annual Atlantic City Salutes America’s Armed Forces Parade will be held, rain or shine, on the Boardwalk from New Jersey to Albany Avenues. The parade honors the sacrifice and dedication that our servicemen and women have selflessly given to our great nation over the years. This year’s parade will include many local war veterans, active/retired military officials, local dignitaries, representatives from local police and fire departments, local marching bands, floats and much more. Spectators are welcome to view the parade at any location along the Boardwalk and Kennedy Plaza will once again serve as a viewing area for United States war veterans and their families. The parade starts at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call 609.344.6990609.344.6990.
DO Thunder Over The Boardwalk
Tuesday, August 12 (practice) & Wednesday, August 13 (show):
Now in its 12th year, the Atlantic City Airshow is the largest beachfront Airshow on the East Coast and the largest mid-week Airshow in the country. On Tuesday, visitors can watch “practice” day as many of the acts perform test flights and routines in advance of the show. On Wednesday, visitors will be enthralled by this year’s amazing stunts and breathtaking aeronautic maneuvers. Appearances by are the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds, U. S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the USMC Harrier will highlight a day packed with free fun on the beach and Boardwalk. Show starts at 11:30 a.m.
Do An Exhibition
The Atlantic City Arts Commission will present the solo exhibit of Shelley Wentz Evans at the newly re-opened Atlantic City Garden Pier Arts Center. Shelly is a graduate of Atlantic City High School and Philadelphia College of Art and has exhibited in various galleries and venues in South Florida and the South Jersey area. The exhibit will be on display until August 25. The Arts Center is located on the Boardwalk at New Jersey Avenue. For more information, please call 609.347.5837609.347.5837.
The following exhibits are showcased at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton College during the month of August:
Jon Baker’s People Waves is a unique and passionate collection of artistry inspired by the events of 9/11. This exhibit is a departure from Baker’s feel good whimsical work for which he is known.
The Art of Mike Bell showcases the talents of this Jersey Shore artist. Best known for his figurative paintings, Bell is an artist whose work is a juxtaposition of iconic pop culture subjects combined with modern day influences. He also creates painted objects, such as bowling pins and surfboards, as well as delightful palm-sized matchbook art depicting pop culture icons such as Mr. Peanut, Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Hendrix, Frankenstein and Humphrey Bogart.
Jazz Portraits by Jeff Schwachter features oil pastel and mixed media drawings of jazz legends and provides a visual depiction of African-American music.
Talib Aleem’s Waves of Travel is a photographic essay of his travels through the world and Imo Imeh’s The Catatonia Anthologies is the first chapter of a larger pictorial songbook that analyzes the African body within the conceptual realms of seclusion, sleep, stasis/catatonic states and dreamscapes.
Friday, August 8
As part of Second Friday festivities, meet artists Jon Baker and Jeff Schwachter and learn more about their fascinating exhibits. Light refreshments will be served and live music can be enjoyed by Noise Museum. The artist reception begins at 6:00 p.m.
For more information regarding thee exhibits and Second Friday, please call 609.626.3805609.626.3805. The Arts Garage is located on the ground level of The Wave Garage at Fairmount and Mississippi Avenues.
DO Garden Pier
Friday, August 1
Listen to and learn the history behind the songs written about Atlantic City during Flashback Friday: Atlantic City Music. the program will begin at 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 5
Discover marine mammals and sea turtles along with the dangers they face during Our Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles presented by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. Lean what makes a marine mammal different from a fish, which types of marine mammals and sea turtles come to New Jersey and how and why the Marine Mammal Stranding Center helps our marine friends. Presentation begins at 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 9
Take a step back into history during the Second Saturday Speaker Series: Summer of 1964, when Frank Ferry, Ralph Hunter and Tom Wilk will discuss the Democratic National Convention, the Mississippi Democratic Freedom Party and The Beatles concert – all held in Atlantic City that summer. The speaker series will begin at 11:00 a.m.
All events will be held at the Atlantic City Historical Museum. For more information on any of these events, please call 609.347.5839609.347.5839
DO Kentucky Avenue
Saturday, August 2
Come celebrate the rich history of Atlantic City’s Kentucky Avenue during the 4th Annual Historical Kentucky Avenue Renaissance Festival. This year’s event will feature historical exhibits, live entertainment, food, vendors and plenty of fun activities for the entire family. Special guests include R&B band, GQ, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, John “Sax” Williams, Unity Community Centers Royal Brass Band and UCC Little Jazz Giants just to name a few. Festivities begin at Noon along Kentucky Avenue between Atlantic and Arctic Avenues. For more information, please call 609.829.8706609.829.8706.
DO The Library
Fun Day Sundays:
August 3, 10 & 17 - Family Crafts
Families make crafts together to take home. All materials supplied.
August 24 – Yarn Festival Stories and Crafts
Celebrate the African Yarn Festival with the Origami Swami with string stories and crafts for the whole family to make and take home.
August 31 - Marbleizing: Bugs in the Garden
Similar to tie-dying, marbleizing is easier and more exquisite. Participants will learn both the technique and the fascinating history of this ancient Persian art form called Ebru, followed by a story about garden bugs.
All events begin at 2:00 p.m. To register, please call 609.345.2269609.345.2269, ext. 3050.
DO International Nights
Presented by Atlantic City Free Public Library and the City of Atlantic City, the International Night Series takes place on Wednesdays at Kennedy Plaza. For additional information, please call 609.345.2269609.345.2269 ext. 3112:
August 6 - Dendê and Band
Bandleader Dendê is a percussionist, singer, composer, teacher and multi-instrumentalist. His band fuses Brazil’s rhythm heavy music with the grooves of afrobeat, reggae and meringue to create a sizzling dance party atmosphere.
August 13 - Island Jam
Island Luau Entertainment presents a show of contrasts. One minute hula girls are gracefully dancing to slow and relaxing Polynesian music, and the next the group turns up the energy and heat, pounding away on the drums as the male members perform a warrior dance or sensational fire dancing exhibition.
August 20 - Barynya
The music, dance and song ensemble Barynya of New York City is a world-renowned group regarded by some as the premier Russian folk ensemble outside of Russia. Barynya presents Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Jewish and Russian Gypsy music, along with traditional dances that are emotional, energetic and often highly athletic.
August 27 - British Invasion
This performance is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ performance at Atlantic City Convention Hall (now Boardwalk Hall). The British Invasion will perform classics by The Beatles and other popular British artists from the 1960s, including the Rolling Stones and The Who, in the International Night Series finale.
DO Jazz
The Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, Inc., and Atlantic City Free Public Library proudly present the 15th Annual Chicken Bone Beach Jazz on the Beach Series every Thursday at Kennedy Plaza. This month’s artists include:
August 7 – Mimi Jones
New York native Mimi Jones is a multi-talented bassist, vocalist and composer who has performed or recorded with the great Lionel Hampton, Kenny Barron, Tia Fuller and Terri Lyne Carrington. The Connie Jackson Quartet is the opening act.
August 14 - Kameelah Samar Quartet
Kameelah Samar brings her jazz vocals to a new height, flavoring each mood with a touch of grace and elegance, from big band swing to the mellow tones of a heartfelt ballad. The Dwain Davis Quartet is the opening act.
August 21 - Tia Fuller Quartet
A dynamic saxophonist, composer and educator, Fuller was part of the Beyoncé Experience and I AM … Sasha Fierce world tours. Fuller has been featured in Jazz Improv Magazine, Rocky Mountain News, The Philadelphia Tribune, The Star Ledger and Downbeat Magazine. The Gil Thompson Trio is the opening act.
Ralph Peterson, Jr. Quartet on Thursday, Aug. 28
Pleasantville’s own Ralph Peterson, Jr., is renowned in jazz circles for his powerful, energetic and distinct style of drumming. Peterson apprenticed under such jazz greats as Art Blakey, Betty Carter, Elvin Jones and Walter Davis and is a professor at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. The Keith Hollis Quartet is the opening act.
Shows begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call 609.841.6897609.841.6897.
DO National Lighthouse Day (Kids)
Thursday, August 7
Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest, and the country’s third tallest Lighthouse, will celebrate National Lighthouse Day by inviting kids 12 years old and younger to climb the lighthouse for free (must be accompanied by an adult). The lighthouse will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the last climb at 7:30 p.m. The Absecon Lighthouse is located at 31 S. Rhode Island Avenue. For additional information, please call 609-449-1360609-449-1360.
Do Ballet
Wednesday, August 13, 20 & 27
Sponsored by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, the Atlantic City Ballet Company presents Ballet on the Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza. These performances will showcase ballets not normally seen during the regular season and make the company for visible to the public. All ballet performances begin at Noon. For more information, please call 609.348.7201609.348.7201.
DO An Audition
Friday, August 22
If you’re ready to race across the globe and possibly win $1 million, then pick a teammate and head over to Trump Taj Mahal. The Taj will host an open audition for CBS’ The Amazing Race in the Game Tournament Room beginning at Noon. Both team members must be 21 years or older. For more information, please call 609.449.1000609.449.1000.
DO Fishing
Friday, August 22 thru Sunday, August 24
Fishermen and fisherwomen of all ages are asked to grab their fishing gear and get ready to reel in cash and prizes, including $1 million for a New Jersey state-record fluke during the Atlantic City Alliance’s first-ever DO AC Beach N Boat Million Dollar Fishing Challenge. During this three-day fishing event, anglers can fish anywhere in saltwater, in and around Atlantic City with Gardner’s Basin serving as event central and “Base Camp.” For registration information, rules and additional details about this event, please go to www.beachnboat.com/DO-AC.
Daily DOs
DO Fitness
Be prepared to sweat and get fit as DO AC Boardwalk Fitness classes are back in Atlantic City’s art parks. Continuing daily until September 1st, novice and seasoned veterans alike can partake in these morning fitness classes. AC Beach Body Boot Camp is held at Artlantic located at Indiana Avenue and the Boardwalk. Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. AC Zumba takes place at Etude Atlantis located at California Avenue on the Boardwalk. These classes begin at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visitwww.doatlanticcity.com.
DO A 3D Light And Sound Extravaganza
Using the facade of historic Boardwalk Hall as a gigantic canvas, three distinctly different 3D sound and light shows will leave viewers of all ages in awe. Presented nightly, beginning at 9:00 p.m., the shows runs every half and best viewing area is at Kennedy Plaza in front of Boardwalk Hall.
"Boardwalk Beat"
Music is the focus as visitors are taken on a magical journey through eight decades of musical history in Atlantic City, from 1920s Rag Time, to 1980s Pop and 1990s Hard Rock.
"DUALITY"
Atlantic City’s first 3D light and sound extravaganza is a vibrant, 8½ minute production incorporating surround sound, theatrical lighting and architectural video-mapping technologies that bring to life a story about the personality of Atlantic City.
“AC Dreamin’”
Transforming the façade of Boardwalk Hall into a modern fairy tale, this show follows a magical dream shared by two friends as they navigate through a mysterious train station, a luxurious hotel, a crazy theme park, a surreal lighthouse, a dreamy underwater world, and the fantastic Boardwalk at night.
For more information, visit www.doatlanticcity.com.
DO Heartwalk
The latest addition to the beautiful public art installations in Atlantic City, Heartwalk is an award winning sculpture built entirely from hundreds of wooden planks salvaged from the boardwalks of The Rockaways in Queens, Long Beach, Sea Girt and our very own, Atlantic City. It is designed with two ribbons of wooden planks that lift from the ground to form a heart-shaped enclosure that is illuminated every night. Visitors are encouraged to enter the enclosure and literally stand "in the heart" of the world-famous Boardwalk. They can share their photos and love for the AC Boardwalk using #HeartwalkAC. Heartwalk is located on New York Avenue and the Boardwalk. For more information, visit www.doatlanticcity.com.
DO A Walk
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the Atlantic City Alliance have partnered with The Noyes Museum of Art of Richard Stockton College to create the AC Waterfront Sculpture Walk.
The winding trail begins just across from Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget and continues to Harrah’s. It is appointed with lush landscape, benches, attractive lighting and stellar waterfront and eco-friendly views. Sculptures along the trail add a new dimension of beauty and appreciation to the arts.
DO A Tour
Take the road less traveled with a Road to the Crown Walking Tour. Begin your adventure in the lobby level rotunda of the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel and along the way, the history of Miss America will present itself before your eyes. Enjoy the dress display and shoe bar; marvel at the historical video and the replica of the first trophy, gaze at the wonders of the vinyl window graphics and tiptoe through the Miss America Rose Walk. Next, make your way to the side of town were the Miss America dreams are made and get “crowned” by the Miss America statue on the Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza. Created by New Jersey artist Brian Hanlon, the bronze statue is designed to offer a photo or video op and has a digital kiosk that allows you to check out Miss America facts.
DO The Pipe Organ
For the first time since 1944, daily recitals are presented on the Midmer-Losh Pipe Organ, located in Boardwalk Hall’s main lobby, followed by a chance to meet the organist of the hall Dr. Steven Ball and take a free guided half-hour organ tour. Recitals are Monday thru Friday at Noon. For more information, call 609.348.7000609.348.7000.
Taking in any of these FREE events is a great way to DO AC! Whether you are strolling the Boardwalk or discovering new points of interest along Pacific and Atlantic Avenues, taking in a meeting at the Convention Center or exploring the Marina District, just ask one of our friendly Ambassadors for directions or recommendations.
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