Avalon & Stone Harbor: Seven Miles of Sophisticated Shore Fun!
Hey there, beachcombers and bay lovers! If you're dreaming of a Shore escape that blends upscale charm with laid-back relaxation, look no further than the "Seven Mile Island" shared by Avalon and Stone Harbor. As a long-time fan of this beautiful stretch of coast, I can tell you it's absolutely magical in the cooler months. The boutiques are still tempting, the restaurants are cozy, and the beaches? Oh, they're just waiting for your footprints. Let's dive into some of the delightful happenings from September 2025 through January 2026 that make Avalon and Stone Harbor a year-round treat!
Quick reminder: Event details and dates are often based on previous years. It’s always a smart move to double-check with the event organizers as the dates get closer!
September 2025 in Avalon & Stone Harbor
- Avalon’s End-of-Summer Shop Hop
Event Description: Typically held in early to mid-September, Avalon’s charming boutiques host an "End-of-Summer Shop Hop" with great sales and a festive atmosphere. It's the perfect time to snag some Shore style or early holiday gifts!
Address: Dune Drive shopping district, Avalon, NJ 08202
Cost: Free to browse; great deals await!
Children/Pets: Children are welcome. Well-behaved, leashed pets are often welcome in outdoor shopping areas and some individual stores (check first!).
Parking: Street parking along Dune Drive and adjacent streets. Can be busy, so an early or later visit might be best.
More Info: Check the Visit Avalon NJ Events page for official dates.
- Stone Harbor Savor September Festival (Food, Wine & Beer)
Event Description: Usually a highlight of late September, the Savor September Festival in Stone Harbor is a fantastic celebration of food, wine, and craft beers. Enjoy offerings from local restaurants, live music, and artisan vendors.
Address: 96th Street Shopping District, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Cost: Typically free to enter; food and drink are purchased from vendors.
Children/Pets: Child-friendly atmosphere. Leashed pets are generally welcome in the outdoor festival area.
Parking: Street parking and lots around the 96th Street area. Arrive early as it's a popular event.
More Info: Keep an eye on the Stone Harbor NJ community events calendar.
October 2025 in Avalon & Stone Harbor
- Avalon’s Fall Dune Grass Planting
Event Description: A wonderful way to give back to the beautiful beaches! Avalon often hosts a community dune grass planting event in October. It's educational, rewarding, and great for all ages.
Address: Various beach access points in Avalon (check specific meeting location).
Cost: Free; a great volunteer opportunity.
Children/Pets: Excellent for children to learn about dune preservation. Pets should probably sit this one out to protect the delicate planting areas.
Parking: Parking near the designated beach access points.
More Info: Look for announcements on the Avalon Borough website.
- Stone Harbor’s Harvest Festival
Event Description: Get into the autumn spirit at Stone Harbor’s Harvest Festival, usually held mid-October. Expect hayrides, pumpkin decorating, seasonal treats, and family-friendly activities throughout the 96th Street shopping district.
Address: 96th Street Shopping District, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Cost: Many activities are free; some may have a small fee.
Children/Pets: Very child-friendly! Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome to join the festive stroll.
Parking: Street parking and municipal lots. It's a popular weekend, so plan accordingly.
More Info: Details usually appear on the Stone Harbor community events page.
November 2025 in Avalon & Stone Harbor
- Avalon’s Festive Friday & Snowfest Saturday
Event Description: Typically held Thanksgiving weekend, this is Avalon’s official start to the holiday season! "Festive Friday" includes Santa arriving, tree lighting, and activities. "Snowfest Saturday" brings more family fun, often with simulated snow, rides, and entertainment.
Address: Dune Drive shopping district, Avalon, NJ 08202
Cost: Mostly free activities; vendor purchases separate.
Children/Pets: Extremely child-friendly. Leashed pets are welcome for the outdoor festivities.
Parking: Street parking along Dune Drive. Expect it to be busy.
More Info: Check Visit Avalon NJ Events closer to the holiday season.
- Stone Harbor’s Island Holiday Weekend
Event Description: Also on Thanksgiving weekend, Stone Harbor sparkles with its Island Holiday celebration. Enjoy merchant hospitality, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, Santa, and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Address: 96th Street Shopping District, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Cost: Many activities are free.
Children/Pets: Wonderful for children. Leashed pets can enjoy the festive outdoor atmosphere.
Parking: Street parking and lots available, but it's a popular weekend.
More Info: Look for details on the Stone Harbor events calendar.
December 2025 in Avalon & Stone Harbor
- Stone Harbor Christmas Parade
Event Description: A heartwarming small-town Christmas parade usually held on an early December weekend. See festive floats, community groups, and of course, Santa making his way through Stone Harbor.
Address: Typically along 96th Street, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Cost: Free to attend.
Children/Pets: Perfect for children! Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to watch.
Parking: Street parking; arrive a bit early to find a good spot along the parade route.
More Info: Information usually available on the Stone Harbor website.
- New Year's Eve Fireworks in Avalon (if scheduled)
Event Description: While not an annual guarantee like some other towns' First Night events, Avalon has sometimes hosted New Year's Eve fireworks. If they do, it's a spectacular way to welcome the New Year over the beach.
Address: Typically launched from the beach, viewable from the boardwalk or beachfront.
Cost: Free.
Children/Pets: Great for families if it occurs. Pets might be frightened by fireworks, so consider their comfort.
Parking: Beachfront parking can be limited; look for street parking a few blocks away.
More Info: Check the Visit Avalon NJ Events page in December for any announcements.
January 2026 in Avalon & Stone Harbor
- Stone Harbor's Fire & Ice Festival (if scheduled)
Event Description: Sometimes held in January or February, the Fire & Ice Festival in Stone Harbor has featured amazing ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, fire pits, and family activities. It's a unique winter beach town experience!
Address: 96th Street Shopping District, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Cost: Free to view sculptures; some activities may have fees.
Children/Pets: Fun for children to see the ice art. Leashed pets are welcome outdoors.
Parking: Street and municipal lot parking.
More Info: This event's schedule can vary, so check the Stone Harbor events calendar well in advance.
- Peaceful Beach Strolls & Bird Watching
Event Description: January is prime time for tranquility on Seven Mile Island. Enjoy invigorating walks on the pristine beaches, collect shells, and engage in some fantastic bird watching, especially at the Stone Harbor Point or near Avalon’s dune paths.
Address: Any beach access point in Avalon or Stone Harbor. Stone Harbor Point is at the southern tip.
Cost: Free!
Children/Pets: Wonderful for children who love nature. Leashed pets are welcome on the beaches during the off-season (always check local regulations for specific times/areas).
Parking: Plentiful parking near beach entrances.
More Info: Explore the Visit Avalon NJ and Stone Harbor NJ websites for more ideas.
Ready for a sophisticated and serene Shore escape? Avalon and Stone Harbor are waiting to charm you, no matter the season!
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More Jersey Shore adventures coming soon!