Cape May Music Festival

Fun Cape May Events

Cape May has been a home and host of numerous arts and culture offerings for many years.  One of the most notable events (which has taken place annually since 1989) is the Cape May Music Festival, which brings a new mix of music “from the classical to the classic” to the churches, convention halls and outdoor bandstands of Cape May.

The festival begins in late May and continues with individual concerts and performances every few days.  The Atlantic Brass Band, twice-consecutive winners of the North American Brass Band Association’s Championship Section, has opened the festival.

You can sample a variety of different musical styles at some of the festivals’ concerts—everything from orchestra, Celtic, flamenco, chamber and acapella music has been featured here before.

Twice a year, Cape May is home to the acclaimed Exit 0 Jazz Festival that brings national and international musicians to perform at a variety of venues in town.

The first weekend celebration is in the spring, generally April, with the fall edition in November. 

Michael Kline, leader of the Exit 0 Jazz Festival summed up the idea by saying, “We wanted to offer a world-class cultural experience in Cape May that would launch the spring shoulder season and let people know there is a vibrant, thriving community in Cape May beyond the incredible beaches and Victorian architecture. Through music, we celebrate the spirit and creative energy in Cape May, bringing a little of that New Orleans street party flavor to the beach.”

Exit 0 Jazz Festival has been delighting visitors since 2012 and doesn’t seem to show any signs of stopping the music anytime soon. During the festival, you can hear jazz legends and award winners or hear an up-and-coming performer as the festival includes a wide variety of musicians and styles. Concerts are held in local clubs, theaters, and the Cape May Convention Hall.

The easiest way to enjoy the music is to purchase one of the three passes the festival offers, starting at just $48!  You may buy individual performance tickets in advance for shows at the Schmidtchen Theater and Cape May Convention Hall on the Exit 0 Jazz Festival website or at the box office of the convention hall. Individual performances at clubs are not available for advance purchase and seating is not guaranteed but if there’s space, tickets are around $20.

For more information, visit the Exit 0 Jazz Festival website or call 609.849.9202.