2026 72nd Annual Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic

The 72nd Annual Fall Surf Fishing Tournament runs from August 29th to November 29, 2026. This legendary event, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious surf fishing tournaments, offers anglers a shot at over $25,000 in prizes for landing striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, blackfish, red drum and fluke.

Dates: August 29th to November 29, 2026

$40 - General Registration
$20 - Youth Registration (17 & Under)

Kite Visions LBI Kite Festival in Surf City

Friday, October 2

• International kite fliers will visit Long Beach Island schools, performing amazing indoor kite demonstrations and sharing the art, science, and sport of kiting with local students.

• Sport kite clinics led by internationally recognized kite fliers.

• An exciting Indoor Kite Show at Southern Regional Middle School, featuring spectacular performances by professional indoor kite fliers from around the world.

Saturday, October 3

• The beaches of Surf City from 12th Street to 5th Street come alive with giant inflatable kites, world-class sport kite demonstrations, artistic kite displays, and family activities.

• Experience the breathtaking Night Fly on the beach behind the Surf City Hotel, where illuminated kites dance across the night sky accompanied by the Kite Flier Band.

• After the Night Fly, visitors are invited to meet the kite fliers, enjoy live music, and celebrate together at the Surf City Hotel.

Sunday, October 4

• Children's activities, community kite flying, and the popular Mayor's Fly, where children have the opportunity to fly kites alongside Surf City's Mayor, bringing the festival to a memorable close.

Beach Haven Chowder Cook Off

The Beach Haven Chamber of Commerce is partnering with The Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean County to bring this beloved community event back to its pre-pandemic greatness. The Beach Haven Chowder Cook-off is a celebration of  LBI culinary traditions and the amazing restaurants that create them. Together with other local vendors and volunteers we pair everyone’s favorite Clam Chowders with other festivities to benefit our unique coastal region.

Merchant Mart - October 3rd, 2026, 10AM-5PM (Free admission)

Cook Off - October 4th, 2026, 11AM-4PM (Ticketed event)

LBI FLY Invitational Kite Festival

The 12th Annual Kite Fest will be held on October 9-10th, 2026 in partnership with the Passing Wind Kite Club and South Jersey Kite Flyers!

FRIDAY

Friday, October 10th, 2025  18th-27th St. Beaches, Ship Bottom

12 – 5 PM | Large Inflatables, Kids Kite Making, Art Kites, Interactive Family Field and Kite Raffles 

2 PM | Ship Bottom Centennial Kite Unveiling on Main Kite Field

1 – 4 PM | Kids Kite Making with South Jersey Kite Flyers (19th-20th St. Beach Entrance)

SATURDAY

Saturday, October 11th, 2025 18th-27th St. Beaches, Ship Bottom

10 – 4 PM | Large Inflatables, Kids Kite Making, Art Kites, Interactive Family Field and Kite Raffles 

1 – 4 PM | Kids Kite Making with South Jersey Kite Flyers (19th-20th St. Beach Entrance)

↪️ Night Fly at 68th St. Beach, Long Beach Township

6:30pm-8:30pm | Night Fly Extravaganza with DJ (67th-68th St. Beach)
(Admission: $3.00/person suggested donation)

** LED & Glow in the dark items will be available to purchase during the festival on 21st Street at Welcome Tent in Ship Bottom during the 2 day festival.  Merchandise will also be available at the night fly in Long Beach Township.

Schedule subject to change based on wind/ weather conditions