10/07/2026
$AVE & $tay @ the Lotus Inn, just minutes away from greater Cape May. Reserve direct for the best rates @ LOTUSINN.com
🐦⬛ The scarecrows just moved in, the monarchs are passing through, and Martians land on Franklin Street Thursday night. Cape May's quiet season is anything but quiet this week, and these 10 mid-week picks prove it. 🍁
🎃 Scarecrow Alley at the Emlen Physick Estate, Monday through Thursday: The beloved fall display opens for the season this Monday, October 5, and fills the grounds of the Physick Estate at 1048 Washington Street with scarecrows that range from ghoulishly gruesome to foolishly funny. Stroll the grounds for free and cast your vote for your favorite. Details are at https://capemaymac.org/scarecrow-alley/ 🌾
🦋 Monarch Drop-In at the Nature Center of Cape May, Monday and Wednesday: Stop by 1600 Delaware Avenue from 10:30 to 11:15 AM to meet the Monarch Monitoring Project team during peak migration. You may catch staff tagging butterflies or tending the gardens that fuel their journey south. It is free, family friendly, and you can learn more at https://njaudubon.org/series/monarch-tagging-demo/ 🌼
🎨 Beyond the Moment at Jawbone Gallery, Monday through Thursday: Phil Courtney's solo show of oil paintings is in its final days, closing October 12. Expect giant luminous flower portraits, surfers lined up like a famous album cover, and classical sculptures relaxing on the beach. Admission is free at 31 Perry Street in Carpenter's Square Mall, and you can preview the show at https://jawbonegallerycapemay.com/ 🖼️
🏛️ Cape May First and Only Exhibit at the Carroll Gallery, Monday through Thursday: This special exhibit marks Cape May's 175th anniversary of incorporation and its 50th year as a National Historic Landmark, all during America's 250th. It is a free look at how America's first seaside resort became the nation's only National Historic Landmark City. Find it at the Physick Estate and get the details at https://capemaymac.org/experience/exhibits/ 📜
🐦 Birding Northwood and Beyond, Tuesday: Join Cape May Bird Observatory naturalists from 8:30 to 10:30 AM for a relaxed walk through the wooded streets around the Northwood Center and Lily Lake in Cape May Point. The route changes with the day's wildlife, so songbirds, waterfowl and raptors are all possible. The walk is $12 for nonmembers and $8 for members, with details at https://njaudubon.org/series/birding-northwood-and-beyond/ 🌳
🌅 Twilight Walk at the Meadows, Wednesday: Watch the day wind down at South Cape May Meadows, 692 Sunset Boulevard, on a guided walk from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Evening light over the marsh and dunes makes this one of the prettiest ways to see fall migration. The cost is $12 for nonmembers and $8 for members, and you can sign up at https://njaudubon.org/event/twilight-walk-at-the-meadows-8/2026-10-07/ 🦆
🎭 Your Name Means Dream at Cape May Stage, Wednesday and Thursday: This new play by Academy Award nominated playwright José Rivera explores memory, companionship and what it means to be human in a world shaped by artificial intelligence. Curtain is at 7 PM at 405 Lafayette Street, and the run ends October 18. Tickets are available at https://capemaystage.org/your-name-means-dream/ 🌙
📻 War of the Worlds with East Lynne Theater Company, Wednesday and Thursday: Actors, musicians and sound effects artists recreate the legendary 1938 Orson Welles radio broadcast live on stage at the Clemans Theater for the Arts, 717 Franklin Street. Wednesday at 7 PM is the $25 preview, and Thursday at 7 PM is opening night at $45 with an afterparty included. Get tickets at https://www.eastlynnetheater.org/wotw.html 👽
🦅 Migration 101 Mini-Workshop at Cape May Point State Park, Thursday: Ever wonder why Cape May is one of the best places on the continent to watch fall migration? This free 30 minute session starts at 11 AM at the East Shelter, the picnic pavilion next to the Hawkwatch Platform, and it is perfect for beginners. More information is at https://njaudubon.org/event/migration-101-mini-workshop-7/2026-10-08/ 🔭
📖 Tales at the Dormer House, Thursday: Settle in at 800 Columbia Avenue at 4 PM as Gayle Stahlhuth performs Minister Without Portfolio, a charming 1952 science fiction story by Mildred Clingerman about the power of chatting with strangers. Admission is $12 at the door by cash or check, and free for ages 12 and under. See the full schedule at https://www.classicamericantales.org/schedule.html ☕
Know someone who thinks Cape May shuts down after Labor Day? Share this post with them, then tell us in the comments which of these you are planning to catch this week. We would love to hear what made your list!
