Atlantic City Festivals 2012

It's almost Summer, and that means festival season is heating up. From music, to food and wine, here's a rundown of some of the area's upcoming events:

Tuckerton Seaport hosts a number of music festivals throughout spring and summer, including the Bluegrass & Barbecue Fest (May 20), the Bayman's Seafood & Music Festival (June 24), and the Red Wine & Blues Festival (June 30). See the Seaport's website for a complete schedule.

Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival (link) will be held June 2, and features entertainment, a children's village, a craft fair, food, and a beer and wine tent.

Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival, which runs July 26th to July 29th, includes celebrity chef appearances, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and culinary exhibits. For more information, please visit the festival's website.

Pine Barrens Festival (link) runs July 23-28, and features entertainment, food, games, and rides.

The Atlantic City Air Show is scheduled for August 17th.

For more festivals and events, please visit our Atlantic City Events Calendar.

Atlantic City Air Show 2012

"Thunder Over the Ocean" is less than four months away. The 2012 Atlantic City Air Show is scheduled for Friday, August 17th. The event gets underway at 10:30AM and is free (just find a spot anywhere on the Boardwalk or the beach).

Highlights of this year's show will include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, a US Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo, and many other aerial delights.

This is one of the most popular annual events and hotel rooms can be scarce, so book early. Take a look at these offers available for a rooms August 16-18:

Courtyard by Marriott $159/nt
Days Inn $109 - $169/ntEcono Lodge Beach Block $89.99 - $169.99
Eldorado Motor Inn $69 - $79/nt
Flagship Suites $99 - $129
Marriott Courtyard $179/nt
Rodeway Inn at the Beach $64.99 - $124.99
Rodeway Inn Oceanview $79.99 - $129.99
Red Carpet Inn $75 - $125

Click here to see all hotel offers and special rates.

The Air Show is sponsored by Borgata. Click here for directions, the schedule, and other details.

Atlantic City Aquarium

The Atlantic City Aquarium (aka Ocean Life Center) is a family-friendly attraction that is open year-round. Here you can enjoy and learn from exhibits containing fish that inhabit the marine and freshwater environments close to Atlantic City, as well as some more exotic locales such as tropical rainforests, the Amazon River, and the Pacific Ocean. There is also a live diver feeding show from the "Fish of the Mid-Atlantic" tank, which contains nurse sharks, dogfish, and other species.




The Aquarium is located at Historic Gardner's Basin, which has several other attractions, including an arts and crafts colony, cruises and fishing boats, shops, and cafes.

For more information on the Aquarium and Gardner's Basin, please visit the official website.

St Patricks Day in Atlantic City

Celebrate in A.C. with these events:

24th Annual St Patrick's Day Parade - March 14th at 1PM on the Boardwalk (starting at Garden Pier, New Jersey Avenue). The parade features pipe bands, marching bands, and floats.

31st Annual St Pat's 10 Miler and 5K - March 14th at 9:15. The races start at Gardner's Basin (New Hampshire Avenue). The event is sponsored by the Boardwalk Runners, and benefits The Donny Fund and The South Jersey Field of Dreams. Online registration and further information are available here.

The Irish Pub - Located on St James Place, just off the Boardwalk. The Pub, which is a favorite for both locals and tourists, has no cover charge and serves food until 6am . Party all day March 17th. Then the festivities continue with the annual Bag Day (March 18th), when customers wear decorated bags on their heads and bag costumes.

Ri Ra Irish Pub - Live Irish music all day. The Pub is located in The Quarter (Tropicana) and its menu features authentic Irish dishes.

$15,000 Pot O' Gold Sweepstakes - Trump Plaza. One slot or tables game player will be selected every hour from 3-8pm. Prizes $500-5000.

Please leave a comment if you know of more events. Thanks.

Hotel Rooms for $20 in Atlantic City

I've never seen it like this.

Atlantic City hotel rooms for $20.

No, I'm not talking about a roach motels either:

Bally's AC $20.09 March 8-10.

Harrah's Atlantic City $20.09 March 8-10.

Showboat Atlantic City $20.09 March 8-10.

Click here to check more dates.

Atlantic City Restaurant Week 2009

Explore Atlantic City's classic gourmet restaurants as well as new dining spots during Restaurant Week 2009. Sponsored by the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority, the event runs March 1-7.

Diners can enjoy a multi-course meal for a fixed price of $15.09 for lunch or $33.09 for dinner (not including beverages and gratuity). There are dozens of participating restaurants representing a wide variety of cuisines (Continental, Italian gourmet, traditional steak and seafood houses, Latin, Japanese, Mexican, etc.).

For complete details including a full list of participating restaurants with their menus, and a chance to purchase restaurant Week Gift Certificates, please visit the event's official site here.

Book Through Expedia, Get $50

Here's an outstanding deal: Book a 4 (or more) night hotel stay through Expedia and receive a $50 Prepaid Mastercard Debit Card (to spend anywhere, however you want).

In Atlantic City, most of the hotels are eligible, and with room rates already rock bottom, the extra $50 makes for a very sweet deal. For example, we found rooms at the Showboat going for $41 a night February 22-24 (that includes 30% off for a 3 or more night stay). Plus you get the $50 card. Not bad at all!

Other eligible properties include: Trump Plaza, Trump Marina, Taj Mahal, Caesars, Resorts, Bally's, Sheraton, The Chelsea, and many others. Travel must be booked by March 1st and completed by Marh 31st, 2009.

If you're willing to stay away from the casinos, there are some really interesting deals to be found. For example, rooms at the Knights Inn A.C. (a 2 star motel) cost $20. Subtract 30% for a 3+ night stay and it comes down to $14/night! Add taxes, and your total for a 4 night stay is about $86. Still too much? Don't forget the free $50 debit card. Plus you get free breakfast and high speed internet.

To browse for your own deal on Expedia, please click here.

Atlantic City Boat Show 2009

The Atlantic City International Power Boat Show run February 2-4 at the AC Convention Center. The exhibitors list is huge and includes boat manufacturers and dealers, as well as boating gear and service providers, outfitters, and other related products and information.

Some of the highlights of the show will be: daily seminars by fishing experts, boat giveaways and other drawings, a kids zone with paddleboats, a wing eating contest, and special areas focusing on green boating and affordable boating (boats costing under $250 a month).

Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for youths (ages 13-15), and free for children. Shuttle service will be available with stops at Borgata, Caesars, Sandcastle Stadium, Trump Marina, and Trump Plaza.

Discount tickets ($2 off) can be purchased online through February 3rd at the boat show website (click here for complete show info).

New NYC to AC Train Service to Debut

Atlantic City Express Service (ACES) starts February 6, 2009. Tickets go on sale January 15th.

The double-decker train service with leather seating, which is funded by Borgata, Caesars, and Harrah's AC, will provide direct service from New York's Penn Station to Atlantic City with one stop in Newark. A complimentary shuttle will operate between the train station in AC and the sponsoring casinos.

Here are some further details:

When? Weekends (Fri-Sun) beginning February 6th.

How Much? $50 coach, $75 first class each way. Tickets and hotel packages will be available on the ACES website (find link below).

More info: ACES Train Website link.

New Years Eve in A.C.

It's the biggest party night of the year, and we'll run down the events scheduled at each casino below.

But first, if you haven't booked a room yet, you better get cracking. The hotels are going to be filling up. To check room rates at the casinos and other hotels near the Boardwalk, please click here.

New Years Eve Party's and Entertainment

Bally's
Michael Turco's Magic "Wonder" Show at 7 and 10PM on the 31st.

Borgata
$888 Bonus Slot Dollars drawing every 8 minutes (3-10PM).

Craig Ferguson appearing in the Music Box (starts at 11PM, $55-65).

MIXX NYE Party with DJ Riz starts at 9:30PM ($50).

MUR.MUR NYE Party with DJ Spider starts at 9:30PM ($100).

Caesars
NYE Party at the Pier Shops with DJ Q-Tip. Guests will enjoy an open bar, complimentary party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Harrah's
Party at The Pool with celebrity DJ Klutch. $150 admission includes admission to the Waterfront Buffet, open bar, party favors, and hourly champagne toasts begining at midnight ET with live video feeds from Times Square, New Orleans, etc.

Resorts
NYE Party at Boogie Nights, including open bar from 9:30PM to 11:30PM ($100).

Showboat
HOB Rock N New Year: Goo Goo Dolls Concert at 10PM ($50-65).

Tropicana
The Quarter: 15 parties with DJs and other entertainment.

The Pointer Sisters appearing in the Tropicana Showroom.

Yesterday: A Tribute tot he Beatles appearing in the Cavern Club.

Trump Marina
Free NYE Party in the Atrium with DJ Frank Jr, sexy dancers, and party favors.

"Don't Call Me Francis" appearing in The Wave nightclub, including open bar and champagne toast.

Plus, gourmet dinner packages available.

Taj Mahal
4 Parties in 4 Venues:

Jerry Blavat in the Tiara Ballroom, including buffet dinner.

Casbah Nightclub with DJ Solo, including open bar and midnight toast.

Mark G Etess Arena Dinner Dance, includes open bar and dancing.

Xanadu Nightclub with DJ Dannyy Tsettos and other talent headlining the dance concert with 2 hour open bar.

Thanksgiving in Atlantic City

With hotel prices down (click here), kicking off the holiday season in Atlantic City has become an attractive option. And you won't miss a thing: whether you're looking to stick with tradition or break away for a little more excitement, it's all available on the Shore.

Thanksgiving Dinner in A.C.
Leave the cooking to someone else and walk away from the messy cleanup. Catch the games on the big screen at any of the casino bars and lounges, then make your way to your dining room of choice. You can stuff yourself at one of the buffets or choose something more upscale.

For example, The Virginia City Buffet at Bally's Wild Wild West Casino will be serving slow roasted turkey with all the trimmings from 11am to 10pm ($20.99 per person). At Borgata, enjoy maple horseradish glazed turkey at Bobby Flay Steak, roasted organic turkey at SeaBlue, or carved turkey with poppy and onion stuffing at the Old Homestead Steakhouse.

Of course, these are just some of the options. I'd recommend picking up one of the free weekly entertainment guides when you arrive to see the whole smorgasbord of offerings at the buffets and restaurants.

Thanksgiving Weekend Entertainment
The show calendar is quite varied the last weekend in November. There are top name musical acts, comedy shows, and more:
Tom Jones (Nov 28-29 at Trump Marina)
BB King (Nov 29 at Showboat)
Jay Leno (Nov 29 at Caesars)
Last Comic Standing Live Tour (Nov 29 at Trump Taj Mahal)
The Original Wailers (Nov 29 at Resorts)

Black Friday Shopping
There is no shortage of shopping at the Shore. In A.C., look for sales at the The Quarter at the Tropicana, The Pier Shops at Caesars, Atlantic City Outlets (The Walk). Or visit one of the nearby malls or shopping centers: Shore Mall, Hamilton Mall, Consumers Square, and others.

Thanksgiving Weekend Casino Promos
Black Friday Giveaway (Nov 28 at Showboat)
$500 Gift Card Every 5 Minutes Sweepstakes (Nov 28 at Taj Mahal)
Double Jackpot Fridays (Nov 28 at Taj Mahal)
Pier Shopping Spree Gift Card Giveaway (Nov 28 at Caesars)
Macys Shopping Sweepstakes (Nov 29 at Ballys)

Absecon Lighthouse

Get some exercise and take in some history just blocks from the casinos and the Boardwalk at Historic Absecon Lighthouse.

The lighthouse, which was built in the mid 1800s, offers visitors a chance to climb 228 steps to the top for a spectacular view. A museum featuring historical exhibits is located on ground level in the replicated 1925 Keeper's House. The lighthouse also hosts special programs and shows throughout the year.



For more information including hours of operation, admission prices, directions, details on programs and events, a historical timeline, and a live webcam, visit the lighthouse official website (link).

Atlantic City Concert Schedule - September 2008

Summer is winding down, but there are still some big name acts appearing at the Shore.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the biggest names appearing in Atlantic City this month. For a complete list of shows and events, please see our Atlantic City Entertainment Calendar.

09.06 Howie Mandel (Resorts)
09.07 Debbie Reynolds (Resorts)
09.07 Tom Colicchio (Caesars)
09.07 Motion City Soundtrack (Showboat)
09.07 Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr (AC Hilton)
09.09 Debbie Reynolds (Resorts)
09.09 Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr (AC Hilton)
09.10 Debbie Reynolds (Resorts)
09.10 Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr (AC Hilton)
09.11 Debbie Reynolds (Resorts)
09.11 Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr (AC Hilton)
09.012 Debbie Reynolds (Resorts)
09.12 Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr (AC Hilton)
09.18 Bay Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (Borgata)
09.19 Frankie Valli (Borgata)
09.19 The Four Tops (AC Hilton)
09.20 Frankie Valli (Borgata)
09.20 The Four Tops (AC Hilton)
09.20 Celine Dion (Boardwalk Hall)
09.20 Robert Klein (Trump Plaza)
09.27 Sugarland (Taj Mahal)
09.21 Frankie Valli (Borgata)
09.21 Connie Stevens (AC Hilton)
09.22 Connie Stevens (AC Hilton)
09.23 Connie Stevens (AC Hilton)
09.24 Connie Stevens (AC Hilton)
09.25 Connie Stevens (AC Hilton)
09.26 Connie Stevens (AC Hilton)
09.27 Willie Nelson & Family (Showboat)
09.27 Rocky Horror Picture Show (Showboat)
09.27 Wynonna (Trump Marina)
09.27 New Kids On The Block (Borgata)
09.27 Alanis Morissette (Borgata)

Atlantic City Miniature Golf

If you're looking for something to do besides gambling, shopping, and dining, then take a stroll along the Boardwalk and stop in at Kennedy Plaza for a relaxing round of miniature golf. And if you're traveling with children, this is a must-see attraction.

Atlantic City Miniature Golf is located across from Boardwalk Hall and offers 18 holes with waterfalls, elevated greens, and challenging obstacles in an attractive seaside setting. The plaza also features a picnic area and bandstand.



For more information and an internet coupon, visit the offical website (link).

Atlantic City Exhibitions

For August, we have two very different exhibitions located just a few blocks from each other on the Boardwalk:

Bodies...The Exhibition

This internationally acclaimed exhibit will be gross to some, while beautiful and awe inpiring to others. It features real, preserved human organs and entire body specimens (with the skin removed for an inside look). Visitors will surely leave with a better understanding of how their body is put together and how it operates.

Bodies...The Exhibition is at Trump Taj Mahal' Xanadu Theater through August 22nd (10AM to 10PM daily). Tickets are $27, with discounts for seniors, kids, and groups. You can learn more about the exhibition at the official website here.

The Atlantic City Art Center

The Art Center's main exhibit for August is by internationally acclaimed portrait artist and sculptor Kenneth Hari. Mr Hari's subjects include Dustin Hoffman, Salvador Dali, Angela Lansbury, and others. His works can be found in the Vatican, the National Portrait Gallery in London, and the Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona.

Also in August, artwork by members of the Art Center will be displayed in an exhibit titled "My Favorite Things".

Admission is free, and the Center is open 10AM-4PM seven days a week. The A.C. Art Center is located on Garden Pier, which is on the Boardwalk at New Jersey Avenue (1 block north of the Showboat). Visit the Art Center's website (here) for further info.

Atlantic City Concert Schedule - August 2008

Here's a quick rundown of some of the biggest names appearing in Atlantic City this month. For a complete list of shows and events, please see our Atlantic City Entertainment Calendar.

08.08 Maroon 5 / Counting Crows (Borgata)
08.08 Stone Temple Pilots (Borgata)
08.08 Gladys Knight (Tropicana)
08.09 Gladys Knight (Tropicana)
08.08 Hootie & The Blowfish (House of Blues)
08.15 Chris Rock (Borgata)
08.15 Backstreet Boys (House of Blues)
08.15 Boston (Tropicana)
08.15 Smokey Robinson (Trump Marina)
08.16 Smokey Robinson (Trump Marina)
08.16 America (AC Hilton)
08.16 Bruce Hornsby (House of Blues)
08.22 Rod Stewart (Borgata)
08.23 Billy Idol (House of Blues)
08.23 Rod Stewart (Borgata)
08.24 Jimmy Buffet (Boardwalk Hall)
08.24 John Mayer (Borgata)
08.29 Gin Blossoms (AC Hilton)
08.30 Travis Tritt (Trump Marina)
08.15 Foreigner (Taj Mahal)
08.30 Smashmouth (House of Blues)
08.31 Carlos Mencia (Borgata)

The Steel Pier

The carnival atmosphere of the Boardwalk really kicks it up a notch at the Steel Pier. And what better time to enjoy it than a lazy August afternoon or evening?

The Pier, which originally opened in 1898, features such attractions as a double decker carousel, bumper cars, go karts, a Tilt a Whirl, a kiddie coaster, a ferris wheel, games, food, helicopter rides, and quite a bit more.

The Steel Pier is located directly across the Boardwalk from Trump Taj Mahal. It is open until midnight Mon-Fri and until 1AM on Sat and Sun now thru August 28th. After that it is open on weekends thru October 26th. Single ride and multi-ticket books can be purchased online or in person.

For more info, visit the official Steel Pier site here.

Atlantic City Surf Baseball

Minor league baseball is about the promotions, enjoying a cold one, ballpark food, family time, and having fun relaxing in the stands. Tonight's Atlantic City Surf game should provide for all of those elements.

Every Thursday homegame is "Bud Light Thirsty Thursday". That's right, all drinks are $1 all game long. The Surf play the Ottawa Rapidz tonight at 7:05PM.

And there is plenty of other fun to be had: There's "Splash" (the team's mascot), entertaining promotions between-innings, and much more to see and do.

Homegames are played at Bernie Robbins Stadium, which is located on Albany Avenue next to Bader Field (see map below). Tickets run $8-11 for adults, and $5 for kids, seniors, and military.

The next home game will be August 8th (fireworks after the game).

Map Showing Location of Bernie Robbins Stadium

For more information, please visit the A.C. Surf homepage.

Have fun at the ballpark!

The Atlantic City Air Show

"Thunder Over the Ocean" is less than three weeks away. The 2008 Atlantic City Air Show is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20th. The event gets underway at 10:30AM and is free (just find a spot anywhere on the Boardwalk or the beach).

Highlights of this year's show will include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. Air National Guard, and many other aerial delights. On the ground, the Island Jam Luau Show takes place at the Kennedy Plaza.

This is one of the most popular annual events and hotel rooms can be scarce. However, there are still some good lodging options (some good prices too). Take a look at these offers available for a rooms August 20-22:

Courtyard by Marriott $159/nt
Ascot Motel $49/nt
Econo Lodge Beach Block $75/nt
La Renaissance Suites $146/nt
Days Inn $99/nt
Harrah's $189 Wed / $129 Thurs
Trump Marina $159 Wed / $99 Thurs

Click here to see all hotel offers and special rates.

The Air Show is sponsored by Borgata. Click here for directions, the schedule, and other details.