LBI Has a Full Weekend of Bayfront Action, Live Music, Markets, Theater, and Summer 2026 Fun

The weekend of June 20 and 21 is shaping up to be a busy one around Long Beach Island and the surrounding mainland. From windsurfers racing across the bay at Bayview Park to live music in West Creek and Manahawkin, theater in Beach Haven, family fun at Fantasy Island, and a Sunday farmers market in Forked River, there is plenty happening for locals, visitors, and LBI homeowners.
This is one of those early-summer weekends when the island starts feeling fully awake. The restaurants are busy. The beach towns are moving. Families are settling into their summer rhythm. And everyone is trying to squeeze as much as possible into two days.
If you are looking for something to do on LBI this weekend, here are the key highlights.
Key Highlights for June 20–21
- 2nd Annual Island Surf & Sail Windsurfer Regatta at Bayview Park in Long Beach Township
- Red, White & Bar Crawl in Beach Haven on Saturday
- La Stella Brothers live at Hollow Pines in West Creek on Saturday evening
- Guys and Dolls at Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven
- Sunday Farmers Market at the Lacey Elks in Forked River
- Live music and waterfront fun at The Boatyard in Manahawkin
- Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Beach Haven
- Barnegat Lighthouse State Park in Barnegat Light
- Thundering Surf Waterpark and Adventure Golf in Beach Haven
- A cool, air-conditioned stop at Fireplaces Plus in Manahawkin
Yes, we said Fireplaces Plus. Because after a day of sun, crowds, kids, sand, traffic, and someone asking “where should we eat?” for the seventh time, a beautiful air-conditioned showroom full of fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and accessories starts sounding less like a store and more like emotional support.
What Is the Biggest Event on LBI This Weekend?
The biggest outdoor highlight is the 2nd Annual Island Surf & Sail Windsurfer Regatta, happening June 20 and 21 at Bayview Park in Long Beach Township.
This is a great spectator event because Bayview Park offers a beautiful bayfront setting, open views, and that classic LBI summer atmosphere. The regatta brings windsurfing action to the bay, with racing expected around the Bayview Park cove and northern Little Egg Harbor.
Even if you are not competing, this is the kind of event that gives visitors something different to watch. It is active, colorful, local, and very LBI. Bring a chair, sunscreen, water, and maybe a little patience if parking gets tight.
This is also a good event for families because it gives kids something to actually watch instead of just hearing adults say, “Look at the bay, isn’t it pretty?” Yes, the bay is pretty. But windsurfers are better.
What Is Happening Saturday, June 20?
Saturday is packed with a variety of activities, depending on your mood.
2nd Annual Island Surf & Sail Windsurfer Regatta
Start the day at Bayview Park in Long Beach Township for the windsurfing regatta. It is one of the more unique weekend events on LBI and a great way to enjoy the bayfront without needing a boat.
Red, White & Bar Crawl
If your weekend plan is less “quiet family bay walk” and more “patriotic hydration tour,” the Red, White & Bar Crawl is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, in Beach Haven.
The event celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with a red, white, and blue theme. Local listings describe it as a group-friendly bar crawl with multiple stops, a shirt, and raffle-style elements. As always with bar crawl events, check the official event page for check-in details, participating stops, age requirements, and any updates before heading out.
Translation: know where you are starting before you start celebrating. Your future self will thank you.
Guys and Dolls at Surflight Theatre
Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven continues its production of Guys and Dolls, with an evening performance scheduled for Saturday. This is a great option if you want something polished and classic indoors after a beach day.
It is also a strong choice for multi-generational families. Not everyone wants to stand in a crowded bar or chase kids around an arcade. Sometimes sitting down in a theater and letting professionals do the entertaining is the correct adult decision.
La Stella Brothers Live at Hollow Pines
On Saturday evening, La Stella Brothers are scheduled to perform at Hollow Pines in West Creek.
Hollow Pines has quickly become one of the more talked-about dining and entertainment spots near LBI, and live rock and roll gives visitors another reason to cross back over to the mainland. If you are already staying in Stafford, Manahawkin, West Creek, or a nearby mainland community, this is an easy evening option without having to drive all the way back onto the island.
What is Happening on Sunday, June 21?
Sunday has a slightly different pace, with markets, theater, waterfront brunch, live music, and family activities.
Sunday Farmers Market at the Lacey Elks
The Farmers Market at the Lacey Elks in Forked River is scheduled for Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM.
This is a nice off-island option for anyone heading north, staying near Forked River, or looking for fresh local goods before heading home. It is also a good stop if you want something slower and more relaxed after a busy Saturday.
Farmers markets are perfect for the person who says, “I don’t need anything,” and then somehow leaves with bread, flowers, pickles, soap, earrings, and a bag of tomatoes. It happens. We do not judge.
Guys and Dolls Matinee at Surflight Theatre
Surflight Theatre also has a Sunday matinee of Guys and Dolls scheduled in Beach Haven. This is a smart pick if you want to enjoy the island but avoid the strongest part of the afternoon sun.
A Sunday matinee can also be the perfect plan for families with grandparents, parents, and kids who need a structured activity before dinner.
The Boatyard in Manahawkin
The Boatyard in Manahawkin is another strong Sunday option. The Boatyard is promoting Bayside Brunch starting this weekend, with brunch scheduled Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to noon.
The venue also has its Rock the Dock Summer Stage live music programming during the summer season, and The Ruckus is listed for a Sunday afternoon debut at The Boatyard. If you want casual waterfront energy without being directly on the island, this is a good spot to keep on the weekend list.
The Boatyard also works well as a mainland stop before or after visiting LBI. You can eat, listen to music, enjoy the marina atmosphere, and avoid pretending that circling for island parking is part of the vacation experience.
What Can Families Do With Kids This Weekend?
If you have kids, the classics still work.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Fantasy Island in Beach Haven is always one of the top family-friendly stops on LBI. The park has rides, arcade games, classic boardwalk-style fun, and food options that make kids extremely happy and parents create memories of a lifetime.
For June 20 and 21, Fantasy Island lists arcade and ride hours, along with kiddie-ride wristband specials. Sunday also includes a Father’s Day promotion, making it a fun option for dads, grandfathers, and families looking for an easy evening activity.
Thundering Surf Waterpark and Adventure Golf
Thundering Surf Waterpark in Beach Haven is another family favorite, especially when the weather is hot, and the kids need to burn energy somewhere other than your living room.
The park includes water slides, a lazy river, a toddler-friendly area, FlowRider surf experience, and adventure golf. It is one of those places that can fill a big chunk of the day without needing a complicated plan.
Just bring towels, sunscreen, patience, and the understanding that someone will definitely want ice cream afterward.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
For families who want something scenic and slightly more peaceful, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park in Barnegat Light is always worth a visit.
You can walk, take photos, enjoy the views, explore the northern tip of the island, and, when open and weather allows, climb the lighthouse. It is a great reminder that LBI is not only beaches, restaurants, and shops. It also has history, nature, and some of the island’s best views.
What Should LBI Homeowners Do Between Events?
If you own a home on LBI, this weekend is also a good time to think about your outdoor living space.
This is the part of summer when homeowners start noticing what works and what does not.
The patio furniture is out. The guests are arriving. The grill is working overtime. The kids are running around. The evenings are getting longer. And suddenly, everyone realizes the backyard, deck, patio, or outdoor room could use something special.
That is where Fireplaces Plus comes in.
Fireplaces Plus in Manahawkin is fully stocked with the latest fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and accessories for homeowners who want to upgrade their outdoor living space. Whether you are thinking about a dramatic linear fire feature, a cozy gas fire pit, a custom outdoor fireplace, or finishing touches for your patio, the showroom lets you see ideas in person.
And yes, it is air-conditioned.
Which means if the weekend gets hot, crowded, sticky, or just too people-y, you can cool off in the largest fireplace showroom in NJ and call it “research.” Very responsible. Very adult. Very convenient.
Why Visit Fireplaces Plus During an LBI Weekend?
Because it fits naturally into the weekend.
Fireplaces Plus is located in Manahawkin, making it an easy stop for people traveling to or from LBI, heading toward The Boatyard, visiting mainland restaurants, or running errands off the island.
For LBI homeowners, especially those with second homes, visiting the showroom can help answer real questions:
- What kind of fire pit works best near salt air and humidity?
- What outdoor fireplace looks best with a coastal home?
- Can a fire feature be customized to match a patio or deck?
- What accessories make outdoor entertaining easier?
- What products are available now?
- What can be installed before the cooler fall weekends?
A lot of people think about fireplaces only when it gets cold. But on LBI, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are part of summer living, too.
They create an atmosphere after dinner. They help guests gather. They make a patio feel finished. They turn an ordinary backyard into the place everyone wants to stay.
What Is the Best Weekend Plan?
Here is a simple way to structure the weekend.
Saturday Plan
Start with the Island Surf & Sail Windsurfer Regatta at Bayview Park. Grab lunch on the island. Spend the afternoon at the beach, Fantasy Island, or Thundering Surf depending on your group. In the evening, choose between Guys and Dolls at Surflight Theatre, the Red, White & Bar Crawl in Beach Haven, or live music at Hollow Pines in West Creek.
Sunday Plan
Start with brunch at The Boatyard or a slower morning around LBI. Visit the Lacey Elks Farmers Market in Forked River, catch the Guys and Dolls matinee at Surflight, or head to Barnegat Lighthouse for views and a walk. Then stop by Fireplaces Plus in Manahawkin to cool off, browse the latest outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, and start planning the outdoor space your friends and family will never want to leave.
Make it memorable on Long Beach Island
The weekend of June 20 and 21 is a strong early-summer weekend for Long Beach Island and the surrounding region. There is something for almost every kind of visitor: bayfront sports, live music, theater, markets, amusement rides, waterpark fun, lighthouse views, and relaxed mainland stops.
For visitors, it is a great weekend to explore.
For homeowners, it is also a great weekend for inspiration.
Because the best LBI homes are not just places to sleep after the beach. They are gathering places. They are where friends stay late, family dinners stretch into the evening, and summer memories are made one relaxed night at a time.
So enjoy the regatta. See a show. Listen to live music. Take the kids to Fantasy Island. Walk around Barnegat Light. And when you need a break from the heat, the crowds, or the emotional negotiation of where everyone wants to eat, visit Fireplaces Plus in Manahawkin.
It is cool, comfortable, fully stocked, and full of ideas for making your LBI home even better.
