Top 5 Things to Do on LBI in Late September & Early October 2026
Summer may be over, but Long Beach Island definitely isn't slowing down!
Late September and early October are a great time to visit LBI. The beaches are quieter, temperatures are comfortable, restaurants and shops are still open, and some of the island's most popular fall events are just getting started.
If you're planning a fall getaway to Long Beach Island, here are 5 LBI events worth putting on your calendar.
1. Vanities: The Musical at Surflight Theatre
September 23 – October 4 | Beach Haven
Start your fall LBI visit with a show at the historic Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven. Vanities: The Musical runs on select dates from September 23 through October 4, with both afternoon and evening performances scheduled.
It's an easy addition to a Beach Haven weekend — enjoy dinner, see a show and experience a quieter side of LBI after the summer crowds leave.
Website:
2. Comedy Night at Surflight Theatre
September 25 | Beach Haven
Looking for something fun to do on LBI at night? Surflight Theatre is also hosting a Comedy Night on Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.
It's another reminder that Beach Haven entertainment doesn't disappear after Labor Day!
Website:
3. Candlelight Concert at the LBI Historical Museum
October 2 | Beach Haven
Here's something a little different for an early October LBI getaway.
The Long Beach Island Historical Museum is hosting a Candlelight Concert on Friday, October 2 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. Four Shore Strings will perform music spanning generations, with selections associated with artists ranging from the Beatles and Elvis to Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
The setting inside the historic Beach Haven museum should make this an especially unique fall evening on LBI.
LBI event calendar:
https://welcometolbi.com/events/
4. Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off
October 3 & 4 | Beach Haven
This is one of the big ones!
The 2026 Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off takes place October 3 and 4 behind Bay Village on Taylor Avenue.
Saturday's Merchant Mart is free and features more than 80 local and regional merchants along with food, drinks, music and activities. On Sunday, the ticketed Chowder Cook-Off brings local restaurants together to compete in red and white chowder categories.
If you're looking for a reason to plan an October weekend on LBI, this is a good one.
Official website:
https://www.bhchowdercookoff.com/
5. LBI FLY Invitational Kite Festival
October 9–10 | Ship Bottom
One of the most colorful fall events on Long Beach Island returns to Ship Bottom!
The LBI FLY Invitational Kite Festival takes place October 9–10, with the main kite fields located along the Ship Bottom beaches from approximately 18th through 27th Streets.
Expect giant inflatable kites, professional kite flyers, children's kite-making activities, bubble blasts and opportunities to bring and fly your own kite. The festival is free to attend.
It's also a fantastic time to take pictures on the beach!
Official website:
Fall Is a Great Time to Stay on LBI
From Beach Haven and Ship Bottom to Surf City, Harvey Cedars and Barnegat Light, there's still plenty happening on Long Beach Island after summer ends.
And if you're coming down for a fall festival, wedding, family weekend or simply a few peaceful days at the shore, there's no reason to fill the car with sheets, towels and bulky baby gear.
Pack Lite is open year-round on Long Beach Island.
We provide:
• Linen rentals
• Bath and beach towel rentals
• Cribs and Pack 'n Plays
• High chairs and other baby equipment
• FREE delivery and pickup throughout our LBI service area
Save 15% This Fall
Use discount code FALL15 for 15% off your Pack Lite rental.
Planning an LBI fall getaway?
The crowds may be disappearing, but LBI season isn't over — and neither is Pack Lite!
Event dates, times and schedules can change. Check the event's official website before heading out.