Free events in Atlantic City, NJ

Celebrating its 26th year, Jazz on the Beach brings local talent and headlining jazz bands to Kennedy Plaza in Atlantic City. Every Thursday features five free performances for an evening filled with live jazz. One of the lineups spotlights local artist Carrie Jackson with the Amina Figarova Sextet as the headliner.

Kids and teens can gather for a friendly chess meet at the Main Library in Atlantic City. The club is open to all skill levels, from first-time players to seasoned competitors, with plenty of opportunities to practice strategy and enjoy thoughtful matches. This is the final session in the series.

Enjoy a dazzling fireworks display presented by Tropicana Atlantic City in Atlantic City. The show launches from the beachfront, and it can be seen all along the boardwalk. An additional show is scheduled.

Children in kindergarten through sixth grade can take part in a mix of indoor and outdoor activities at the Family Success Center in Atlantic City. Hands-on options include science experiments, nature exploration, games, cooking lessons, arts and crafts, and more. There is no charge to attend, but advance registration is required.

Organized by the Betterment Committee in collaboration with the city, this neighborhood cleanup brings together five volunteers to tidy a single block by collecting trash and debris around the building and the Boardwalk. All supplies are provided, including trash bags, gloves, and litter grabbers, making it a quick and straightforward way to care for the area and keep it looking welcoming.

Dead Zep brings a free Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk performance to the Kennedy Plaza Amphitheater with special guest Hayley Jane, presented as part of the Free Summer Concert Series and produced by Tony Marts Presents. Created by Waynard Scheller, a longtime interpreter of Grateful Dead music, the project grew out of his Rainbow Full of Love and first took shape in 2018 with a rotating lineup. The show blends the songbooks of the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin, sliding from one into the other and flipping styles along the way, with moments where St. Stephen meets Whole Lotta Love or Ramble On folds into St. Stephen. Scheller has toured the East Coast for years and has performed with Bob Weir and Hot Tuna, as well as members of RatDog and Phil and Friends, with previous tours alongside John Kadlecik.