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2026 Down & Derby Wine Festival: A Day of Wine, Music, and Derby Fun in South Jersey

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 03/19/2026

(CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Jersey's most anticipated wine festival is back! The Fourth Annual Down & Derby Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 2:00pm – 7:00pm at Veterans Island in Cooper River Park. Hosted by the Camden County Board of Commissioners and Visit South Jersey, this exciting event will bring together the finest local wineries, live entertainment, delicious food, and derby-themed festivities.

Attendees will enjoy tastings from South Jersey’s award-winning wineries while immersing themselves in the lively spirit of the Kentucky Derby. With GoodMan Fiske Band and The Lally Brothers Band performing live, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable day of music, food, games, and more!

“Every year, the Down & Derby Wine Festival grows bigger and better. This year’s lineup of wineries and entertainment sets the bar even higher, and we can’t wait to show visitors why South Jersey is a premier destination for wine and culture.” shares Michael P. Snyder, Director of Operations for Visit South Jersey.

General Admission Tickets: $35; Includes tastings of 20 wines, access to live music, food trucks, and all festival activities. Designated Driver Ticket: $15; A special rate for those who are ensuring everyone has a safe and fun experience.

Tickets are available for purchase online. Veterans Island in Cooper River Park is located in Pennsauken, New Jersey.




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Event Highlights Include:

* Wine Tastings: Sample wines from South Jersey’s best wineries, including Tomasello Winery, Valenzano Winery, Villari Vineyards, Wagon House Winery, White Horse Winery, Auburn Road Vineyards, Plagido’s Winery, Sharrott Winery, Summit City Winery, White Horse Winery, Cedarvale Winery and Saddlehill Winery. Discover your next favorite bottle while enjoying the lively Derby atmosphere.

* Live Music: Enjoy performances by the GoodMan Fiske Band and The Lally Brothers Band, two of the region’s most popular groups.

* Delicious Food: Featuring a variety of food trucks serving up mouthwatering eats.

* Derby Fashion Fun: Put on your finest Derby attire, and you might just walk away with a prize! Throughout the day, prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed festival-goers. Don’t forget to snap a selfie and share it with the hashtag #downandderbywinefestival.

For more information on the festival, click here.


EVENT PREVIEWS

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The public is invited to attend "Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy," a free special program honoring the enduring history and cultural significance of the former Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cape May. The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the historic Allen AME Church (717 Franklin Street) in Cape May.
Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September

Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Nearly one-third of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival comes to life at Cannonball Festival this September, as more than 100 artists present bold new work across five stages in a nonstop celebration of fearless live performance. Celebrating its sixth year, Cannonball is the largest hub of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, championing a revolutionary artist-led model that prioritizes equity, experimentation, and community connection.
Catsbury Park Cat Convention to Take Place October 10-11, 2026

Catsbury Park Cat Convention to Take Place October 10-11, 2026

(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Catsbury Park announces the return of the Catsbury Park Cat Convention, taking place October 10–11, 2026 for two full days of feline fun at Bell Works in Holmdel. The beloved annual event brings together cat lovers from across the region for a weekend filled with adoptable cats, educational presentations, celebrity guests, interactive activities, shopping, and community. Attendees can browse a bustling Vendor Village featuring artists, makers, and pet-focused businesses, meet local rescue organizations, and learn more about cat welfare and adoption efforts.
 

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Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 8:00pm
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All The Devils Are Here

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DJ Drewski - Mayor's Summer Concert Series

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Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm
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Friday, August 21, 2026 @ 7:00pm
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