Visit Atlantic City is gearing up for peak season in spring and summer, where visitors will have the opportunity to experience thrilling citywide festivals including the return of the Soar & Shore Airshow Presented by Visit Atlantic City. The season will welcome new hospitality developments, such as several new restaurant openings at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and a new partnership between Hyatt Brands and Seaview Hotel & Golf Club. Additionally, with Breeze Airways introducing new nonstop flight routes to Atlantic City International Airport , even more travelers will be able to experience the destination in its peak months, making Atlantic City more accessible than ever before.
“The first quarter of 2026 marked a strong start for Atlantic City, with the destination experiencing growth through a variety of key developments such as the opening of the reimagined Solana Tower at the Tropicana Atlantic City and the debut of Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar at Ocean Casino Resort,” said Gary Musich, president and CEO of Visit Atlantic City. “We’ve also seen continued growth in events and conventions, reinforcing Atlantic City’s position as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel. As we look ahead, we’re building on this momentum with exciting initiatives and experiences that will continue to elevate the destination throughout the remainder of the year.”
Visit Atlantic City began the year with strong momentum by hosting 18 successful events, conventions and conferences that generated 38,833 room nights booked and 159,867 attendees, resulting in a total economic impact of $19,992,312. The seaside destination will continue the momentum going into spring by hosting 17 major events and conferences including the return of The Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival, the Soar & Shore Airshow, ShopRite LPGA, and Police Security Expo.
“Atlantic City’s casinos are kicking off the spring and summer seasons with some of the most dynamic entertainment, dining and gaming experiences on the East Coast," said George Goldhoff, president, Casino Association of New Jersey. “From headline entertainment to one-of-a-kind attractions, our industry continues to evolve and exceed the expectations of today’s visitors. Ongoing investment in our properties ensures that Atlantic City continues to thrive as a premier resort destination, delivering unforgettable moments for everyone who visits our great resort.”
WHAT'S NEW IN AC?
Breeze Airways Launches Non-Stop Flights to Atlantic City International Airport
Breeze Airways, the premium leisure carrier providing affordable and direct flights from underserved markets, announced two new nonstop routes from Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) to Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU), as well as one-stop, no-change-of-plane BreezeThru service to Tampa International Airport (TPA). The new flights will begin in May and June with fares starting at $39 one way.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Announces $50 Million Capital Improvement Plan
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is reaffirming its commitment to excellence with a $50 million capital improvement plan for 2026. The resort will renovate more than 700 standard guest rooms, over 60 suites and eight penthouses in the hotel’s North Tower, along with refreshing walkways and corridors. Additionally, the resort will expand its culinary landscape with several new dining concepts that include the anticipated debut of Sitar, an artfully designed East-Indian restaurant with modern Indian cuisine, shaped by cultural influences and featuring Boardwalk views. The property will also welcome Philadelphia’s beloved Federal Donuts and Chicken, opening this spring.
Visit Atlantic City Collaborates with Live Nation to Bring All-Star Entertainment to the Destination
Visit Atlantic City announced a new collaboration with Live Nation designed to elevate the destinations' live entertainment offerings while driving visitation, economic impact and long-term growth for the coastal destination. As part of this initiative, Atlantic City will be reinforced as a premier East Coast hub for concerts and live events, by working with Live Nation to help bring more entertainment opportunities to the region. Visit Atlantic City hopes to build on recent momentum at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, where Live Nation-supported concerts have drawn national attention and packed crowds by bringing new and exciting artists to the destination including Rüfüs Du Sol who will be preforming on the Atlantic City Beach on Aug. 29.
Seaview Hotel & Golf Club Joins Destination by Hyatt Brand
Seaview Hotel & Golf Club has joined the Destination by Hyatt Brand as a hotel to allow guests and World of Hyatt members the opportunity to experience a centuries-old hospitality institution with activities and experiences for a variety of guests. The transition will further strengthen Hyatt’s portfolio in the Mid-Atlantic while preserving the resort’s deep-rooted legacy as one of the Jersey Shore’s most iconic destinations.
CITYWIDE EVENTS
Visit Atlantic City to Host the 27th Annual Atlantic City Host Awards
Visit Atlantic City will host the 27th Annual Atlantic City Host Awards on May 12 at a new location, the Atlantic City Convention Center. The Atlantic City Host Awards celebrates and honors Atlantic City’s front-line and back-of-the-house workers across 27 categories for exemplary service to visitors, recognizing their role in the local economy and hospitality industry.
Soar & Shore Airshow Presented by Visit Atlantic City
From May 29-31, the Soar & Shore Airshow Presented by Visit Atlantic City is returning to the destination for an epic event filled with non-stop entertainment and breathtaking aerial performances above the Atlantic City beach and Boardwalk. The Show Center will take place at Bally's Atlantic City at the intersection of Park Place and the Boardwalk. The Soar & Shore Airshow is free and fun for audiences of all ages, making the event a must-see summer spectacle. While general admission is free, VIP tickets to the Dolphin and Viper Clubs will feature reserved Premium Seating in catered tents for purchase.
The ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer is returning to Seaview Hotel & Golf Club on May 25-31. The Classic offers one of the most fan-friendly experiences in professional golf and showcases the top female golf players in the industry.
Q2 CONVENTIONS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS IN ATLANTIC CITY
The Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival
The Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival presented by Visit Atlantic City is celebrating their 20th anniversary. Taking place on April 11 at the Atlantic City Convention Center, the Beer Fest will feature over 100 breweries showcasing their finest craft beers, live entertainment and much more. There will be two sessions of the event, the first from 12 – 4 p.m. and the second from 6 – 10 p.m., and will be the events last call. The event expects 4,600 attendees, 200 room nights and $2,335,284 in economic impact.
The 1199SEIU 2026 Conference will be coming to the Atlantic City Convention Center from May 3-5. Here, thousands of health care professionals, members of 1199SEIU who work in hospitals, nursing homes, community clinics, pharmacies and homecare agencies across the East Cost will meet for a unionwide Leadership Summit. Caregivers will be gathering to strategize, build power, and strengthen the movement for quality patient care, fair wages and dignity on the job. This event expects 3,000 attendees, 3,945 room nights and $2,796,661 in economic impact.
The New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA) Conference and Expo will return to the Atlantic City Convention Center from May 19-21. This event attracts the industry’s finest professionals for three days of networking and education. Owners, regional managers, leasing and other industry leaders attend to learn about the latest products and services provided by vendor members in addition to two outstanding days of education. The event expects 1,700 attendees, 1,480 room nights and $2,042,547 in economic impact.
The Scuba Show in Atlantic City is the premier event for diving enthusiasts and industry professionals taking place at the Atlantic City Convention Center from June 6-7. Spanning a vast exhibit floor, the show features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest scuba gear, travel opportunities, and diving technology. Attendees can participate in hands-on clinics, interactive seminars led by diving experts, and even experience scuba in a heated pool. This event expects 5,000 attendees, 871 room nights and $2,484,008 in economic impact.
The 40th Annual Police Security Expo will be held June 23-24 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. This event is the law enforcement industry’s premier showcase and is designed to empower the law enforcement community and unveil industry-leading goods, products and services. The Expo expects 6,304 attendees, 2,296 room nights and $4,503,057 in economic impact.
Q2 SPORTING EVENTS IN ATLANTIC CITY
Sampson Boxing: Mielnicki vs. Huerta
Experience world-class boxing at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on April 11 as Sampson Boxing Presents Mielnicki vs. Huerta. Witness nationally ranked campions collide in a 10-round main event as Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr., WBO Global Middleweight champion, takes on the undefeated Omar Ulises “La Bala” Huerta. The event expects 3,000 attendees, 132 room nights and $$781,221 in economic impact.
April Fools Half Marathon and 8K
The April Fools Half Marathon and 8K will take place on the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk from April 11 - 12. With over five miles of boardwalk, the April Fools Half Marathon offers a shared start and finish line and a fast, flat course along the picturesque Atlantic Ocean. All participants over the age of 21 will receive a ticket for one free beer at either LandShark Bar & Grill or Margaritaville. The event expects 2,400 attendees, 84 room nights and $416,701 in economic impact.
The Boardwalk Block Party will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on April 18-19, where high school volleyball teams and club families will wrap up the season and prepare for Nationals. The event expects 7,000 attendees, 2,614 room nights and $3,527,865 in economic impact.
The Main Event, part of the Select Events annual basketball circuit, which is one of the leaders of youth basketball markets in the Northeast, will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on April 25-26. The Main Event will be hosting games played between boys in grades three to eight and girls in grades four to eight. The event expects 7,000 attendees, 1,472 room nights and $2,525,830 in economic impact.
The Launch will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on May 2-3, featuring competitive play for boys in grades sixth through Varsity. With a format designed for teams of three players or more, this event offers athletes the chance to showcase their skills, teamwork, and passion for the game. The event expects 7,000 attendees, 1,943 room nights and $2,868,645 in economic impact.
The Atlantic City Showcase will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on May 15-17. The Atlantic City Showcase, also part of the Select Events annual basketball circuit, will host this female-only basketball tournament for girls in grades six to 12. The event expects 12,000 attendees, 6,238 room nights and $7,187,655 in economic impact.
In honor of Atlantic City’s connection to MONOPOLY, the destination will be hosting a Run MONOPOLY Series on May 16-17, offering guests the chance to participate in a half marathon, 5k or half-mile kids run. As a part of the run, guests will dash down the iconic Boardwalk, pass legendary streets and feel immersed in the game’s rich history. This event expects 1,500 attendees, 50 room nights and $257,730 in economic impact.
The Bungalow Beach 5 Miler will take place on the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk on Saturday, June 6. The event is a five-mile race and is a part of the Atlantic City Marathon Race Series set to take place over two hours, ending with a final dash to the finish line on the beach into Bungalow Beach Bar. The event expects 1,000 attendees, 60 room nights and $194,810 in economic impact.
American Cancer Society 54th Annual Bike-A-Thon Bridge to the Beach
On June 7, the American Cancer Society 54th annual Bike-A-Thon: Bridge to the Beach transforms every mile of Atlantic City into a tribute of love, strength and hope. Riders of all levels join in a powerful community, cycling with a purpose to honor those affected by cancer and support life-saving research. This event expects 100 attendees, 35 room nights and $40,793 in economic impact
