Philly, your ultimate summer escape is in Atlantic City, and the calendar is stacked. Kick things off with the annual Memorial Day Beach Ball Drop, when thousands of beach balls rain down on a high-energy Boardwalk party to launch summer in style. June turns it up with Borgata’s Summer Social food and drink fête, Americana-themed this year, then caps the night with North Beach fireworks. Late July, Shakira shakes Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. August brings the heavy hitters: Nick Jonas, Lenny Kravitz, and Rüfüs Du Sol. Make this your summer in Atlantic City.
Memorial Day Beach Ball Drop at Resorts Casino Hotel
May 22, 5 p.m., Resorts Casino Hotel, 1133 Boardwalk
A colorful sea of spherical vinyl rains on revelers at Atlantic City’s Memorial Day Beach Ball Drop. Held annually at Resorts Casino Hotel, the free event marks the unofficial kickoff to summer. The vibrant bash also includes games and giveaways, and continues into the evening with high-spirited dance band Sidestory. Claim your free commemorative T-shirt and stay for an indoor rock show with cover band The Hitmen.
Soar & Shore Airshow Presented by Visit Atlantic City
May 29–31, 1900 Between Bally’s Atlantic City and Park Place
Sport your aviator shades and unleash your inner Maverick at the Soar & Shore Airshow the last weekend in May. Top Gun vibes permeate the action-packed weekend that features military jet displays and jaw-dropping formation acrobatics by demo flight teams. Witness a North American SNJ Texan, the same craft that was used for naval training during World War II, as it takes on barrel rolls and loops, along with other legendary warbirds and pioneering aircraft. The high-octane experience is sure to conjure gasps and thrills.
Savor Borgata’s Summer Social, Americana: A Summer Legacy
June 26, 8–10 p.m., Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, 1 Borgata Way
Toast to the sweet life at the annual Summer Social at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. This year, with an Americana theme (think: Coca-Cola and Route 66 throwback nostalgia), the outdoor food-and-cocktail event features upscale nibbles and artisan cocktails. The red, white, and blue-soaked retro-chic event will offer live music and festive flair alongside a buzzy, poolside backdrop.
See Spectacular Fireworks
June 26, 9 p.m.
America marks a major milestone this year: 250 years. Celebrate big all summer long with the Tropicana Fireworks Series. Beginning at 10 p.m., Saturday nights through the entire season burst with dramatic flair that’s fun for the whole family. The last Friday in June brings the North Beach Fireworks Spectacular, a free, public event that kicks off Fourth of July. Don your best all-American get-ups and saunter along the Boardwalk as you listen to live music, enjoy drink specials, and soak in the summer scene. Pro-scouted spots include Steel Pier, Resorts Casino Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Showboat Resort, and Ocean Casino Resort.
Shakira at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
July 25, 2301 Boardwalk
Her hips don’t lie, and Colombian sensation Shakira shakes up Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for one night only, July 25. Luckily, Atlantic City is a stop on the multiple Grammy Award winner’s major world tour, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” (“Women No Longer Cry”). The electrifying event features a combo of the artist’s signature intense choreography to hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever,” plus rock-style live instrumentation and poignant, emotional moments.
Rüfüs Du Sol on the Beach
August 29, Atlantic City Beach, 2298 Boardwalk
Grammy-winning Australian phenomenon Rüfüs Du Sol ushers in late-summer magic as the electronic trio turns the beach into a pulsating dance floor as part of the act’s summer world tour. As the sun goes down on a sultry Saturday, an immersive night of hypnotic sounds and lights takes shape.
Casino Headliners
Headline entertainment continues through the summer in Atlantic City. As part of its Hard Rock Live series at Etess Arena, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City welcomes Nick Jonas, who closes his solo tour, “A Night With Nick,” on June 13, and Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters on August 1. Gen Xers won’t want to miss Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and The Spin Doctors on August 1 at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall. The venue also welcomes Motown icon Diana Ross, funk-rocker Lenny Kravitz, and lots more.
Fresh Look at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City spices things up this summer with an exciting $50 million transformation. The hotel has refreshed nearly 800 rooms and suites. Walkways, corridors, and public spaces will also see upgrades. New tastes make their debut, too, including Sitar, an East Indian concept with stunning Boardwalk views, and a new location of Philly’s beloved Federal Donuts & Chicken.