Atlantic City 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Events, Attractions, and Summer Fun
Looking for the perfect getaway packed with entertainment, excitement, and seaside charm? Atlantic City is ready to welcome you in 2025 with a fresh lineup of headline events, new restaurants, family attractions, and unique experiences. Whether you’re a regular visitor or exploring the Jersey Shore for the first time, this iconic city promises memorable moments for everyone.
Events and Entertainment: Summer Just Got Hotter
Get ready for a summer of excitement in Atlantic City. Major concerts and star-studded performances fill venues such as Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Ocean Casino Resort, and more. From the laughs of Tom Segura to the legendary sound of Def Leppard, music and comedy fans have much to look forward to. Big names like Khalid, Jackson Browne, and Train are set to make waves this season. Explore a complete entertainment schedule and must-see acts for 2025.
Beyond concerts, the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall hosts sporting events, while the Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar debuts as a high-tech, family-friendly destination featuring immersive holograms and more.
Not-to-Miss Attractions
Atlantic City’s historic Boardwalk is a can’t-miss attraction for every visitor. As America’s first boardwalk, it stretches for miles, offering ocean views, dining, shopping, and classic amusements. Steel Pier is introducing a new coaster and remains home to The Wheel—one of the largest observation wheels in the country.
The recently reopened Atlantic City Aquarium invites families and curious visitors to explore hands-on exhibits, touch tanks, and marine life native to the area. For those seeking adventure on the water, Atlantic City Cruises depart from Gardner’s Basin, offering skyline tours and dolphin-watch adventures.
Family Fun and Seasonal Festivals
Atlantic City doesn’t just cater to gamblers and nightlife enthusiasts—it’s also a family playground. The Showboat Resort hosts the Island Waterpark, now the largest indoor beachfront waterpark on the East Coast, while the Lucky Snake Arcade and go-karts keep kids and adults entertained.
Summer sizzles with fireworks over the Boardwalk and ocean. Catch dazzling displays each month at Tropicana Atlantic City and other city hotspots. Don’t miss the annual North Beach Fireworks and catch live music, food, and summer vibes across the beachfront.
One of this year’s biggest highlights is the Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival, returning July 15–16, 2025. This free, family-friendly air show features thrilling aerial stunts and spectacular views from the beach and Boardwalk—all guaranteed to impress aviation fans and casual spectators alike.
Culinary Scene: Explore New Restaurants and Bars
Atlantic City’s food scene is heating up, with exciting new spots opening all summer. Ocean Casino Resort welcomes chef Stephen Starr’s two new restaurants, plus High Steaks and Blend for fans of premium cuts and fresh smoothies. LaScala’s Fire adds to the city’s Italian cuisine options, while the ByrdCage bursts onto the scene as the first full-time LGBTQ+ establishment in decades.
Tennessee Avenue’s restaurant renaissance continues with Isabella’s Italian Pizza Kitchen and Paulie’s Steak Italiano, as well as Jennifer’s Oyster Bar, offering fresh seafood and outdoor garden dining.
Where to Stay in Atlantic City
Whether your style is modern luxury or classic comfort, Atlantic City offers an array of hotels. Nine casino resorts—like the Borgata, Caesars, Hard Rock, and Ocean—offer guests entertainment, spas, and pools with ocean views. Travelers seeking family fun may opt for Showboat Resort and its on-site waterpark, while couples can enjoy romantic escapes at Seaview – a Dolce Hotel or The Claridge.
What’s New: Community and City Highlights
Atlantic City’s sense of community is reflected in its ongoing development and local support. Even as Mayor Marty Small faces personal legal matters, he continues to receive strong backing from groups such as the Atlantic City PBA, highlighting ongoing citywide efforts to improve public safety and community engagement.
Plan Your Atlantic City Visit
Atlantic City’s blend of history, innovation, and entertainment makes it the premier destination on the East Coast. With major events, new restaurants, family experiences, and dynamic nightlife, there’s never been a better time to explore everything the city has to offer. Start planning your trip—book your stay, invite your friends, and prepare to make unforgettable summer memories on the Jersey Shore!