Buckle up for a summerlong celebration as the Jersey Shore BlueClaws pair their own silver jubilee with our nation’s semiquincentennial at ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood.
There will be fireworks, summer concerts, heritage and theme night giveaways, character appearances and more as the BlueClaws celebrate 25 years at the Jersey Shore and join in America’s 250th festivities this summer.
“So many different events (are) going on this season with the focus on America’s 250th and our own 25th anniversary,” said BlueClaws General Manager Bob McLane. “We have home games for Fourth of July weekend with major fireworks displays, and a lot of new promotions and theme nights on the schedule for this year.”
Officials said the BlueClaws organization, a Philadelphia Phillies High-A minor league baseball affiliate, strives to provide affordable family fun with activities throughout the ballpark and special events all summer offering something for all ages.
Advertisement
Inside the park, ShoreTown’s signature 360-degree concourse encircles traditional stadium seating and features a host of Shore-themed activities throughout. Family fun abounds with mini golf down the right field line, traditional boardwalk games in center field and the Sand Bar Stage for live concerts in right field. Fans can watch the game from beach blankets on the outfield hill or atop one of five oversized lifeguard stands, and a must-see for fans every game are the Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese and other mascot-themed races at the end of the third inning.
Summer at the ballpark
Special promotions this season feature a mix of theme nights, character appearances, and giveaways along with fireworks, recurring weekly events, and special celebrations tied to the 25thanniversary, holidays and community causes. The promotional 2026 schedule is loaded with commemorative items early in the season, family-friendly events, character meet-and-greets (Phillie Phanatic and Bluey), cultural heritage nights, community appreciation nights (first responders, military, Scouts), giveaway games (bobbleheads, hats, and beach badges), and fireworks displays every Friday as well as during Independence Week and on Fan Appreciation Day.
Recurring weekly events include Kids Eat Free and Pups in the Park every Sunday, Thirsty Thursdays (21+ drink specials), Summer Concert Saturdays at the Sand Bar Stage, and Jersey Shore Locals jerseys/caps on most Sundays.
BlueClaws 2026 summer events
-
May 2: Touch-Some-Trucks, Buster's birthday celebration
-
May 13: (Wednesday matinee) Education Day
-
May 14: Thirsty Thursday, Phillie Phanatic appearance
-
May 15: Medusas de Jersey Shore kickoff/Hispanic Heritage Night, post-game fireworks
-
May 16: Bluey character appearance
-
May 27: (Wednesday matinee) Education Day
-
May 29: Commemorative beach badge giveaway , first 1,000 fans free
-
May 30: Halfway to Halloween (Ghostbusters bobblehead giveaway to the first 1,000 fans, trick-or-treating, costume contest)
-
May 31: Bark in the Park (pre-game festival, dogs welcome)
-
June 4: First Responders Night
-
June 5: Girl Scout Family Night (pre-game parade and fireworks)
-
June 6: E-Street Shuffle performance
-
June 7: 6/7 Day, Locals towel poncho giveaway (first 500 kids 12 and younger)
-
June 20: Irish Heritage Night, hat giveaway, The Shantys
-
June 21: Father's Day celebration (post-game father/child catch on field)
-
July 2: Pride Night — “Baseball is For Everyone"
-
July 3, 4: Independence Week/Red, White & BlueClaws/America's 250th Birthday (major fireworks displays)
-
July 22: Camp Day
-
July 23: Military Appreciation Night
-
July 25: Christmas in July (Santa appearance, post-game fireworks)
-
Aug. 5: Camp Day
-
Aug. 6: Jersey Tomatoes night
-
Aug. 7: Star Wars Night
-
Aug. 8: Salute to Heroes/Country Night (Tequila Rose, line dancing)
-
Aug. 20: BlueClaws Charities Karaoke Night
-
Aug. 21: Scout Night (pre-game parade, ceremonies, and post-game fireworks, with a sleepover option)
-
Aug. 22: Splintered Sunlight (Grateful Dead tribute performance)
-
Aug. 27: Liberty bucket replica giveaway (first 1,000 fans)
-
Aug. 28: Autism Awareness Night
-
Aug. 29: Fan Appreciation Night (food and drink specials and post-game fireworks)
For the most up-to-date details, full game-by-game schedule, or to purchase tickets, visitmlb.com/milb/jersey-shore.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press:Jersey Shore BlueClaws have birthday surprises in 2026 summer