Ventnor Boardwalk Closed This Fall? Where to Walk, Eat and Gather Instead
Beginning October 12, Ventnor fences off the boardwalk from Suffolk Avenue to Jackson Avenue. Here's what stays open, who's paying for the work, and where October's events have moved.
Daniel Rallo
Oct 8, 2026 · 5 min read
This week, ahead of the fencing, Ventnor Public Works is clearing showers, benches, trash cans, signs and banners off the boardwalk between Suffolk Avenue and Jackson Avenue. On October 12, 2026, the contractor puts up fencing, and from then on the construction and staging areas are off-limits until the job is finished.
The best walk you've got left runs from the Fishing Pier at Cambridge Avenue north to Suffolk Avenue. That section was completely rebuilt and has been open since spring.
Most of October's public events have moved away from the ocean, to Ski Beach on the bay and along Ventnor Avenue.
Where the Line Falls at Suffolk Avenue
The city's October 2025 project notice divided the Jackson-to-Cambridge rebuild into two phases. Phase 1 covered Suffolk to Cambridge. Phase 2 covers Suffolk to Jackson, which sits right at the Atlantic City line.
Nothing in the Phase 2 notice mentions closing the Fishing Pier, so you can start your walk there and head north until you hit the fence at Suffolk.
The notice only closes the fenced work and staging areas, not the entire boardwalk, but it doesn't spell out which other stretches stay open. If you're heading toward Atlantic City, expect fencing at Suffolk and check the city's website before you go.
What the New Boardwalk Costs and Who's Paying
NJ.com covered the Phase 1 unveiling on April 28, 2026, and reported that it was expected to be ready by Memorial Day weekend. Phase 2 will get the same upgrades: new railings, ADA-compliant ramps and new lighting.
At the ribbon cutting, Downbeach BUZZ reported that Ventnor had won a $7.11 million grant from the New Jersey Boardwalk Preservation Fund. That's a $100 million statewide program launched in 2023 with federal American Rescue Plan money, and Ventnor was one of 18 shore towns chosen.
According to Shore Local, City Engineer Ed Stinson put the total project cost at about $10.9 million. Roughly $8.4 million goes to Fred Schiavone Construction and $2.5 million to Lumbermen Associates, Inc. Ventnor taxpayers cover the remaining $3.8 million or so through municipal financing and capital improvement funds.
Keep in mind that $10.9 million only covers Jackson to Cambridge. Replacing the full 1.7-mile boardwalk is estimated at $26 million, and the stretch from the Fishing Pier south to Margate will depend on future grant applications.
When the North End Reopens
The October 5 notice doesn't give a completion date. The original schedule listed Phase 2 as running from fall 2026 to winter 2026, and Phase 1 as fall 2025 to spring 2026.
Phase 1 came in close to its window. Work started in early November, and the ribbon was cut at the end of April. That's a useful benchmark, not a guarantee. Plan on the north end staying closed through the colder months until the city announces a reopening date.
The city's general information page says bikes are allowed on the boardwalk during daylight hours from Labor Day through June 30, though that page isn't dated. In 2025, commissioners introduced a proposal to change boardwalk bike hours, and we couldn't confirm whether it was adopted. If you like to ride at dawn or dusk, check with the city first.
October's Events Head to the Bay
The big one this month is Fall Fest, also billed as Halloween Fest, with a parade on Sunday, October 25. It starts at 11 a.m. at Ski Beach, at Dorset Avenue and Burke Avenue, with crafters, vendors, food and trick-or-treating. The end time isn't consistent: the registration page says 3 p.m., while the events calendar revised in June says 4 p.m.
Here's what's on the October calendar:
- Now through April 30: ParkMobile paid parking isn't being enforced. The city's October 3 notice sets the suspension from October 1 through April 30.
- October 5 through December 31: Water main work on Winchester, Dudley and Surrey Avenues moves north from Dudley two blocks at a time, with parking and traffic restrictions.
- October 5, for four to six weeks: The courtyard next to the tennis, pickleball and basketball courts gets shade structures and landscaping. The courts may be partly or fully closed.
- October 12: Phase 2 fencing goes up between Suffolk and Jackson.
- October 18: The city calendar lists a JCC marathon on the Boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. That calendar was posted before the closure, so watch for updated route details.
- October 25: Fall Fest at Ski Beach.
- October 31: Trick-or-treat hours run from 6 to 8 p.m.
- On or about November 1: The city winterizes the restrooms at the courts.
The Ventnor City Farmers' Market wrapped up its 10th-anniversary season on September 4. It ran Fridays in the St. James Church lot at 6421 Atlantic Avenue, and those Friday mornings won't be back until spring.
New Spots to Eat on Ventnor Avenue
- Culina Mundi, 5217 Ventnor Ave.: Opened September 4 in the former Mr. Gordo's space next to Sack O' Subs, which had been empty since the taqueria moved to Somers Point. The name translates from Latin as "Cuisine of the World," and the menu pulls from Mediterranean, Asian, European, Latin and American cooking. Founder Adam Colon brings more than 25 years in hospitality. It's BYOB, with indoor seating and an outdoor patio, and 97.3 ESPN singled out the miso-glazed sea bass with wasabi mashed potatoes.
- Dhaba Indian Bistro, 7309 Ventnor Ave.: Opened June 25 with dishes from different regions of India. It's open daily from 4 to 10 p.m.
- Poppy's Bagels and More, 5123 Ventnor Ave.: Soft-opened on Friday, June 5, in the former Jules of Margate location.
- Kismet Bagels: Gave up its lease at 7319 Ventnor Ave. and won't reopen there in 2026. The plan is to sell at the Ventnor farmers market and other markets instead.
- Wawa, 5206 Ventnor Ave.: Closed September 10 for renovations, with a posted reopening target of Wednesday, October 14, at 6 a.m.
For an easy fall day, park for free, walk the new boards from the Fishing Pier up to the fence at Suffolk, then grab a meal on Ventnor Avenue.
Selling Near the Boardwalk?
If you're thinking about selling an oceanfront or near-boardwalk home in Ventnor this winter or next spring, expect buyers to ask which boards are new and when the rest will be finished. Our team follows the Phase 2 schedule closely for our clients.
Talk with Daniel Rallo about your timing, and request a free home valuation to see where your property stands.
