Ventnor's Boardwalk Goes Behind the Fence Again This Fall: Where to Walk, Eat, and Gather Until It Reopens

This week, before any fencing goes up, Ventnor's Public Works crews are taking the showers, benches, trash cans, signs and banners off the boardwalk between Suffolk Avenue and Jackson Avenue. The contractor installs fencing on October 12, 2026. From then on, the city says no one can enter the construction and staging areas until the work is done.

That leaves a short, clear map for the fall. The best boardwalk walk in Ventnor runs from the Fishing Pier at Cambridge Avenue north to Suffolk Avenue. That stretch has been fully rebuilt and open since spring, and it ends at the fence. Most of October's public events happen away from the ocean, at Ski Beach on the bay and along Ventnor Avenue.

The Seam at Suffolk Avenue

The project has two phases that meet at one street. In its October 2025 project notice, the city split the Jackson-to-Cambridge rebuild in two. Phase 1 covered Suffolk to Cambridge and Phase 2 covers Suffolk to Jackson. At the north end, Jackson Avenue is on the Atlantic City side of the line.

The Fishing Pier sits at Cambridge Avenue and the boardwalk, right at the south end of the Phase 1 boards. The Phase 2 notice doesn't say anything about closing the pier. So from mid-October, a walk on the newest boards can start at the pier and head north until it reaches the fence at Suffolk.

The city's notice only closes the fenced work and staging areas. It doesn't shut the whole boardwalk, but it also doesn't list which other stretches stay open. If you usually walk or ride toward Atlantic City, watch for fencing at Suffolk and check for updates on the city's site.

What the New Boards Cost, and Who Paid

The rebuilt section near the pier gives a preview of what's coming to the north end. NJ.com covered the Phase 1 unveiling on April 28, 2026, and reported the segment was expected to be ready for Memorial Day weekend. Phase 2 gets the same treatment: new railings, ramps that meet ADA standards, and new lighting.

Most of the money came from outside Ventnor. Downbeach BUZZ reported at the ribbon-cutting that the city won a $7.11 million grant from the New Jersey Boardwalk Preservation Fund. That fund was a $100 million statewide program created in 2023 and paid for with federal American Rescue Plan money. Ventnor was one of 18 shore towns selected. Shore Local quoted City Engineer Ed Stinson putting the total 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.

Compare that with the full cost. Replacing Ventnor's entire 1.7-mile boardwalk is estimated at $26 million. The $10.9 million funded now covers the Jackson-to-Cambridge stretch. Everything from the Fishing Pier south to Margate depends on future grant applications. So once Phase 2 is finished, the north end and the middle will have new boards, and the south end will keep its old ones until more money comes through.

When the North End Comes Back

The October 5 notice doesn't give a completion date. The city's original schedule lists Phase 2 as "Fall 2026 – Winter 2026." The same schedule listed Phase 1 as "Fall 2025 – Spring 2026." Phase 1 roughly matched its window: work started in early November and the ribbon was cut at the end of April. That's a reasonable benchmark, not a promise. Until the city announces a reopening date, plan on the north end being closed through the cold months.

For bike riders, the city's general information page says bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk during daylight hours from Labor Day through June 30. That page has no date on it. In 2025, commissioners introduced a proposal to change boardwalk bike hours, and we couldn't confirm whether it was adopted. If you ride at dawn or dusk, check with the city first.

October Moves to the Bay Side

With the north boards fenced, Ventnor's biggest fall event is on the bay. The city's Fall Fest / Halloween Fest and parade is Sunday, October 25, starting at 11 a.m. at Ski Beach, Dorset Avenue and Burke Avenue. There will be crafters, vendors, food, and tricks and treats. The end time differs between city listings. The registration page says 3 p.m. and the June-revised events calendar says 4 p.m., so check before you go.

The rest of the month in order:

1. Now through April 30: ParkMobile paid parking isn't enforced. The city's October 3 notice says the suspension runs October 1 through April 30.
2. October 5 through December 31: Water main work on Winchester, Dudley and Surrey Avenues moves north from Dudley two blocks at a time. Expect parking and traffic limits where crews are working.
3. October 5, for four to six weeks: Courtyard upgrades next to the tennis, pickleball and basketball courts. The work adds shade structures and landscaping, and courts may be partly or fully closed at times.
4. October 12: Phase 2 fencing goes up between Suffolk and Jackson.
5. October 18: The city calendar lists a JCC marathon on the Boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. That calendar was made before the October 12 closure, so look for updated route details.
6. October 25: Fall Fest at Ski Beach.
7. October 31: Trick-or-treat hours are 6 to 8 p.m.
8. On or about November 1: The city winterizes the restrooms at the courts.

The Ventnor City Farmers' Market wrapped its 10th-anniversary season on September 4. It ran on Fridays at the St. James Church lot, 6421 Atlantic Avenue. So Friday mornings are open again until spring.

The Ventnor Avenue Tables That Opened This Year

If the boardwalk is shorter this fall, Ventnor Avenue has more places to eat than it did a year ago. Three spots opened in 2026.

Culina Mundi, 5217 Ventnor Ave. This is the newest. It opened September 4 in the former Mr. Gordo's space next to Sack O' Subs. That storefront had been empty since the taqueria moved to Somers Point. The name means "Cuisine of the World" in Latin, and the menu draws on Mediterranean, Asian, European, Latin and American cooking. Founder Adam Colon has more than 25 years in hospitality. The restaurant is BYOB and has an indoor dining room and an outdoor patio. 97.3 ESPN singled out the miso-glazed sea bass with wasabi mashed potatoes.

Dhaba Indian Bistro, 7309 Ventnor Ave. Opened June 25. Local opening coverage describes dishes from different regions of India and lists hours of 4 to 10 p.m. daily.

Poppy's Bagels and More, 5123 Ventnor Ave. Soft-opened Friday, June 5, in the former Jules of Margate location.

Two other changes on the avenue. Kismet Bagels ended its lease at 7319 Ventnor Ave. and didn't reopen the storefront for 2026. It said it would sell at the Ventnor farmers market and other markets instead. The Wawa at 5206 Ventnor Ave. closed September 10 for renovations, and its posted target for reopening is Wednesday, October 14, at 6 a.m. That's two days after the boardwalk fencing goes up.

A fall afternoon could look like this: park for free, walk the new boards from the Fishing Pier to the Suffolk fence, then have dinner on Ventnor Avenue.

Thinking of selling an oceanfront or near-boardwalk home in Ventnor this winter or next spring? Buyers will ask which boards are new, which are still coming and when, and we track the Phase 2 schedule for our clients. Talk to the team at Daniel Rallo and get your free home valuation.