Events

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/28/22

Celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Ocean City
The Events Offer a Chance for the Entire Family to Celebrate Together
Ocean City’s popular New Year’s Eve event will return for the 30th time this year, and families throughout the region are ready to celebrate. First Night offers 40 different shows and activities at 23 different venues throughout town. The lineup includes entertainment to satisfy every taste and age group. A fireworks display rings in the new year at midnight. The fun continues on New Year’s Day with a 5-kilometer run on the Boardwalk and the First Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/21/22

Celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Ocean City
The Events Offer a Chance for the Entire Family to Celebrate Together 

Ocean City’s popular New Year’s Eve event will return for the 30^th time this year, and families throughout the region are ready to celebrate. First Night offers 40 different shows and activities at 23 different venues throughout town. The lineup includes entertainment to satisfy every taste and age group. A fireworks display rings in the new year at midnight. The fun continues on New Year’s Day with a 5-kilometer run on the Boardwalk and the First Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OCEAN CITY 12/14/22

Theatre Company Stages ‘Holiday Spectacular’

Admission Buttons on Sale for First Night Ocean City

The Ocean City Music Pier stage will light up with the sights and sounds of the season as the Ocean City Theatre Company presents four performances of its 2022 Holiday Spectacular this weekend. Tickets are on sale now for the annual show.

A cast of professional singers and dancers will present a high-energy, family-oriented song-and-dance tribute to the holidays. This year's production features new musical numbers, including a Christmas-at-the-beach section, an explosive gospel song, and a Broadway tap Winter Wonderland finale.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OCEAN CITY 12/7/22

Admission Buttons on Sale for First Night Ocean City - Theatre Company Youth Perform ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’

Come celebrate a family-friendly New Year's Eve in Ocean City, N.J. First Night offers more than 70 opportunities to catch 30 different shows and activities at 21 venues throughout town. You will find entertainment that satisfies every taste and age group. 

First Night was founded 30 years ago and modeled after an alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration in Boston that marked the nation's bicentennial in 1976. The first celebration in Ocean City included 25 entertainment acts at five different locations with about 800 people attending. While other First Night events have faded, Ocean City's has only grown more popular with families making it an annual tradition for a safe New Year's Eve. Today, attendance is capped at 10,000 with admission buttons selling out year after year.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/30/22

Christmas Parade Returns on Friday Evening - Music Pier Hosts Train Show on Saturday and Sunday

Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade travels down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Lights, garland, wreaths and bows adorn “The Avenue” for the season, and the parade will bring a variety of bands, floats and other entries to add a little warmth to the winter.

The event gives spectators time to shop and dine on downtown Asbury Avenue before and after the 6 p.m. start time. The parade starts at Sixth Street and proceeds to 11^th Street.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/23/22

Celebrate an Old-Fashioned Christmas on Black Friday

Ocean City Pops Orchestra Performs Special Holiday Show on Saturday

Ocean City’s small-town version of “Black Friday” takes place on Friday, Nov. 25. Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” – goes from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature carolers and performers along downtown Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 14th Street.

Downtown stores will offer discount shopping for gifts, and many Asbury Avenue restaurants will be open. Free horse-and-carriage rides will be available noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Santa will visit with children 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue). Entertainment and Christmas carols will begin at 4 p.m. on the steps of City Hall at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/16/22

Downtown ‘Earlier Than the Bird’ Celebration Set for Saturday

The early forecast calls for clear and cool weather on Saturday – ideal conditions to kick off the holiday season along downtown Asbury Avenue. In Ocean City, that means shopping in your pajamas for the Earlier Than the Bird celebration.

The annual downtown shopping extravaganza takes place 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 19 – the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Anybody (pajama-clad or not) can take advantage of early-bird shopping specials at stores on Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 14^th Street. But free turkeys will be awarded to the best-dressed, and shoppers can text in to win gift certificates and prizes from downtown merchants. Free coffee will be available at Jon & Patty’s (637 Asbury Avenue) and Ocean City Coffee Company (917 Asbury Avenue). Downtown Asbury Avenue will be decorated for the season.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OCEAN CITY 11/9/22

‘Winterfest by the Sea’ Kicks Off Holiday Season in Ocean City

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce will present the third annual Winterfest by the Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Ocean City Civic Center (Sixth Street and Boardwalk).

The event offers a great opportunity to kick off the holiday season at the shore. Fine hand-crafted items and specialty food gifts from local vendors will be available for purchase, and word has it that Santa Claus himself will be strolling through the event.

Free parking will be available in the adjacent municipal parking lot (entrance on Fifth Street).  For more information, call 609-399-1412.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/2/22

Trail of Two Cities 5K and ‘Zombie Prom’ Coming Up

The Trail of Two Cities 5-kilometer run/walk will be held for the 26th time on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. The popular 5K (3.1-mile) race offers spectacular views over the length of a point-to-point course from Ocean City to Somers Point. The route travels the length of the Route 52 causeway in the lanes usually reserved for cars.

Pre-registration fee is $25, and participants can sign up online until Wednesday, Nov. 2 at www.ocnj.us/race-events.

Race-day registration runs at 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the Ocean City Transportation Center (10th Street and Haven Avenue in Ocean City). The race starts there at 8 a.m. and finishes at Kennedy Park in Somers Point.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/26/22

Parade, Trick-or-Treating and More Halloween Events in Ocean City
Ocean City’s Annual Welcome Night is Set for Wednesday

Ocean City’s 74th annual Halloween Parade will be held on Thursday (Oct. 27) and promises a great time for all. The event is a favorite on the fall calendar and features local children, families, bands, entertainers, businesses and organizations costumed for the occasion. The parade starts at 7:15 p.m. and proceeds down Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 11th Street.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OCEAN CITY 10/19/22
Howl-O-Ween Parade and Dog Day Return to Boardwalk on Saturday

The second annual Howl-O-Ween Parade and Dog Day on Saturday, Oct. 22 will invite dogs and their owners to enjoy a day of fun on the Boardwalk, where pets are prohibited during the rest of the year.

Leashed dogs will be permitted on the Boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22, and activities will include dog-specific vendors at the Ocean City Music Pier, photo-op stations and the Humane Society’s announcement of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year.” The event will allow owners to shop for dog treats, order custom engraved dog tags, shoot photos with Santa and much more.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OCEAN CITY 10/5/22

Fall Block Party and Fireworks Set for Saturday

Ocean City’s premier autumn event – the Fall Block Party – will go off rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8.

More than 400 crafters, food vendors and entertainers will line a mile of downtown Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14^th Street. The Block Party helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City for Columbus Day Weekend.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/28/22

Jeep Invasion and OCNJ Half Marathon Set for the Weekend

Jeeps will be displayed on the Boardwalk on Saturday, and runners will take over on Sunday for two traditional events: the Fall New Jersey Jeep Invasion and the OCNJ Half Marathon.

About 500 Jeeps will roll down the boardwalk on Saturday, Oct. 1 and remain on display in lines that stretch from Fifth Street to 14^th Street. The Jeep Invasion runs from noon to 5 p.m. The event raises money for local charities, and trophies are awarded to the best Jeeps in various categories with trophies awarded at 4 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. The show also includes vendors displaying and selling accessories at the Music Pier. Visit njjpinvasion.com for more information.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/21/22

MS City to Shore Ride Set for the Weekend

Thousands of cyclists will descend on Ocean City this weekend for the MS City to Shore Ride, a fall tradition in Ocean City that draws participants from across the nation.

With riders raising millions of dollars each year for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the MS City to Shore Ride boasts that it is the best cycling experience on the East Coast. The annual bicycle trek will begin in Cherry Hill early on Saturday, Sept. 24, and finish at the parking lot at Fifth Street and Boardwalk in Ocean City -- with many of the riders staying overnight and returning the next day.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/14/22

Ocean City Air Shows Fly Into Town This Weekend

All eyes will turn to the sky for Ocean City’s Air Show Weekend on Sept. 17 and 18. All events are free to attend.

The celebration starts with the Ocean City Airport Festival on Saturday (Sept. 17) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival features a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from warbirds to helicopters. The event will feature a parachute jump from Team Fastrax, “America’s Skydiving Team.” It also will include food, music, classic cars and kids’ activities.

The skydiving team will perform at the Airport Festival at 12 p.m., depending on wind and weather conditions. The half-mile “Runway Run” will return and is open to all ages. It offers a chance for anybody to cover ground normally traversed only by planes. The run will go off after the skydiving jump.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/7/22

Car Shows and Pops Concert Highlight Ocean City Weekend

Street rods and other classic cars will be on display on the Ocean City Boardwalk during the annual Street Rod Show on Saturday, Sept. 10. Street rods are classic cars (1992 or older) modified with modern parts. On Sunday, Sept. 11, it will be all Corvettes taking the spotlight.

On Saturday, classic cars and street rods will be displayed in the municipal parking lot at Fifth Street and Boardwalk from 8 a.m. to noon and will then proceed to the Ocean City Boardwalk to be displayed until 4 p.m. An awards ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 10) in front of the Music Pier (at Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace). Registration to participate is still open with forms available at www.ocnj.us/carshow. Day-of registration will be open until 11 a.m. at the parking lot.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/31/22

Holiday Weekend Features Lee Greenwood Concert and Labor Day Run

Country music singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood will join the Ocean City Pops for a special concert at the Ocean City Music Pier at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. Greenwood holds a special place in the hearts of Ocean City residents and visitors, because his 1984 hit “God Bless the U.S.A.” has been a part of the daily boardwalk flag-raising ceremony every summer for more than 20 years. He will make his debut with the Ocean City Pops and perform hits such as “IOU” and “Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands,” along with a few surprises.

The Pops’ 2022 season continues at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4 with “Three Tenors Return.” This unique mix of singers – two from opera and one from musical theater – creates one of the most compelling “tenors” shows in the country.

For tickets to both Pops shows, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the welcome centers at City Hall, the Route 52 causeway or the Music Pier Box Office.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OCEAN CITY 8/24/22

Tickets on Sale for Lee Greenwood With the Ocean City Pops

Country music singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood will join the Ocean City Pops for a special concert at the Ocean City Music Pier on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. Greenwood holds a special place in the hearts of Ocean City residents and visitors, because his 1984 hit “God Bless the U.S.A.” has been a part of the daily boardwalk flag-raising ceremony every summer for more than 20 years.

He will make his debut with the Ocean City Pops and perform hits such as “IOU” and “Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands”, along with a few surprises.

The Pops’ 2022 season continues through Sept. 17, and there are plenty of other highlights on the schedule. The Duprees return to the Ocean City Music Pier to perform with the Pops on Sunday, August 28. Audiences around the country have enjoyed the timeless doo-wop sound of these Jersey City legends for decades. Celebrate the 60th anniversary of their first hit single, “My Own True Love.”

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/17/22

It’s a Pageant Week in Ocean City ... for Humans and Hermit Crabs

Miss Crustacean, Little Miss Ocean City, Junior Miss Ocean City All to be Crowned

Congratulations to our new Miss Ocean City, 17-year-old Ocean City High School senior Grace Oves, who was crowned Saturday on the Ocean City Music Pier. Another week of pageantry in Ocean City includes the Miss Crustacean Beauty Pageant on Wednesday, the Little Miss Ocean City Pageant on Friday and the Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant on Saturday.

The original beauty contest for crustaceans returns as an evening event this year. In an annual tradition, Ocean City celebrates the beauty of hermit crabs with contestants vying for the coveted Cucumber Rind Cup. All families, kids, businesses and organizations are invited to enter their crustacean in the competition on Wednesday, August 17.

The pageant begins at 6 p.m. on the beach at Sixth Street with registration for competitors opening at 5:30 p.m. The pageant promotes responsible ownership of hermit crabs and features them displayed in elaborately themed dioramas. The winner gets to travel a flowery runway to take her reign.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/10/22

Baby Parade Rolls Down Boardwalk for 112^th Time on Thursday

The 112th annual Ocean City Baby Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 on the Boardwalk.

The annual tradition offers a chance for parents to show off Ocean City’s newest generation. The parade features children ages 10 and under cruising the Boardwalk in themed strollers, wagons and floats. It starts at Sixth Street with children finishing at 12th Street and all other entries continuing to 14th Street.

The parade is free to watch from either side of the boardwalk. Spectators are welcome to bring beach chairs to watch from the railing along the ocean side of the boardwalk. On the parade morning, the boardwalk will close to bicycle traffic at 10 a.m.