Ocean City is getting ready to celebrate its premier summer event — Night in Venice — on Saturday, July 25, and a full schedule of events will accompany the big weekend.
This year’s Night in Venice theme, “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary while bringing together two of the nation’s favorite traditions: patriotism and Christmas in July.
Here is a list of events to enjoy this week:
Tuesday, July 21
- Freedom 250 Mobile Museum: Explore the nation’s history through an interactive exhibit designed for all ages. The exhibit features museum-quality interactive technology, multimedia storytelling and hands-on experiences that highlight America’s founding and defining chapters, as well as the innovation that continues to shape our nation’s future. The Freedom Truck will be stationed in the municipal parking lot adjacent to the Ocean City Civic Center, just off the Boardwalk between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. It will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (July 21-23, 2026).
- ‘The Berenstain Bears’ — Musical Presented by OCTC: The Ocean City Theatre Company Summer Children’s Series continues with a musical adaptation based on the classic children’s books. The show is at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Advance tickets are available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
Wednesday, July 22
- Beach Exercise — Pilates Yoga: Free program (no registration needed) on the beach at Sixth Street starts at 8 a.m. Bring a towel and a friend.
- Farmers Market: Local farmers sell seasonal fruits, vegetables, baked goods and specialty foods on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Crafters set up in the adjacent street.
- Wacky Wednesday: Celebrate Christmas in July with a special craft and a visit from Santa while he is in town on vacation and getting ready for Night in Venice. The fun also will include Christmas music bingo. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. This is part of a series of weekly family-friendly activities throughout the summer.
- 34th Street Sandcastle Park Summer Entertainment Series: The new weekly series will continue with “Christmas in July.” Families are invited to come visit with Santa and with characters from “Frozen.” The fun also will include a Christmas craft, DJ, face-painting, a balloon artist and more. The series will celebrate a new theme each Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through August 19 at Sandcastle Park (3400 block between West Avenue and Asbury Avenue).
- Beach Walks: Free guided beach walk explores Ocean City’s coastal environment. Meet near the beach at 6:30 p.m. at 59th Street and Central Avenue.
- Family Night on the Boardwalk: A variety of family-friendly entertainers — including magicians, musicians, characters and more — will be stationed on the Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street.
- ‘The Jersey Tenors’: The Friends of the Ocean City Pops are sponsoring this show performed by The Jersey Tenors, the newest opera/rock mash-up sensation. The group creates an explosive blend of iconic opera classics with rock hits from Queen, Elton John, Bon Jovi and more. The show is at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier, and tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Thursday, July 23
- Market Days: Ocean City’s downtown shopping district along Asbury Avenue features entertainment, face-painters, balloon-sculptors and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Mummers Night: String bands strut the Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Friday, July 24
- Santa Rides the Beach: The Ocean City Beach Patrol will help transport Santa Claus in one of their vehicles for a tour of all Ocean City’s beaches. Look for him starting at 11 a.m. The OCBP guards also will be decorating their lifeguard stands on Friday in recognition of Christmas in July.
Saturday, July 25
- ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ Screening: Before joining Saturday evening’s Night in Venice festivities, actor Randy Quaid will appear at a special screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
Following the screening, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a live Q&A with Quaid, where he will share stories from his career and discuss the making of the holiday classic. Guests may also purchase exclusive VIP meet and greet tickets which include a commemorative digital photo with Randy Quaid and an autographed commemorative movie poster. Movie screening sponsors include Stainton’s Family of Stores. Tickets for the movie screening featuring a live Q&A with Quaid and VIP tickets are now available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Sunday, July 26
- “Feelin’ Groovy Hits of the ‘60s”: This show will be performed by the Vince League, a superstar band led by Pops Maestro Vince Lee. Led by the dynamite singing sensation Camille K, the Vince League will take you from “Downtown” to “Up, Up, and Away,” with music from The Band to the Beatles. The show is at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier, and tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Monday, July 27
- Bruce Hornsby at Music Pier: The Grammy-winning Hornsby rose to fame with the release of the album “The Way It Is” in 1986. He has performed and toured with artists ranging from bluegrass great Ricky Skaggs to the Grateful Dead. The Indigo Park Tour includes both classics from his career and fresh music. Tickets available at etix.com.
- America 250 — Lights Over Ocean City Drone Show: Ocean City will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation this summer with a weekly patriotic drone show over the beach and boardwalk south of Sixth Street. The show will feature hundreds of drones lighting up the sky and creating animations that salute America. The 15-minute shows will be held at 9 p.m. on Mondays through August 24. The weekly event is made possible through a $25,000 grant from the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, sponsorships from Boardwalk merchants and city funding.
