The Ocean City Boardwalk welcomes two special events this week: the 25th annual Art of Surfing Festival and the first of two Open Houses on the 14th Street Fishing Pier.
This Art of Surfing Festival features original surf-related artwork, locally shaped boards, and a chance to meet artists from across the region. It also features classic surfboards, memorabilia and live music. Admission is free to the show 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday (July 30) and noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday (July 31 and August 1) at the Ocean City Music Pier.
The lineup of live music includes: Going Rogue (5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday), Coastal High (3-6 Friday), LNJ Band (7-10 Friday), Polaroid Fade (3-6 Saturday) and Head High (7-10 Saturday).
For more information on this year’s show, and profiles of artists and vendors, visit facebook.com/artofsurfingfestival.
The Ocean City Fishing Club (OCFC) will once again open its historic fishing pier to the public this summer, while collecting food and monetary donations for the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard.
The club will host Open House events from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, and Thursday, August 13. Rain dates, if needed, will be July 31 and August 14.
Located at 14th Street and the Boardwalk, the 635-foot-long fishing pier, which is usually reserved for club members, will welcome visitors for an opportunity to tour one of Ocean City’s most recognizable landmarks, while supporting a local cause. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make a monetary donation to benefit the local food cupboard.
Last year’s first Open House event attracted approximately 1,750 visitors, who donated 290 pounds of food and $2,433 for those in need —setting new fundraising records for the annual event.
“We’re grateful for the incredible generosity shown by our community each year,” said Augie Conte III, president of the Ocean City Fishing Club.
Club members will be available throughout the evenings to greet visitors, answer questions, and share the history of the organization and its landmark fishing pier. Held in conjunction with Ocean City’s popular Mummers Night on the Boardwalk, the open houses are part of the club’s ongoing commitment to community service.
Tickets on sale for ‘Sister Act’ Aug. 4-13
The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra will team up this summer to present the musical “Sister Act” with eight performances scheduled from Aug. 4 to Aug. 13 at the Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center in Ocean City (within Ocean City High School at Sixth Street and Atlantic Avenue).
Based on the beloved 1992 film, “Sister Act” features infectious songs, high-energy dance numbers, and plenty of heart. Produced by the City of Ocean City and featuring the acclaimed Ocean City Pops Orchestra, the production continues the longstanding collaboration between OCTC and the Pops, bringing Broadway-caliber entertainment to audiences at the Jersey Shore. This partnership offers visitors the opportunity to experience professional musical theatre accompanied by a full live orchestra.
Performances will take place August 4, 5, 7, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on August 6 and August 13 at 2 p.m. For tickets ($30 to $35), visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office.
Registration open for 115TH annual Baby Parade
The 116th annual Baby Parade in Ocean City is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, and registration is now open.
All families with children ages 10 and under are invited to participate. Bands, performing groups and commercial floats are also encouraged to join in the fun.
Complete information and registration parade are available at ocnj.us/BabyParade.
In addition to the Art of Surfing Festival and Fishing Pier Open House, Ocean City has a full schedule of family events lined up for the week:
Tuesday, July 28
- ‘Junie B. Jones’ — Musical Presented by OCTC: The Ocean City Theatre Company Summer Children’s Series continues with a musical adaptation based on the classic children’s book series. The show is a 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Advance tickets are available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
Wednesday, July 29
- 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: Use your creativity to shape a soft pretzel into your very own masterpiece. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Contest is limited to the first 150 participants. 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 “Super Heroes and First Responders.” Families are invited to come visit with members of the Ocean City Police Department, Ocean City Fire Department and Ocean City Beach Patrol, and to learn more about their work, including the K-9 unit, drone unit and more. The fun also will include a 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.
- Lea Salonga With the Ocean City Pops: Award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga (“Little Miss Saigon,” and singing voice of Princess Jasmine from “Aladdin” and Fa Mulan from “Mulan”) joins the Ocean City Pops Orchestra for a special performance. The show is at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier, and tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Thursday, July 30
- 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.
- Art of Surfing Festival and Fishing Pier Open House: See above.
Friday, July 31
- Art of Surfing Festival: See above.
Saturday, August 1
- Art of Surfing Festival: See above.
Monday, August 3
- ‘Happy Together Tour’ at Music Pier: Featuring The Association, The Troggs, Chicago lead singer (1985-2016) Jason Scheff, Gary Puckett, The Fortunes, Ron Dante from The Archies and The Turtles, The Vogues, and The Cowsills. 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.
