Ocean City’s First Night celebration returns with a full lineup of live music, performances and family-friendly activities throughout town. The annual New Year’s Eve tradition offers something for all ages, from national tribute acts and interactive shows to hands-on activities, games and cultural attractions, making it one of South Jersey’s most anticipated ways to welcome the new year.
MOTOR CITY — “The Motown Revue” celebrates the music that changed a nation. Eight artists perform hits by The Supremes, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and more.
FRONTIERS — A tribute to Journey, recreating the band’s music note for note, from iconic riffs to crowd-favorite anthems of the late 1970s.
YELLOW BRICK ROAD — A full concert tribute to Elton John featuring costumes, stage antics and faithful recreations of his legendary performances.
STREETLIFE SERENADE: THE BILLY JOEL EXPERIENCE — A high-energy Billy Joel tribute delivered New York–style, encouraging sing-alongs from the first song to the encore.
PENNSPORT STRING BAND — Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Philadelphia Mummers and take part in the traditional Mummers Strut.
SENSATIONAL SOUL CRUISERS — An 11-piece horn band with four vocalists performing classic soul, R&B and disco favorites from the 1960s through the 1980s.
VINCE AND FRIENDS PRESENT: ’80s NIGHT IN OC — Vince Lee and a full rock band perform hits from the 1980s, featuring music by Madonna, Pat Benatar and more.
HARLEM WIZARDS — A high-flying basketball show combining slam dunks, comedy and audience participation.
BEN LIPMAN SHOW — A vaudeville-style performance blending juggling, magic, mime and circus arts with a modern twist.
GIVE & TAKE JUGGLERS — An interactive and comedic show inspired by vaudeville, circus arts, theater and music.
ILLUSIONIST ANTHONY SALAZAR — A mix of magic, comedy, mind-reading, dance and audience participation.
CHAD JUROS MAGICIAN — An award-winning magician who has performed for audiences around the world.
DUSTIN DEAN MENTALIST — A mentalism performance featuring predictions tied to the Super Bowl.
JUNGLE JOHN — A family-friendly reptile show led by a two-time Guinness World Record holder, featuring “Wally Gator,” a 5.5-foot alligator, and other reptiles.
PETE THE CAT — A musical family show following Pete the Cat on an adventure that inspires creativity and confidence.
VARIETY “FROZEN” SHOW — A kid-focused production featuring music, dance and characters inspired by “Frozen.”
MICKEY MOUSEKETEER SHOW — A Disney-themed performance bringing classic songs and characters to life.
MAINSTAGE HARMONY SHOW CHOIR — A professionally staged, high-energy musical revue performed by an auditioned group of high school–age singers and dancers.
BRAIN WASH GAME SHOWS — Audience members split into teams for fast-paced competitions, trivia and interactive challenges.
TRIVIA GAME SHOW — Quizzo-style trivia featuring seven rounds and 70 questions.
DJ SKATE PARK PARTY — A DJ-led skate party for kids and young adults. Safety gear required.
COUNTRY LINE DANCING — An interactive country line dancing experience taught by professional dancers.
DISCO LINE DANCING — Learn classic disco line dances in a high-energy group setting.
ICE RINK — Synthetic ice-skating rink with skates provided.
INFLATABLES — An indoor carnival featuring giant inflatables.
KARAOKE PARTY — A professional-grade karaoke setup open to participants.
POOL — Open swim at the Aquatic & Fitness Center.
LEGO AT THE LIBRARY — Build something new to celebrate the new year.
OCEAN CITY HISTORY — Learn about Ocean City’s early history, including its roots as a whaling waypoint and Lenni-Lenape heritage.
HISTORICAL MUSEUM — Explore exhibits highlighting Ocean City’s traditions and memories.
OCEAN CITY LIFESAVING STATION — Visit the restored U.S. Life Saving Station No. 30 at Fourth Street and Atlantic Avenue.
If you want, I can shorten this further, break it into daily highlights, or format it exactly to Shore Local’s events layout.
