Two major annual events this weekend will kick off the April calendar of family fun for Ocean City in 2025: the OC CON Comic Book and Memorabilia Festival and Girls Weekend.
Now in its ninth year, the OC CON FESTIVAL returns to the Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace) on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and April 6. The event features meet-the-artist sessions, costume contests, and the display and sale of comic books and memorabilia. Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (April 5), and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (April 6).
Featured artists include Tony DiGerolamo (“The Simpsons” and “Bart Simpson” comic books … Sunday only), Bob Petrecca (Marvel Comics), Luke Petrecca (Upper Deck and the Dear Hunter) and Neil Vokes (American Mythology Comics), Galica Graphics, Jude Martys, J.M. DeSantis, Niko Lopez and NVYXUS. Professional LEGO artist Mariann Asanuma will be on hand, and the festival will include LEGO displays, build areas, and workshops. Veteran cosplayers will make appearances, and the DeLorean time machine will be on display.
Another highlight is the annual 1-mile “Super Hero Run” on the Boardwalk (9 a.m. Saturday) and more Super Hero running events” (9:30 a.m. Saturday). Sign up for either or both events at the Music Pier starting at 8 a.m. Saturday. Pre-registration is available online at ocnj.us/race-events.
General admission to the show is free, and free parking will be available at municipal lots adjacent to the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street. Due to reconstruction of the ramps, access to the Boardwalk from Moorlyn Terrace will be closed. Use the Boardwalk entrances at Eighth Street or Ninth Street. Anybody who parks in the lot at Moorlyn Terrace can access the Eighth Street ramp from the northeast corner of the lot.
Visit www.ocnjcon.com for complete information on all artists and scheduled events for OC CON. The event is sponsored by the Ocean City Free Public Library and the City of Ocean City.
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The annual Fashion Show will open Girls Weekend on April 4, and the celebration will continue through Sunday, April 6 with shopping and dining specials, and activities that highlight all that Downtown Ocean City has to offer.
The Downtown Ocean City Girls Weekend Fashion Show will return the Ocean City Yacht Club (100 Bay Road), on Friday, April 4, 2025, and tickets are on sale now. The annual event features the latest spring and summer clothing lines for sale in Ocean City’s retail shops and modeled by local men and women. It includes light fare and refreshments.
Girls Weekend features hotel and bed-and-breakfast packages, dining offers, shopping discounts, giveaways, yoga and wellness classes, craft projects and demonstrations at various locations throughout Ocean City. Look for updates and announcements about activities and participating businesses at facebook.com/DowntownOCNJ or by calling 609-399-1412.
Tickets for the Fashion Show are $40 each and available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. Capacity is limited, so don’t wait to make your purchase.
MORE SPRING EVENTS IN OCEAN CITY
April 5 – OCTC Spring Yard Sale: Ocean City Theatre Company’s Spring Yard Sale at 1501 West Avenue will be held 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 5, rain or shine. This indoor/outdoor rummage-style sale offers a wide variety of items, all for a great cause. Proceeds will benefit the Ocean City Theatre Company, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing professional and educational theater opportunities.
APRIL 12 – Meet & Greet with The Easter Bunny: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue).
APRIL 12 – Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep: Volunteers are encouraged to join in Clean Ocean Action’s semi-annual beach cleanup from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register at cleanoceanaction.org and pick up supplies at the Ocean City Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace) before heading out.
APRIL 12 – Doo Dah Parade: Welcome the spring season with this comedy parade complete with more than 300 basset hounds. Starts at noon on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 12th Street and then up to the Boardwalk ending at 6th Street and Boardwalk. Sponsored by Dietz & Watson.
APRIL 12 – The Great Egg Hunt: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at businesses from 6th Street to 14th Street along the Boardwalk. Rain date: April 13.
APRIL 13 – Meet & Greet with The Easter Bunny: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue).
APRIL 19 – Meet & Greet with The Easter Bunny: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue).
APRIL 19 – The Great Egg Hunt: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at businesses from 6th Street to 14th Street along the Boardwalk. Rain date: April 20.
APRIL 20 – Easter Sunrise Service: A traditional non-denominational service by the sea. All are welcome. 6:15 a.m. at the Music Pier.
APRIL 20 – Dueling Pianos Show: The Philly Keys will be performing their hit dueling pianos show starting at noon. Free fun for the entire family in front of the Music Pier.
APRIL 20 – Meet & Greet with The Easter Bunny: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue).
APRIL 26 and 27 – Sports Memorabilia Show: Purchase sports memorabilia and sports cards from various vendors and participate in meet-and-greets and Q&A sessions at the Ocean City Music Pier.
APRIL 26 and 27 – Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant “Discount Days”: At businesses from 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.
