Ocean City greeted the new year in style with spectacular First Night and First Day celebrations, and the city is planning a full calendar of special events for 2023.
It’s not too early to start planning for family fun in the new year, and attached is our tentative schedule for the year, including all of the biggest annual events.
The city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony will kick things off and bring the community together to honor Dr. King’s legacy on Monday, Jan. 16. The event will start at noon and move to the Ocean City Music Pier this year.
The spring season opens with Girls Weekend from March 24 to March 26, and the OC Con Comic Book and Memorabilia Show on March 25 and March 26.
The Great Egg Hunts on April 1 and April 8 will invite children to stop by participating boardwalk stores in their search for eggs and treats. The Easter Dueling Pianos Show and Fashion Stroll will be on Sunday, April 9.
The madcap Doo Dah Parade falls on April 15 this year and will feature the usual brigade of basset hounds. The Sports Memorabilia Show will be April 29 at the Music Pier.
Martin Z. Mollusk seeks his shadow on May 5, and we’re betting that he’ll bring us another early summer. The Spring Block Party returns on May 6. The Fall Block Party is on for Oct. 7 with fireworks scheduled for 9 p.m. that evening.
All of the favorite weekly summer events will be back – like the Farmers Market, Wacky Wednesdays, Funtastic Tuesdays and Market Days in the downtown, and Mummers Night and Family Nights up on the boardwalk.
Night in Venice – Ocean City’s premier summer event – is set for Saturday, July 29. Look for announcements soon on this year’s theme. Fireworks will light up the back bay after the completion of the parade.
The Baby Parade will return for the 113th time on Thursday, Aug. 10.
Fall events include the Ocean City Airport Festival and Parachute Pyrotechnic Show on Sept. 16 with the Boardwalk Aerobatic Air Show on Sept. 17.
If part of your New Year’s resolution is to get back in running shape, the OCNJ Half Marathon on Sept. 24 is a great race and a great goal.
The 2023 holiday season will kick off with Earlier Than the Bird on Nov. 18 and continue with Christmas in the Downtown – Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue on Nov. 24, the Christmas Parade on Dec. 1, and First Night on Dec. 31.
Be sure to check the calendar below.
For more information on any OCNJ Events, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ, (609) 399-6111 or visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
All dates/events are subject to change.
Ocean City 2023 Calendar of Events
JANUARY 16th
MLK National Day of Service Volunteers are invited to join others nationwide to honor Dr. King’s contributions. In Ocean City, citizens are asked to participate in a citywide cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon. Sign-up and supply distribution will take place at the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center.
Martin Luther King Jr Ceremony and Soul Food Lunch Noon at the Music Pier. This event will bring the community together to remember Dr. King through words, song and dance. The event will include community resources and a soul food lunch.
MARCH 24th, 25th & 26th – Girls Weekend It’s time to put yourself first! Girls Weekend Downtown on Asbury Avenue between 6th and 14th Street. Fashion show Kick-Off Event on Friday evening, shopping and dining specials all weekend, accommodation packages, wellness classes, and so much more!
MARCH 25th & 26th – OC Con Comic Book & Memorabilia Show Save the Date! Join us for a fun filled weekend at the Music Pier. More details to follow at ocnjcon.com
MARCH 25th – OC CON Super Hero Run- 1 Mile & Kids Super Hero Obstacle Dash – Pre-registration & Race Day Registration. 9 a.m. Start at Carey Stadium. For more information & registration ocnj.us/race-events contact: lrumer@ocnj.us
APRIL 1st – The Great Egg Hunt 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 6th to 14th street along the boardwalk, stop by participating stores, until supplies lasts. Rain date: April 2nd.
April 8th – The Great Egg Hunt 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 6th to 14th street along the boardwalk, stop by participating stores, until supplies lasts. Rain date: April 9th.
APRIL 9th
Easter Sunrise Service A traditional non-denominational service by the sea. All are welcome. 6:30 a.m. at the Music Pier.
Dueling Pianos Show in front of the Music Pier. The Philly Keys will be performing their hit dueling pianos show starting at noon. Free fun for the entire family! The Philly Keys will take a break for our annual Easter Fashion Promenade.
Easter Fashion Stroll in front of the Music Pier. Come dressed in your Easter’s best for our Fashion Stroll and meet the Easter Bunny. Judging begins at 1 p.m. Prizes awarded for Best Dressed Children, Teen, Adults and Family.
APRIL 15th – Doo Dah Parade Welcome in the Spring season with this comedy parade complete with over 300 basset hounds. Noon on Asbury Ave. from 6th Street to 12th Street and then up to the Boardwalk ending at 6th & Boardwalk.
APRIL 29th – Sports Memorabilia Show at the Music Pier. More details and ticketing info to follow.
April 29th & 30th – Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales 6th Street – 14th Street on the boardwalk and Asbury Ave.
MAY 5th– Martin Z. Mollusk Day Come and find out if summer is coming early, 11 a.m. at the 9th Street Beach.
MAY 6th -Spring Block Party 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 5th Street to 14th Street on Asbury Ave. Over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more. For more information, call 1-800-BeachNJ
MAY 6th & 7th – Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales 6th Street – 14th Street on the boardwalk and Asbury Ave.
MAY 21st – OCNJ Triathlon/Duathlon 1/4 mile Pool Swim, 2M Run/16M Bike/2M Run. Plus a kids course 1/8 mile swim, 1m run/8m bike/1m run. Pool Swim start 6 a.m.- 8 a.m. Run/Bike/Run starts 9 a.m. www.ocnj.us/race-events
MAY 26th – Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge Participants dress in business suits, carry brief cases and march into the ocean to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance to welcome the new season. Noon, Moorlyn Terrace St. Beach.
MAY 27th – Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes The main obstacle course challenge is a soft sand adventure race followed by our kid’s fun run. Staging at 9th St. beach. For registration information visit memorialbeachchallenge.com or call 856-905-0583.
MAY 29th
Memorial Day Service 11 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, between 5th Street and 6th Street on Wesley Avenue.
National Moment of Remembrance established by Congress asks Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute. The moment of remembrance will take place on the Boardwalk
JUNE 1st – Wonder’s Birthday Bash at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier 6th St. and the Boardwalk. Celebrate Wonder Bear’s Birthday from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Celebrating 93 years on the Ocean City Boardwalk with fireworks at 9 p.m.
JUNE 2nd, 3rd, & 4th – Ocean City Flower Show See beautiful commercial, amateur and children’s displays at the Music Pier. Show times are Friday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
JUNE 14th – Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
JUNE 17th – Health & Fitness Expo Come explore health food and wellness product vendors, various yoga and fitness classes, western line dance and ballroom dance classes, , and enjoy a fashion show highlighting the newest styles from local merchants! The event will also feature a Kids Corner. Hosted by the Healthy Living Advisory Council. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Music Pier.
JUNE 21st – Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
JUNE 24th – Antique Auto Show Over 300 vintage vehicles. Tabernacle grounds, 6th & Asbury Ave. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. boardwalk parade after 2 p.m. For more information visit jerseycape.aaca.com
JUNE 28th
Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
Wacky Wednesday– (Taffy Sculpting) Use your creativity to shape and sculpt Shriver’s salt water taffy into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free but open to the first 250 participants. Open to all ages. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Music Pier.
JULY Every Monday
Beach Exercise (Yoga) on 6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Free! Bring a towel & a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information call (609) 398-6900.
JULY Every Tuesday
Funtastic Tuesdays– 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Asbury Ave. Entertainment, Face Painters, Balloon Sculptors.
Mummers Night – Strutting 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the boardwalk, 6th Street – 14th Street
Beach Walks – 59th St. & Central Ave. (Entrance to Corson’s Park) Tuesdays- 9 a.m., Wednesdays- 6:30 p.m.
JULY Every Wednesday
Beach Exercise (Pilates) on 6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Free! Bring a towel & a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information call (609) 398-6900.
Beach Walks- 59th St. & Central Ave., (Entrance to Corson’s Park) Tuesdays 9 a.m., Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.
JULY Every Thursday
Market Days 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Asbury Avenue. Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors.
Family Nights Entertainment on the boardwalk 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. between 6th Street – 14th Street.
JULY Every Friday
Beach Exercise (Low Impact) on 6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Free! Bring a towel & a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information call (609) 398-6900.
JULY 3rd – Ocean City Pops FREE Outdoor Concert The Ocean City Pops will perform a free outdoor concert at 7:30 p.m. July 3 at Carey Stadium, 6th & Boardwalk. Our legendary local orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers.
JULY 4th
Bike Parade Sponsored by the Gardens Civic Association Registration 9 a.m. at the Longport Bridge parking lot. Parade begins at 10 a.m.
Bike Parade Sponsored by the South OC Improvement Association, City of Ocean City & the Chamber of Commerce. Registration 9 a.m. at 40th & Asbury Ave. Parade begins at 10 a.m.
Bike Parade Sponsored by the Riviera Neighborhood. Registration at 11 a.m. at the Rosemar Lane Park. Parade begins at Noon.
Fourth of July Celebration Kite flying competition at 7 p.m. followed by entertainment on the beach next to the Music Pier. A spectacular boardwalk fireworks display tops off the evening at 9 p.m.
Ocean City Pops FREE Outdoor Concert The Ocean City Pops will perform a free outdoor concert at 7:30 p.m. July 4 at Carey Stadium, 6th & Boardwalk. Our legendary local orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers.
JULY 5th
Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
Wacky Wednesday – (Pie Eating Contest) Celebrate America with a good old-fashion apple and cherry pie eating contest. No hands allowed! Contest is free. Open to all ages. Limited to 150 participants. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.at the Music Pier.
Freckle Contest Registration is free and begins at 5:30pm in front of the Music Pier. Contest starts at 6 p.m.
JULY 6th – Sand Sculpting Contest Open to kids, teens, adults and families! Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m. at the 6th St. Beach. Judging takes place by 11 a.m.
JULY 11th – Ocean City Theatre Company Presents Dr. Seuss’s The Cat In The Hat From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he is certainly loads of fun. He turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure… but what will mum find when she gets home…? Based on the Book by Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss). Play Originally Produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain. Adapted and Originally Directed by Katie Mitchell. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. For tickets visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. Tickets available in February 2023.
JULY 12th
Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
Bicycle Auction 10:00am to 12pm at Shelter Road (first left off of Tennessee Ave, behind the OC Golf Course) Approximately 115 bicycles to be sold. Registration begins at 9:00am. A driver’s license, passport or valid I.D. is required to register. Payment: Bank Checks with ID, Traveler’s Checks & Cash Only. For more information call 609-525-9356 (purchasing office).
Wacky Wednesday – (French Fry Sculpting) Use your creativity to shape and sculpt french fries into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free but only open to the first 200 participants. Open to all ages. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Music Pier
JULY 18th – Ocean City Theatre Company Presents Red Riding Hood’s Woods Little Red’s mother has always been a bit overprotective of her daughter, but once she’s old enough, it’s time for Little Red to wander through the woods on her own. Encounters with a singing Postman, Three Little Pigs, The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker, Granny and of course the Big Bad Wolf make interactive musical an entertaining treat for kids of all ages. A creative twist on a traditional tale! Book and Lyrics by John Anker Bow. Music by Andy Einhorn. Additional Music by Justin Bohr. 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. For tickets visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. Tickets available in February 2023.
JULY 19th
Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
Wacky Wednesday – (Mystery Bag) Participants will receive a brown paper bag filled with random supplies. Your mission, create an object, sculpture or unique work of art using everything in the bag. Contest is free. Limited to 175 participants. Open to all ages. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Music Pier
JULY 25th – Ocean City Theatre Company Presents Pinocchio Meet the Blue Fairy as she leads us on a magical journey through this retelling of the classic story. One day, Geppetto, the poor, old toymaker, finds an extraordinary piece of talking wood. He brings it home and decides to make it into a puppet named Pinocchio. Disagreeable Pinocchio immediately gets into trouble and learns important lessons. When he bullies a little cricket, he’s reminded to respect others. When Pinocchio decides he no longer wants to be a puppet but a real boy, the Blue Fairy steps in and reminds him that if he wants to be real, he has to be good. Filled with original music, sing-alongs and interactivity, audiences will enjoy every minute of this show! Book and lyrics by Patty Carver. Music by Patty Carver and Leo P. Carusone. Based on the story by Carolo Collodi. Presented through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing. 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. For tickets visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. Tickets available in February 2023.
JULY 26th
Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
Wacky Wednesday – (Christmas in July) Celebrate the Christmas holiday season in July with a special craft and a visit from Santa while he is in town on vacation. Contest is free. Limited to 150 participants. Open to all ages. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Music Pier
JULY 29th – Night in Venice The City’s annual boat parade is one of the largest in the world. Starts at the Longport Bridge to Tennessee Ave. along the bay. Fireworks display to follow parade. Start time 6 p.m.
AUGUST Every Monday
Beach Exercise (Yoga) on 6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Free! Bring a towel & a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information call (609) 398-6900.
AUGUST Every Tuesday
Funtastic Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Asbury Ave. entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors. Mummers Night Strutting 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the boardwalk, 6th Street – 14th Street. Beach Walks– 59th St. & Central Ave., (Entrance to Corson’s Park) Tuesdays 9 a.m., Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.
AUGUST Every Wednesday
Beach Exercise (Pilates) on 6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Free! Bring a towel & a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information call (609) 398-6900.
Beach Walks – 59th St. & Central Ave., (Entrance to Corson’s Park) Tuesdays 9 a.m. Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.
AUGUST Every Thursday
Market Days 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Asbury Avenue. Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors.
Family Nights Entertainment on the boardwalk 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. between 6th Street – 14th Street.
AUGUST Every Friday
Beach Exercise (Low Impact) on 6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts. 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Free! Bring a towel & a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information call (609) 398-6900.
AUGUST 1st – Ocean City Theatre Company Presents Rapunzel Forced to live alone in a tower with nothing but her hair and her witch (literally) of a “mother,” Rapunzel’s sixteenth birthday has come, meaning that she’ll be able to see the outside world for the first time, just as her “mother” promised. Scared to let her go, though, the witch reneges. Lucky for Rapunzel a young Prince named Brian happens across her tower and calls out to her, as he’s seen the witch do: “Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let down your hair!” Book and Lyrics by David Crane and Marta Kauffman. Music by Michael Skloff. Commissioned and Originally Produced by THEATREWORKS/USA. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. For tickets visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. Tickets available in February 2023.
AUGUST 2nd
Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
Wacky Wednesday (Donut on A String) Participants will need to eat an entire donut — no hands allowed — without letting it fall off the string. The first to finish wins Contest is free. Limited to 150 participants. Open to all ages. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. Event is subject to change.
Twins Contest Prizes for those who look the most and least alike. Open to all ages. Registration is free and begins at 5:30 p.m. Contest begins at 6:00pm in front of the Music Pier.
AUGUST 3rd – Sand Sculpting Contest Open to kids, teens, adults and families! Registration is free and begins at 9:00am at the 6th St. Beach. Judging takes place by 11 a.m.
AUGUST 3rd, 4th, & 5th – The 21st Annual Art of Surfing at the Ocean City Music Pier. It is a free family event featuring original art from surfing’s biggest names, live music, and a chance to meet artists from across the country.
AUGUST 4th, 5th & 6th – 59th Annual Boardwalk Art Show Leading artists from throughout the East Coast exhibit and sell their work. Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
AUGUST 8th – Pamper Scamper Annual baby crawling race. Registration is free and begins at 8:30 a.m. Contest begins at 9 a.m. at the 6th St. Beach. For babies up to 15 months.
AUGUST 9th
Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
Wacky Wednesday (Hawaiian Luau) Limited to 150 participants. Open to all ages. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. Event is subject to change.
AUGUST 10th – 113th Annual Baby Parade One of the oldest baby parades in the country. On the Boardwalk, 10:30 a.m. Registration begins June 2023. For more information, visit ocnj.us/babyparade
AUGUST 12th – Miss Ocean City Pageant 7 p.m. at the Music Pier. Miss Ocean City 2023 Grace Oves will be on hand as contestants compete in interview, talent, swimsuit, evening gown and onstage question.
AUGUST 16th
Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
Wacky Wednesday (Prince and Princess Party) Use your creativity to design your own Prince or Princess crown with Miss Ocean City, Junior Miss Ocean City and Little Miss Ocean City! Contest is free. Open to all ages. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. Event is subject to change!
Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant the original beauty contest for crustaceans. Families, Kids, Businesses and Organizations are invited to enter their crustacean in this annual contest. The winner receives the Coveted Cucumber Rind Cup and gets to walk down a flowery runway. Registration is free and starts at 5:30 p.m. at the 6th St. Beach. Contest begins at 6 p.m. Open to all ages.
Hermit Crab Races Watch as some of the fastest crabs in the universe compete in this world famous race immediately following Miss Crustacean at the 6th St. Beach. Registration is free and starts at 5:30 .p.m.
AUGUST 18th – Little Miss Ocean City 7 p.m. at the Music Pier. Scholarship pageant for girls ages 8 – 11. Little Miss Ocean City 2023 Lyla Clark will be on hand to crown her successor. For registration information call 609-525-9304.
AUGUST 18th – Ocean City Green Fair 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Music Pier. The communitywide event is designed to educate and encourage people of all ages to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Sponsored by the Environmental Commission.
AUGUST 19th – Junior Miss Ocean City 7 p.m. at the Music Pier. Scholarship pageant for girls ages 12 – 16. Junior Miss Ocean City 2023 Antonella Diantonio will be on hand to crown her successor.
AUGUST 23rd
Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
Wacky Wednesday – (Taffy Sculpting) Use your creativity to shape and sculpt Shriver’s salt water taffy into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free and limited to the first 200 participants. Open to all ages. Start time: 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier.
AUGUST 30th – Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
SEPTEMBER 4th – OCNJ Labor Day Race 5 Mile beach run and 1 Mile fun run/walk. Great end of the summer season event. www.ocnj.us/race-events
SEPTEMBER 6th – Farmers Market – Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
SEPTEMBER 9th – Street Rod Show Features classic cars on display. Boardwalk display noon – 4 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 10th – Corvette Show Over 350 cars exhibited. One of the largest shows of its kind in the East. Models from every year Corvettes were manufactured comprise this colorful show. Displayed on the boardwalk from 6th Street – 14th Street, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 609-457-0081. Register at boardwalkcorvettesac.com.
SEPTEMBER 11th – 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony “A Day to Remember” will include music, prayer and reflections on the memory of lives lost and on the community spirit that was renewed in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. All are encouraged to attend. 6 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
SEPTEMBER 13th – Farmers Market- Tabernacle Grounds 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave.
SEPTEMBER 16th
Ocean City Walk to Defeat ALS This two mile walk raises funds to support patient services and research. Help us take steps towards a cure for ALS! Registration 9:00 A.M., walk start 10:00 A.M. www.oceancitywalktodefeatals.org
Ocean City Airport Festival Annual festival at the Municipal Airport, 26th & Bay Ave. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Features include a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II Planes to Classics and Warbirds. The event will feature a parachute jump from Team Fastrax.
Parachute Pyrotechnic Show consists of several highly trained and specially licensed Team Fastrax™ demonstrators exiting the aircraft 6,000 feet above Ocean City’s Beach & Boardwalk. Brilliant white or multi-colored projectile pyrotechnics are then ignited and flown in formation, creating a dazzling display for spectators on the ground. 8 p.m. jump with a landing on the 7th St Beach. Viewable along the entire Boardwalk.
SEPTEMBER 17th – Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow 1 p.m., 6th – 14th Streets over the ocean. Thrill to some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world plus military demonstrations.
September 23rd – Ocean City, NJ Jeep Invasion Jeeps will be displayed on the boardwalk between 5th Street –14th Street, noon-5 p.m. For more information visit NJJeepInvasion.com or email njjeepinvasion@gmail.com
September 24th – OCNJ Half Marathon, 5k & 10 Mile Non-Competitive Walk/Run NO RACE DAY registration for the Half Marathon. Registration opens February 2022. Sign up early to save on registration fees. www.ocnj.us/Race-Events
SEPTEMBER 30th & October 1st – Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales 6th Street– 14th Street on the boardwalk and Asbury Ave.
SEPTEMBER 30th & OCTOBER 1st – MS City to Shore Ride with 7,000 cyclists raising $5.6 million – promises to be the best cycling experience on the east coast. This ride is fully supported with catered rest stops, bike support and SAG transportation. For more information call: 1-800-445-BIKE or visit mscycling.org
OCTOBER 7th – Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 5th – 14th Streets on Asbury Ave. Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more. In the evening, fireworks over the boardwalk from 6th Street – 14th Street.
OCTOBER 7th, 8th & 9th – Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales 6th Street – 14th Street on the boardwalk and Asbury Ave.
OCTOBER 14th –Porsche Boardwalk Reunion- Porsches will be displayed from 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street. Over 350 Porsches of all models and years between 1954 and 2021 are expected. Free Tech Sessions on Porsche related topics open to all at the Music Pier.
OCTOBER 15th – Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk- Join us in the fight against Breast Cancer! The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides is a 5000+ participant breast cancer fundraising 5K walk honoring over 250 survivors in Ocean City! 6th street practice field, 6th street and boardwalk. Check-in: 8:30 a.m. Stage Program: 9 a.m. Survivor Runway Lap: 9:50 a.m. Walk Start: 10 a.m. Participants can register online at makingstrideswalk.org/OceanCityNJ
OCTOBER 21st
Dog Day Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite furry canine friend. Activities for the day include dog-specific vendors at the Music Pier, photo-op stations on the boardwalk, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” Announcement.
HSOC “Howl-O-Ween” Parade Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes in the spirit of the season. Registration begins at 2:00 p.m. at the Sports & Civic Center. The parade begins at 3:00 P.M. and the procession is from 6th to 14th Street on the Boardwalk.
OCTOBER 22nd – John R. Elliott Hero Walk & 5k Run Hero 5k run will take place at 9:30 a.m. Hero ceremonies are at 10:30 a.m. The walk is a 5k walk along the Ocean City boardwalk. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Sports & Civic Center. For more information visit herocampaign.org or call 609-626-3880.
OCTOBER 25th – OC Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Welcome Night 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center. Meet OC groups, businesses & organizations! Free event!
OCTOBER 26th – Halloween Parade 7:15 p.m. on Asbury Ave. from 6th – 11th Street. Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. For more information call 1-800-813-5580 or visit ochp.blogspot.com/
OCTOBER 28th – Trail of Two Cities 5K/Walk 9th St. Bridge from Ocean City to Somers Point .Pre-registration and race day. 8 a.m. Start. For more information & registration ocnj.us/race-events contact: lrumer@ocnj.us or call 609-525-9317.
NOVEMBER 4th – Winterfest by the Sea The Chamber of Commerce presents their Fourth Annual Winterfest By The Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. The event takes place inside the Civic Center. Craft vendors, food vendors and strolling Santa will be present. Shopping hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
NOVEMBER 11th – Veterans Day Program 11 a.m. inside the Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Avenue.
NOVEMBER 18th – “Earlier than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza 8 a.m. to noon. Get out earlier than the bird and jump start your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shop in your pajamas for early bird shopping specials.
NOVEMBER 18th & 19th – Horse & Carriage Rides noon to 3 p.m., 6th & Asbury Ave.
NOVEMBER 23th – Annual Fast & Furriest 5k Turkey Trot down the OC Boardwalk. Sponsored by the Humane Society of Ocean City. For more information call 609-398-9500 ext. 4 or visit hsocnj.org
NOVEMBER 24th – Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join the merchants & Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas.
NOVEMBER 24th, 25th & 26th – Horse & Carriage Rides noon to 3 p.m., 6th & Asbury Ave.
NOVEMBER 25th & 26th – Photos with Santa noon to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier.
DECEMBER 1st – Christmas Parade 6 p.m. on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street. Registration information at ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
DECEMBER 2nd & 3rd
Train Show at the Music Pier. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission free.
Horse & Carriage Rides noon to 3 p.m., 6th & Asbury Ave.
Photos with Santa noon to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier.
DECEMBER 9th & 10th
Horse & Carriage Rides noon to 3 p.m., 6th & Asbury Ave.
Photos with Santa noon to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier.
DECEMBER 16th & 17th
Horse & Carriage Rides noon to 3 p.m., 6th & Asbury Ave.
Photos with Santa noon to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier.
DECEMBER 23rd
Horse & Carriage Rides noon to 3 p.m., 6th & Asbury Ave.
Photos with Santa noon to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier.
DECEMBER 31st – First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration – A complete schedule of entertainment leading up to fireworks at midnight.
JANUARY 1st 2024
First Day Shopping Extravaganza Welcome the New Year by shopping for tremendous bargains in Downtown Ocean City, Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 14th Street.
First Day 5k Boardwalk Run Pre-register at ocnj.us/race-events or race day 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Music Pier.
First Day at The Beach 2 p.m. at the Music Pier. Join us for Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean for the New Year.
Location Addresses:
Music Pier: 825 Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace
Sports & Civic Center/ Carey Stadium: 6th Street & Boardwalk
Community Center (Aquatic & Fitness Center, Library, Arts Center, Historical Museum, Senior Center): 1735 Simpson Avenue
Ocean City Tabernacle: 550 Wesley Avenue
Hughes Performing Arts Center: E 6th Street (located in Ocean City High School)
Updated: 1/3/2023
