Fall Block Party and fireworks highlight Indian Summer Weekend
The Fall Block Party – one of Ocean City’s premier events – will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 along a mile of downtown Asbury Avenue. The celebration will continue at 9 p.m. Saturday with a spectacular fireworks display launched from a barge off the Ocean City Music Pier.
More than 350 crafters, food vendors and entertainers will line Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14th Street for the annual Fall Block Party. The event helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City take advantage of the beautiful fall weather.
Entertainers and bands will perform at various spots along the Avenue between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Just a few of the perennial favorites include the Robert Boney Band (7th Street), Big Daddy (at 9th Street), String Band (13th Street) and Keith Hickman (at 14th Street). Pony rides for children will be available on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors including Asbury Avenue restaurants will offer food of every variety.
Street parking will be free at all metered spots and downtown parking lots in Ocean City, including at the Transportation Center lot (Ninth Street and Haven Avenue) and at the municipal lots on the 700 and 800 blocks of Central Avenue.
The 9 p.m. fireworks display will be best viewed from the beach or boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14th Street.
The weekend celebration also includes table sales by downtown and boardwalk merchants with discounted merchandise set up between Sixth Street and 14th Street on the boardwalk and Asbury Avenue throughout the weekend.
BREAST CANCER WALK ON SUNDAY
The American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides” is a fundraising 5K walk honoring more than 250 survivors in Ocean City on Sunday, Oct. 8. The event is run from the practice field at Sixth street and the Boardwalk. Check-in at 8:30 a.m. Stage program at 9 a.m. Survivor Runway Lap at 9:50 a.m. Walk starts at 10 a.m. Participants can register online at makingstrideswalk.org/OceanCityNJ.
COMING UP IN OCTOBER
My Way: “A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra” (Oct. 13-22): Presented by the Ocean City Theatre Company, this popular musical review includes 55 incredible songs from the Great American Songbook. My Way celebrates the mystique of Frank Sinatra and the unforgettable music that made him famous. Ocean City Music Pier, October 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7 p.m. and October 22 at 2 p.m. For tickets visit, oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
Porsche Boardwalk Reunion (Oct. 14): Porsches will be displayed from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 on the Boardwalk from Sixth Street to 14th Street. More than 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.
NJ Jeep Invasion (Oct. 15): About 400 Jeeps will roll down the boardwalk and remain on display in lines that stretch from Fifth Street to 14th Street. The Jeep Invasion will run from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event raises money for local charities, and trophies are awarded to the best Jeeps in various categories with trophies awarded at 4:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. The show started in Ocean City in 2013. Visit njjpinvasion.com for more information.
John R. Elliott HERO Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run (Oct. 15): The 1-Mile Fun Run takes place at 10 a.m. HERO ceremonies are at 10:30 a.m. The walk starts at Sixth and the boardwalk at 11 a.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Sports & Civic Center. For more information, visit herocampaign.org or call 609-626-3880.
Dog Day (Oct. 21 and 22): Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite furry canine friend. Activities for Saturday include dog-specific vendors along the boardwalk, photo-op stations on the boardwalk, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” announcement.
HSOC “Howl-O-Ween” Parade (Oct. 21): 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 p.m. at the Sports & Civic Center. The parade begins at 3 p.m. and the procession is from Sixth Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk.
Ocean City Fishing Club 54th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament (Oct. 21): Friends and families are invited to participate. Youths are invited to fish the first, second, or both sessions. Parents may assist (youth assist) the angler with baiting and casting. For more information, contact Ed Parkinson at 215-680-6652.
OC Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Welcome Night (Oct. 25): 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center. Meet OC groups, businesses and organizations. Free event.
Halloween Parade (Oct. 26): 7:15 p.m. on Asbury Ave. from 6th to 11th Street. Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. For more information, call 1-800-813-5580 or visit ochp.blogspot.com.
Trail of Two Cities 5K (Oct. 28): 9th St. Bridge from Ocean City to Somers Point. For more information and registration, visit ocnj.us/race-events.
Halloween Costume Skate (Oct. 28): The Ocean City Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue will celebrate Halloween 4 p.m. to dusk. Skateboarders are invited to come dressed for the holiday. There will be prizes for best costume and best trick, and candy for the participants.
