Ocean City kicks off 2023 Season with Market Madness
Boardwalk and Downtown merchants in Ocean City will give shoppers a summer preview during the two-day Market Madness event on Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10 at the Ocean City Music Pier.
The sale will bring together more than 30 different vendors under one roof and provide discounts on favorite local merchandise, goods and attractions. Hours for the event are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Parking will be free in municipal lots adjacent to the boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street.
Ocean City’s Boardwalk Merchants Association and Downtown Merchants Association created the new Market Madness in 2020 as an early-season attraction, and the fourth annual event will help kick off a season of 2024 special events that will continue throughout the year. There will be prize give-aways, a live DJ both days from noon to 3 p.m., and food and drink for sale. Remember to bring your own shopping bags.
Among other businesses, participating vendors will include:
- We Make It Personal
- Jay’s Crab Shack
- Manco and Manco Pizza
- George’s Candies
- Wonderland Pier
- Playland’s Castaway Cove
- Jilly’s T-Shirt Factory
- Goodies Gone Wild
- Boba Works
- Surf Mall
- Shirt Shack
- Jilly’s Arcade
- OC Waterpark
- Air Circus
- Stainton’s Gallery of Shops
- Jewelry Hut
- Shades
- Making Waves
- Ashore Fit
- White Lotus
- Bowfish Kids
- Sand + Stitch
- Hula Restaurant
- Bella U
- Fisherman’s Cove
- All Campus
- LEH Soap Company
- Congo Falls
- Bad Kitty
- Payton Jewelry
- Kay Jay’s Doll Shoppe
- Lisa’s Sweet Treats
Ocean City Job Fair
on March 16
The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Ocean City High School to assist businesses in filling seasonal employment positions. The Ocean City Job Fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Ocean City Music Pier. The event is open to everyone and the Chamber strongly encourages employers and potential employees to sign up now. Businesses can register to participate and students can register to attend by calling the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce at 609-399-1412.
More Spring Events
in Ocean City
March 23 and March 30 – Great Egg Hunts: These events return to the Boardwalk from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on March 23 and March 30. Families with children are invited to stop by participating Boardwalk stores in a hunt for eggs filled with treats and prizes. Rain dates are March 24 and March 31.
March 31 – Easter Events: Easter Sunday will start with the traditional nondenominational Sunrise Service by the sea at 6:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. The Philly Keys will perform their hit Dueling Pianos Show starting at noon in front of the Music Pier, while the Easter Bunny will meet and greet children and be available for photos in an Ocean City lifeguard boat from noon to 2 p.m.
April 5-7 – Girls Weekend: Girls Weekend on downtown Asbury Avenue between 6th Street and 14th Street includes shopping and dining specials all weekend, accommodation packages, wellness classes, and more. The event kicks off with a Fashion Show on Friday evening (tickets). Call 609-399-1412 for more information.
April 6-7 – OC Con Comic Book & Memorabilia Show: Sales, special guests, cosplay and more at the Ocean City Music Pier. More information at ocnjcon.com.
April 6 – OC CON SuperHero Run and Super Hero Obstacle Dash: 9 a.m. start on the Boardwalk in front of the Music Pier. Registration and information at ocnj.us/race-events.
April 13 – Doo Dah Parade: Welcome the spring season with this comedy-themed parade complete with more than 300 basset hounds. Parade starts at noon on Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 12th Street, and then moves up to the Boardwalk, ending at Sixth and Boardwalk. Dietz & Watson returns as the event sponsor.
April 20 – Sports Memorabilia Show: Sales and special guests at the Ocean City Music Pier.
April 27 – Ocean City Schools Art Showcase: See artwork on display from local Ocean City School District students and meet the artists. Event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier.
April 27-28 – Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant Table Sales: 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.
