The 63rd annual Boardwalk Art Show will be held Friday through Sunday (Aug. 7 to 9) on the Boardwalk between Eighth Street and 13th Street.
Artists from throughout the region will exhibit and sell their works. The show will feature fine art, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, mixed media and photography. There is something for everyone at the show, and it’s a great opportunity to start or increase your art collection. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Awards are given to the top entries in the show.
The event is sponsored by the Ocean City Arts Center and made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For further information, call the Ocean City Arts Center at 609-399-7628 or visit www.oceancityartscenter.org. A list of participating artists is here.
The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra are teaming up to present the musical “Sister Act” with eight performances scheduled from Aug. 4 to Aug. 13 at the Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center in Ocean City (within Ocean City High School at Sixth Street and Atlantic Avenue).
Based on the beloved 1992 film, “Sister Act” features infectious songs, high-energy dance numbers, and plenty of heart. Produced by the City of Ocean City and featuring the acclaimed Ocean City Pops Orchestra, the production continues the longstanding collaboration between OCTC and the Pops, bringing Broadway-caliber entertainment to audiences at the Jersey Shore. This partnership offers visitors the opportunity to experience professional musical theater accompanied by a full live orchestra.
Performances will take place August 4, 5, 7, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on August 6 and August 13 at 2 p.m. For tickets ($30 to $35), visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office.
The Ocean City Fishing Club (OCFC), in partnership with the City of Ocean City, invites young anglers to participate in its 49th annual Boys & Girls Surf Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 8, beginning at 9 a.m. at the north-end beach near the Longport–Ocean City Bridge.
The free event, open to boys and girls ages 8 to 16, is expected to attract 150 participants. Every child who pre-registers and fishes will receive a gift bag. All registered anglers can participate in a free raffle at the conclusion of the awards ceremony with several gifts to be given out.
Parents or guardians are encouraged to register in advance through the Ocean City Fishing Club website and complete the required waiver forms before arriving.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and fishing starts promptly at 9 a.m. The tournament concludes at 11 a.m., followed immediately by the awards ceremony. The tournament will be held rain or shine.
Participants must bring their own fishing rod, reel, and tackle. Fresh bait is optional, because every angler will receive a FishBites bloodworm sample pack. Parents may assist children ages 13 and younger with casting, but youngsters must catch their own fish.
New this year: tournament awards will be based on age groups. The only exception is the 14-16 division, which will compete as a single combined group. Awards will be presented based on total fish inches in each division, with first-and second-place prizes awarded. An electronic scoring system will speed the awards presentation, while OCFC volunteers will assist participants with baiting hooks, untangling lines, measuring catches, recording results, and safely releasing fish.
Every participant will receive a 31-inch flexible Release Ruler displaying current New Jersey fishing regulations to support the tournament’s catch-measure-and-release format.
The event is made possible through the dedication of OCFC volunteers, generous sponsors,local businesses, and club members. Last year, nearly $9,000 in fishing equipment,accessories, and prizes was distributed to participating children.
For registration and additional information, visit www.oceancityfishingclub.com or contact Ed Parkinson, Tournament Chair, at 215-680-6652 or eparkinson718@gmail.com.
Ocean City has a full schedule of other family events lined up for the week:
Tuesday, August 4
- ‘Schoolhouse Rock Live’ —Presented by OCTC: The Ocean City Theatre Company Summer Children’s Series continues with a musical adaptation of the Emmy-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math and more. The show is at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Advance tickets are available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
- Mummers Night: String bands strut the Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Wednesday, August 5
- Beach Exercise — Pilates Yoga: Free program (no registration needed) on the beach at Sixth Street starts at 8 a.m. Bring a towel and a friend.
- Farmers Market: Local farmers sell seasonal fruits, vegetables, baked goods and specialty foods on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Crafters set up in the adjacent street.
- Wacky Wednesday: Use your creativity to design your own prince or princess crown. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. This is part of a series of weekly family-friendly activities throughout the summer.
- 34th Street Sandcastle Park Summer Entertainment Series: The new weekly series will continue with “Toy Story.” Families are invited to come visit with characters. The fun also will include a DJ, face-painting, a balloon artist and more. The series will celebrate a new theme each Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through Aug. 26 at Sandcastle Park (3400 block between West Avenue and Asbury Avenue).
- Beach Walks: Free guided beach walk explores Ocean City’s coastal environment. Meet near the beach at 6:30 p.m. at 59th Street and Central Avenue.
- Family Night on the Boardwalk: A variety of family-friendly entertainers — including magicians, musicians, characters and more — will be stationed on the Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street.
- Twins Contest: Prizes for those who look the most and least alike. The contest is open to twins of all ages. Registration is free and begins at 5:30 p.m. outside the Ocean City Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace) The contest begins at 6 p.m.
Thursday, August 6
- Sand Sculpting Contest: This fun contest is open to kids, teens, adults and families. Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m. on the newly replenished beach at Sixth Street. Judging takes place by 11 a.m.
- Market Days: Ocean City’s downtown shopping district along Asbury Avenue features entertainment, face-painters, balloon-sculptors and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Mummers Night: String bands strut the Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Greatest Moments in Philly Sports: Relive all the great sports moments in Philadelphia sports history with icons Ray Didinger, Glen Macnow and Joe Conklin. You’ll cheer, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two, all in 90 minutes. It’s the ultimate Philly fan watch party, a show you don’t want to miss. Tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Friday, August 7
- Boardwalk Art Show: See above.
Saturday, August 8
- Miss Ocean City Pageant: Miss Ocean City 2026 Antonella DiAntonio will be on hand to crown her successor as contestants compete in interview, talent, swimsuit, evening gown and on-stage question. The pageant is at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
- Boardwalk Art Show: See above.
- Boys and Girls Fishing Tournament: See above.
Sunday, August 9
- Guts & Glory 5K Run/Walk: Join the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for the Ocean City Guts & Glory 5K Run/Walk, a family-friendly event at Emil Palmer Park (16th Street and Haven Avenue). Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with runners starting at 8:30 a.m., followed by walkers. Registration includes a Guts & Glory T-shirt, race bib, access to our USA Track & Field certified course, and post-race snacks. Register today to secure your spot: www.on-line.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/gutsglory2026. Call 267-975-2349 for more information.
- Brass Transit Performs the Music of the Band Chicago with the Ocean City Pops: Brass Transit brings together accomplished and award-winning musicians for the sole purpose of paying tribute to the decades-long, multi-platinum songbook of band Chicago. Since 2008, Brass Transit has toured North America, dazzling audiences with flawless performances and spectacular attention to detail. Hits like “Saturday in the Park,” “25 or 6 to 4,” “If You Leave Me Now,” “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,” and “You’re the Inspiration” have left crowds in awe. Brass Transit will bring you back to the most memorable times of your life. The show is at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Monday, August 10
- The Outlaws plus Special Guest Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel: The Outlaws’ legacy includes the Southern rock anthems “There Goes Another Love Song” and “Green Grass and High Tides.” Duane Betts is the co-founder of the Allman Betts Band and the son of Allman Brothers co-founder Dickey Betts. Tickets available at etix.com.
- America 250 — Lights Over Ocean City Drone Show: Ocean City will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation this summer with a weekly patriotic drone show over the beach and boardwalk south of Sixth Street. The show will feature hundreds of drones lighting up the sky and creating animations that salute America. The 15-minute shows will be held at 9 p.m. on Mondays through August 24. The weekly event is made possible through a $25,000 grant from the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, sponsorships from Boardwalk merchants and city funding.
- Family Night on the Boardwalk: A variety of family-friendly entertainers — including magicians, musicians, characters and more — will be stationed on the Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street.
