The first day of fall is Tuesday (Sept. 22), and Ocean City is getting ready for a full calendar of family fun for the season.
Thousands of cyclists will descend on Ocean City this weekend for the MS City to Shore Ride, a fall tradition in Ocean City that draws participants from across the nation.
With riders raising millions of dollars each year for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the MS City to Shore Ride boasts that it is the best cycling experience on the East Coast. The annual bicycle trek will begin in Cherry Hill early on Saturday, Sept. 26, and finish at the parking lot at Fifth Street and Boardwalk in Ocean City — with many of the riders staying overnight and returning the next day.
Motorists should expect delays along a route that travels from the 34th Street causeway to Fifth Street and Boardwalk. For complete information, visit bikems.org.
October includes the following events:
Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant “Discount Days” (Oct. 3-4): 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Ave.
Ocean City Fire Department Open House (Oct. 8): OCFD hosts their annual open house for Fire Prevention Week at the OCFD headquarters at 550 Asbury Avenue, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rain date October 9.
A Grand Night for Singing (Oct. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18): Experience the timeless music of Rodgers and Hammerstein with this musical revue celebrating favorites from “Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” “The Sound of Music” and more. Shows are 7 p.m. Oct. 9, 10, 16 and 17; and 2 p.m. Oct. 11 and 18 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Visit oceancitytheatrecompany.com for tickets and more information.
Fall Block Party (Oct. 10): Ocean City’s Fall Block Party will return from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, with hundreds of craft and food vendors, and entertainers lining Asbury Avenue from Fifth Street to 14th Street. Parking will be free at all municipal lots and metered spaces in the city.
Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant “Discount Days” (Oct. 10-12): 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Ave.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of OCNJ (Oct. 11): Join over 5,000 walkers for the 19th annual OCNJ Making Strides – a celebration of courage and hope to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone. Learn more at www.MakingStridesWalk.org/OceanCityNJ. Walk starts at 10 a.m. at the Civic Center.
Spooks N’ Kooks Costume Surf Contest (Oct. 11): Open groms, open adults, tandem, sign in at 10 a.m. on 7th Street Beach. Entry Fee: $20 gift card to ShopRite, ACME or Aldi, all proceeds benefit the Ocean City Food Cupboard. No wave date: October 13.
Porsche Boardwalk Reunion (Oct. 17): Porsches will be displayed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street.
John R. Elliott HERO Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run (Oct. 18): Register today at www.herowalkrun.org.
Dog Days (Oct. 24-25): Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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. 24): 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 6th to 14th Street on the Boardwalk. Registration for vendors and parade participants is open at ocnj.us/dogday.
Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep (Oct. 24): Volunteers are sought for the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Register at cleanoceanaction.org and check in at the Ocean City Music Pier before the event. Bring your own bucket and gloves.
Halloween Costume Skate (Oct. 24): 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.
OC Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Welcome Night (Oct. 28): 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center. Meet OC groups, businesses & organizations. Free event.
Halloween Parade (Oct. 29): 7:15 p.m. on Asbury Ave. from 6th – 11th Street. Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. Registration for participants is open at ochp.blogspot.com.
