Night in Venice Planning Committee Chairman Dave Winslow and Mayor Jay Gillian announced the theme for the 2026 event: “Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights.”
Ocean City will celebrate the 71st anniversary of Night in Venice at 6:30 p.m. July 25 this year, and the dual theme will invite more creativity as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and “Christmas in July,” the day that falls exactly six months before the winter holiday. “Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights” will invite all participants to decorate their boats and houses in festive colors and lights for the grand event.
“We want this year’s celebration to be bright and beautiful,” Mayor Gillian said. “Combining two great themes will really give our participants more flexibility and more reasons to celebrate.”
The committee also announced the addition of two new pageants to support the Night in Venice event. Little Miss Night in Venice and Junior Miss Night in Venice will make their debut with a crowning at the Music Pier on July 15, and the queens and their courts will preside over the Night In Venice boat parade on July 25. Registration for pageant participants (Little Miss NIV ages 8 to 11; and Junior Miss NIV ages 12 to 15) is open now at ocnj.recdesk.com. The pageant will feature an interview portion, evening gown, boat wear and on-stage questions.
Gillian and Winslow also announced that this year’s presenting sponsors will include ACME and OCNJ Watersports.
Look for an unveiling of the fourth edition commemorative Night in Venice poster created by local artist Aaron “Bogy” Bogushefsky and information about this year’s grand marshal shortly.
Entries are currently being accepted from all those who want to participate in the annual bayfront celebration. The boat parade and decorated bayfront home contests provide a chance to be part of the highlight of the summer season in Ocean City. Thousands of spectators line the bayfront, and thousands more attend private parties at homes along the route from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue. The theme is always optional, and entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at www.ocnj.us/NIV or by calling 609-399-6111.
A spectacular fireworks display over the bayfront will be launched after the boat parade.
Coming up in June
JUNE 3 – Farmers Market: Tabernacle grounds 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Crafters in the street at Sixth and Asbury Avenue.
JUNE 5, 6 and 7 – 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 7 – Ocean City PBA Local 61 Fishing Tournament: The Ocean City Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 61 will sponsor a new fishing tournament on Sunday, June 7, 2026, and any team of up to four anglers is invited to participate. The event will include cash prizes, and be followed by a weigh-in and barbecue at American Legion Post 524. More information and a printable registration form is available at www.ocnj.us/events/99452.
JUNE 10 – Farmers Market: Tabernacle grounds 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Crafters in the street at Sixth and Asbury Avenue.
JUNE 13 – OCNJ Emergency Responder 5K: The 5K and 1-Mile events will start on the Boardwalk and finish on the OCHS track. The kids’ events will be on the field. www.ocnj.us/race-events
JUNE 14 – Health, Fitness & Wellness Expo: The event features health food, fitness classes, speakers, vendors and more. All are invited to this free event in a town that features the beach, boardwalk and a wide variety of other indoor and outdoor health and recreational facilities. Come explore health food and wellness product vendors, various yoga and fitness classes. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier. Contact Lisa Rumer at lrumer@ocnj.us or call 609-399-6111, extension 9317.
JUNE 17 – Farmers Market: Tabernacle grounds 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Crafters in the street at Sixth and Asbury Avenue.
JUNE 17 – Miss New Jersey Parade: See the contestants in the 2026 Miss New Jersey Competition in a parade on the Ocean City Boardwalk. The parade starts at 7 p.m.
JUNE 18, 19 and 20 – Miss New Jersey Competition: The annual Miss New Jersey Competition returns to the Ocean City Music Pier for 2026. Preliminary rounds are at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday (June 18 and 19), and the final competition and crowning are 8 p.m. June 20. The winner represents New Jersey in the Miss America Competition. Visit missnewjersey.org for more information and tickets.
JUNE 20 – Miss New Jersey’s Teen Competition: The annual Miss New Jersey’s Teen Competition returns to the Ocean City Music Pier for 2026. The final competition and crowning are 1 p.m. June 20. Visit missnewjersey.org for more information and tickets.
JUNE 24 – Farmers Market: Tabernacle grounds 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Crafters in the street at Sixth and Asbury Avenue.
JUNE 27 – 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 28 – Brandon Tomasello: One Man Rat Pack with The OC POPS The Ocean City Pops kicks off their 2026 season with class, comedy, and flair! The Rat Pack comes to musical life on the Music Pier stage as Ocean City favorite Brandon Tomasello expertly presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of the Sinatra era. Come hear the best of Frank, Dean, and Sammy as Tomasello sings and swings with the Pops! 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
JUNE 28 – Chica De Mayo: Join the fun for an all-girls Chica De Mayo skate park party at the Ocean City Skate Park. Fun starts at 10 a.m. at the Skate Park, free to attend. For more details call 609-525-9304.
JUNE 29 – Straight No Chaser: The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.
