The early weather forecast looks sunny and mild for the Fall Block Party, which will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 along a mile of downtown Asbury Avenue.
More than 400 crafters, food vendors and entertainers will line Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14th Street for the annual celebration. The event helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City to 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), Pennsport String Band (13th Street) and Big Daddy (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.
Parking will be free at all municipal lots and metered spaces in the city.
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 entire weekend.
The weekend slate of special events continues on Sunday, Oct. 11. Join more than 5,000 walkers for the 19th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of OCNJ – a celebration of courage and hope to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. with the walk going off at 10:30 a.m. Participants can get more information and register online at makingstrideswalk.org/OceanCityNJ.
The Spooks N’ Kooks Costume Surf Contest is set for 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 at Seventh Street Beach. The event categories include groms, open adults and tandem. Entry fee is a $20 gift card to ShopRite, ACME or Aldi, and all proceeds benefit the Ocean City Food Cupboard. The no-wave date is Tuesday, October 13.
OCTC presents ‘A Grand Night for Singing’
Experience the timeless music of Rodgers and Hammerstein with a new musical revue celebrating favorites from “Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” “The Sound of Music” and more.
The revue was conceived by Tony Award-winning director Walter Bobbie with musical arrangements by Fred Wells. Rather than telling a single story, Bobbie’s concept brings together songs from across the Rodgers & Hammerstein canon and reimagines them in fresh and inventive ways. The original production premiered on Broadway in 1993 and received two Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. “A Grand Night for Singing” is presented with permission from Concord Theatricals.
The Ocean City Theatre Company will present “A Grand Night for Singing” at 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.
Fire Department invites all to Open House on Thursday
The Ocean City Fire Department and IAFF Local 4032 will hold their annual Open House at the station at 550 Asbury Avenue from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Everybody in the community is invited to this free event. It will feature live fire safety demonstrations, a helicopter landing, an Atlantic City Electric demonstration, face-painting, food, drinks and educational handouts.
The annual event coincides with national Fire Prevention Month and gives the community a chance to learn more about how the department works. Off-duty firefighters from the local firefighters’ union volunteer their time to produce the event.
For information, call (609) 525-9182.
More family fun in October
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 atcleanoceanaction.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.
