Ocean City greeted the new year in style with spectacular First Night and First Day celebrations, and the city is planning another full calendar of special events for 2026.
It’s not too early to start planning for family fun in the new year, and here is our tentative schedule for the year, including all of the biggest annual events.
The city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony will kick things off and bring the community together to honor Dr. King’s legacy on Monday, Jan. 19, at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
The Winter Warrior Challenge will return for its third year on Feb. 14. The event will be run out of the Ocean City Civic Center and include multiple components: an obstacle course race for children, a “Winter Warrior” obstacle course race for parents and individuals and team challenges such as a fire-truck pull. Registration is open at ocnj.us/race-events.
Market Madness on March 14 and 15 will bring together all of Ocean City’s favorite stores under one roof at the Ocean City Music Pier for two days of pre-season shopping specials.
The spring season starts with annual Easter events. The Great Egg Hunts on March 28 and April 4 will invite children to stop by participating boardwalk stores in their search for eggs and treats. The Easter Dueling Pianos Show will be on Sunday, April 5, outside the Music Pier.
The spring calendar continues with Girls Weekend from April 10 to April 12, and the OC Con Comic Book and Memorabilia Show on April 11 and April 12. The madcap Doo Dah Parade falls on April 18 this year and will feature the usual brigade of basset hounds
The Sports Memorabilia Show returns to a two-day event on April 25 and April 26 at the Music Pier. Stay posted for announcements about this year’s special guests.
Martin Z. Mollusk seeks his shadow on May 1, and we’re betting that he’ll bring us another early summer. The Spring Block Party returns on May 2. The Fall Block Party is on for Oct. 10.
All of the favorite weekly summer events will be back – like the Farmers Market, Wacky Wednesdays, Funtastic Tuesdays and Market Days in the downtown, and Mummers Night and Family Nights up on the boardwalk. Fireworks, a free Ocean City Pops concert and bike parades will highlight Ocean City’s Independence Day celebration on July 4. The Pops will give a second free patriotic concert on July 2, followed by a drone light show.
Night in Venice – Ocean City’s premier summer event – is set for Saturday, July 25. Look for announcements soon on this year’s theme. Fireworks will light up the back bay after the completion of the parade.
The Baby Parade will return for the 116th time on Thursday, Aug. 13.
Fall events include the Ocean City Airport Festival and Parachute Pyrotechnic Show on Sept. 19 with the Boardwalk Aerobatic Air Show on Sept. 20. If part of your New Year’s resolution is to get back in running shape, the OCNJ Half Marathon on Oct. 4 is a great race and a great goal. Dog Days on the Ocean City Boardwalk will be Oct. 24 and 25 this year.
The 2026 holiday season will kick off with Earlier Than the Bird on Nov. 21 and continue with Christmas in the Downtown – Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue on Nov. 27, the Christmas Parade on Dec. 4, and First Night on Dec. 31.
Be sure to check the attached calendar for more events and more detail, and check back throughout the year for additions and updates.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. events set for Jan. 19
Ocean City will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. The ceremony is scheduled for 12 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle. The event brings the community together to remember Dr. King through words, song and dance.
One of the highlights is always the recitation of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The event will be followed by a complimentary soul food buffet luncheon.
Look for announcements coming soon about the recipients of the annual Martin Luther King Community Services Awards. Each year, the awards recognize volunteer activity and service to the Ocean City community. Students from grades 7 and 8 at the Ocean City Intermediate School will be honored for their winning essays on the influence of Dr. King.
Volunteers are invited to join others nationwide in a Day of Service on Jan. 19 to honor Dr. King’s contributions. Citizens are asked to participate in a citywide cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon with registration and supply and distribution at the Henry Knight Building (115 E. 12th Street).
