Events

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 1/3/18

The shortest days of the year are behind us, and that means summer’s on the way. It’s not too early to think about planning for some fun in Ocean City this year. Here’s an early look at just a few key dates for 2018.

March 24 and 31: Easter falls on April 1 this year and the GREAT EGG HUNTS on the beach are set for late March.

April 6 to 8: Downtown Asbury Avenue welcomes another GIRLS WEEKEND.

April 14: Humor and nostalgia join forces again as the DOO DAH PARADE and MR. MATURE PAGEANT go off on a Saturday afternoon and evening.

April 28-29: The SPORTS MEMORABILIA SHOW is a new event for the Ocean City Music Pier.

May 5: The SPRING BLOCK PARTY takes place on its traditional date on the first Saturday of May.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/27/17

What better way to start a new year than by celebrating in Ocean City? Families here know that you don’t have to wait till summer to get sand in your shoes. Ocean City hosts popular First Night and First Day celebrations to mark New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Now in its 26^th year, First Night includes a spectacular lineup of more than 75 shows and activities at venues throughout Ocean City during an alcohol-free celebration from 4 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 31, 2017. About 10,000 people will fill the streets and make New Year’s Eve feel like a summer night in Ocean City, before a midnight fireworks display rings in the year 2018.

The fun continues on New Year’s Day with the all-day Shopping Extravaganza at stores throughout town and a 5-kilometer run.

First Night attendees this year will get the first opportunity to visit the newly restored U.S. Life Saving Station 30 at the intersection of Fourth Street and Atlantic Avenue. The station operated in Ocean City from 1885 to 1915 as part of the U.S. Life Saving Service, a precursor to the modern Coast Guard. A years-long effort to acquire and restore the historic building is nearly complete, and anybody with a First Night admission button will be invited to stop by and tour the station between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guides will be on hand to answer questions about the station, and artifacts will show how it operated. The station will be decorated with a traditional Christmas tree.

Here’s what you need to know to enjoy all the fun.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/19/17

Ocean City will start the New Year in style with its popular First Night and First Day celebrations.

Now in its 26^th year, First Night includes a spectacular lineup of more than 75 shows and activities at venues throughout Ocean City during an alcohol-free celebration from 4 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 31, 2017. About 10,000 people will fill the streets and make New Year’s Eve feel like a summer night in Ocean City, before a midnight fireworks display rings in the year 2018.

The fun continues on New Year’s Day with the all-day Shopping Extravaganza at stores throughout town, a 5-kilometer run and, of course, the ceremonial “First Plunge” of 2018 – featuring more than 1,000 hardy souls diving into the Atlantic Ocean for their first swim of the year.

Here’s what you need to know to enjoy all the fun.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/13/17

All-inclusive First Night admission buttons – good for entry to every venue in Ocean City’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration – are on sale now for a discounted $15. On Friday (Dec. 15), the price goes up to $20. Visit firstnightocnj.com to buy them online, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ or stop by Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway, Stainton’s (810 Asbury Avenue) or the City Hall Welcome Center at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.

Now in its 26^th year, First Night includes a spectacular lineup of more than 60 shows and activities at venues throughout Ocean City during the alcohol-free celebration from 4 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 31, 2017.

Popular attractions such as rides on Wonderland Pier, outdoor ice-skating, Abbott and Costello impersonators, the Fabulous Greaseband, nationally acclaimed magicians Chad Juros and Ben Lipman, and Japanese drummers return this year. The USO Troupe and Chubby Checker will provide headline entertainment on the Ocean City Music Pier. The pool at the Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center and the new skateboard park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue will both be open to button-holders.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/6/17

The Ocean City Theatre Company will put a musical spin on a timeless story by Charles Dickens with six performances of “A Christmas Carol – The Broadway Musical” over the next two weeks.

The production will feature a professional cast of performers under the direction of Shannon Agnew with choreography by Colleen Kreisel and music direction by John Grieco. Broadway’s Alan Menken (Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Little Shop of Horrors”) and Lynn Ahrens (“Ragtime,” “Seussical,” “Once on This Island”) breathe new life into the classic tale with their adaptation.

The musical remains true to the story with three ghosts leading the selfish Ebenezer Scrooge through his past, present and future. Scrooge ultimately greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/29/17

Ocean City’s Christmas Parade returns at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. The season at America’s Greatest Family Resort extends far past the summer, and the annual parade is a highlight of the Christmas season -- with an array of bands, floats and other entries bringing a little warmth to the winter.

The event gives spectators time to shop and dine on downtown Asbury Avenue before and after the 6 p.m. start time. The parade starts on the Avenue at Sixth Street and proceeds to 11^th Street.

This year’s parade features the Ocean City High School Band, Absegami High School Band, Wildwood High School Band, Egg Harbor Township High School Band and Pennsport String Band. Miss New Jersey Kaitlyn Schoeffel, second runner-up in the Miss America Pageant, will participate. Alexa Noone, New Jersey’s representative in the Miss USA Pageant also will be part of the procession. The combined choirs of the Upper Township Elementary and Middle Schools will be in the parade and sing in front of City Hall at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue after the event. The cast of Ocean City Theatre Company’s “A Christmas Carol: The Broadway Musical” also will join the lineup.

Mrs. Claus will be able to join her husband this year. As part of the annual tradition, Santa Claus provides a finale to the parade, greeting boys and girls by horse-and-carriage. 

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/21/17

While the rest of the nation joins the mobs at the malls on “Black Friday,” Ocean City will celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas starting at 2 p.m. on Nov. 24. Christmas in the Downtown will be warm and entertaining time featuring carolers and performers throughout downtown Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 11th Street.

Downtown stores will offer discount shopping for gifts, and many Asbury Avenue restaurants will be open. Free horse-and-carriage rides will be available. Entertainment and Christmas carols will begin at 4 p.m. on the steps of City Hall at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue. The event culminates around 5 p.m. when Santa Claus will emerge on the rooftop of City Hall. With the help of an Ocean City Fire Department ladder truck, Santa will descend and help light the City Hall Christmas Tree and illuminate City Hall.

The event is always well-attended by Ocean City residents and visitors, and it’s a unique way to get in the spirit of the holidays. Call 1-800-BEACH-NJ for more information.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/14/17

Ocean City’s downtown shopping district kicks off the holiday season with a unique small-town event on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The “Earlier Than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza invites everybody to shop in their pajamas to take advantage of early-bird shopping specials from 8 a.m. to noon. The event gives everybody a chance to beat the crowds, avoid the malls and get some shopping done on the weekend before Thanksgiving.

In addition to taking advantage of hourly discounts and specials, shoppers can enter in stores to win door prizes and gift certificates. Free coffee will be available at Jon and Patty’s Bistro (637 Asbury Ave.), Ocean City Coffee Company (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue) and Starbucks (11^th Street and Asbury Avenue). Drip and Scoop (960 Asbury Ave.) will offer free standard doughnuts.

WAYV-FM 95.1 will broadcast live from Mark Soifer Park at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue, and that’s where the door prize winners will be announced at about 11 a.m. Ocean City’s own turkey mascot will be strolling the Avenue and awarding free turkeys to the best-dressed. Later in the day, free horse-and-carriage rides will be available from noon to 3 p.m. in front of City Hall.

For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/8/17

Ocean City’s annual Veterans Day ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park.

The 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month marked the end of the “Great War” (World War I), and that is now is the time when American citizens honor all the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Ocean City’s ceremony is always well-attended – a strong show of support in recognition of all veterans.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Charles Strange, president of the Michael Strange Foundation, named for his son, a decorated Navy cryptologist who was killed in action in Afghanistan. The foundation supports the families of recently fallen service members.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/31/17

Ocean City once again will welcome the calmer season with its annual Quiet Festival. This year’s event will take place Nov. 4 and 5 and will celebrate all the resources of the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue.

Within the Community Center, the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center and Howard S. Stainton Senior Center each will be host to activities during the two-day festival.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/26/17

Ocean City rolls into late October on Thursday with its annual Halloween Parade. The event is a favorite on the fall calendar and features local children, families, bands, entertainers, businesses and organizations costumed for the occasion. The parade starts at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 26 and proceeds down Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 11th Street.

The event is sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. To register to participate, call 800-813-5580 or visit ochp.blogspot.com. Watching the parade is, of course, free – with great spots to catch all the action from either side of downtown Asbury Avenue.

The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company’s annual Halloween Costume Party is set for 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Ocean City Yacht Club. Tickets are $75 until the Oct. 24 deadline. The party is for adults (21-and-over) and includes food, dancing and prizes. To purchase tickets, visit the Theatre Company’s website at www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/17/17

Volunteers Sought for Beach Sweeps This Weekend

The legendary Chubby Checker will help Ocean City celebrate New Year’s Eve with performances on the Ocean City Music Pier as part of the family-friendly 2018 First Night festivities.

Checker first performed “The Twist” on “American Bandstand” in 1960, and dancing has never been the same. The rock ’n’ roll icon has sold 250 million records and toured continuously in his career of six decades. Checker will be part of a spectacular lineup of more than 75 shows and activities at venues throughout Ocean City during the alcohol-free celebration on Dec. 31, 2017.

All-inclusive admission buttons – good for entry to every venue throughout the night – are on sale now for a discounted $15. Visit firstnightocnj.com to purchase them online or stop by Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway or the City Hall Welcome Center at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue. Anybody interested in helping out with the event, can download the First Night volunteer form here.

Checker was born in South Carolina but grew up in Philadelphia and became a local celebrity with his impressions of Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley at Tony Anastazi’s Produce Store on South Street. The Philly boy became a star with a string of hit singles in the 1960s that included “Pony Time,” “The Mess Around,” “Limbo Rock” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” Last summer, he released “Knock Down the Walls,” which made it to No. 1 on Billboard’s dance music chart.

Checker will perform shows at 9 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the Music Pier, before fireworks cap off the evening’s entertainment and welcome the year 2018.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/10/17

Start Planning Now for Quiet Festival Nov. 4 and 5

Ocean City will host the 12th annual Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant 7 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 14) at the Ocean City Music Pier. Twenty contestants will compete in interview, talent, evening gown and on-stage question.

The 2018 theme is “Remember My Name” -- with a focus on the bright futures ahead for all of the contestants and reigning titleholder. After a dynamic year of service, Stella Schwartz will crown her successor at the conclusion of the pageant. Contestants, ranging in age from 12 to 15, are either year-round residents in Ocean City, attend Ocean City schools or are the daughters of Ocean City property owners.

Contestants vying for the 2018 title include Emma Rodriguez, Abby Laursen, Maddyn Randazzo, Emma Kubikian, Bridget Dougherty, Cameryn Carr, Abby Berman, Mary Grace Jamison, Natalie Argento, Ella Tedesco, Hope Aita, Emily Torrence, Taylor Pontari, Paige Driscoll, Molly Farrell, Julia Wilson, Sarah Rodriguez, Kayleigh Donegan, Sally Dahl and Keira Janto. Tickets ($10) are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, 609-399-6111 or at the Music Pier Box Office on the night of the event.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/3/17

Tribute to the ‘8-Track’ era runs Friday to Sunday

A stretch of spectacular fall weather is expected to continue through the weekend, and that will provide ideal conditions for Ocean City’s premier autumn event: the Fall Block Party.

More than 400 crafters, food vendors and entertainers will line a mile of downtown Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14^th Street on Saturday, Oct. 7. The Block Party helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City for Columbus Day Weekend. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entertainers and bands will perform at various spots along the Avenue between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This year, a Mummers band – The Pennsport String Band – joins the fun at 12^th Street. Pony rides for children will be available on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue) during the same hours. Vendors including Asbury Avenue restaurants will offer food of every variety.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/26/17

Fall Block Party and Fireworks Set for Oct. 7

The Chili Chowder Festival returns to the Ocean City Music Pier for its second year from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1.

The event fills the covered loggia of the Music Pier with the aroma of the finest chili and chowder Ocean City has to offer. The Ocean City Restaurant Association launched the event last year, and member chefs prepared a variety of creative entries that were popular with hundreds of festival-goers.

This year’s event includes a “Chili Cook Off” among the three platoons of the Ocean City Fire Department and proceeds benefit the Ocean City Firefighters Association.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/19/17

The 8^th annual OCNJ Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 24.

The event also includes a 10-mile non-competitive walk/run and a 5-kilometer race. The combined races included more than 1,400 finishers last year with 897 completing the half marathon. Pre-registration for the half marathon already has exceeded 1,000 this year, and organizers expect a record field for all of the races.

The increasingly popular event showcases Ocean City’s boardwalk, downtown and neighborhoods with ocean views throughout a fast, flat course.

The public is encouraged to come out and cheer for runners. Local “celebrities” are on hand, including Ocean City mascot Martin Z. Mollusk and the OCHS Red Raider mascot. Volunteer groups man “peppy” water stations and are judged for their themes. Music along the route provides a boost for all the participants.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/12/17

Two highlights of Ocean City’s fall events calendar take place this weekend: the Ocean City Airport Festival on Saturday (Sept. 16) and the Boardwalk Aerobatic Air Show on Sunday (Sept. 17).

Both events are free to attend and showcase the intersection of land, sea and sky in Ocean City in the beautiful month of September.

The family-friendly Ocean City Airport Festival features two new events this year: a performance by Team Fastrax, “America’s Skydiving Team,” and a running race along the length of the 3,000-foot runway at the airport.

The skydiving team will perform at the Airport Festival at approximately 12:20 p.m. They will return on Saturday night at 8 p.m. for a pyrotechnic jump that will light up the sky over the Ocean City Boardwalk with a landing on the beach between Seventh Street and Eighth Street. The team then will deliver the American flag from the sky to open the Aerobatic Air Show at 1 p.m. Sunday with a landing on the beach at 11^th Street.

The new half-mile “Runway Run” is open to all ages and offers a chance for anybody to cover ground normally traversed only by planes. Free registration will be at the informal event, which will begin at 12:45 p.m.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/5/17

Labor Day has passed, and kids are heading back to school. But the warm weather remains, and a full schedule of fall events is just getting started. Ocean City turns its attention to the road for Car Show Weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 8 to 10), then to the sky for Air Show Weekend on Sept. 16 and 17.

Car Show Weekend this year will feature a downtown sock hop on Friday night, the Street Rod Show on Friday and Saturday, a concert by John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on Saturday night (Sept. 9), and the always-popular Boardwalk Corvette Show on Sunday.

The 43rd annual Classic Car and Street Rod Show will feature a display of modified cars 30 years and older. The annual Corvette Show – including models from throughout the history of Corvettes – moves to the same weekend this year and rolls onto the Boardwalk on Sunday. The Corvette Forum recently listed Ocean City’s among the Top 5 Corvette Shows in America.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/29/17

Olympic gymnastics gold medalists Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson will be featured at a Gymnastics Expo on the Ocean City Music Pier on Sept. 16, 2017.

The Expo is open to all young gymnasts and will include a question-and-answer session, tips on skills and an array of vendors. Tickets ($35) are on sale now. There are two sessions from which to choose: 9 a.m. to noon or 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before each session. Tickets ($30) for an exclusive meet-and-greet (that includes a chance to take a photo with the stars and get an autograph) are also available. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by any of the city's welcome centers (City Hall, Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway, Music Pier).

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/22/17

On the second-to-last weekend of the traditional season, the Ocean City Boardwalk Merchants Association will thank customers with a special fireworks display starting at 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26.

Summer once again has flown by, and the fireworks will provide a fitting finale to a night on the boardwalk catching up on all the fun, fashion and food you may have missed earlier in the summer. The show will be launched from a barge stationed off the Ocean City Music Pier. The display will be best viewed from the beach or boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14^th Street.

The fun this week begins on Wednesday (Aug. 23) with the newest installment of Wacky Wednesday. This version of the weekly family event asks participants to use their creativity to shape and sculpt salt water taffy into masterpieces. The contest is free and open to all ages.  It starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier (between Eighth Street and Ninth Street on the Boardwalk). Shriver's Salt Water Taffy and Fudge sponsors the event. For more information, call 609-399-6111.