Events
Keep up-to-date on all OCNJ happenings, which can help your business grow. Read Chamber press releases to learn about the latest OCNJ news and events.
For tickets for upcoming events, check out our Box Office.
King and Queen of Plop set for Sept. 2
Our annual event to welcome the fall season, THE KING AND QUEEN OF PLOP or Mr. Fall Guy and Miss Fall Gal, will be held on Friday, Sept. 2, starting 11 a.m. at the Ninth Street Beach next to the Ocean City Music Pier. Contestants are asked to greet the fall, always a lovely time of year, by plopping dramatically to the sand in SLOW MOTION. Those performing the most dramatic renditions will be crowned the King and Queen of Plop. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Entry is free. Trophies will be awarded to the King and Queen.
This year we are insisting plopping be performed in slow motion. Anyone ignoring this requirement will be disqualified.
We will welcome back Ryan Carroll of Ocean City, the first King of Plop, who won the title in 2007 when he was 11 years old. Ryan will also be a contest judge along with other celebrity judges. The first Queen of Plop was Jaclyn of Voorhees, who was six when she won the title. Now she is a field hockey player who will be practicing and unable to attend.
Celebrity guest ploppers, who will not be competing for prizes, include vocalist Nancy Fox and her Plopping Diva; Suzanne Muldowney, as Shelly the Mermaid, plopping to a slow-motion dance; Mr. Mature America, who will serenade fair damsels causing them to swoon to the sands; Doug Jewell, the Pirate Plopper; and Nurse Perfect, of Martin Z. Mollusk Fame, who will check the blood pressure of contestants, if necessary. For information, call (609) 399-6111.
Little Miss Ocean City and Other Events Scheduled
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/17/16
(Aug. 15-19) WEIRD CONTEST WEEK (Wacky But Not Tacky) continues through Friday. “That’s The Way the Cookie Crumbles!” is scheduled for Wednesday. This unusual contest challenges participants to sculpt something interesting out of a giant 12-inch cookie. There will also be an “Ears Looking at You” Wiggle Your Ears Contest. On Thursday, contestants will be asked to sculpt something artistic out of paper clips. The popular contests conclude on Friday with Miss & Mister Miscellaneous, a talent competition for all ages, plus Little Miss and Little Mister Chaos, which requires boys and girls from 3 to 5 years of age to make as much noise as possible by banging on supplied pots and pans.
All contests start 11 a.m. in the loggia of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Entrance is free. Contests are divided into age groups 5-and-under, 6-8, 9-12, Teens and adults. For information, call (609) 399-6111.
(Aug. 19) The LITTLE MISS OCEAN CITY Pageant will be held starting 7 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Twenty-three young ladies from ages 8 to 11 will compete for the title. Admission is $10. The reigning Little Miss, Sarah Rodriquez, will crown her successor. Contestants will compete in various categories, including talent, poise and a question-and-answer segment. Tickets available at the Music Pier Box Office: (609) 399-6111 or (609) 525-9248.
Baby Parade, Miss Ocean City Pageant, Weird Week and More
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/10/16
One of the season’s premier events, THE 107th ANNUAL OCEAN CITY BABY PARADE, will start at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11. The route is from Sixth Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk. (Children’s entries only exit at 12th Street.) Last-minute registrations are being taken from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sports and Civic Center, 6th and Boardwalk. Judging begins at 3:45 p.m. at the same location.
The Ocean City Baby Parade was originally organized by Leo Bamberger, a Philadelphia photo engraver. The first committee consisted of the Philadelphia Commuters Club members, folks who had homes in both Philly and this family resort. Grace Kelly appeared in the parade and baseball legend Joe DiMaggio was grand marshal in 1983.
Parents create elaborate displays to showcase their children, including replicas of airplanes, boats and huge sea shells. All youngsters who participate receive a trophy. Awards are presented to winners in various categories at the 11th St. Pavilion. Music will be provided by the InterBoro High School Band of Pennsylvania, the colorful Pitman Hobo Band, the Ed Coles Band and the Spotlight Performers of Ocean City Theatre Company. The parade also will include the Crescent Shriners Walking Clown Group.
Boardwalk Art Show and Baby Parade Coming Soon
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/3/16
(Aug. 5-7) Ocean City’s 54th annual BOARDWALK ART SHOW is set for Aug. 5 to 7 from 8th to 13th Streets on the Boardwalk. Admission is free. This is an event where buyers can obtain quality art at reasonable prices. Artwork in the following mediums will be for sale: oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media and photography.
Artists will be displaying their work from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Artists from throughout the country participate in the event. Many offer scenes of Ocean City.
The Arts Center, 17th and Simpson Ave., is featuring abstract mixed media artist, SCOTT TROXELL, in its exhibit hall through August. The event is free and open to the public. Call (609) 399-7628.
The Ocean City Fine Arts League, 608 Asbury Ave. is featuring a display celebrating “SUMMERTIME” through August. Admission to the show is free. Artwork is for sale. Call (609) 814-0308. Open every day.
(Aug. 11) Ocean City’s 107th annual BABY PARADE starts 5 p.m. and goes from 6th to 14th Streets on the Boardwalk. (Children’s entries only exit at 12th St.) There are three Divisions: A - for children in fancy decorated Go-Carts, Strollers; B - Children in comic decorated Go-carts and strollers; C - Small Children’s Floats-measuring more the 3x5 ft. To register, visit the Ocean City Music Pier Information Center or www.ocnj.us/babyparade, or call (609) 399-6111.
All children who participate will receive a small trophy. Additional awards will be given to the best entries in each division. The Parade is a treat for spectators as entries are traditionally elaborate and imaginative. Music will be provided by numerous bands including the lively InterBoro High School Band of Pennsylvania and the always entertaining Pitman Hobo Band of Pitman, New Jersey.
107th Annual Baby Parade Set for August 11
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 7/27/16
This is the time of year when events kind of sneak up on you. Listen carefully. Do you hear the gurgle of babies and the clickety clack of elaborate displays being rolled down the boardwalk? That’s Ocean City’s 107th Annual Baby Parade and it’s two weeks away!
Ocean City is the only place in the nation that has presented a Baby Parade since 1909. The event is for children 10 years and younger, starts at 5 p.m. and goes from 6th to 14th streets on the Boardwalk. (Children entries only will exit at 12th Street.)
There are three Divisions: Div A: for children in fancy decorated Go-Carts, Strollers; Div B: Children in Comic decorated Go-Carts and strollers; Div C: Small Children’s Floats-measuring more than 3x5 ft. To register, visit the Ocean City Music Pier Information Center, access www.ocnj.us/babyparade or call (609) 399-6111. Div D is welcoming floats from area businesses to register.
Celebrity Grand Marshal will be Kaitlin Becker, co-host of Sprout‘s “Sunny Side Up,” the only live morning show for pre-schoolers, broadcast from NBCUniversal’s 30 Rock Studios in New York City. Kaitlin is a former member of Ocean City Theater Company having performed in “Anything Goes,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Hairspray” and other productions.
Philippine Tribute Brings Free Shows to Boardwalk
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 7/20/16
(July 23) Ocean City’s 7th annual Tribute to the Philippines will bring plenty of free boardwalk entertainment to the city on Saturday. Opening ceremonies are set for 10 a.m. in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. This will include a welcome by Mayor Jay Gillian and comments by Consul General Mario DeLeon of the Philippine Consulate in New York.
What follows will be approximately four hours of unique entertainment. The Rowan College FilAm Dancers will kick off the show with their spectacular routines. And I am not exaggerating “spectacular.” These are dances where performers hop between clacking boards to music. Imagine two ten foot 2x3s held by assistants at both ends. When the boards are clacked together the dancers jump out, when they are opened they jump in. Over and over again. It is a spectacle.
Guide to Night in Venice on Saturday
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 7/14/16
PARADE ROUTE: The colorful decorated regatta begins at the Longport Bridge at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16. Boats travel along the bayfront and through lagoons to Tennessee Avenue.
WHERE TO VIEW: Free grandstand seating is available along street ends from Battersea Rd. to 16th St. and also at Tennessee Ave. Get there early. Available on a first come, first served basis. Streets include Battersea, North St., 1st St., 2nd St. Marina, 4th, 6th, 11th, 13th,15th, 16th Sts. and Tennessee Avenue.
Viewing is also available from Bayside Center, 520 Bay Ave. The Good Tymes Band will entertain. Crafts and games for children. Gates open 4:30 p.m. Admission is children under 12, $3, adults, $7. For tickets, call (609) 399-6111; visit www.ocnj.us/boxoffice or stop at the City Hall Welcome Center, 861 Asbury Ave, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No parking available at Bayside Center. Use free shuttle.
Night in Venice Scheduled for July 16
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 7/6/16
Night In Venice is just 10 days away, so now is the time to enter your decorated boat or home in the colorful event if you haven’t already done so. And it’s easy. To register your entry, go to www.ocnj.us/NIV/ or call (609) 399-6111.
There is no entry fee. Home participants must pick up a commemorative mug and mandatory house number sign before the parade. Boat owners receive a free photo of their boat in the parade, a mug and a $50 decorating card.
The boat and home competition is one of the largest events of its kind in the world and one of the few remaining regattas of its kind in the country. It was started in 1954 to celebrate the City’s Diamond Jubilee by Jack Jernee, captain of the lifeguards, and Art Watkins, city publicist. It quickly became one of the city’s signature events, attracting thousands to this family resort.
Fourth of July Events and More
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 6/29/16
(June 29) TWO-TIME TONY NOMINEE TO HEADLINE BROADWAY ON THE OC BOARDWALK An evening of theatrical favorites will come to life as professional members of the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company's (OCTC) 2016 Season join Broadway Star Mary Testa in a salute to Broadway. The event scheduled for 7:30 PM on Wednesday, June 29, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. Ticket prices range from $25-$20 with proceeds benefiting the 501(c)3 Greater Ocean City Theatre Company. For tickets call 609-399-6111 or log onto www.OCNJ.us/boxoffice.
(July 2) The British Invasion rolls into Ocean City to help us enjoy an early start to the holiday. BEATLEMANIA NOW will perform at 7 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Recapture the mood of the legendary Beatles as Beatlemania Now performs live. Also featured in the program are the FIRST LADIES OF ROCK & SOUL, a girls' group of seasoned singers with favorites of the '60s. Their performance will take you back to an era of musical joy. This is a VFW Fundraiser. Tickets are $38 available at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice, (609) 399-6111, (609) 525-9248 or at the Music Pier Box Office.
Antique Autos Return Saturday; Fourth of July Events
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 6/22/16
(JUNE 25) Ocean City’s 66th annual ANTIQUE AUTO SHOW will be held at the Tabernacle Grounds, 6th Street and Asbury Ave., from 9.a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 300 vintage vehicles will be displayed, followed by a Boardwalk Parade. For information, call (609) 399-6111.
(June 27-July 1) A very popular free event, JULY JUBILEE, provides a week of fun contests leading into the Fourth of July Celebration. No registration required. All contests start 11 a.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace.
The contests challenge participants to sculpt something unusual out of the following: Mon. June 27, Saltwater Taffy; Tues. June 28 French Fries; Wed. June 29, “That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles” giant cookies, plus Super Hero and Super Villain Impersonation contests; Thurs. June 30, create artwork using Paper Clips; Fri. July 1, Beadamania, make yourself a bracelet or necklace from beads (non-competitive) supervised by the Potomac Bead Company. Call (609) 399-6111 for information.
JULY 4TH EVENTS: DECORATED BIKE PARADES: Gardens Civic Assn., 10 a.m., free registration 9 a.m. at Longport Bridge Parking Lot; South Ocean City Improvement Assn. free registration starts at 9 a.m., Parade begins at 10 a.m., 40th and Asbury Ave.; STAR SPANGLED SALUTE featuring Ocean City Theatre Co. Spotlight Performers Show Choir, noon, at Mark Soifer Park, corner of 9th and Asbury Ave.; KITE FLYING CONTEST, 9th St. Beach, free, at 6 p.m. sponsored by Air Circus; YO-YO DEMONSTRATION AND CONTEST at 8 p.m.; HULA HOOP CONTEST at 8:30 p.m.
MUSICAL FIREWORKS, 10 p.m. fired from a barge at sea off the Music Pier. For information: 1-800-BEACH-NJ, (609) 399-6111 or www.oceancityvacation.com. TIDAL WAVE BAND will perform in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, one hour prior to the fireworks and one hour after.
Miss NJ Pageant Here Through Saturday
What's Happening 6/15/16
The Miss New Jersey Pageant gets underway in Ocean City on Wednesday, June 15. The Pageant's parade is set for the Boardwalk starting at 7 p.m. from Fifth Street to 14th Street. Contestants will compete in the Pageant with preliminaries (June 16 and 17) and finals Saturday (June 18). All events start at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-866-967-8167 or online at www.missnewjersey.net.
(Until June 16) RESTAURANT WEEK continues in Ocean City. More than 25 restaurants will offer fixed-price menus during the promotion. Some include two meals for one price, others discounted prices. To see a list of restaurants and menus, visit www.eatinocnj.com.
(June 19) Ocean City Pops presents OPENING NIGHT FEATURING DEANA MARTIN, popular entertainer and daughter of Dean Martin. She will sing some of her dad's most popular hits and also celebrate her "Uncle" Frank Sinatra's 100th anniversary by performing many of his greatest songs. The show is 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Ticket $35/$25 at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice, or (609) 399-6111 or Music Pier Box Office (609) 525-9248.
Restaurant Week in Ocean City, Miss NJ Pageant Next
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 6/8/16
(June 10-16) RESTAURANT WEEK: Relax at one of Ocean City's fine restaurants and enjoy an outstanding meal. Choose from participating Ocean City Restaurant members fixed price menus.
Flower Show This Weekend at Music Pier
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 6/2/16
The OCEAN CITY FLOWER SHOW will be staged for the 44th time Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5 at the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Admission is free. This year’s theme is “Island Hopping.” Show hours are 2 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The complete schedule and additional information about the show can be accessed http://gardenclubocnj.wordpress.com.
(June 2) WONDER’S BIRTHDAY BASH at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, 6th and Boardwalk, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The event features a free fireworks display at 9 p.m. All rides 2 tickets. Wonder Bear, the park mascot, will be available all night for photos.
Memorial Day Service May 30 at Veterans Park
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 5/25/2016
Ocean City’s annual Memorial Day Service will be held May 30 at Veterans Memorial Park, Fifth Street and Wesley Avenue, starting at 11 a.m. In the event of rain, the program will be moved across the street to the Ocean City Tabernacle auditorium.
Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) Michael Francis of the Air National Guard, veterans liaison to U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, will be guest speaker. He will talk about numerous assistance programs available to veterans.
( May 27) The colorful BUSINESS PERSONS PLUNGE will be held on Friday at noon at the Ninth Street Beach by the Music Pier. It will be preceded by lifeguards and city officials who will meet there and turn a large wooden key to officially unlock the ocean for the summer season. They also will celebrate Ocean City’s selection as “The Best Beach in America” by Coastal Living magazine.
Next up are several hundred business persons, some in suits toting briefcases, others in clothes that personify their work. The Ocean City High School Band will play “Pomp and Circumstance” as the celebrants march ceremoniously into the water to celebrate the upcoming season. They will be led by John Walton, who leads the event in a spiffy business suit carrying a flag.
You can watch the event from the beach or boardwalk. Take photos. Circulate them on Facebook. The Cumberland Regional Chorus led by Ed Sayre will perform from the loggia of the Music Pier before and after the events. For information, call John Walton (609) 338-7667.
Business Persons Plunge Set for May 27
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 5/18/16
The colorful BUSINESS PERSONS PLUNGE will be held on Friday, May 27, at noon. It will be preceded by lifeguards and city officials gathering on the Ninth Street Beach by the Ocean City Music Pier. Their mission? To officially unlock the ocean for the summer season. This is accomplished by turning a large wooden key in the sand, the reverberations of which destroy any barriers that would keep either fish or bathers from Ocean City waters.
Ocean City is not unique in relying on this ceremony. Atlantic City and other shore communities have also “turned the key” to free their waters. What’s unique is the celebration that follows the key-turning, the colorful Business Persons Plunge.
Picture several hundred enthusiasts, some dressed in formal attire toting briefcases, and others in costumes that personify their work, strutting into the water to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the Ocean City High School Band. They are led by flag-toting Realtor John Walton, who leads the event in a spiffy business suit.
In an exclusive interview with this columnist, Walton stated that this year’s plunge will be bigger than last year’s, which was bigger than the one before that.
Spring Block Party Set For Saturday
(May 14) THE SPRING BLOCK PARTY will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday from 5th to 14th Streets on Asbury Avenue. More than 350 crafters, food vendors, music, free pony rides for children and more. Pony rides at the Ocean City Tabernacle grounds and entertainment at cross streets runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Public Service Booths will be located on 9th Street between Asbury and Central avenues. Event held rain or shine. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
(May 13-14) There will be BOARDWALK AND DOWNTOWN MERCHANT TABLE SALES from 6th to 14th Streets on the Boardwalk and Asbury Ave. (No outside vendors.)
(May 13) A NIGHT OF ROCK ’N ROLL, an oldies concert at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, at 7 p.m., doors open 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the American Legion, the program features “The Brooklyn Bridge” plus 45 RPM, Billy and the Essentials, and the Soul Survivors. Reserved seating tickets are $39 at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice, (609) 399-6111 or at the door. Note: the Music Pier Box Office will be open May 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. selling concert tickets.
Martin Z. Mollusk Day is Saturday
What's Happening 5/4/16
The 42nd annual Martin Z. Mollusk Day will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7 on the Beach adjacent to the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. We have moved the event to a Saturday so that children of school age will be able to attend.
Martin Z. Mollusk was first escorted to the beach on a pizza pie plate by me, Mark Soifer, his spiritual advisor and personal chef in 1974. Mayor B. Thomas Waldman and Commissioner Marilyn Moore jeopardized their reputations by attending the ceremony.
On that historic day, a legend was established. It was that if Martin saw his shadow on the sand, summer would come a week early, much to the joy of bathers and business interests. Martin did see his shadow. And sure enough, summer did arrive early. It has every year since, except for 1987, when Martin saw a partial shadow and the season arrived 3½ days ahead of time.
Martin is no longer conveyed to the beach on a pizza pie plate (although pizza crust is one of his favorite snacks). Over the years, two elaborate thrones have been constructed for the crustacean, the first by Mrs. Joan Maguire and most recently, one by Ray Esterlund. Both are legendary throne designers who donated their services because of their admiration for the celebrated weather prognosticator.
Martin Z. Mollusk Day and Block Party Coming Soon
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 4/27/16
(April 30) CLEAN OCEAN ACTION BEACH SWEEP, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Check in at the Music Pier for clean up supplies. All organizations and families are encouraged to participate in this annual statewide event to help keep our beaches clean and safe and protect our coastal environment. Call (609) 399-6111, xt. 9711.
(April 30) GREAT STRIDES WALK: 10 a.m. registration at the 6th St. Practice Field, off the Boardwalk. 11 a.m. Walk. Great Strides is a family oriented event with a healthy 5K Walk, children’s activities, food and festivities. The walk benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is its largest national fundraiser. For information, call (610) 325-6001.
(May 2-31) The Ocean City Arts Center, 17th and Simpson Ave., presents a unique exhibit, BOARDWALK CATS, the work of Sarah Mooney- Tronco. A resident of Absecon, she was inspired to create the “Boardwalk Cats” series after observing cats that live under the Boardwalk in Atlantic City. The paintings show cats living their lives like humans. They fly kites, read books, play video games and more. “The acrylic paintings are full of bright saturated colors, with themes both playful and personal. While cats are the stars of the art, other animals such as snakes and dogs are featured,” notes Rosalyn Lifshin, Art Center Director.
Martin Z. Mollusk Day on the Horizon
What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 4/20/16
Weather prognosticators and vacationers alike experience a tinge of excitement as Martin Z. Mollusk Day on May 7 nears. Will the city’s relatively famous hermit crab see his shadow, thus assuring the populace that summer will arrive one week early?
Born along the Great Zambezi River in Africa, Martin was deserted at an early age. Forced to fend for himself, Martin adopted the surname “Mollusk” from a sign he noticed on a passing commercial boat that read “Mollusks for Sale, $1.99.” The “Z” stands for Zambezi, the river that coddled him. He selected the name Martin because it goes well with Mollusk.
In his teens, he stowed away on a “red eye flight” to Tepid Swamp, Louisiana where he attended Tepid Tech, a school noted for environmental studies. There he majored in “Weather Prognostication.” Upon graduating Magna Cum Summer, he answered Ocean City’s classified ad for a weather prognosticator, and the rest is history.
31st Doo Dah Parade Set For Saturday 4/13/16
Ocean City’s 31st annual DOO DAH PARADE is Saturday, April 16, starting at noon at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. The colorful march goes from 6th to 12th St. on Asbury turns to the Boardwalk and ends at the Music Pier. There the annual PieAsco is held.
The Parade features the music of the Pitman Hobo Band, Atlantic City Bagpipe Band, two Dixieland Bands and other musical units. There will be group and individual entries including the Ghost Busters, a ladies skating contingent, clowns, a group of German Shepherds, radio stations and much more.
Entry in the Parade is free. Call (609) 399-6111, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit ocnj.us/doo-dah-parade. All entrants receive a free Doo Dah T-Shirt from Dietz and Watson. To register a basset hound for the Waddle, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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