Events

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 1/23/19

Registration Now Open for Participants in Both Events

Barbara Eden will be grand marshal for the 2019 Doo Dah Parade in Ocean City on April 13 and return that night to emcee the Mr. Mature America Pageant.

Eden is one of America’s most endearing and enduring stars. Her iconic “I Dream of Jeannie” television series launched in 1965 and became an instant hit. The network series ran for five seasons (139 episodes) and has been airing on cable and in syndication for more than five decades. Her recently published memoir, “Jeannie Out of the Bottle,” became a New York Times bestseller. The autobiography chronicle’s Eden’s colorful life and remarkable Hollywood career. She remains busy, appearing in a kaleidoscope of professional and personal activities. Her talent and charm will be a perfect fit for Ocean City’s pageant, which mixes self-deprecating humor with nostalgia and talent in a tribute to men ages 55 and older. Eden will host the sixth annual event and conduct on-stage interviews with contestants.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 1/16/19

Ocean City will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at two different events on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019: the Day of Service and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony and Soul Food Dinner.

The ceremony, a long tradition in Ocean City, moves this year from its customary date on the Saturday before to the Monday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 21. It will be held at noon at the Hughes Performing Arts Center of Ocean City High School.

The ceremony brings the community together to remember King through words, song and dance. After the program, everybody is invited to a free soul food dinner in the high school cafeteria. The Rev. Gregory Johnson of Shiloh Baptist Church will bring back one of the event’s traditional highlights -- his recitation of Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

Dr. Beverly Vaughn and the Freedom Singers from Stockton University will perform. The Rev. Marcia Sanford of Macedonia Methodist Church and the Rev. Stephen Connor of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will give a scripture readings.

Ocean City resident Sally Onesty will be honored with the Martin Luther King Award for her support of individuals and families battling the effects of addiction. Ocean City Intermediate School 8^th-grader Ethan Meron and 7^th-grader James Burke will be honored for their winning essays reflecting on the lasting impact of Dr. King.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 1/9/19

Summer Concert Series Adds the Allman Betts Band

Ocean City will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at two different events on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019: the Day of Service and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony and Soul Food Dinner.

The ceremony, a long tradition in Ocean City, moves this year from its customary date on the Saturday before to the Monday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 21. It will be held at noon at the Hughes Performing Arts Center of Ocean City High School.

The ceremony brings the community together to remember King through words, song and dance. After the program, everybody is invited to a free soul food dinner in the high school cafeteria. The Rev. Gregory Johnson of Shiloh Baptist Church will bring back one of the event’s traditional highlights -- his recitation of Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

The Rev. Marcia Sanford of Macedonia Methodist Church and the Rev. Stephen Connor of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will give a scripture readings. Ocean City resident Sally Onesty will be honored with the Martin Luther King Award for her support of individuals and families battling the effects of addiction. Students from grades 7 and 8 at the Ocean City Intermediate School will be honored for their winning essays.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 1/9/19

Summer Concert Series Adds the Allman Betts Band

Ocean City will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at two different events on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019: the Day of Service and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony and Soul Food Dinner.

The ceremony, a long tradition in Ocean City, moves this year from its customary date on the Saturday before to the Monday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 21. It will be held at noon at the Hughes Performing Arts Center of Ocean City High School.

The ceremony brings the community together to remember King through words, song and dance. After the program, everybody is invited to a free soul food dinner in the high school cafeteria. The Rev. Gregory Johnson of Shiloh Baptist Church will bring back one of the event’s traditional highlights -- his recitation of Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

The Rev. Marcia Sanford of Macedonia Methodist Church and the Rev. Stephen Connor of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will give a scripture readings. Ocean City resident Sally Onesty will be honored with the Martin Luther King Award for her support of individuals and families battling the effects of addiction. Students from grades 7 and 8 at the Ocean City Intermediate School will be honored for their winning essays.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 1/2/19

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 2019.

• March 30: The SPORTS MEMORABILIA SHOW returns for a second year at the Ocean City Music Pier.
• April 5 to 7: Downtown Asbury Avenue welcomes another GIRLS WEEKEND.
• April 6 to 7: The OC-CON COMIC BOOK and MEMORABILIA SHOW moves back to April this year.
• April 13: Humor and nostalgia join forces again as the DOO DAH PARADE and MR. MATURE PAGEANT go off on a Saturday afternoon and evening.
• April 13 and 20: Easter falls on April 21 this year and the GREAT EGG HUNTS on the beach are set for two weekends.
• May 4: The SPRING BLOCK PARTY takes place on its traditional date on the first Saturday of May.
• May 11: Come find out if summer is coming early at MARTIN Z. MOLLUSK DAY.
• May 24: An early Memorial Day Weekend starts with the UNLOCKING OF THE OCEAN AND BUSINESS PERSONS PLUNGE.
• June 12-15: The MISS NEW JERSEY PAGEANT returns to the Ocean City Music Pier.
• July 13: Mark your calendars for the highlight of the summer, NIGHT IN VENICE.
• August 8: The 110^th annual BABY PARADE travels the Ocean City Boardwalk.
• Sept. 14-15: The OCEAN CITY AIRPORT FESTIVAL and the BOARDWALK AEROBATIC AIRSHOW will be joined again by an evening PARACHUTE PYROTECHNIC SHOW.
• Sept. 29: Start training now for the OCNJ HALF MARATHON.
• Oct. 12: The FALL BLOCK PARTY includes and evening fireworks display over the boardwalk.
• Dec. 31: No mystery to the date of Ocean City’s family-friendly FIRST NIGHT New Year’s Eve celebration.

A more complete schedule is available at www.ocnj.us/Events2019.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/26/18
The Spinners and Other Great Entertainment Highlight Lineup

The legendary Spinners will perform Grammy-nominated hits like “Working My Way Back to You” and “The Rubberband Man” in three shows at the Ocean City Music Pier. The Fabulous Greaseband will get the crowd dancing with three shows of their own at the Ocean City Civic Center. Families can swim at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, ice-skate on an outdoor rink, or skateboard at Ocean City’s new park while a DJ spins tunes.

These are just a few of the 30 different shows and activities at 22 venues throughout town as Ocean City marks the 27th anniversary of its popular family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration this year on Dec. 31, 2018. The lineup includes entertainment to satisfy every taste and age group. A spectacular fireworks display will cap off the evening of fun and ring in the new year at midnight.

All-inclusive admission buttons are on sale now and available at firstnightocnj.com and at locations throughout town.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/19/18

Admission Buttons for the Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve on Sale Now

Ocean City marks the 27th anniversary of its popular family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration this year, and as many as 10,000 are expected to attend. First Night offers more than 70 opportunities to catch more than 30 different shows and activities at 22 venues throughout town. The lineup includes

entertainment to satisfy every taste and age group. A fireworks display rings in the new year at midnight. The fun continues on New Year’s Day with a 5-kilometer run on the boardwalk and the wildly popular First Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean.

WHEN: First Night events run 4 p.m. to midnight on Monday, Dec. 31. The First Day 5K starts at 1 p.m. and the First Plunge goes off at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019.

ADMISSION BUTTONS: Buttons ($20) are good for all events. Children age 2 and under are free. They are on sale now.

• Online: Visit firstnightocnj.com.
• By phone: Call 609-399-6111.
• In person: Buttons can be purchased at the Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway, at City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue) and at the 46^th Street Welcome Center (46^th and West).

Pickup at will-call will be available daily at the City Hall Welcome Center (Ninth Street entrance). On New Year's Eve, City Hall will-call will be open until 9 p.m. (First Night will not use the Stainton's location this year.)

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/12/18
Admission Buttons for Family-Friendly First Night on Sale Now

The Ocean City Theatre Company opened a five-show run of the beloved musical “Annie” with two great performances this weekend, and tickets are on sale for three more shows on the Ocean City Music Pier on Friday and Saturday.

The original Broadway production of “Annie” won seven 1977 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score. It ran for 2,377 performances and has subsequently been produced all over the world. The original production is one of the 20 longest-running shows in Broadway history, and after more than four decades, it continues to be one of the most successful musicals on stage. 



With music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meehan, “Annie” is directed by Shannon Agnew, choreographed by Elizabeth Worley and music-directed by Erin Whitcomb. The show will feature local youth, as well as a cast of professional actors from New York City. Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever-optimistic “Tomorrow,” the show is perfect for the holiday season.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/5/18

Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade travels down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. Lights, garland, wreaths and bows adorn “The Avenue” for the season, and the parade will bring a variety of bands, floats and other entries to add 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 at Sixth Street and proceeds to 11^th Street.

This year’s parade features the Ocean City High School Band, Pitman High School Band, Mainland Regional High School Band and the Pennsport String Band. Miss New Jersey Jaime Gialloreto will participate. The cast of Ocean City Theatre Company’s “Annie” also will join the lineup, singing selections from the popular musical. Mays Landing Dance Works, Starstruck Dance Academy and the Ocean City Junior Raiders Cheer squad also will provide entertainment. 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.

As part of the annual tradition, Santa Claus provides a finale to the parade, greeting boys and girls by horse-and-carriage.

For more information, call 609-399-6111.

What's Happening in OCNJ 12/28/18

FIRST NIGHT BUTTONS DISCOUNT ENDS FRIDAY

All-inclusive admission buttons for Ocean City’s popular and family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve celebration are on sale now, and a $5 discount on the purchase price ends on Nov. 30. The price is $15 through Friday and goes up to $20 on Saturday, Dec. 1. The buttons are good for more than 70 shows and activities at venues throughout Ocean City. If you’re planning to attend with your whole family, you can save big by acting this week.

They can be purchased online at www.firstnightocnj.com or by calling 609-399-6111. They’re also available at the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Ninth Street causeway, City Hall’s Welcome Center at 861 Asbury Avenue or the Welcome Center at 46th Street and West Avenue.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/20/18

Tickets Still Available for Jackie Evancho Holiday Show on Saturday

Ocean City’s small-town version of “Black Friday” takes place on Friday, Nov. 23. The Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” – goes from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be a 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. Singer Jackie Evancho will perform a song as a preview of her show on Saturday. 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 shopping discounts will continue on Nov. 24 as downtown merchants celebrate Small Business Saturday.

What's Happening in OCNJ 11/14/18

All Invited to Community Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 20

Ocean City’s holiday celebrations begin “Earlier Than the Bird” on Saturday, Nov. 17. The annual

downtown shopping extravaganza takes place 8 a.m. to noon on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Jump-start your holiday shopping and shop in your pajamas for early-bird shopping specials at stores on Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 11^th Street.

Free coffee will be available at Jon & Patty’s (637 Asbury Ave.), Ocean City Coffee Company (917 Asbury Ave.) and Starbucks (1061 Asbury Ave.). Enjoy a free standard doughnut at Drip N’ Scoop (960 Asbury Ave.). Free turkeys will be awarded to the best-dressed. Register while you shop for chances to win up to $150 in gift certificates and prizes. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ or visit facebook/downtownOCNJ.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/7/18
First Night Admission Buttons on Sale at a Discount

Ocean City’s annual Veterans Day ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12 at the Ocean City Tabernacle (550 Wesley Avenue). The event honors all the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Ocean City’s ceremony is always well-attended and will include music, remarks, prayer and the placing of a memorial wreath. Ocean City’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion posts sponsor and participate in the event. This year’s keynote speaker is Thy Nguyen Cavagnaro. Thy came to the U.S. in 1975 after Saigon fell at the end of the Vietnam War. She has been inspired to do more for the Vietnam veterans who helped her.

Carrie Merritt’s first-grade class from Ocean City Primary School will make a presentation, and American Sign Language classes from Ocean City High School will sign the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/31/18
Tickets Still Available for Nov. 24 Jackie Evancho Holiday Concert

The Trail of Two Cities 5-kilometer run/walk will be held for the 23rd time on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. The popular 5K (3.1-mile) race offers spectacular views over the length of a point-to-point course from Ocean City to Somers Point. The route travels the length of the Route 52 causeway in the lanes usually reserved for cars.

Registration is open and long-sleeved race T-shirts are guaranteed for the first 500 to sign up. Pre-registration fee is $25, and participants can sign up online until Oct. 31 at www.ocnj.us/race-events.

Race-day registration runs at 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the Ocean City Transportation Center (10th Street and Haven Avenue in Ocean City). The race starts there at 8 a.m. and finishes at Kennedy Park in Somers Point.

Buses will be available at the finish line in Somers Point to transport runners to the start in Ocean City before the race from 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Buses also will be available transport runners back to Ocean City from Somers Point after the race. The awards ceremonies will be held at JFK Park after all participants have completed the course.

What's Happening in Ocean City 10/24/18
Admission Buttons on Sale Now for First Night 2019

Ocean City rolls into late October on Thursday (Oct. 25) with its 71^st 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. Thursday and proceeds down Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 11th Street.

The event is sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. Watching the parade is, of course, free – with great spots to catch all the action from either side of downtown Asbury Avenue. Late registration for participants in the parade will be available at a table staffed from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on parade night at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue in front of GG’s Diamond Tailor Shop. For more information, call 800-813-5580 or visit ochp.blogspot.com.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/17/18

The Ocean City Boardwalk will be host to two major events this weekend – one a local tradition and the other a first-time event for Ocean City.

The John R. Elliott HERO Walk and 5K Run on the Ocean City Boardwalk will take place on Sunday, October 21. A professionally timed 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) run begins at 9:30 a.m. and the HERO Walk starts at 11 a.m. Hero ceremonies are at 10:30 a.m. The event raises awareness of the importance of sober designated drivers. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk. For more information, visit www.HeroWalkRun.org or call 609-626-3880 or 609-233-4787.

Vintage (1948-1965) 356 series Porsche owners will roll into town this week for their “East Coast Holiday.” This is the first time Ocean City has been host to the event, and the public will have three opportunities to see these classic cars on display.

From 8 a.m. to noon Friday (Oct. 19) in the boardwalk parking lot at Fifth Street, owners will participate in a unique autocross event, in which the drivers are blindfolded and guided through a low-speed course by fast-talking navigators. At 5 p.m. Friday, the Porsches will “promenade” down the boardwalk from 14th Street to Sixth Street.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/10/18
Fire Department Moves Its Community Open House to Friday

Ocean City restaurateurs will be cooking up their favorite recipes for the third annual Chili Chowder Fest 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 at the Ocean City Music Pier. The feast features a wide variety of chilis and chowders and is set up under the roof of the Music Pier loggia with great ocean views. A DJ and kids’ activities will add to the fun.

For the second year in a row, Ocean City firefighters will have their own Chili Cook Off with proceeds benefitting the Ocean City Fire Foundation.

Admission ($15 for adults and $5 for children) is good for unlimited samples. Wrist bands can be purchased at the door or in advance at Randazzo’s, Varsity Inn, Johnny B. Goode Ice Cream Parlor (weekends only) or at any of Ocean City’s fire stations. For more information, visit eatinocnj.com.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/3/18
Indian Summer Weekend Is an Annual Highlight in Ocean City

A stretch of clear 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. 6. The Block Party helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City for Columbus Day Weekend. The event runs rain or shine 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. Just a few of the perennial favorites include the Tidal Wave Band (at 10^th Street) and the Pennsport String Band (at 13^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 9/26/18

Ocean City Hosts MS City to Shore Ride and OCNJ Half Marathon

Thousands of bicyclists and runners will descend upon Ocean City this weekend for two annual traditions: the MS City to Shore Ride on Saturday and the OCNJ Half Marathon on Sunday.

With 7,000 cyclists raising $5.6 million, the MS City to Shore Ride boasts that it is the best cycling experience on the East Coast. The ride will end in Ocean City on Saturday, Sept. 29. The annual bicycle trek begins in Cherry Hill and finishes at the parking lot at Fifth Street and Boardwalk with many of the riders staying overnight and returning the next day. The event is a fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Motorists should expect delays along a route that travels from the Route 52 causeway to Bay Avenue to Fifth Street.

For more information, call 800-445-BIKE or visit www.mscycling.org.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/19/18

More than 450 Corvettes will take over the Ocean City Boardwalk on Sunday, Sept. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual Corvette Show includes a range of models dating back to Corvette’s first in 1953 and extending to the present.

The show is one of the largest on the East Coast, and the line of vehicles will cover the boardwalk from Sixth Street to 14^th Street. Due to the popularity of the event, it is now closed to new registrations.

An awards ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. in front of the Ocean City Music Pier (between Eighth Street and Ninth Street). The Ocean City Humane Society also will have a display in front of the Music Pier. Volunteers will be selling items and collecting donations to support the award-winning "no-kill" shelter.