Events

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 3/9/22

Ocean City Kicks Off Season With Market Madness
Tickets on Sale for Jackie Evancho and Katherine Jenkins With Pops

Boardwalk and Downtown merchants in Ocean City will give shoppers a summer preview during the one-day Market Madness event on Saturday, March 12 at the Ocean City Music Pier.

The one-day sale will bring together 40 different vendors under one roof and provide discounts on favorite local merchandise, goods and attractions. Hours for the event are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food and drink will be available a la carte, and parking will be free in municipal lots adjacent to the boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street.

Ocean City's Boardwalk Merchants Association and Downtown Merchants Association created the new event in 2020 as an early-season attraction, and it was not held last year due to the pandemic.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 3/2/22

Sports Memorabilia Show to Feature Charlie Manuel and Seth Joyner
The annual event is scheduled for April 30 at the Music Pier

Former Philadelphia Phillies Coach Charlie Manuel and former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Seth Joyner will be part of the fourth annual Sports Memorabilia Show on April 30 at the Ocean City Music Pier. They will greet fans and lead Q&A sessions.

Manuel managed the Phillies from 2005 to 2013 and led the team to a World Series title in 2008 and five consecutive National League East titles from 2007 to 2011. He has been a player and coach in Major League Baseball for more than 40 years. Joyner was a Pro Bowl linebacker and fan favorite with the Eagles during a career that extended in Philadelphia from 1986 to 1993 and continued with the Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos.

Vendors with merchandise and collector’s items representing a variety of sports and teams will be on display and for sale at the show. Save the date and check back for more detail on how to purchase tickets for meet-and-greets with Manuel and Joyner. Vendors interested in participating in event can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.ocnj.us/sportsshow for more information.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 2/23/22

Gordon Lightfoot to Perform in 2022 Summer Concert Series - Ticket Sales Open on Thursday, Feb. 24
Ocean City announced Monday that Gordon Lightfoot will perform concert on July 18 as part of the 28th season of the Music Pier Summer Concert Series. Tickets go on sale Thursday (Feb. 24) with a special presale on Wednesday (Feb. 23).

The legendary singer-songwriter’s catalog includes classics like “Early Morning Rain,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Carefree Highway,” Sundown,” “(That’s What You Get) for Lovin’ Me,” “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “Canadian Railroad Trilogy,” “Ribbon of Darkness,” “Beautiful,” “Song for a Winter’s Night” and “Rainy Day People.”

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 2/16/22

Mr. Mature America Seeks Contestants for 2022 Pageant - Environmental Fun Day Set for This Saturday

Entries are open for contestants in the Mr. Mature America Pageant on April 9, 2022.

Mr. Mature celebrates the achievements of men 55 years and older. The pageant, now in its eighth year, mixes talent, good looks and self-deprecating humor. The Ocean City Music Pier crowd is raucous and appreciative as the contestants ham it up on stage, competing in talent, poise and interview segments.

If you have what it takes to be the world’s next “Mr. Mature” (or if you can talk somebody into it), complete the online entry form available at ocnj.us/mrmature or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Deadline for sign-ups is March 10.

The event is the first and only pageant of its kind in the United States. Ocean City’s Jack Merritt has held the crown since 2019, the last time the pageant was able to be held.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 2/9/22

‘Market Madness’ Returns to Ocean City on March 12

After a successful debut in 2020, the Market Madness event will return to Ocean City on Saturday, March 12.

Boardwalk and Downtown merchants in Ocean City will team up to put on a one-day sale 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. The event includes discounts on favorite local merchandise, goods and attractions from 40 different vendors. Food and drink will be available a la carte.

Ocean City's Boardwalk Merchants Association and Downtown Merchants Association created the new event in 2020 as an early-season attraction, giving shoppers a summer preview, and it was not held live last year due to the pandemic

Parking will be free in municipal lots adjacent to the boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 2/2/22

Health & Wellness Expo in June to Feature Vegan Bodybuilder

The Ocean City Health & Wellness Expo will return on June 18, 2022 and feature a special appearance by Robert Cheeke, an athlete and advocate for plant-based diets.

The Expo was launched in 2019 by the Ocean City Healthy Living Advisory Council but was not held in 2020 or 2021. The free event includes health food, fitness classes, speakers, vendors and more. It is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at the Ocean City Music Pier.

Cheeke will be the guest speaker for a featured presentation at noon on the day of the event. He grew up on a farm in Corvallis, Oregon, where he adopted a vegan lifestyle in 1995 at age 15 – when he weighed just 120 pounds. Today, he is the author of the books, “Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness, Shred It!,” “Plant-Based Muscle” and the New York Times bestseller “The Plant-Based Athlete.” He is often referred to as the “Godfather of Vegan Bodybuilding,” and he helped grow the industry from its infancy in 2002 to where it is today.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 1/26/22

Ocean City Pops to Perform Free Concerts for Fourth of July - The concerts are set for July 3 and July 4 in 2022

The concerts are set for July 3 and July 4 in 2022 

After a successful debut at Carey Stadium last summer, the Ocean City Pops will return to the venue with two free outdoor concerts to celebrate the Fourth of July in 2022.

The legendary local orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday on July 3 and July 4 this year. The Carey Stadium concert in 2021 was a first for the Ocean City Pops, and it gave people of all ages a chance to hear what a true local resource we have here in town.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 1/19/2022

Tickets on Sale for 2022 Summer Concert Series at Music Pier

The 28th season of the Ocean City Music Pier Summer Concert Series is starting to take shape, and tickets are on sale now for three different shows in 2022.

The series kicks off this year with a special pre-summer show featuring Janis Ian on her “Final Tour.” The legendary singer-songwriter just released a new album titled “The Light at the End of the Line.” The show will be on Friday, May 6, and will feature special guests including Tom Chapin and Livingston Taylor. Ian reflected on her 50-year career in a New York Times story published on Monday. Ian first became famous with hits like “Society’s Child” and “At Seventeen.”

Two summer shows now on sale include Killer Queen on July 11 and the Happy Together Tour 2022 on August 1.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 1/12/22

Ocean City to Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - The annual ceremony and a Day of Service will be on Jan. 17 

Ocean City will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.  The ceremony will start at 12 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. 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 by the Rev. Gregory Johnson. The event will be followed by a complimentary soul food buffet luncheon in the Music Pier solarium.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 1/5/22

Ocean City Announces 2022 Calendar of Events
Save the Dates for All Your Favorites 

Ocean City greeted the new year in style with spectacular First Night and First Day celebrations, and the city is planning a full calendar of special events for 2022.

It’s not too early to start planning for family fun in the new 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. 17. The event will start at noon and move to the Ocean City Music Pier this year.

The spring season opens with Girls Weekend from April 1 to April 3, and the OC Con Comic Book and Memorabilia Show on April 2.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/29/21

Celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Ocean City

Ocean City’s popular First Night will return for the 29^th time this year, and a full lineup of entertainment and activities remains on schedule for the Dec. 31 celebration.

First Night offers more than 70 entertainment programs at 20 different venues throughout town. The lineup includes something 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 First Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean.

The headliner for First Night 2022 is the Grammy-winning group Tavares. Top hits from Tavares include “It Only Takes a Minute," "Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel,” "Don't Take Away the Music” and "More Than a Woman." The kids will love Grammy-winning children’s artist Tim Kubart, who will be joined on stage for an interactive show by his band, the Space Cadets.

The rides at Wonderland Pier will return this year, and other returning favorites include the ice-skating rink, inflatables, the Harlem Wizards, a karaoke party, magician Chad Juros, a Country Line Dance Experience and the Legacy Band.

The Ocean City Arts Center will join the fun this year with a social music listening activity called “Hear Here!” That will make the Ocean City Community Center a special for activities with events under the same roof at the Free Public Library, Aquatic & Fitness Center, Historical Museum, Library Atrium and the Senior Center.

Here’s our guide to how to enjoy First Night and First Day in Ocean City.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/15/21

Admission Buttons on Sale for 2022 First Night - Celebrate New Year’s Eve With the Entire Family

It’s not too early to think about making plans for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve in Ocean City. The popular non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve celebration features more than 70 entertainment programs at 20 different locations in Ocean City from 4 p.m. till 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31. A fireworks display rings in the New Year at midnight.

All-inclusive admission buttons for Ocean City’s First Night celebration are on sale for $20. Purchase them online at firstnightocnj.com or by calling 609-399-6111. They are also available for purchase:

• At our City Hall Welcome Center at 861 Asbury Avenue (9th Street entrance): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• At the Roy Gillian Welcome Center (9th Street causeway): 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/1/21

Christmas Parade Returns on Friday Evening - Train Show at the Music Pier Highlights the Weekend

Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade travels down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. 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 will feature more than 60 entries, including the Ocean City High School Marching Band, the Pleasantville High School Marching Band, and the Absegami High School Marching Braves. Characters from “Frozen” will have their own float. Two cold-air balloons – the Nutcracker and an elf – will be part of the fun. The Upper Township Elementary and Middle School Choir will be part of the parade and sing in front of City Hall at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue after the event.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ  11/24/21

Ocean City Pops Orchestra Performs Special Holiday Show on Saturday

Ocean City’s small-town version of “Black Friday” takes place on Friday, Nov. 26. The Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” – goes from noon to 5 p.m. The event will feature carolers and performers along downtown Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 14th 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 noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Santa will visit with children 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue). Entertainment and Christmas carols will begin at 4 p.m. on the steps of City Hall at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue. The Ocean City Theatre Company Show Choir will perform.

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 Christmas Tree and illuminate City Hall.

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

Downtown ‘Earlier Than the Bird’ Celebration Set for Saturday

Tickets on sale for 2022 Summer Concert Series Show

The early forecast calls for clear weather on Saturday – ideal conditions to kick off the holiday season along downtown Asbury Avenue. In Ocean City, that means shopping in your pajamas for the Earlier Than the Bird celebration.

The annual downtown shopping extravaganza takes place 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 20 – the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Anybody (pajama-clad or not) can take advantage of early-bird shopping specials at stores on Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 14^th Street. But free turkeys will be awarded to the best-dressed, and shoppers can text in to win gift certificates and prizes from downtown merchants. Free coffee will be available at Jon & Patty’s (637 Asbury Avenue) and Ocean City Coffee Company (917 Asbury Avenue). Shoppers also can enjoy a free standard doughnut at Drip ’N’ Scoop (960 Asbury Avenue).

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/10/21

Ocean City Welcomes Holidays With Winterfest by the Sea

Annual Veterans Day Ceremony Is Set for 11 a.m. Thursday

Lights and seasonal decorations are going up throughout Ocean City this week as the city gets into the spirit of the holidays.

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce will welcome the season with the second annual Winterfest by the Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. The event will takes place inside the Ocean City Civic Center (Sixth Street and Boardwalk) this year. Winterfest features fine hand-crafted items and specialty food gifts for sale, along with activities for kids, including visits from Santa Claus and the Grinch.

Free parking will be available in the adjacent municipal parking lot (entrance on Fifth Street).  For more information, call 609-399-1412.

 Ocean City’s annual Veterans Day ceremony will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park (between Fifth Street and Sixth Street on Wesley Avenue). The ceremony will include music, remarks, prayer and the placing of a memorial wreath. For more information, call 609-399-6111.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OCEAN CITY 11/3/21

Trail of Two Cities 5K and ‘Addams Family’ Coming Up

The Trail of Two Cities 5-kilometer run/walk will be held for the 25th time on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. 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 400 to sign up. Online registration is at www.ocnj.us/race-events, and 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.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/27/21

Parade, Trick-or-Treating and More Halloween Events in Ocean City

Ocean City’s Annual Welcome Night is Set for Wednesday Oct. 27

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Welcome Night 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 at the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center at Sixth Street and Boardwalk. The free event offers residents a chance to meet and learn about Ocean City groups, businesses and organizations. Welcome Night is free to all attendees.  For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ. 

Ocean City's Halloween Parade

Ocean City’s 73^rd annual Halloween Parade returns on Thursday (Oct. 28) and promises a great time for all. 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.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/20/21

Boardwalk to Host Dog Day and Howl-O-Ween Parade
Ocean City’s Halloween Events Continue Through Oct. 31

The dogs will get their day at a new event on the Ocean City Boardwalk on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Dog Day and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s Howl-O-Ween Parade will invite dogs and their owners to enjoy a day of fun on the Boardwalk, where pets are prohibited during the rest of the year.

Leashed dogs will be permitted on the Boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 23, and activities will include dog-specific vendors at the Ocean City Music Pier, photo-op stations and the Humane Society’s announcement of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year.” The event will allow owners to shop for dog treats, order custom engraved dog tags, shoot photos with Santa and much more.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OCEAN CITY 10/13/21

Porsche Show and HERO Walk Highlight Weekend in Ocean City

The Ocean City Boardwalk will be host to two major events this weekend: The Porsche Boardwalk Reunion on Saturday and the HERO Walk on Sunday.

More than 350 Porsches of all models from 1954 to 2021 will be on display on the Ocean City Boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14^th Street from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, as part of the Porsche Boardwalk Reunion. The Ocean City Music Pier will be host to various free tech sessions on Porsche-related topics. For more information, visit www.boardwalkreunion.org.