Events

2020 Guide to First Night and First Day in Ocean City

WHAT: Ocean City marks the 28th 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 35 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 Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019. The First Day 5K starts at 1 p.m. and the First Plunge goes off at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020.

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 Ocean City Music Pier Welcome Center (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace).

Pickup at will-call will be available daily at the City Hall Welcome Center (Ninth Street entrance). Button sales and will-call pickup will be at the City Hall Welcome Center until 9 p.m. Dec. 31. Button sales and will-call pickup will move to the Music Pier Welcome Center from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 31.

What's Happening in OCNJ 12/17/19

Ocean City will continue to roll out the red carpet for residents and visitors with a variety of events through Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Ocean City Theatre Company will give three more performances of "Lights, Camera Christmas: the 2019 Holiday Spectacular" at the Ocean City Music Pier. Purchase at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111, or in-person at the City Hall Welcome Center (9th Street and Asbury Avenue) or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center (on the causeway leading to Ninth Street).

Saturday and Sunday will provide the last opportunities for children to visit with Santa Claus before he heads back to the North Pole to get ready for the big day. He will meet with families during Breakfast With Santa 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at these restaurants: 

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/11/19

Life Saving Station to Host Events on the Wreck of the Sindia

The Ocean City Music Pier stage will light up with the sights and sounds of the season as the Ocean City Theatre Company gives five performances of “Lights, Camera Christmas: the 2019 Holiday Spectacular” over the next two weekends. Tickets are on sale now for the annual holiday show.

The cast of professional singers and dancers will present a family–oriented, song-and-dance tribute to the holidays, directed and choreographed by Elizabeth Worley, Brendan Maly and Michael Hartman. Through dazzling costumes, familiar songs, special guests, toe-tapping numbers and special effects, this extravaganza will kindle the holiday spirit. Performances will be:

• 7:30 pm Friday, Dec. 13
• 2:00 pm Saturday, Dec. 14
• 7:30 pm Friday, Dec. 20
• 7:30 pm Saturday, Dec 21
• 2 pm Sunday, Dec 22

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 12/4/19

Full Schedule of Holiday Events Continues Throughout December

Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade travels down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. 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 65 entries, including the Ocean City High School Band, the Interboro Middle and High School Band, the Pitman High School Band, Absegami High School Band and Wildwood Middle School and High School Band. More than 80 singers from the Upper Township School District, the state champion Ocean City High School girls’ soccer team, 2019 Ocean City Citizen of the Year Carrie Merritt and the casts of Ocean City Theater Company’s “2019 Holiday Spectacular” and “Frozen Jr” will participate. At least five dance schools will compete in the “Dancin’ Through the Downtown” competition. Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Ocean City all will be on hand.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/27/19

Ocean City Pops Perform Special Holiday Show on Saturday

Ocean City’s small-town version of “Black Friday” takes place on Friday, Nov. 29. The Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” – goes from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature carolers and performers along 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 Ocean City Theatre Company Show Choir will perform, and the Phillie Phanatic will be on hand to greet fans.

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. After the illumination, Santa will be available to meet with children.

 What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/20/19

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. 23 – 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 11^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), Ocean City Coffee Company (917 Asbury Avenue) and Starbucks (1061 Asbury Avenue). Shoppers also can enjoy a free standard doughnut at Drip ’N’ Scoop (960 Asbury Avenue).

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/13/19

A Full Slate of Events Starts ‘Earlier Than the Bird’

Downtown Asbury Avenue is decorated for the holidays, and a full schedule of special events is coming up quickly.

The celebrations in Ocean City begin “Earlier Than the Bird” on Saturday, Nov. 23. 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 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), Ocean City Coffee Company (917 Asbury Avenue) and Starbucks (1061 Asbury Avenue). Shoppers also can enjoy a free standard doughnut at Drip ’N’ Scoop (960 Asbury Avenue).

Free horse-and-carriage rides will be available starting on the weekend of Nov. 23 and 24. Ride the downtown the old-fashioned way noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Board in front of City Hall at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 11/6/19

Ocean City Preparing for Full Slate of Holiday Events

Ocean City’s annual Veterans Day ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11 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 E-4 Lance Corporal Rickey R. Arce. He joined the Marines just out of high school and fought the Taliban in Afghanistan during a deployment in 2009-2010. After returning to the U.S. and leaving active duty, Arce faced new battles against mental health symptoms. He is now committed to sobriety and addressing his health through therapy and support group meetings.

Ocean City Primary School students will make remarks, and American Sign Language classes from Ocean City High School will sign the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and “God Bless America.” The Ocean City High School Choir, Ocean City High School Band and OCHS student Julia Mary Wilson will perform music.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/30/19

The Trail of Two Cities 5-kilometer run/walk will be held for the 24th time on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. 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. Pre-registration fee is $25, and participants can sign up online until 10 p.m. Oct. 30 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, NJ 10/23/19

51^st Annual Surf Fishing Tournament on Saturday

Ocean City rolls into late October on Thursday (Oct. 24) with its 72nd 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.

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Welcome Night invites the community to the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23. The annual event allows residents to meet Ocean City groups, businesses and organizations and learn more about their products, services and missions. Welcome Night is free to all attendees. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/16/19

Rescheduled Fire Department Open House Is Thursday

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

The John R. Elliott HERO Walk and 5K Run on the Ocean City Boardwalk will take place on Sunday, October 20. A professionally timed 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) run begins at 9:30 a.m. and the HERO Walk starts at 11 a.m. 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. The course for both the run and walk is on the Ocean City Boardwalk. For more information, visit www.HeroCampaign.org or call 609-626-3880.

All Porsche models built since 1948 be on display on the Ocean City Boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14^th Street starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, as part of the Porsche Boardwalk Reunion. There will be a special display area for 914s – the 50th anniversary of that model. The Ocean City Music Pier will be host to various tech sessions starting at noon. For more information, call (703) 992-4519 or visit www.boardwalkreunion.org.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 10/9/19

Indian Summer Weekend Is an Annual Highlight in Ocean City

Ocean City’s premier autumn event – the Fall Block Party – will go off rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.

More than 400 crafters, food vendors and entertainers will line a mile of downtown Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14^th Street. The Block Party helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City for Columbus Day Weekend.

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). The cast of “The Marvelous Wonderettes” will perform from the steps of City Hall. 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 10/2/19

Fire Department Invites Community to Open House on Thursday

About 500 Jeeps will roll down the boardwalk on Saturday, Oct. 5 and remain on display in lines that stretch from Fifth Street to 14^th Street. The Ocean City NJ Jeep Invasion runs from noon to 5 p.m. The event raises money for local charities, and trophies are awarded to the best Jeeps in various categories. The show also includes vendors displaying and selling accessories at the Music Pier and on the 500 block of the Boardwalk.

At the same time, visitors can take advantage of table sales with Ocean City merchants offering discounts on merchandise displayed outdoors between Sixth Street and 14^th Street on the boardwalk and downtown Asbury Avenue. The table sales will take place on both Saturday and Sunday.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/25/19

Admission Buttons on Sale for First Night Ocean City 2020

The OCNJ Healthy Living Advisory Council will host its first Health, Fitness & Wellness Expo 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center (Sixth Street and Boardwalk).

The event will feature health food, fitness classes, speakers, vendors and a “Kids Corner” with information on raising healthy children. All are invited to this free event. The program includes a full schedule of special activities ranging from ballroom dancing to Zumba to bicycle safety. More than 30 vendors will be on hand with the latest products, services and information.

The 11th annual Walk for the Wounded will be held Saturday, Sept. 28 on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Music Pier. A ceremony honoring our military is at 9:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m. The entire extended Ocean City community has always come out in full support of this important fundraising event.

The three-mile walk on the boardwalk begins and ends at the Music Pier. All proceeds benefit Operation First Response, a nonprofit organization that provides both financial and emotional support to wounded soldiers and their families. For more information and registration, visit www.operationfirstresponse.org.

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

Admission Buttons on Sale for First Night Ocean City 2020

More than 350 Corvettes will take over the Ocean City Boardwalk on Sunday, Sept. 22 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.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/11/19

Annual 9/11 Ceremony Scheduled for Wednesday

All eyes will turn to the sky for Ocean City’s Air Show Weekend on Sept. 14 and 15. All events are free to attend.

The celebration starts with the Ocean City Airport Festival on Saturday (Sept. 14) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival features a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II to the present. The event will feature a parachute jump from Team Fastrax, “America’s Skydiving Team.” It also will include food, music, classic cars and kids’ activities, including the Ocean City Board of Realtors’ popular Bubble Mania.

The skydiving team will perform at the Airport Festival at some time after 12 p.m., depending on wind and weather conditions. The half-mile “Runway Run” will return and is open to all ages. It offers a chance for anybody to cover ground normally traversed only by planes. The run will go off at some time between noon and 2 p.m.

The festival takes place at the Municipal Airport at 26th Street and Bay Avenue. Additional parking for the festival will be available at Shelter Road (off Tennessee Avenue) with free shuttle service provided.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 9/4/19

LaKisha Jones Helps Celebrate the ‘Queens of Rock and Soul’

Street rods and other classic cars will be on display during Ocean City’s annual Street Rod Weekend Sept. 6 and 7. Street rods are classic cars (1989 or older) modified with modern parts.

Friday evening (Sept. 6) will feature a sock-hop party on the grounds of the Tabernacle, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with dancing, games, family fun and more. Iron Kettle BBQ will be on hand.

On Saturday, cars will be displayed at the Tabernacle grounds from 8 a.m. to noon and will then proceed to the Ocean City Boardwalk to be displayed until 4 p.m. An awards ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 7) in front of the Music Pier (at Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace). Registration to participate is still open with forms available at www.ocnj.us/carshow. In order to be eligible for judging, cars must be registered by 11 a.m. Saturday.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/28/19

Country Music Concert Highlights Weekend Events

Country music comes to the Ocean City Music Pier on Friday, August 30 with a concert featuring the Swon Brothers and Josh Gracin.

The Swon Brothers burst onto the scene in 2013 by bringing country music to the finale of NBC's "The Voice," and they continue to tour and record great music. Josh Gracin first hit the country music charts 15 years ago, and he's making the best music of his career.

The country music show is a first for the Ocean City Music Pier, which has been a long-time home to the Ocean City Pops orchestra, the annual rock Summer Concert Series and countless other events.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30. Tickets ($25 to $30) are available at www.oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111, or at the Music Pier Box Office, the City Hall Welcome Center (861 Asbury Avenue) or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center (on the Rt. 52 causeway). 

While special events will continue uninterrupted through the fall and some of the best weather is still on the way, the traditional summer season in Ocean City comes to a close on Labor Day.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/21/19

Special Guests Include Cheyenne Jackson, former Miss America, and LaKisha Jones

• Cheyenne Jackson (August 21):The Grammy-nominated Cheyenne Jackson is a multi-talented actor, singer and songwriter. He was most recently seen in FX's "American Horror Story: Apocalypse" and Disney's "Descendants 3." A veteran of the theater, he has performed in "The Most Happy Fella," "The Performers," "Finian's Rainbow," "Xanadu," "All Shook Up," "Aida" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Tickets are $35 to $40.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 8/14/19

Miss Crustacean, Little Miss Ocean City, Junior Miss Ocean City All to be Crowned