Events

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 5/15/19

Plans for a festive 65^th anniversary celebration of Ocean City’s premier summer event, Night in Venice, are in the works. Tickets for Night in Venice weekend shows go on sale Thursday (May 16), and registration for participating boats and waterfront homes is open.

The boat parade and decorated bayfront home contest are a highlight of the season in Ocean City. Thousands of spectators line the bay, and thousands more attend private parties at homes along the route from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue. A fireworks display caps off the bayfront festivities at the conclusion of the parade.

The parade this year starts at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. The “Celebrate! 65 Years of Night in Venice” theme is optional but offers a chance to reminisce about favorite Night in Venice memories through the years.

Entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at www.ocnj.us/niv or by calling 609-399-6111.

• NIV Boat Registration

• NIV House Registration

• NIV Condo Registration

Special guests this year will include Chubby Checker, Kate Flannery and Patina Miller.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 5/8/19

Ocean City’s hermit-crab mascot will seek his shadow in a local version of Groundhog Day at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, on the beach at Ninth Street. Martin Z. Mollusk has successfully predicted an early summer every year for more than four decades (sometimes, of course, with the creative use of flashlights by his handlers). Everybody is invited to join the fun as we collectively will the long-awaited arrival of summer.

Special guests for Martin Z. Mollusk Day will be “Dancing With the Stars” professionals Emma Slater and Tristan MacManus, who will return to the Ocean City Music Pier at 7:30 p.m. Saturday for a high-energy dance and hit-songs show titled “Ballroom With a Twist.”

Saturday morning’s program also will include the debut of Mollie Mollusk, Martin’s wife of more than 45 years. Together, the Mollusks make up the first family of “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” The winners of the 2019 Martin Z. Mollusk Coloring Contest will be honored and their artwork unveiled to the public.

“Ballroom With a Twist” will take center stage on Saturday night. The show features performers from “Dancing With The Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” The Voice” and “American Idol” together on one stage. The show will bring sizzling dance moves by professionals dancing samba, waltz, foxtrot, quickstep and jive, while favorites from “The Voice” and “American Idol” finalists join the bill with their hit songs.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 5/1/19

Ocean City’s premier early-season event, the Spring Block Party, returns on Saturday, May 4.

The street festival features more than 350 crafters, food vendors, musicians and kids’ activities stretched out over a mile of downtown Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14th Street. The roadway is closed to all vehicle traffic for the event.

The block party runs rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. More than 100 downtown stores will be open for business and have table sales out front. Pony rides for children will be available 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue). Entertainment along the Avenue will include the Tidal Wave Band, the Pennsport String Band and a variety of other acts.

This will be the 37th year for an event that now regularly attracts tens of thousands of visitors and sells out every vendor slot. All street parking in Ocean City and at municipal lots off the boardwalk will be free.

Merchant table sales will continue on Sunday between Sixth and 14th streets on the boardwalk and downtown Asbury Avenue.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 4/24/19

Weekend Brings Beach Sweeps and Table Sales

Tickets for all shows in the 2019 Ocean City Pops season will go on sale starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 25.

Now in its 91st season, the local orchestra will share the stage this summer with a wide array of musical talents. The lineup promises something for fans of every kind of music.

Tickets will be available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111, or in-person at the City Hall Welcome Center, the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway, the 46^th Street Welcome Center and at the Ocean City Music Pier Welcome Center on weekends (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

The season will include performances with special themes ranging from Broadway songs and full musicals, to patriotic classics, to movie themes and tunes, to a salute to the American Legion on its 100^th anniversary.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 4/16/19

A full calendar of spring events continues on Easter Weekend in Ocean City with a free egg hunt on the beach, a sunrise service on the Ocean City Music Pier, and a piano concert and fashion stroll on the boardwalk.

The second of two massive GREAT EGG HUNTS on the beach between 11th and 14th streets is set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday (April 20). The free event invites children ages 7 and under to search for 100,000 eggs scattered in the sand and stuffed with candy and items from local merchants. Separate areas are set up for different groups: 2-and-unders (11th Street), 3-year-olds (11th Street), 4- and 5-year-olds (12th Street), 6- and 7-year-olds (13th Street), and special-needs children (14th Street). The event is sponsored by the Boardwalk Merchants Association. The rain date is Sunday, April 21. The first hunt took place last Saturday. Arrive early or on time, as the hunt often goes quickly. All street parking and municipal lots are free at this time of year. 

All are welcome to join a traditional non-denominational EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE at 6:30 a.m. Sunday (April 21) at the Ocean City Music Pier. The Rev. Dr. Larry Oksten of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church and other local clergy members will lead the celebration, which will include Easter music.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 4/10/19

Barbara Eden will be grand marshal for the 2019 Doo Dah Parade in Ocean City on Saturday (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. 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.

Eden will start the day serving as grand marshal in the DOO DAH PARADE, Ocean City’s season-opening celebration of all things humorous.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 4/3/19

Two major events take center stage in Ocean City this weekend. “Star Trek,” “Roots” and “Reading Rainbow” icon LeVar Burton will be special guest at the OC-Con Comic Book and Memorabilia Festival on Saturday and Sunday (April 6 and 7) at the Ocean City Music Pier. Girls Weekend will showcase all that Ocean City’s downtown retail district has to offer and provide a great reason to escape to the shore Friday through Sunday (April 5 to 7).

Now in its fourth year, the OC-CON FESTIVAL returns to early spring after being held in June last year. Burton, a star in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” will be a special guest for both days. Tickets are on sale now for exclusive photo and autograph sessions. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111, or stop by the City Hall Welcome Center (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue), the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway or the 46^th Street Welcome Center.

OC-Con features meet-the-artist sessions, discussion panels, costume contests, and the display and sale of comic books and memorabilia. Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (April 5), and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (April 7). Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children with two-day passes available for $15 ($8 for children).

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 3/27/19
Two players who helped bring championship rings to Philadelphia will be part of the second annual Sports Memorabilia Show on Saturday (March 30) at the Ocean City Music Pier. Philadelphia Eagles star Darren Sproles and former Phillies slugger Matt Stairs will greet fans and lead Q&A sessions at the show.

The show will features vendors and table sales dedicated to athletes, fans and collectors. It also will include interactive sporting activities for kids. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for the show is $7 for adults and $3 for 12-and-unders with tickets available at the door. Admission includes a free Q&A session with Sproles (11 a.m.) and with Stairs (2 p.m.)  

Sproles is one of the NFL’s career leaders in all-purpose yards. Though he was injured early in the season, he was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl championship team in the 2017-18 season. Stairs helped bring the 2008 World Series title to Philadelphia in 2008. He holds the record for most pinch-hit home runs in Major League Baseball history.

Sproles will be available for a meet-and-greet session at 11:45 a.m. Tickets for an autograph (on a photo or item you supply) and a selfie photo with the player are on sale for $40. A meet-and-greet with Stairs ($20 for autograph and selfie with the player) is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. A combination package that includes both players is available for $55. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue) or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center (on the Route 52 causeway) to purchase tickets.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 3/20/19

From Broadway to Rock & Roll, the spectacular sounds coming from the Ocean City Music Pier this summer will cover a wide range of genres.

BROADWAY ON THE OC BOARDWALK X

On June 26^th at 7:30 p.m., Broadway will truly come to the Boardwalk as professional performers appearing in the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company's 2019 Summer Season take to the stage to bring Broadway favorites to life. The 10th edition of “Broadway on the Ocean City Boardwalk” will welcome "home" two Broadway stars who got their professional start with the Ocean City Theatre Company.

Nicholas Edwards was seen in OCTC's productions of “Swing” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”  Currently, he is appearing on Broadway in the hit musical, “Frozen!” Nicholas was also seen in the National Tours and Regional Productions of “Sister Act.” “Les Miserables,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Christian Thompson was seen in OCTC's productions of “West Side Story,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” and “Peter Pan.” He recently made his Broadway debut in the new musical, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg – The Life and Times of the Temptations.” Christian also appeared in the 20th Anniversary National Tour of “Rent.”

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 3/13/19

Book Accommodations and Get Fashion Show Tickets Now

The fourth annual Girls Weekend from April 5 to April 7 will showcase all that Ocean City’s downtown retail district has to offer and provide a great reason to escape to the shore early in the season.

The event kicks off with a fashion show at 7 p.m. Friday, April 5 at Glazed Over Studios (704 Asbury Avenue). It features clothes and accessories for sale in Ocean City’s retail shops and modeled by local men and women, including members of City Council. The lighthearted event will be catered by local restaurants. Advance tickets ($20) are required and on sale now at City Hall, the Route 52 Welcome Center, Ta-Dah (1040 Asbury Ave.), the 7th Street Surf Shop (720 Asbury Ave.), the Sneaker Shop (704 Asbury Ave.) and Making Waves (836 Asbury Ave.). Tickets also can be purchased online this year (click on the “Buy Now” button on the event blog).

Girls Weekend features hotel and bed-and-breakfast packages, dining offers, shopping discounts, prizes, yoga and wellness classes, craft projects and demonstrations at various locations throughout Ocean City. Accommodations package deals are being offered by the Flanders, Port-o-Call, Biscayne Suites, Wild Dunes Inn, Impala Island Inn, Ebb Tide Suites and the Ocean City Mansion bed-and-breakfast, among others.

For a detailed schedule of Girls Weekend events, accommodations and participating businesses, call 609-399-1412, visit the Girls Weekend blog or the Facebook event page.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 3/6/19

Two players who helped bring championship rings to Philadelphia will be part of the second annual Sports Memorabilia Show on March 30 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Philadelphia Eagles star Darren Sproles and former Phillies slugger Matt Stairs will greet fans and lead Q&A sessions at the show.

The show will open a season of special events in Ocean City that will stretch through the new year. It features vendors and table sales dedicated to athletes, fans and collectors. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 30.

Sproles is one of the NFL’s career leaders in all-purpose yards. Though he was injured early in the season, he was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl championship team in the 2017-18 season. Stairs helped bring the 2008 World Series title to Philadelphia in 2008. He holds the record for most pinch-hit home runs in Major League Baseball history.

Sproles will be available for a meet-and-greet session at 11:45 a.m. Tickets for an autograph (on a photo or item you supply) and a selfie photo with the player are on sale for $40. A meet-and-greet with Stairs ($20 for autograph and selfie with the player) is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. A combination package that includes both players is available for $55. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by City Hall or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center to purchase tickets.

Admission for the show is $7 for adults and $3 for 12-and-unders with tickets available at the door.  Vendors interested in participating can call or email Lauren at 609-525-9282 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 2/27/19

Tickets Go on Sale Thursday, Feb. 27

Jon Anderson, the original voice behind the progressive rock band Yes, will bring his 1,000 Hands Tour to the Ocean City Music Pier on July 29. Tickets for the show will go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28. A pre-sale is set for 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27 (use code BRE). For more information and ticket links, visit www.ocnj.us/SummerConcerts.

The 1,000 Hands: Past, Present, Future tour will feature Anderson fronting an 8-piece band and performing both classic Yes music and songs from Anderson’s new solo album, “1,000 Hands.” A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Anderson made his name with the band Yes and tracks like “Roundabout,” “Starship Trooper,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”

The lineup for the rest of the Summer Concert Series at the Ocean City Music Pier is nearly complete. The series brings a wide variety of contemporary performers to the stage in Ocean City with most concerts on Monday nights. Tickets are on sale for the following:

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 2/20/19

Tickets Go on Sale Friday for Photo and Autograph Sessions

“Star Trek” icon LeVar Burton will highlight this year’s OC-Con Comic Book and Memorabilia Festival at the Ocean City Music Pier.

Now in its fourth year, the festival will return to early spring after being held in June last year. The event will help kick off Ocean City’s 2019 calendar of special events on April 6 and 7.

The star of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” will be a special guest for both days, and tickets will go on sale Friday (Feb. 22) for exclusive photo and autograph sessions. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111, or stop by the City Hall Welcome Center (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue) or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway.

OC-Con features meet-the-artist sessions, discussion panels, costume contests, and the display and sale of comic books and memorabilia. Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 7.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 2/14/19

Summer Concert Series Adds Richard Thompson

With the arrival of spring a little more than a month away, Ocean City is planning a full calendar of special events. Registration is now open for vendors, contestants and participants as the 2019 season kicks off.

March 30 - Sports Memorabilia Show: Collectors from the region will showcase sports cards and memorabilia at the Ocean City Music Pier. Vendors interested in participating can get more information from Lauren Sopko at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

April 6-7 - OC Con Comic Book & Memorabilia Show: Ocean City’s tribute to comics and memorabilia returns to the Music Pier. Registration is open to artists, vendors, cosplayers and “superhero” runners and obstacle course racers. Visit www.ocnjcon.com for complete information.

April 13 - Doo Dah Parade: “I Dream of Jeannie” star Barbara Eden will lead this year’s parade as grand marshal. Individuals, groups, businesses and any other comic entries are invited to participate in the parade by signing up at www.ocnj.us/Doo-Dah-Parade.

April 13 - Mr. Mature America Pageant: The pageant is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13 on the Ocean City Music Pier. The event is the first and only pageant of its kind in the United States. The pageant includes competition in talent, judge’s interview, poise and appearance, and on-stage question. Registration is now open for any contestant 55 or older who would like to participate. Visit www.ocnj.us/mrmature for more information and to sign up as a contestant.

What's Happening in Ocean City, NJ 2/6/19

One of Great Britain’s all-time favorite singers, Katherine Jenkins, will join the Ocean City Pops Orchestra for a special concert on August 11, and tickets go on sale starting at 9 a.m. Friday (Feb. 8).

Jenkins was officially crowned the No.1 selling “Classical Music Artist of the Last 25 Years” by Classic FM. She made chart history when her last album, “Celebration,” became her 12th UK Classical No.1 album in 12 years. These record-breaking achievements cemented her position as the world’s most prolific artist in UK Classical chart history.

Jenkins most recently released “Guiding Light,” her 13th and most personal album yet. For her, the new album represents the culmination of a deeply emotional journey that began when her beloved father, Selwyn, died and when she became a mother. It is an album that speaks of life, hope, acceptance and a universal spirituality, and for Katherine there is a sense of a greater purpose to her performances. Jenkins also placed second in the 14th season of “Dancing with the Stars. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2014 for her music and charitable services.

The show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11 at the Ocean City Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace). Tickets are $40 to $75 and will be available starting Feb. 8 at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111 or at the welcome centers at City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue), the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Rt. 52 causeway and the municipal building at 46^th Street and West Avenue.

What's Happenin in Ocean City, NJ 1/30/19

Lou Gramm of Foreigner Joins Summer Concert Series

Even though the mercury is telling us otherwise this week, another exceptional season for Ocean City is approaching fast, and tickets go on sale starting Friday (Feb. 1) for a variety of great shows.

Starting at 9 a.m. Friday, the box office will open for the Mr. Mature America Pageant featuring celebrity host Barbara Eden on April 13, Broadway musicals including “Mamma Mia” (July 9 to 12) and “Newsies” (August 6 to 9), and the Children’s Theater Series on the Ocean City Music Pier (five different shows on Tuesday mornings in July).

Barbara Eden will emcee the Mr. Mature America Pageant at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Eden starred in the iconic “I Dream of Jeannie” television series that launched in 1965 and went on to lead a colorful life and remarkable Hollywood career. 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.

The Ocean City Pops Orchestra, Ocean City Theatre Company and professional cast members will team up to bring Broadway to the Hughes Performing Arts Center this summer.

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.