Ocean City 2023 Festivals and Events
July
Ocean City Gardens Civic Association Bike Parade
Tuesday July 4, 2023 9:00 am registration, 10:00 parade begins
Longport Bridge Parking Lot, Ocean City
Parade is sponsored by the Gardens Civic Association Registration
South Ocean City Improvement Association Bike Parade
Tuesday July 4, 2023 9:00 am registration, 10:00 parade begins
40th and Asbury Avenues, Ocean City
Sponsored by the South Ocean City Improvement Association, City of Ocean City & the Chamber of Commerce.
Riviera Neighborhood Bike Parade
Tuesday July 4, 2023 Registration at 11:00 am, parade begins at noon
Rosemar Lane Park, Ocean City
Sponsored by the Riviera Neighborhood.
Fourth of July Celebration Kite flying Competition and Fireworks
Tuesday July 4, 2023 7:00 pm
Beach next to Music Pier, Ocean City
Competition begins at 7:00 pm, followed by entertainment on the beach. A spectacular boardwalk fireworks display tops off the evening at 9:00 pm
Ocean City Pops FREE Outdoor Concert
Tuesday July 4, 2023 8:00 pm
Carey Stadium, 6th and Boardwalk
The Ocean City Pops will perform a free outdoor concert. The legendary local orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers.
Ocean City Freckle Contest
Wednesday July 5, 2023 5:30 pm registration, contest begins at 6:00 pm
Music Pier, Ocean City
Come show off your freckles!
Sand Sculpting Contest
Thursday July 6, 2023 9:00 am registration, judging at 11:00 am
6th Street Beach, Ocean City
Open to kids, teens, adults and families! Registration is free.
Ocean City Fishing Pier Open House
Thursday July 27, 2023 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ocean City Fishing Pier, 14th Street and Boardwalk
The Ocean City Fishing Club is inviting shutterbugs and other visitors to tour its pier and clubhouse at 14th St. & Boardwalk. Visitors will also be able to make an optional monetary donation or canned goods donation to support the Ocean City Food Cupboard. This is one of two days a year when the Pier is open to non-members, weather permitting.
Ocean City’s 68th Annual Night in Venice
Saturday July 29, 2023 6:00 pm
Parade starts at Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue along the bay
This year’s event will celebrate all things Philadelphia with the theme “It’s a Philly Thing.” Retired Action News anchor Jim Gardner will serve as grand marshal. The optional theme provides a chance to celebrate the rich history and culture of the Philadelphia region in sports, music, food, education, government and more. Entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at http://www.ocnj.us/niv. Presenting sponsors for 2023 Night in Venice are ACME Markets and the Jet Drive Exchange Boat Club. Fireworks display to follow parade.
August
Sand Sculpting Contest
Thursday August 3, 2023 9:00 am registration, judging at 11:00 am
6th Street Beach, Ocean City
Open to kids, teens, adults and families! Registration is free.
The 22nd Annual Art of Surfing at the Ocean City Music Pier
Thursday August 3 – Saturday August 5, 2023
Ocean City Music Pier
This is a free family event featuring original art from surfing’s biggest names, live music, and a chance to meet artists from across the country.
60th Annual Boardwalk Art Show
Friday August 4 – Sunday August 6, 2023 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (6:00 pm on Sunday)
Ocean City Boardwalk
Leading artists from throughout the East Coast exhibit and sell their work.
Pamper Scamper Annual Baby Crawling Race
Tuesday August 8, 2023 8:30 am registration, contest begins at 9:00
6th Street Beach, Ocean City
For babies up to 15 months. This event is free.
Ocean City’s 113th Annual Baby Parade
Thursday August 10, 2023 10:30 am
On the Boardwalk, Ocean City
This parade is one of the oldest (and cutest!) baby parades in the country. Registration begins June 2023. For more information, visit ocnj.us/babyparade
Ocean City Fishing Pier Open House
Thursday August 10, 2023 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ocean City Fishing Pier, 14th Street and Boardwalk
The Ocean City Fishing Club is inviting shutterbugs and other visitors to tour its pier and clubhouse at 14th St. & Boardwalk. Visitors will also be able to make an optional monetary donation or canned goods donation to support the Ocean City Food Cupboard. This is one of two days a year when the Pier is open to non-members, weather permitting.
Boys and Girls Fishing Tournament
Saturday August 12, 2023 9:00 am
North-End beach by the Longport Bridge, Ocean City
Free entry for all ages 8-16. All participants receive a prize. Sign-ups begin at 9:00 am and parent signature needed that day. Sponsored by Ocean City Fishing Club and City of Ocean City.
Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant
Wednesday August 16, 2023 5:30 pm, contest begins at 6:00 pm
6th Street Beach, Ocean City
This is the original beauty contest for crustaceans. Families, kids, businesses and organizations are invited to enter their crustacean in this annual contest. The winner receives the Coveted Cucumber Rind Cup and gets to walk down a flowery runway. Registration is free and is open to all ages.
Hermit Crab Races
Wednesday August 16, 2023 5:30 pm, contest begins at 6:00 pm
6th Street Beach, Ocean City
Watch as some of the fastest crabs in the universe compete in this world famous race immediately following Miss Crustacean at the 6th St. Beach.
Ocean City Green Fair
Friday August 18, 2-23 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Music Pier, Ocean City
The communitywide event is designed to educate and encourage people of all ages to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Sponsored by the Environmental Commission.
September
Street Rod Show
Saturday September 9, 2023 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
Boardwalk, Ocean City
Features classic cars on display.
Corvette Show
Sunday September 10, 2023 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Boardwalk, 6th Street to 14th Street, Ocean City
Over 350 cars will be exhibited at one of the largest shows of its kind in the East. Models from every year that Corvettes were manufactured comprise this colorful show.
“A Day to Remember” – 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Monday September 11, 2023 6:00 pm
Ocean City Tabernacle, Ocean City
This event will include music, prayer and reflections on the memory of lives lost and on the community spirit that was renewed in the wake of the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center.
Ocean City Walk to Defeat ALS
Saturday September 16, 2023 Registration 9:00 am, walk starts at 10:00 am
Ocean City
This two mile walk raises funds to support patient services and research. Help us take steps towards a cure for ALS!
Ocean City Airport Festival
Saturday September 16, 2023 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Municipal Airport, 26th & Bay Avenue, Ocean City
Features include a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II Planes to Classics and Warbirds. The event will feature a parachute jump from Team Fastrax. Parachute Pyrotechnic Show consists of several highly trained and specially licensed Team Fastrax™ demonstrators exiting the aircraft 6,000 feet above Ocean City’s Beach & Boardwalk. Brilliant white or multi-colored projectile pyrotechnics are then ignited and flown in formation, creating a dazzling display for spectators on the ground. There will be an 8:00 pm jump with a landing on the 7th Street Beach. Viewable along the entire Boardwalk.
Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow
Sunday September 17, 2023 1:00 pm
6th – 14th Streets over the ocean, Ocean City
Thrill to some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world plus military demonstrations.
Ocean City, NJ Jeep Invasion
Saturday September 23, 2023 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm
Boardwalk between 5th – 14th Streets, Ocean City
Jeeps will be displayed on the boardwalk.
Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales
Saturday September 30 – Sunday October 1, 2023
Asbury Avenue and Boardwalk between 6th Street– 14th Street, Ocean City
Enjoy end of summer sales at this annual event.
October
Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday October 7, 2023 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Asbury Avenue from 5th – 14th Streets
Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more. In the evening, fireworks over the boardwalk from 6th Street – 14th Street.
Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales
Saturday October 7 – Monday October 9, 2023
Asbury Avenue and boardwalk from 6th Street – 14th Street
This is an annual sales event.
Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk
Sunday October 8, 2023 check in at 8:30 am, program begins at 9:00 am
6th Street and Boardwalk, Ocean City
Join us in the fight against Breast Cancer! The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides is a 5000+ participant breast cancer fundraising 5K walk honoring over 250 survivors in Ocean City.
Porsche Boardwalk Reunion
Saturday October 14, 2023 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Boardwalk from 6th – 14th Streets, Ocean City
Over 350 Porsches of all models and years between 1954 and 2021 are expected. Free Tech Sessions on Porsche related topics open to all at the Music Pier.
John R. Elliott Hero Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run
Sunday October 15, 2023 10:00 am
Sports and Civic Center, Ocean City
The 1 Mile Fun Run takes place at 10:00 am. Hero ceremonies are at 10:30 a.m. The walk starts at 6th and the boardwalk at 11:00 am. Registration begins at 9:00 am.
Dog Day
Saturday October 21, 2023 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Boardwalk, Ocean City
Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk and all are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite furry canine friend. Activities for the day include dog-specific vendors at the Music Pier, photo-op stations on the boardwalk, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” Announcement.
Humane Society of Ocean City “Howl-O-Ween” Parade
Saturday October 21, 2023 Registration at 2:00, parade begins at 3:00
Sports and Civic Center, Ocean City (parade start; procession is boardwalk, 6-14th Streets)
Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes in the spirit of the season.
Halloween Parade
Thursday October 26, 2023 7:15 pm
Asbury Avenue from 6th – 11th Street
Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club
November
“Earlier than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza
Saturday November 18, 2023 8:00 am – 12:00 noon
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Get out earlier than the bird and jump start your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shop in your pajamas for early bird shopping specials.
Horse & Carriage Rides
Saturday November 18 and Sunday November 19, 2023 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Celebrate the holiday season with a good old fashioned horse and carriage ride on beautifully decorated Asbury Avenue.
Ocean City’s Winterfest by the Sea
Saturday November 24, 2023 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Civic Center, Ocean City
The Chamber of Commerce presents their Fourth Annual Winterfest By The Sea Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. The event takes place inside the Civic Center. Craft vendors, food vendors and strolling Santa will be present.
Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue”
Friday November 24, 2023 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Downtown Ocean City
Join the merchants & the Ocean City Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas.
Horse & Carriage Rides
Friday November 24 – Sunday November 26, 2023 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Celebrate the holiday season with a good old fashioned horse and carriage ride on beautifully decorated Asbury Avenue.
Photos with Santa
Saturday November 25 and Sunday November 26, 2023 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
Music Pier, Ocean City
Join Santa for great holiday photo opps.
December
Ocean City’s Christmas Parade
Friday December 1, 2023 6:00 pm
Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street, Ocean City
Welcome in the holiday season with a festive parade!
Train Show at the Music Pier
Saturday December 2 – Sunday December 3, 2023 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Music Pier, Ocean City
Admission is free for this event.
Horse & Carriage Rides
Saturday December 2 and Sunday December 3, 2023 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Celebrate the holiday season with a good old-fashioned horse and carriage ride on beautifully decorated Asbury Avenue.
Photos with Santa
Saturday December 2 and Sunday December 3, 2023 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
Music Pier, Ocean City
Join Santa for great holiday photo opps.
Horse & Carriage Rides
Saturday December 9 and Sunday December 10, 2023 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Celebrate the holiday season with a good old fashioned horse and carriage ride on beautifully decorated Asbury Avenue.
Photos with Santa
Saturday December 9 and Sunday December 10, 2023 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
Music Pier, Ocean City
Join Santa for great holiday photo opps.
Horse & Carriage Rides
Saturday December 16 and Sunday December 17, 2023 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Celebrate the holiday season with a good old fashioned horse and carriage ride on beautifully decorated Asbury Avenue.
Photos with Santa
Saturday December 16 and Sunday December 17, 2023 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
Music Pier, Ocean City
Join Santa for great holiday photo opps.
Horse & Carriage Rides
Saturday December 23, 2023 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
6th & Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Celebrate the holiday season with a good old fashioned horse and carriage ride on beautifully decorated Asbury Avenue.
Photos with Santa
Saturday December 23, 2023 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
Music Pier, Ocean City
Join Santa for great holiday photo opps.
First Night New Year’s Eve (and New Year’s Day!) Celebration
Sunday December 31, 2023 (times vary throughout the day until midnight fireworks!)
Island-wide, Ocean City
A complete schedule of entertainment is available at www.FirstNightOCNJ.com.
After enjoying New Year’s Eve festivities, start the new year with Ocean City’s “First Day Shopping Extravaganza”. Welcome the New Year by shopping for tremendous bargains in Downtown Ocean City, Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 14th Street. Join the First Day 5k Boardwalk Run beginning at 11:30 am at the Music Pier, and then (if you dare!) take a first dip in the ocean for 2024 at the Music Pier Beach at 2:00 pm.
