MAY
23 — Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge: Participants dress in business suits, carry brief cases and march into the ocean to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” to welcome the new season, noon at Moorlyn Terrace beach.
24 — Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes: The main obstacle course challenge is a soft-sand adventure race followed by a children’s fun run. Staging at Ninth Street beach. Visit memorialbeachchallenge.com or call (856) 905-0583 for registration.
26 — Memorial Day Service: 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, between Fifth and Sixth streets on Wesley Avenue.
26 — National Moment of Remembrance: Event asks Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute. The moment of remembrance will take place on the boardwalk.
JUNE
4 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
6-8 — Ocean City Flower Show: See beautiful commercial, amateur and children’s displays at the Music Pier from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
11— Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
18 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
21 — Health, Fitness & Wellness Expo: The event features health food, fitness classes, speakers, vendors and more from 8 a.m. to noon at the Music Pier. Email lrumer@ocnj.us or call (609) 399-6111, ext. 9317.
21 — Antique Auto Show: More than 300 vintage vehicles from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Tabernacle grounds at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Boardwalk parade after 2 p.m. Visit jerseycape.aaca.com.
22 — Brian Stokes Mitchell with the Ocean City Pops: The two-time Tony Award winner will be featured in the opening concert of the Ocean City Pops summer season. 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
23-24 — The Beach Boys: Concerts begin at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.
25 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
30 — Killer Queen: The Queen tribute concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.
JULY
1 — Curious George: The Golden Meatball: Presented by Ocean City Theatre Company at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
2 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
2 — Wacky Wednesday – Pie Eating Contest: Celebrate America with a good old-fashioned apple and cherry pie eating contest. No hands allowed! Contest is free. Open to all ages. Limited to 150 participants. 10:30 a.m. start at the Music Pier.
2 — Freckle Contest: Free registration begins at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Music Pier. Contest starts at 6 p.m.
3 — Sand Sculpting Contest: Open to children, teens, adults and families. Free registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Sixth Street beach. Judging by 11 a.m.
3 — Ocean City Pops: The Ocean City Pops will perform a free outdoor concert of patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday at 8 p.m. at Carey Stadium, Sixth Street and boardwalk. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field; there will be seating available in the bleachers.
4 — Bike Parade: Sponsored by the Gardens Civic Association. Registration 90 a.m. at the base of the Ocean City-Longport Bridge. Parade begins at 10 a.m.
4 — Bike Parade: Sponsored by the South Ocean City Improvement Association, city of Ocean City and Chamber of Commerce. Registration 9 a.m. at 40th Street and Asbury Avenue. Parade begins at 10 a.m.
4 — Bike Parade: Sponsored by the Riviera neighborhood. Registration at 11 a.m. at the Rosemar Lane Park. Parade begins at noon.
4 — Fourth of July Celebration: Kite flying competition at 7 p.m. A boardwalk fireworks display tops off the evening at 9 p.m.
4 — Ocean City Pops: A free outdoor concert of patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday at 8 p.m. at Carey Stadium, Sixth Street and boardwalk. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field; there will be seating available in the bleachers.
7 — Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks: Concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.
8 — Bicycle Auction: 10 a.m. to noon at Shelter Road (first left off of Tennessee Avenue behind the Ocean City Golf Course). About 115 bicycles to be sold. Registration begins at 9 a.m. A driver’s license, passport or valid ID is required to register. Payment: Bank checks with ID, Travelers Checks and cash only. Call (609) 525-9356.
8 —Elephant and Piggie – We are in a Play: Presented by OCTC at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
9 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
9 — Wacky Wednesday – Taffy Sculpting: Use your creativity to shape and sculpt Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free; open to the first 200 participants. 10:30 a.m. start at the Music Pier.
13 — 45th annual T. John Carey Master’s Swim: One of the premier open-water swimming events on the Jersey shore since 1979. The one-mile ocean race follows a point-to-point course parallel to the beach. The 2025 race will have an evening start time with a finish at 12th Street. Visit ocnj.us/race-events.
14 — The Wailers: The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.
15 — Pinkalicious: Presented by OCTC at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
15 — OCBP Women’s Lifeguard Invitational: Races at 6:30 p.m. at 12th Street beach. Women lifeguards representing the 15 beach patrols from the South Jersey Lifeguard Chiefs Association, as well as various other New Jersey patrols, will be competing in this annual invitational race. Rain date July 16. Visit ocnj.us/race-events.
16 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
16 — Wacky Wednesday – French Fry Sculpting: Use your creativity to shape and sculpt french fries into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free; open to the first 200 participants. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier.
18-19 — The Prom School Edition: Presented by OCTC and featuring members of the High School Junior Company at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
22 — Pete the Cat: Presented by OCTC at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
23 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
23 — Wacky Wednesday – Christmas in July: Celebrate the Christmas holiday season in July with a special craft and a visit from Santa while he is in town on vacation. Visit with Santa from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and enjoy the sounds of the season with Christmas Music Bingo at 11 a.m. at the Music Pier. Participants must be present at 10:30 a.m.
24 — Ocean City Fishing Pier Open House: 6 to 8 p.m. Tour the pier and clubhouse at 14th Street and boardwalk. Visitors will also be able to make an optional monetary donation or canned goods donation to support the Ocean City Food Cupboard.
26 — 70th annual Night in Venice Celebration: The city’s annual boat parade is one of the largest in the world. Starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue along the bay. Fireworks display to follow parade. Registration information to follow and more details at www.ocnj.us/NIV.
28 — Let’s Sing Taylor – An Unofficial Live Band Tribute: The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.
29 — A Year With Frog and Toad: Presented by OCTC at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
30 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
30 — Wacky Wednesday – Soft Pretzel Sculpting: Use your creativity to shape and sculpt a soft pretzel into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free but limited to 150 participants. 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier
AUGUST
1-2 — The 24th annual Art of Surfing: A free family event featuring original art from surfing’s biggest names, live music and a chance to meet artists from across the country at the Ocean City Music Pier.
1-3 — 62nd annual Boardwalk Art Show: Leading artists from throughout the East Coast exhibit and sell their work. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
5-8, 12-14 — Footloose: Presented by the Ocean City POPs and OCTC at 7:30 p.m. plus 2 p.m. Aug. 7 and 14 at the Hughes Performing Arts Center. Tickets available at ocnj.us/boxoffice.
6 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
6 — Wacky Wednesday – Prince and Princess Party: Use your creativity to design your own prince or princess crown with Miss Ocean City, Junior Miss Ocean City and Little Miss Ocean City. Contest is free at the Music Pier. Participants must be present at 10:30 a.m.
6 — Twins Contest: Prizes for those who look the most and least alike. Open to all ages. Free registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Contest begins at 6 p.m. in front of the Music Pier.
7 — Sand Sculpting Contest: Open to children, teens, adults and families. Free registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Sixth Street beach. Judging by 11 a.m.
7 — Ocean City Fishing Pier Open House: 6 to 8 p.m. Tour the pier and clubhouse at 14th Street and boardwalk. Visitors will also be able to make an optional monetary donation or canned goods donation to support the Ocean City Food Cupboard. Rain date Aug. 8.
9 — Boys and Girls Fishing Tournament: Free entry for all ages 8-16. All participants receive a prize. Northend beach by the Ocean City-Longport Bridge. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; parent signature needed that day.
9 — Miss Ocean City Pageant: 7 p.m. at the Music Pier. Miss Ocean City 2025 Taylor Mulford will be on hand as contestants compete in interview, talent, swimsuit, evening gown and onstage question.
11 — Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees: The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.
12 — Pamper Scamper: Annual baby crawling race. Free registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Contest begins at 9 a.m. at the Sixth Street beach. For babies up to 15 months.
13 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
13 — Wacky Wednesday – Doughnut Sculpting: Use your creativity to shape and sculpt a warm and fresh boardwalk donut into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free. Limited to 150 participants. Takes place at the Music Pier. Participants must be present at 10:30 a.m.
14 — 115th annual Baby Parade: The boardwalk parade is one of the oldest in the country. 10:30 a.m. Registration begins in June. Visit ocnj.us/babyparade.
15 — Little Miss Ocean City Pageant: 7 p.m. at the Music Pier. Scholarship pageant for girls ages 8 to 11. Little Miss Ocean City 2025 Taegan Vivarelli will be on hand to crown her successor. Call (609) 525-9304.
16 — Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant: 7 p.m. at the Music Pier. Scholarship pageant for girls ages 12 to 16. Junior Miss Ocean City 2025 Sarah Smith will be on hand to crown her successor.
18 — The Orchestra: Starring former members of the Electric Light Orchestra and ELO Part II, the concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.
20 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
20 — Wacky Wednesday – Cookie Sculpting: Use your creativity to shape and sculpt a giant chocolate chip cookie into your very own unique masterpiece. Contest is free but open to the first 150 participants. 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier.
20 — Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant: The original beauty contest for crustaceans. Families, children, 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. Free registration starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Sixth Street beach. Contest begins at 6 p.m. Open to all ages.
20 — Hermit Crab Races: Watch as some of the fastest crabs in the universe compete in this world-famous race immediately following Miss Crustacean at Sixth Street beach. Free registration starts at 5:30 p.m.
22 — Ocean City Green Fair: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Music Pier. The event is designed to educate and encourage people of all ages to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
22-23 — The Spongebob Musical Youth Edition: Presented by OCTC at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
25 — Mavis Staples: The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.
27 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
SEPTEMBER
1 — OCNJ Labor Day Race: 5 mile beach run and 1 mile fun run/walk. Visit ocnj.us/race-events.
3 — Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon. Crafters in the street at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue and on the Tabernacle grounds.
6 — Fall Cruisin’ the Boards Car Show: 50th anniversary of the Classic Car and Street Rod Show will feature classic cars from 1989 and older displayed on the boardwalk from Sixth to 14th streets, noon to 5 p.m. Visit cruisintheboards.com or email blinkerfluidproductions@gmail.com.
7 — Corvette Show: More than 400 cars exhibited. One of the largest shows of its kind in the East. Models from almost every year Corvettes were manufactured comprise this colorful show. Displayed on the boardwalk from Sixth to 14th streets, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (609) 457-0081. Register at boardwalkcorvettesac.com.
11 — 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: A Day to Remember 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 Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. All are encouraged to attend at 6 p.m.
13 — Ocean City Airport Festival: Annual festival at the Municipal Airport, 26th Street and Bay Avenue. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Features include a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II aircraft to classics and warbirds. The event will feature a parachute jump from Team Fastrax.
13 — Parachute Pyrotechnic Show: Several highly trained and specially licensed Team Fastrax demonstrators exiting the aircraft 6,000 feet above the beach and boardwalk. 8 p.m. jump with a landing on the Seventh Street beach. Viewable along the entire boardwalk.
14 — Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow: 1 p.m. from Sixth to 14th streets over the ocean.
20 — Ocean City, NJ Jeep Invasion: Jeeps will fill the boardwalk from Fifth to 14th street, noon to 5 p.m. Visit NJJeepInvasion.com or email blinkerfluidproductions.com.
27-28 — MS City to Shore Ride: More than 7,000 cyclists. Ride is fully supported with catered rest stops, bike support and SAG transportation. Call (800) 445-BIKE or visit mscycling.org.
October through Jan. 1, 2026 are filled as well. See more events every week in the Sentinel’s summer publication, the Sure Guide. On newsstands across Ocean City.
OCTOBER
4-5 — Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Discount Days: Sixth to 14th street on the boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.
11 — Fall Block Party: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Fifth to 14th streets on Asbury Avenue. More than 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more.
11-13 — Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Discount Days: Sixth to 14th street on the boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.
18 — Porsche Boardwalk Reunion: Porsches will be displayed from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the boardwalk from Sixth to 14th streets. More than 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.
19 — John R. Elliott HERO Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run: Raises awareness about the importance of safe and sober designated drivers, and to honor and remember those who have lost a loved one to a drunken driver. Check-in 9 a.m. 1 Mile Fun Run: 10 a.m., awards ceremony 10:30 a.m., walk begins at 11 a.m. Register at herowalkrun.org.
25-26 — Dog Days: Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Sunday. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite furry canine friend. Activities Saturday include dog-specific vendors along the boardwalk, photo-op stations and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” announcement.
25 — HSOC “Howl-O-Ween” Parade: Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pooch in zany Halloween costumes in the spirit of the season. Registration begins at 2 p.m. at the Sports & Civic Center. The parade begins at 3 p.m. and the procession is from Sixth to 14th streets on the boardwalk.
25 — Halloween Costume Skate: The Ocean City Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue will celebrate Halloween from 4 p.m. to dusk. Skateboarders are invited to come dressed for the holiday. There will be prizes for best costume and best trick, and candy for the participants.
29 — OC Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Welcome Night: 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center. Meet groups, businesses and organizations.
30 — Halloween Parade: 7:15 p.m. from Sixth to 11th streets on Asbury Avenue. Visit ochp.blogspot.com.
NOVEMBER
1 — Trail of Two Cities: 5K run/walk over Ninth Street bridge from Ocean City to Somers Point. Pre-registration and race day. 8 a.m. start. Visit ocnj.us/race-events, email lrumer@ocnj.us or call (609) 525-9317.
11 — Veterans Day Program: 11 a.m. at Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave.
15 — Winterfest by the Sea: The Chamber of Commerce presents its 5th annual shopping extravaganza at the Sports & Civic Center. Craft vendors, food vendors and strolling Santa. Shopping hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
22 — “Earlier than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza: 8 a.m. to noon. Get out earlier than the bird and jumpstart your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shop in your pajamas for early bird specials.
22 — Horse & Carriage Rides: Noon to 3 p.m., Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
27 — Annual Fast & Furriest 5k Turkey Trot: Foot race down the boardwalk sponsored by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Call (609) 398-9500, ext. 4, or visit hsocnj.org.
28 — Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue”: 2 to 5 p.m. Join merchants and the Chamber of Commerce in kicking off an old-fashioned downtown Christmas to culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus.
28-30 — Horse & Carriage Rides: Noon to 3 p.m., Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
29-30 — Santa in the Downtown: 9 to 11 a.m. at Soifer Park, Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
29-30 — Photos with Santa: 1 to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and boardwalk.
DECEMBER
5 — Christmas Parade: 6 p.m. from Sixth to 11th streets on Asbury Avenue. Registration at ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
6-7 — Train Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and boardwalk.
6-7 — Santa in the Downtown: 9 to 11 a.m. at Soifer Park, Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
6-7 — Horse & Carriage Rides: Noon to 3 p.m., Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
6-7 — Photos with Santa: 1 to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and boardwalk.
12 — Festive Fridays: Join downtown merchants on Asbury Avenue as they celebrate the holiday season with shopping specials. Horse & carriage rides from 4 to 7 p.m. through the downtown adorned with thousands of Christmas lights departing at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
13-14 — Santa in the Downtown: 9 to 11 a.m. at Soifer Park, Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
13-14 — Horse & Carriage Rides: Noon to 3 p.m., Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
13-14 — Photos with Santa: 1 to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and boardwalk.
19 — Festive Fridays: Join downtown merchants on Asbury Avenue as they celebrate the holiday season with shopping specials. Horse & carriage rides from 4 to 7 p.m. through the downtown adorned with thousands of Christmas lights departing at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
20-21 — Santa in the Downtown: 9 to 11 a.m. at Soifer Park, Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
20-21 — Horse & Carriage Rides: Noon to 3 p.m., Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
20-21 — Photos with Santa: 1 to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and boardwalk.
31 — First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration : A complete schedule of entertainment leading up to fireworks at midnight. Visit FirstNightOCNJ.com.
JANUARY 2026
1 — First Day Shopping Extravaganza: Welcome the new year by shopping for tremendous bargains downtown from Sixth to 14th streets on Asbury Avenue.
1 — First Day 5k Boardwalk Run: Pre-register at ocnj.us/race-events or race day 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. Race starts at 1 p.m.
1 — First Day at the Beach: Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean, 2 p.m. at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and boardwalk.