Art Shows Return to the Ocean City Boardwalk
Art Shows, ‘Wizard of Oz,’ Twins Contest, Sand-Sculpting Highlight Week of Family Fun
The 60th annual Boardwalk Art Show will be held Friday through Sunday (August 4 to 6) on the Boardwalk between Eighth Street and 13th Street.
Artists from throughout the region will exhibit and sell their works, and this year’s show will represent a recommitment to fine art, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, hand-pulled prints and photography. There is something for everyone at the show, and it’s a great opportunity to start or increase your art collection with a purchase from the show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Awards are given to the top entries in the show.
The event is sponsored by the Ocean City Arts Center and made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For further information, call the Ocean City Arts Center at 609-399-7628 or visit www.oceancityartscenter.org.
The celebration of the arts will include the 22nd annual Art of Surfing Festival – Thursday to Saturday (August 3 to 5) at the Ocean City Music Pier.
This annual juried art festival is an event featuring original surf-related artwork, locally shaped boards, and a chance to meet artists from across the region. It also features classic surfboards, memorabilia and live music. Admission is free to the show 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday (August 3) and noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday (August 4 and 5).
TICKETS ON SALE FOR ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ AUG. 1 TO 10
The Ocean City Pops and the Ocean City Theatre Company will present a stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved “Wizard of Oz,” featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale continues to thrill audiences worldwide. The show features a professional cast and orchestra with flying effects provided by ZFX.
Performances are at the Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center (within Ocean City High School at 501 Atlantic Avenue) with 7:30 p.m. shows on August 1, 2, 4, 8, 9 and 11; and 2 p.m. matinees on August 3 and 10. Tickets are $30 or $25 for 65-and-overs and 12-and-unders. Visit www.oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or call 609-399-6111 for tickets.
CARS AND COFFEE ON TAP FOR SATURDAY
Cars and Coffee from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 5 will combine two of everybody’s favorite things. More than 100 classic and unique cars will be on display on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle at 550 Wesley Avenue. Admission is free, and rain date is August 12.
CONTESTS AND WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
Ocean City’s “Wacky But Not Tacky” series of Wacky Wednesdays continues at 10:30 a.m. August 2 at the Ocean City Music Pier with “Donut on a String,” a no-hands eating challenge. No advance registration is required for this free family event, but participation is limited to the first 150 to enter.
The popular weekly Farmers Market on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 13. The market features the best of fresh produce from local farms in the region, along with a variety of craft vendors.
The Ocean City Twins Contest awards prizes to those who look the most and least alike. The contest takes place on Wednesday, August 2, and is open to all ages. Registration is free and begins at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Music Pier. The contest begins at 6 p.m.
A Sand Sculpting Contest on Thursday, August 3, will be open to kids, teens, adults and families. Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m. at the Sixth Street Beach.
Family Night on Thursday, August 2 will bring two Mummers bands to the Ocean City Boardwalk from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Tuesday, Aug. 8, Mummers Night will return to the Boardwalk from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with more string bands providing entertainment.
Downtown Asbury Avenue will feature entertainment, face-painters, balloon sculptors and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 2) for Market Days and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 8) for Funtastic Tuesday.
OCEAN CITY POPS FEATURES JUDY COLLINS
At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, August 6, singer-songwriter Judy Collins will join the Ocean City Pops for a special performance. Collins is a folk, country and rock artist known for her soothing vocals and seamless guitar.
She hit stardom in 1967 after her cover of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides, Now,’ which earned her first Grammy Award for Best Folk Performance as a result. Judy then released singles such as ‘Someday Soon’ and ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’ before the 1970 Christian hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ returned Collins back to the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100.
For tickets, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES FEATURES DON MCLEAN
Don McLean will take the stage at the Ocean City Music Pier at 7 p.m. Monday, August 7 with special guest Al Stewart. The show is part of the 50th Anniversary ‘American Pie’ Tour.
Check the Music Pier Box Office for ticket availability or visit Ticketmaster.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 113TH ANNUAL BABY PARADE
The 113th annual Baby Parade in Ocean City is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 10, 2023 and registration is now open.
All families with children age 10 and under are invited to participate. Bands, performing groups and commercial floats are also encouraged to join in the fun.
As part of a tradition that dates back to 1929, the city crowns a teen “Queen Infanta” to preside over the Baby Parade. Registration is now open to anybody who would like to compete for this crown.
Complete information and registration for the Baby Parade and Queen Infanta are available at www.ocnj.us/BabyParade.