Your Guide to First Night in Ocean City
Everything You Need to Know for a Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve
Ocean City’s beloved First Night celebration returns for its 33rd year, offering a full evening of entertainment, activities, and fireworks to ring in the new year — all in a safe, alcohol-free environment perfect for families.
Experience the joy and excitement of First Night as you create lasting memories with family and friends.
Experience the joy and excitement of First Night as you create lasting memories with family and friends.
With more than 70 performances at 20 venues across town, First Night has become a New Year’s Eve tradition for thousands of visitors and locals alike. Here’s your complete guide to enjoying First Night and First Day in Ocean City.
🗓️ When Is First Night?
First Night (New Year’s Eve):
🕓 Wednesday, December 31 | 4pm–midnight
First Day (New Year’s Day):
🏃♂️ First Day 5K Run: 1pm
🌊 First Plunge: 2pm
📅 Thursday, January 1
🎟️ Admission Buttons
- Cost: $20–$25 (service fee included)
- Children under 2: Free
- One button = access to all First Night events
Attendance is capped and buttons traditionally sell out, so early purchase is recommended.
👉 Purchase buttons and learn more at firstnightocnj.com
🎶 Entertainment Highlights
The official entertainment schedule shows a packed night of performances across the island, including returning fan favorites and new attractions
⭐ Headliners & Favorites Include:
Don’t miss out on the festive atmosphere that First Night brings to the community.
- The Sensational Soul Cruisers
- OCTC Presents: Pete the Cat
- Motor City: The Motown Revue
- Frontiers – Tribute to Journey
- Tributes to Elton John & Billy Joel
- Harlem Wizards
- Magician Chad Juros
- Country Line Dance Experience
- Dustin Dean, Mentalist
- Ice-Skating Rink & DJ
- Inflatables & Game Shows
- Karaoke Party
- Disco Line Dancing
Don’t miss out on the festive atmosphere that First Night brings to the community.
Performances take place at venues including:
- Ocean City Music Pier
- Ocean City High School (Auditorium, Cafeteria & Gyms)
- Civic Center
- Community Center
- Carey Stadium
- Library, Historical Museum, Aquatic & Fitness Center, and more
🚀 Drone Show & Fireworks
A music-synchronized drone light show will light up the sky over Carey Stadium, followed by a midnight fireworks display to welcome the new year.
🚍 Parking & Transportation
- All municipal parking lots and meters are FREE
- Free jitney service for button-holders:
- 🕔 5pm–12:30am
- Continuous service between venues
- Stops include:
- Ocean City Transportation Center (9th St. & Haven Ave.)
- Seventh Street Parking Lot (7th St. & Central Ave.)
🍔 Dining During First Night
Food and drinks will be available for purchase at:
- Ocean City High School (Sack O’ Subs)
- Ocean City Community Center café
- Civic Center
🎉 Kickoff Celebration
Everyone is invited to the official First Night kickoff:
- 📍 Ocean City Music Pier
- 🕒 3:45pm
- 🎀 Ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the 2026 festivities
📸 Extra Fun Along the Way
- First Night ice sculpture at the Music Pier
- Interactive photo booths at:
- Ocean City High School Cafeteria
- Community Center
- Civic Center
📜 A Bit of First Night History
First Night in Ocean City was inspired by an alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration in Boston during the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976. Ocean City launched its first First Night in 1992 with just 25 acts and 800 buttons sold.
Today, the event welcomes up to 10,000 attendees annually, sustained by volunteers, sponsors, and a community committed to providing a safe, joyful way to celebrate the new year.
🤝 First Night 2026 Sponsors
First Night is made possible thanks to:
- City of Ocean City
- Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage
- McMahon Insurance Agency
- Ocean City Free Public Library
- Pete Madden of Goldcoast Sotheby’s International Realty
- Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
- Atlantic City Electric
🎯 How to Make the Most of Your First Night Experience
With so many performances happening simultaneously across town, a little planning goes a long way. Families are encouraged to review the schedule in advance, circle must-see shows, and build in time for travel between venues. The free jitney service makes it easy to move around the island without worrying about parking or traffic.
Be sure to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as many guests walk between nearby venues throughout the evening. Keep an eye out for pop-up entertainment and surprise moments along the way — part of the magic of First Night is discovering something unexpected. Whether you attend one show or pack in a full night of fun, First Night offers a memorable way to welcome the new year together.
🎆 Plan ahead, grab your buttons early, and make First Night part of your Ocean City tradition.
👉 Complete details and schedule: firstnightocnj.com
📲 Follow along using #FirstNightOCNJ2026
Join us for First Night and be part of the celebration that welcomes the new year with joy and excitement!
Join us for First Night and be part of the celebration that welcomes the new year with joy and excitement!