Martin Z. Mollusk Day May 1, Ocean City Spring Block Party May 2, Community Wellness Day May 3

Spring arrives in a big way in Ocean City, New Jersey as one of the resort’s signature weekends returns, combining a beloved seasonal kickoff, a massive downtown festival and a community-focused wellness event.

The centerpiece of the weekend is the annual Spring Block Party, set for Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Asbury Avenue. Stretching from Fifth Street to 14th Street, the event will feature more than 350 crafters, food vendors and entertainers lining a full mile of downtown. Each year, the Block Party draws tens of thousands of visitors, offering a preview of the busy summer season with a mix of shopping, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.

But the festivities begin a day earlier with one of Ocean City’s most unique traditions. At 11 a.m. Friday, May 1, crowds will gather on the beach at Ninth Street for the annual prediction ceremony starring the city’s hermit-crab mascot, Martin Z. Mollusk. Modeled after Groundhog Day, the lighthearted event centers on whether the crab sees his shadow, signaling an early start to summer.

The tradition dates back to 1974, when former public relations director Mark Soifer introduced the promotion as a fun way to jump-start the season. Over the decades, it has grown into a fan-favorite spectacle that blends humor, community spirit and a touch of Ocean City’s signature charm. This year marks the 53rd installment of the event, which has built a reputation for delivering an optimistic forecast year after year.

Adding to the fun, meteorologist Nor’easter Nick Pittman will serve as a special guest host, joining in the playful ceremony alongside live music from the String Band Novelties. The event is open to the public and serves as an unofficial countdown to summer along the shore.

The momentum carries into Saturday’s Spring Block Party, where visitors can expect a lively atmosphere filled with food, music and local flavor. Bands and performers will be stationed throughout the downtown corridor between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., creating a festival feel along Asbury Avenue. Featured acts include the Robert Boney Band, the Pennsport String Band and Big Daddy, with additional performances by the Ocean City Pops and the Ocean City Theatre Company at Ninth Street.

Families will find plenty to enjoy as well, including pony rides for children at the Ocean City Tabernacle grounds at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Local restaurants and vendors will offer a wide range of food options, from classic boardwalk favorites to festival treats.

To accommodate the crowds, the city will offer free parking at all metered street spaces and municipal lots, including the Transportation Center at Ninth Street and Haven Avenue, as well as lots on the 700 and 800 blocks of Central Avenue. The easy access is designed to encourage visitors to explore both downtown and the nearby boardwalk.

The weekend also includes “Discount Days,” giving shoppers even more reason to browse. Retailers along Asbury Avenue and the boardwalk will offer special sales both in stores and at outdoor tables set up between Sixth Street and 14th Street on Saturday and Sunday, adding a strong shopping component to the festivities.

The celebration continues into Sunday, May 3, with the annual Community Wellness Day at the Ocean City Free Public Library from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event focuses on health, wellness and personal growth, offering a range of activities and resources for residents and visitors alike.

A keynote presentation will open the day, followed by a schedule that includes yoga sessions, live music, a Reiki demonstration, blood-pressure screenings and healthy food tastings. The event will also feature discussions centered on mental health and overall well-being, creating a well-rounded experience that complements the weekend’s more festive offerings.

Together, the three-day lineup highlights Ocean City’s ability to blend entertainment, tradition and community engagement. From a playful prediction of summer’s arrival to one of the region’s largest spring festivals and a day dedicated to wellness, the weekend offers something for everyone as the shore town gears up for another busy season.