Ocean City NJ Events Calendar: Things to Do in OCNJ Year-Round
Ocean City NJ Events Calendar
Ocean City hosts events throughout the year including parades, festivals, races, concerts, and family activities. From spring celebrations like the Doo Dah Parade and Spring Block Party to summer favorites like Night in Venice and the Ocean City Baby Parade, the island’s event calendar is packed with things to do.
Below is a guide to major Ocean City NJ events happening throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, races, and seasonal celebrations. Events are subject to change throughout the year, so check back often for updates.
This page is updated regularly with new things to do in Ocean City NJ, making it a helpful resource for visitors planning a trip and locals looking for upcoming activities.
This Ocean City NJ events calendar highlights festivals, parades, races, concerts, and family activities happening throughout the year on the island.
Visiting for the weekend? Explore our guide to Ocean City restaurants and Boardwalk favorites.
Signature Ocean City NJ Events
Ocean City hosts several signature events each year that attract visitors from across the region. These long-standing traditions highlight the island’s family-friendly atmosphere and vibrant community spirit.
Spring Block Party
One of the largest events of the year with hundreds of vendors, food stands, and entertainment stretching along Asbury Avenue from 5th Street to 14th Street.
Night in Venice Boat Parade
Ocean City’s biggest summer celebration featuring decorated boats traveling through the bay followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Ocean City Baby Parade
A beloved summer tradition that has been entertaining families for generations as babies and young children parade along the Boardwalk in themed floats and costumes.
Boardwalk Art Show
Artists from across the region display paintings, photography, sculpture, and mixed media artwork along the Ocean City Boardwalk.
Fall Block Party
Another massive Downtown celebration each fall featuring hundreds of crafters, food vendors, and live entertainment along Asbury Avenue.
Upcoming Events in Ocean City NJ This Week
Ocean City always has something happening on the island. Here are a few upcoming Ocean City NJ events happening soon.
May Events in Ocean City NJ
May 1 — Martin Z. Mollusk Day
Come find out if summer will arrive early when Ocean City’s famous hermit crab weather forecaster emerges from his shell. 11am at 9th Street Beach.
May 2 — Spring Block Party
One of Ocean City’s biggest events featuring more than 350 crafters, food vendors, and live entertainment along Asbury Avenue from 5th Street to 14th Street. 9am to 5pm.
May 2–3 — Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Discount Days
Shopping promotions along the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue between 6th Street and 14th Street.
May 9 — Spring Cruisin’ the Boards Car Show
Classic and modern cars displayed along the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street from noon to 5pm.
May 9 — Ocean City Schools Art Showcase
Artwork created by Ocean City School District students on display at the Ocean City Music Pier from 10am to 5pm.
May 17 — Chica De Mayo
All-girls skate park event featuring music, prizes, and skateboarding fun. Begins at 10am at the Ocean City Skate Park.
May 22 — Unlocking of the Ocean & Business Persons Plunge
Participants dress in business suits, carry briefcases, and march into the ocean to welcome the new season. Noon at 9th Street Beach.
May 23 — Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes
A soft-sand obstacle course race followed by a kids fun run. Staging at 9th Street Beach.
May 25 — Memorial Day Service
11am at Veterans Memorial Park between 5th and 6th Streets on Wesley Avenue.
May 25 — National Moment of Remembrance
Americans pause for one minute at 3pm on Memorial Day in an act of national unity. Ceremony takes place on the Boardwalk.
June Events in Ocean City NJ
June 3 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm with crafters along 6th Street and Asbury Avenue.
June 5–7 — Ocean City Flower Show
Beautiful commercial, amateur, and children’s displays at the Ocean City Music Pier.
Friday 2pm–8pm • Saturday 10am–8pm • Sunday 10am–4pm.
June 10 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm with crafters at 6th Street and Asbury Avenue.
June 13 — OCNJ Emergency Responder 5K
The 5K and 1-mile events begin on the Boardwalk and finish at the OCHS track.
June 17 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
June 17 — Miss New Jersey Parade
Contestants parade along the Ocean City Boardwalk beginning at 7pm.
June 18–20 — Miss New Jersey Competition
Preliminary rounds Thursday and Friday with the final competition Saturday at the Ocean City Music Pier.
June 20 — Miss New Jersey Teen Competition
Final competition and crowning at 1pm at the Ocean City Music Pier.
June 24 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
June 27 — Antique Auto Show
Over 300 vintage vehicles displayed on the Tabernacle Grounds from 9am to 2pm followed by a Boardwalk parade.
June 29 — Straight No Chaser Concert
Concert begins at 7pm at the Ocean City Music Pier.
July Events in Ocean City NJ
July — Every Monday — Beach Exercise (Yoga)
6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts from 8am to 9am. Free. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center.
July — Every Monday — Family Nights Entertainment
Jugglers, music, characters, and family entertainment on the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street from 7pm to 9pm.
July — Every Tuesday — Funtastic Tuesdays
Entertainment, strolling characters, face painters, and balloon sculptors from 10am to 1pm along Asbury Avenue.
July — Every Tuesday — Mummers Night
Mummers strut along the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street from 7pm to 9pm.
July — Every Tuesday & Wednesday — Beach Walks
59th Street & Central Avenue at the entrance to Corson’s Park. Tuesdays at 9am and Wednesdays at 6:30pm.
July — Every Wednesday — Beach Exercise (Pilates)
6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts from 8am to 9am. Free.
July — Every Thursday — Market Days
Entertainment, face painters, and balloon sculptors from 10am to 1pm along Asbury Avenue.
July — Every Friday — Beach Exercise (Low Impact)
6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts from 8am to 9am. Free.
July — Every Friday — Walking Club
Meet outside the Ocean City Music Pier at 8am to walk the length of the Boardwalk.
July 1 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm with crafters at 6th Street & Asbury Avenue.
July 1 — Wacky Wednesday Pie Eating Contest
Free contest at the Ocean City Music Pier beginning at 10:30am. Open to all ages.
July 1 — Freckle Contest
Registration begins at 5:30pm in front of the Music Pier. Contest starts at 6pm.
July 2 — Sand Sculpting Contest
Registration begins at 9am at 6th Street Beach. Judging by 11am.
July 2 — Ocean City Pops Patriotic Drone Show & Outdoor Concert
8pm at Carey Stadium followed by a patriotic drone show above the beach and Boardwalk.
July 4 — Gardens Civic Association Bike Parade
Registration at 9am at the Longport Bridge parking lot. Parade begins at 10am.
July 4 — South Ocean City Improvement Association Bike Parade
Registration at 9am at 40th Street & Asbury Avenue. Parade begins at 10am.
July 4 — Riviera Neighborhood Bike Parade
Registration at 11am at Leyte Lane Park. Parade begins at Noon.
July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration
Kite flying competition at 7pm followed by fireworks on the Boardwalk at 9pm.
July 4 — Ocean City Pops Outdoor Concert
8pm at Carey Stadium.
July 7 — Bicycle Auction
10am to Noon at Shelter Road near the Ocean City Golf Course.
July 8 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm with crafters at 6th Street & Asbury Avenue.
July 8 — Wacky Wednesday Taffy Sculpting Contest
Free contest at the Music Pier at 10:30am sponsored by Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy.
July 10 — Joe Stefano Jazz Ensemble Concert
Free concert at 7pm at the Ocean City Music Pier.
July 12 — T. John Carey Master’s Swim
One-mile ocean race finishing at 12th Street Beach.
July 13 — TUSK Fleetwood Mac Tribute Concert
7pm at the Ocean City Music Pier.
July 14 — OCBP Women’s Lifeguard Invitational
58th Street Beach beginning at 6:30pm.
July 15 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
July 15 — Wacky Wednesday French Fry Sculpting Contest
10:30am at the Music Pier.
July 20 — Judy Collins & Richard Thompson Concert
7pm at the Ocean City Music Pier.
July 22 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
July 22 — Wacky Wednesday Christmas in July
10:30am at the Music Pier featuring Santa and Christmas Music Bingo.
July 25 — Night in Venice Celebration
Boat parade begins at 6:30pm along the bay followed by fireworks.
July 29 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
July 29 — Wacky Wednesday Soft Pretzel Sculpting Contest
10:30am at the Music Pier.
July 30 – August 1 — Art of Surfing
Free event at the Ocean City Music Pier featuring surf art and live music.
August Events in Ocean City NJ
August — Every Monday — Beach Exercise (Yoga)
6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts from 8am to 9am.
August — Every Monday — Family Nights Entertainment
Boardwalk entertainment from 6th Street to 14th Street from 7pm to 9pm.
August — Every Tuesday — Funtastic Tuesdays
Entertainment and characters from 10am to 1pm on Asbury Avenue.
August — Every Tuesday — Mummers Night
Boardwalk parade from 6th Street to 14th Street from 7pm to 9pm.
August — Every Tuesday & Wednesday — Beach Walks
Corson’s Park entrance at 59th Street.
August — Every Wednesday — Beach Exercise (Pilates)
6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts.
August — Every Thursday — Market Days
10am to 1pm along Asbury Avenue.
August — Every Friday — Beach Exercise (Low Impact)
6th Street Beach Volleyball Courts.
August — Every Friday — Walking Club
Meet outside the Ocean City Music Pier at 8am.
August 5 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
August 5 — Wacky Wednesday Prince & Princess Party
Design crowns with Miss Ocean City at the Music Pier.
August 5 — Twins Contest
Registration 5:30pm. Contest begins 6pm in front of the Music Pier.
August 6 — Sand Sculpting Contest
Registration begins at 9am at 6th Street Beach.
August 7–9 — Boardwalk Art Show
Leading artists exhibit work along the Boardwalk.
August 8 — Boys and Girls Fishing Tournament
North-End Beach by the Longport Bridge.
August 8 — Miss Ocean City Pageant
7pm at the Music Pier.
August 11 — Pamper Scamper
Baby crawling race beginning at 9am at 6th Street Beach.
August 12 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
August 12 — Wacky Wednesday Donut Sculpting Contest
10:30am at the Music Pier.
August 13 — Ocean City Baby Parade
10:30am along the Ocean City Boardwalk.
August 14 — Little Miss Ocean City Pageant
7pm at the Music Pier.
August 15 — Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant
7pm at the Music Pier.
August 17 — Indigo Girls Concert
7pm at the Ocean City Music Pier.
August 19 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
August 19 — Wacky Wednesday Cookie Sculpting Contest
10:30am at the Music Pier.
August 19 — Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant
Registration begins 5:30pm at 6th Street Beach.
August 19 — Hermit Crab Races
Immediately following Miss Crustacean at 6pm.
August 26 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
September Events in Ocean City NJ
September 2 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
September 7 — OCNJ Labor Day Race
5-mile beach run and 1-mile fun run/walk.
September 9 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
September 11 — 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
6pm at Firehouse Headquarters on Asbury Avenue.
September 12 — Fall Cruisin’ the Boards Car Show
Classic cars displayed on the Boardwalk from noon to 5pm.
September 13 — Corvette Show
Over 400 Corvettes displayed on the Boardwalk from 11:30am to 4pm.
September 16 — Farmers Market
Tabernacle Grounds from 8am to 12pm.
September 19 — Ocean City Airport Festival
10am to 3pm at the Municipal Airport.
September 19 — Parachute Pyrotechnic Show
8pm landing at 7th Street Beach.
September 20 — Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow
1pm along the Ocean City beach and Boardwalk.
September 26–27 — MS City to Shore Ride
Cyclists ride from Philadelphia to Ocean City to raise funds for MS.
October Events in Ocean City NJ
October 3 — NJ Jeep Invasion
Jeeps line the Boardwalk from 5th Street to 14th Street.
October 3–4 — Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Discount Days
Shopping promotions along the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.
October 4 — OCNJ Half Marathon
Half Marathon, 5K, and 10-mile walk/run.
October 10 — Fall Block Party
Over 400 crafters and vendors along Asbury Avenue from 9am to 5pm.
October 10–12 — Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Discount Days
Shopping promotions across the Boardwalk and downtown.
October 17 — Porsche Boardwalk Reunion
More than 350 Porsches displayed on the Boardwalk.
October 24–25 — Dog Days
Leashed dogs permitted on the Boardwalk with vendors and activities.
October 24 — Howl-O-Ween Parade
Humane Society costume parade along the Boardwalk.
October 24 — Halloween Costume Skate
Ocean City Skate Park costume contest.
October 28 — Chamber of Commerce Welcome Night
6pm at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center.
October 29 — Halloween Parade
7:15pm on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street.
November Events in Ocean City NJ
November 7 — Trail of Two Cities 5K
Run across the 9th Street Bridge between Ocean City and Somers Point.
November 11 — Veterans Day Program
11am at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
November 14 — Winterfest by the Sea
Holiday shopping event at the Civic Center from 9am to 3pm.
November 21 — Earlier Than the Bird Shopping Event
Early holiday shopping along Asbury Avenue from 8am to noon.
November 21 — Horse & Carriage Rides
Noon to 3pm at 6th Street & Asbury Avenue.
November 26 — Fast & Furriest Turkey Trot
5K run along the Ocean City Boardwalk.
November 27 — Christmas in the Downtown
Holiday celebration and Santa arrival on Asbury Avenue.
November 27–29 — Horse & Carriage Rides
Noon to 3pm at 6th Street & Asbury Avenue.
November 28–29 — Santa in the Downtown
9am to 11am at Soifer Park.
November 28–29 — Photos with Santa
1pm to 3pm at the Ocean City Music Pier.
December Events in Ocean City NJ
December 4 — Christmas Parade
6pm along Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street.
December 5–6 — Train Show
10am to 4pm at the Ocean City Music Pier.
December 5–6 — Santa in the Downtown
9am to 11am at Soifer Park.
December 5–6 — Horse & Carriage Rides
Noon to 3pm at 6th Street & Asbury Avenue.
December 12–13 — Santa in the Downtown
9am to 11am at Soifer Park.
December 19–20 — Santa in the Downtown
9am to 11am at Soifer Park.
December 31 — First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration
Full day of entertainment across Ocean City ending with fireworks at midnight.
January 1, 2027 — First Day Shopping Extravaganza
Shopping along Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 14th Street.
January 1, 2027 — First Day 5K Boardwalk Run
Race begins at 1pm at the Ocean City Music Pier.
January 1, 2027 — First Day at the Beach
Annual first ocean dip of the New Year begins at 2pm.
Planning a Visit Around Ocean City NJ Events
Ocean City is known as America’s Greatest Family Resort, and the city’s year-round event calendar is a big part of what makes the island special. From spring traditions like the Doo Dah Parade and the Spring Block Party to summer favorites including Night in Venice, the Ocean City Baby Parade, and weekly Boardwalk entertainment, there’s always something happening.
Many events take place along Asbury Avenue in Downtown Ocean City, at the Ocean City Music Pier, or on the historic Ocean City Boardwalk, making it easy to explore the island while enjoying festivals, concerts, races, and family activities.
Visitors often plan their trips around signature Ocean City celebrations such as the Spring and Fall Block Parties, the Boardwalk Art Show, and holiday events throughout November and December. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or spending the entire summer at the shore, the island’s event calendar offers something for every age.
Events listed on this page are subject to change throughout the year. Check back regularly for updates and new additions to the Ocean City NJ events calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ocean City NJ Events
What are the biggest events in Ocean City NJ?
Some of the most popular events include the Spring Block Party, Night in Venice boat parade, the Ocean City Baby Parade, the Boardwalk Art Show, and the Fall Block Party. These events draw thousands of visitors to the island each year.
When do most Ocean City NJ events happen?
Ocean City hosts events throughout the year, but the busiest season runs from spring through early fall, when festivals, races, concerts, and family activities take place almost every week.
Where do most Ocean City events take place?
Many major events are held along the Ocean City Boardwalk, Asbury Avenue in Downtown Ocean City, the Ocean City Music Pier, and the city’s beaches and parks.
Where can I find the full Ocean City NJ events calendar?
You can always find the latest Ocean City NJ events calendar right here on OCNJ Magazine. This page is updated regularly with new festivals, races, concerts, and community events happening around the island.
Events are subject to change throughout the year. Stay up to date with the latest Ocean City happenings at OCNJMagazine.com.