Events
2011 Calendar of Events in Ocean City
April 22-23
Easter Art & Craft Fair and Kids Fair
Exhibitors displaying unique hand-crafted items including wearable art, jewelry, lawn & garden decor, toys, florals, fine art, caricatures & more. Door prizes. Admission includes Easter Kids Fair.
Kids Fair: Continuous events, activities and entertainment, including Beanny, the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, coloring tables, magic & puppet shows, clowns, face painting, dancing, games, contests and more.
Friday and Saturday from 10am - 5pm. Located at the Convention Center on 40th St. For more information, contact Mike Wicklein or Starr George at 410-213-8090 or oceanpromotions@beachin.net, or visit www.oceanpromotions.info.
April 29
Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition & Art Festival
Carvers & visitors from across the world convene for the most prestigious competition of wildfowl art. Event includes judging, benefit auction, classes & seminars, demonstrations, children's activities & over 100 exhibitor booths of artisans & art supplies. Admission. Located at the Convention Center on 40th Street. Hours: Friday from 10am - 5pm; Saturday from 9am - 5pm with award ceremony at 5pm; Sunday from 10am - 4pm. For more information, contact the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art at 410-742-4988, ext. 120.
April 30
Board Walkin' for Pets
Worcester County Humane Society annual fun event... walk-a-thon on the boards! All proceed benefit the Ocean City area's no-kill pet shelter. Bring your pet for a fun day on the boards to help the animals, or adopt a shelter dog for the day by making arrangements prior to the walk-a-thon. Located at the Inlet on the South End of the Boardwalk on Saturday from 9am - Noon, rain or shine! Registration fee includes walk, refreshments, prizes and giveaways.
Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition & Art Festival
Carvers & visitors from across the world convene for the most prestigious competition of wildfowl art. Event includes judging, benefit auction, classes & seminars, demonstrations, children's activities & over 100 exhibitor booths of artisans & art supplies. Admission. Located at the Convention Center on 40th Street. Hours: Friday from 10am - 5pm; Saturday from 9am - 5pm with award ceremony at 5pm; Sunday from 10am - 4pm. For more information, contact the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art at 410-742-4988, ext. 120.
MD International Kite Exposition
Expo features impressive ground & air demonstrations of color & imagination. Activities include sport kite demonstrations, giant kites and lessons in kite making. Events & other competitions such as candy drops & rokkaku battles throughout the weekend. Come enjoy one of the largest kite festivals in the USA. Located on the beach at N. Division St. on 6th St. Hours: Friday through Sunday from 9am - 9pm. For more information, contact Jay Kerr at 410-289-7855 or visit www.kiteloft.com.
Ocean City, Maryland Island 2 Island Half Marathon / 5K Event @ 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
The half marathon course will run from the Ocean City's island inlet to Assateague Island State Park. The half marathon race starts at 7am and has a 3 hour, 15 minute time limit. The 5K race will have a 1 hour time limit and will start at 7:30am. Walkers are welcome to both races. Anyone who cannot cross finish line within the allotted time will not receive an official time and will be on the course at their own risk. For more information, contact Chris Klebe at 443-497-4324 or Charlie McClure at 443-370-9202. Sign up at www.octrirunning.com.
May 05 - 08
Springfest
Celebrate the arrival of spring & summer in Ocean City! This festival is four fun-filled days of continuous entertainment, clever arts & crafts & food vendors galore. Over 184 crafters in two huge big-top tents, along with gourmet vendors, commercial vendors & food vendors offering everything from the exotic to traditional Eastern Shore fare. Entertainment is free with the exception of nighttime headline acts on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. Free parking is available at the West Ocean City Park & Ride. Park free & ride shuttle bus to Springfest for $1. Ride the Boardwalk Tram to the Inlet for $3 each way. Express trolley shuttles will depart from the south lot of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center at 40th Street, ride all day for $2. Prices subject to change.
Admission to the festival is free; so bring the entire family to enjoy this wonderful spring event. Festival runs Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Tickets for headline entertainment on sale at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center Box Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by calling TicketMaster at 800-551-SEAT, in Baltimore/Washington, call 410-481-SEAT. www.ticketmaster.com. For general information about the festival, call 800-626-2326.
May 07
Berlin Blues & Jazz Bash @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Berlin is sponsoring its 4th Annual Jazz and Blues Bash on May 7th, 2011 from 12-8pm . The event is open to the public and provides a designated kids craft area. A celebration of music and art on Main Street in Berlin, Maryland. The event features two outdoor stages of live jazz and blues plus select art and food vendors to heighten the festival atmosphere. For more information, contact Olive Mawyer at 410-641-4775 or visit www.berlinchamber.org.
May 19 - 22
Cruisin' Ocean City
Popular car show features 3,000 hot rods, customs, classics, street machines, muscle cars & more. Live entertainment, celebrity guests, special attractions, boardwalk parades, manufacturers vendor, midway & more. Admission. Two locations: Convention Center on 40th Street and Inlet Parking Lot. Thursday - Saturday from 9am - 5pm; Sunday 9am - 4pm. For more information, call Meredith Hennen at 410-798-6304, email infoevent@aol.com or visit www.cruisinoceancity.com.
May 28 - 29
Spring Arts & Crafts Show
Ocean City’s only Memorial Day weekend craft show featuring vendors displaying garden accessories, jewelry, candles, florals, wood crafts & homemade items. Home grown plants for sale for your yard or patio. Located at the Convention Center on 40th St. Hours: Saturday, 10am - 5pm and Sunday, 10am - 4pm. For more information, contact Janice Cropper at 410-213-0735 or cropperjl@aol.com.
May 31 - June 17
Play It Safe
In 1989, then Governor William Donald Schaefer asked the Mayor of Ocean City, Roland Powell, to set up a committee to fight the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in our community. Thus, was born the Ocean City Drug Alcohol Abuse Prevention Committee Inc that works in a partnership with state and local government agencies, as well as many businesses and concerned citizens. Currently the committee is comprised of members from the Town of Ocean City including elected officials and town employees from the Town of Ocean City Police Department andOcean City Recreation & Parks Department, Worcester County Health Department and Department of Juvenile Services personnel, local school administrators, and teachers, volunteers from community service organizations, and many caring and concerned citizens.
June 11 - 12
OC Air Show
The Popular OC Air Show returns! Featuring major aircraft performances from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy as well as other divisions of the United States Military. Performances will also include civilian aerobatic performances. Events will be visible along the entire length of the Boardwalk creating an inspiring experience for visitors while they enjoy all that Ocean City’s beach and boardwalk have to offer. Spectators may enjoy the show free of charge but VIP seating is available. Hospitality events scheduled, sponsors welcome. Shows begin at noon Saturday & Sunday, with rehearsal day on Friday. General information: 800-626-2326 or visit www.ocairshow.com.
Express Trolley Service for the Air Show leaves the Convention Center south lot & travels directly from 40th Street to Show Center at 16th Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each show day. Fare is $2 & is transferable to the regular Coastal Highway bus service as well as Park & Ride Shuttle Service.
OC Car & Truck Show
10th Anniversary! One of the East Coast's largest automotive & culture events comes to Ocean City with the most amazing vehicles that grace the pages of your favorite automotive magazines. From tuners to exotics, from trick trucks to slammed SUV's, from crazy classics to super bikes, the OC Car Show has something for everyone. Combine that with top name companies with interactive displays, vendors with everything for your ride and Ocean City's biggest name performances live on the OC Car Show stage. The event is simply the best entertainment of the summer. Tickets sold at the door. Located at the Convention Center on 40th Street. Hours: Saturday, 10am - 10pm and Sunday, 10am - 6pm. For more information, contact Brian Stoehr, 302-436-0183 or occarshow02@aol.com. For updates on artists and special guest appearances visit www.occarshow.com.
June 20 - 22
MD State Firemen's Assoc. Conference & Parade
Annual convention for the Maryland Fire Rescue Service. Training programs, business meetings and exhibits. The public is invited to come in and "meet the firemen" & see exhibits at the Convention Center on 40th Street on Monday & Tuesday from 9am - 5pm and Wednesday from 9am - 12 noon. The annual parade is held from the Inlet to 9th Street along Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Ocean City on Wednesday at noon. Enjoy equipment, bands and floats. Parade lasts approximately 3 hours.
July 04
July 4th Uptown Celebration - Fireworks & Concert
Free concert begins at 8:00 pm, followed by fabulous fireworks at 9:30 pm. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the evening at Northside Park on 125th St. For information: 1-800-626-2326 or 410-250-0125.
July 4th Downtown Celebration - Fireworks & Concert
Free concert begins at 8:00 pm, followed by fabulous fireworks at 9:30 pm. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the evening beside the ocean on the beach at the inlet in downtown Ocean City. For information: 1-800-626-2326 or 410-250-0125.
July 15 - 17
OC Tuna Tournament
Come see over 100 boats weigh in large tuna in hopes of winning over $500,000 in cash. Weigh-ins Friday & Saturday from 4 - 7:30pm and Sunday from 4 - 7pm. Located at the Ocean City Fishing Center, off Route 50 at Inlet Isle Lane. For more information, call 800-322-3065 or visit www.octunatournament.com.
July 25 - 27
Jesus at the Beach Music & Ministry Festival
Christian praise and worship music, dance, prayer & Holy Spirit ministry. Baptism in the ocean on Wednesday after the morning meeting. Hours: Monday through Wednesday from 10am - 1pm at the Convention Center on 40th Street and 7pm - 10pm on the beach at N. Division Street. For more information, contact Dick or Gary at 410-289-1296 or visit www.jesusatthebeach.org.
July 29 - 30
Greek Festival
Why suffer with long airport lines & huge airfare bills? Enjoy the sights, sounds & flavors of a trip to Greece right here in the beautiful Ocean City Convention Center where everyone is welcomed to be Greek for the week! Traditional Greek Fare available. Enjoy shopping at any of the vendors featuring original & reproduction art, jewelry, clothing and more. Live entertainment. Come for lunch, dinner, desserts & more. Admission. Located at the Convention Center on 40th Street. Hours: Friday & Saturday, 12 noon - 11pm; Sunday 12 noon - 9pm. For more information, contact the St. George Greek Orthodox Church at 410-524-0990.
August 08 - 12
White Marlin Open
World’s largest billfish tournament. Thousands watch fish weigh-ins Monday through Friday from 4 - 9 pm. $3 million in prize money. Registration fees for participating boats. Spectators see weigh-ins free of charge. Located at Harbour Island Marina on 14th St. and the bay. For more information, call Jim Motsko, 410-289-9229.
August 13 - 14
Dub Magazine Car Show & Concert
The World’s Largest Custom Car Show Tour invades Ocean City once again with the hottest rides on the planet, the biggest celebrities and performances and the best place to see the latest and greatest products from automotive and lifestyle hitting the market. The DUB Show is proud to announce Ocean City as a stop on the 2011 tour. The event showcases cars, trucks, bikes, trikes and everything you can imagine all under one roof! This is the last big bang of the summer in Ocean City. You dont want to miss this! Admission. Saturday, 10am - 10pm and Sunday 10am - 6pm at the Convention Center on 40th Street. For more information, contact Brian Stoehr at 302-436-0183 or visit www.occarshow.com.
August 21 - September 1
Ocean City Hotel Week
At the end of the summer, hotels and motels located throughout Ocean City will feature great deals. Featuring free night stays when staying 3 nights or longer and great beach bargains offering discounts up to 25% off. Along with great deals on accommodations, there are lots of amazing free events! Be sure to check out www.oceancityhotelweek.com for the list of participating properties.
September 02 - 04
Labor Day Weekend Art & Craft Festival
A tasteful mix of mediums including original oil & watercolors, woodworking & furniture, stained glass, glass art, oils, scents, candles, pottery and ceramics. Unique items for gifts and household. Located at the Convention Center on 40th Street. Hours: Friday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm. For more info.
September 15 - 18
Delmarva Bike Week
Tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy activities & rides throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. A variety of small & large motorcycle related displays & exhibits from large corporations to small builders. Free entertainment, charity rides. Three host locations: Seacrets Bar & Grill on 49th St in Ocean City, Harley Davidson Shop in Seaford and Winterplace Park in Salisbury. Thursday - Saturday, 9am - 7pm and Sunday, 9am - 4pm. www.delmarvabikeweek.com.
September 16 - 18
Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show
14k, sterling jewelry, beads, precious & semi-precious stones, crystals, classic & contemporary designs and more. Admission. Convention Center on 40th Street. Friday, 12 noon - 7pm; Saturday, 10am - 6pm; Sunday, 11am - 5pm. For more information, contact Barbara Haney at 804-746-7663 or tote1523@treasuresoftheearth.net.
September 22 - 25
Sunfest
Ocean City's most popular festival! Popular entertainers highlight four days of fall fun with arts & crafts, big-top tents, food vendors & more. All entertainment is free with the exception of evening headline acts. Nothing delights the eye more than our artisans’ unique designs of fine art & distinctive crafts. Try the bold taste of the Eastern Shore with fabulous food. Children's activities are available on Saturday & Sunday. Located at the Inlet Parking Lot in Downtown Ocean City. Festival hours: Thursday - Saturday, 10am - 10pm and Sunday 10am - 6pm. For more information, call 800-626-2326.
Free parking is available at the West Ocean City Park & Ride. Park free & ride shuttle bus to Sunfest for $1. Ride the Boardwalk Tram to the Inlet for $3 each way. Express trolley shuttles will depart from the south lot of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center at 40th Street; ride all day for $2. Prices subject to change.
Sunfest Kite Festival
Bring the family & let your spirits soar! Enjoy three days filled with spectacular kite flying. Thousands of spectators travel to see master kite flyers from around the world showcase their aerial displays of art. Located on the beach between 1st and 6th Streets; Thursday - Sunday from 9am - 9pm. For more information, contact Jay Knerr at 410-289-7855 or visit www.kiteloft.com.
September 23 - 25
Berlin Fiddler's Convention
Three days of free, live, Bluegrass music on Main Street in Downtown Berlin. Music lovers of all ages travel from across the region to hear competitors vie for thousands in cash prizes. The event kicks off with a concert on Friday night, followed by an Acoustic Music Competition all day Saturday and closing with a free Bluegrass Gospel Jam on Sunday morning. Friday, 6pm - 10pm; Saturday, 10am - 5pm; Sunday, 11am - 2pm. For more information, contact Olive Mawyer at 410-641-4775 or visit www.berlinchamber.org.
September 30 - October 2
Winefest on the Beach
Wineries from across the Mid-Atlantic region as well as micro-brew beer. Arts & crafts, live music, food available & more. Admission. Located at the Inlet Parking Lot in Downtown Ocean City. Friday & Saturday from 11am - 7pm. For more information, contact Christina Nokes. 410-280-3306.
October 01 - 02
Ocean City Coin & Currency Show
Thirty or more coin & currency dealers buying & selling, plus free appraisals & free admission. Saturday, 10am - 6pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm and the Convention Center on 40th Street. For more information, contact Carl Ostiguy at 443-623-7025.
October 06 - 09
Endless Summer Cruisin'
Hot rod car show features more than 1,500 hot rods, customs, muscle cars, street machines, classics & more. Live entertainment, manufacturers’ midway, boardwalk parades & special attractions. Located at the Inlet Parking Lot. Admission. Thursday - Saturday, 9am -5pm; Sunday, 9am - 4pm. For more information, contact Meredith Hennen at 410-798-6304 or visit www.endlesssummercruisin.com.
32nd Annual Mid-Atlantic Surf Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by the Ocean City Surf Anglers. Approximately 100 six-person teams participate each year. Prizes and trophies are awarded. Tournament takes place on the beach from about 20th St. to 120th St. in Ocean City. For more information and an invitation packet, contact Scott Wallace at 410-213-0646.
October 07 - 08
Oktoberfest
Eat, drink and be merry with schnitzels, wursts and barrels of bier. Two days and two nights of continuous entertainment including the Pennsylvania Villagers, Jolly Polkateers II, Happy Wanderers, Alpen Rose Dancers, Side by Side Productions and more. Friday and Saturday from 11am - 11pm at the Convention Center on 40th Street. Admission includes Craft Show. For more information, contact Mike Wicklein or Starr George at 410-213-8090 or oceanpromotions@beachin.net, or visit www.oceanpromotions.info.
Oktoberfest Art & Craft Fair
Two full days of continuous entertainment, featuring the Pennsylvania Villagers, The Happy Wanderers, Mike's Bavarian Bandstand, The Alpen Rose Dancers and Side by Side Productions. Over 100 exhibitors displaying holiday items, gifts, wearable art, jewelry, sports memorabilia, fine art, candles and home decor complement the traditional style Oktoberfest show. Admission includes Oktoberfest. Friday, 11am - 6pm and Saturday 10am - 6pm at the Convention Center on 40th Street. For more information, contact Mike Wicklein or Starr George at 410-213-8090 or oceanpromotions@beachin.net, or visit www.oceanpromotions.info.
October 14 - 16
Corvette Weekend
Hosted by the Free State Corvette Club, this is a great event for corvette enthusiasts and owners. Car shows, road rallies, a boardwalk parade and other related activities raise money for Spina Bifida Association of MD, the USO at BWI-Marshall Airport and Therapeutic Riding Academy of Howard County. Friday, registration at Holiday Inn at 67th St. from 11am to 8pm. Saturday, car shows and boardwalk parade at the Inlet from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Parade begins at 4pm. Registration fee to enter cars, no charge for spectators. For more information, call 410-590-5630.
October 30
Seaside 10 Miler / 5K Race
Start at the Inlet Parking Lot in Downtown Ocean City and run the length of the Boardwalk and then hop on Coastal Highway up to 72nd Street and back the same route to the finish line. 3 hour time limit. Walkers welcome but anyone who cannot finish the race within the allotted timeframe will not receive an official time. For more information and registration, contact Chris Klebe at 443-497-4324 or Charlie McClure at 443-370-9202.
