“Off-season” is a term that’s destined to be retired in Ocean City, thanks to a calendar that’s packed with fun activities all year ‘round.
The hum of classic engines ushers in the month of June, with both the Mid-Atlantic Classic Chevy Festival and the Ocean City Car and Truck Show beginning on June 6. The Mid-Atlantic Chevy Festival is held at the Francis Scott Key Motel, Rte. 50, and is open to all 1929-’72 Chevrolets. Registration is Sat. from noon-5pm; the show is Sun. from 9am-3pm with awards. The event also features a Boardwalk parade Sun. at 8:30am. Call Keith Bowie, 302-732-3241 for more information. The OC Car and Truck Show at 40th St. and the Bay is one of the largest custom car and truck shows in the country, with more than 700 vehicles and vendors. Highlights include music, entertainment and celebrity appearances. Admission is charged; show hours are Sat. from 10am-10pm and Sun. from 10am-6pm. Call Brian Stoehr, 302-436-0183 for more information, or go to www.occarshow.com on the Web.
Art is in focus at Northside Park at 127th St. and the Bay on June 20-21, as more than 100 artists display and sell their treasures at the annual Arts Alive event. Have lunch, enjoy music and check out free educational and artistic activities for children. Sat. 9am-6pm; Sun. 9am-5pm. Get more information at www.ococean.com or 800-OC-OCEAN.
As always, Ocean City is a wonderful place to celebrate Independence Day weekend, with events on the beach and the bay. Jamboree in the Park on July 4 brings entertainment, games, food and a giant fireworks display to Northside Park, at 127th St. and the Bay. The fun begins at 8pm; fireworks start at 9:30pm. On the ocean side, the celebration kicks off with a Concert on the Beach at 8pm at North Division St. Fireworks will follow at 9:30pm. Get more information on both events at 800-OC-OCEAN or www.ococean.com.
Motorcycle enthusiasts will not want to miss Delmarva Bike Week starting Sept.17. More than 100,000 motorcycle enthusiasts gather with live music, games, contests, thrill shows and charity rides. More than 200 vendors from regional & national companies will participate. Thur.-Sat. 9am-7pm; Sun. 9am-4pm. Get more information at www.delmarvabikeweek.com, or call Bruce Bennett, 410-629-1560.
Summer may officially end the third week in September, but it’s hard to tell in Ocean City, as the resort’s biggest festival, Sunfest, kicks off on Sept.24. Sunfest features fine art, distinctive crafts, performers on two stages, and a variety of food vendors. Fall children’s activities include pumpkin decorating & scarecrow making. Evening headline entertainers require tickets, available on Ticketmaster.com: 800-551-7328; Convention Center Box Office Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm; or at www.ococean.com. Sunfest hours are Thur.-Sat., 10am-10pm; Sun. 10am-6pm. Ride the bus to Sunfest by using satellite parking or West Ocean City Park & Ride. The shuttle from Park & Ride is only $1 all day & parking is free. The Sunfest Kite Festival starts Sept. 24 between 1st St. and 6th St. on the beaches and Boardwalk. The festival includes a children’s workshop, kite battles and the East Coast’s premier sport kite competition. Master kite flyers showcase their talents. Thur.-Sun., 9am-9pm. For more information, call Jay Knerr, 410-289-7855.
Hot rods will be in town Columbus Day weekend as Endless Summer Cruisin’, beginning Oct. 8, brings 1,500 hot rods, customs and classic cars to the resort. Admission. Hours are Thur.-Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-4pm. Call Meredith Hennen, 410-798-6304, or www.endlesssummercruisin.com for more information.
Ocean City’s Oktoberfest beginning Oct. 9 brings three days of entertainment, plus plenty of schnitzels, wursts & beer. Admission includes craft show. Oktoberfest hours are Fri. and Sat. 11am-9pm; Sun. 11am-4pm. Oktoberfest is held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th St. & Coastal Hwy. The adjacent Oktoberfest Art and Craft Fair brings more than 100 exhibitors with holiday items, gifts, fine art and more. Art and Craft Fair hours are Fri. 11am-6pm; Sat. 10am-6pm; and Sun. 10am-4pm. For information on either event, call Mike Wicklein/Starr George, 410-524-7020, or go to www.oceanpromotions.info.
Ocean City really shines Nov. 19-Jan. 2, when Winterfest of Lights brings dazzling lights to locations throughout the town for the holidays. Tour the tunnel of lights and the Inlet and see the old-fashioned lighted wreaths along city streets. Northside Park at 127th St. and the Bay is a must-see, with hundreds of animated lighted displays. Browse the gift shop, have a photo taken with Santa and sip hot chocolate in the heated, decorated tent while you wait to tour the lights on a tram. Small fee to ride tram. Sun.-Thurs. 5:30-9:30pm; Fri.-Sat. 5:30-10:30pm. More information at 800-OC-OCEAN or www.ococean.com. |
