Peak Season arrives in Downtown OC
Discover fun, food, shopping, events and entertainment in downtown OC
The word that best describes the month of August in Downtown Ocean City is “busy.” This seems like an obvious statement … naturally, a beach resort town is busy in the middle of summer. You would expect to see the beaches packed with umbrellas, lines forming for your favorite Boardwalk fries or caramel popcorn, and you may have to wait on the bridge coming into town. What makes this August feels busier is the number of events on calendar.
August kicks off with the White Marlin Open
(Aug. 5-9). While Ocean City hosts quite few large purse fishing tournaments, such as the Huk Classic at MR Ducks last month and the Poor Girls Open this month at Fish Tales, the White Marlin Open is “the big one.”
Anglers from across the country and locals alike compete in a number of categories, with a chance to win millions of dollars for catching the biggest fish. The event is celebrating its 51 anniversary this year and spectators will flock to Harbor Island to watch the weigh-ins live.
The event has grown so large over the years that a sister event was started a few years ago. Marlin Fest takes place in the inlet parking lot and admis-
sion is free. Attendees will hear live music, be able to check for flags as boats come through the inlet, and watch the weigh-ins broadcasted on large screens. The setup there also will include vendors, food trucks and bar stations.
The OC Air Show has also been moved to Aug. 24 -25 from its usual date earlier in the summer, which was done this year to ensure top talent for the event. The skies will be loud that week as jet fighters and other planes take practice runs during the weekdays in preparation for the show on the weekend.
Headliners for this year’s show include the Continued on page 4
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Discover Downtown Ocean City
Malibu’s
Downtown OC really comes alive with August activities
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U.S.Air Force Raptor Demo Team and the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori (which translates to the “tri color arrows”). Tickets are available online for the best seats for the weekend shows.
your phone).
Check out the Boardwalk Info Cottage (between N. Division and Caroline Streets) for more information and local recommendations, and don’t forget you can always ride the boardwalk tram if your feet get tired.
Jeep Fest will be taking to the sand the same weekend as the Air Show. Jeeps will be taking over the town that weekend with country concerts, vendors, and the sand crawl course. Spectators can watch the 4x4s take on the sand course by the inlet parking lot.
Hungry after all that sand and sun? A food tour of Ocean City has everything from iconic Boardwalk munchies, such as caramel corn, salt water taffy and pizza to high-end seafood, usually accompanied by an equally excellent waterfront view.
There are also plenty of free family-friendly events during the month of August. Sunset Park Party Nights is a free concert series that takes place on Thursday evenings throughout August. The Town of Ocean City also hosts the OC Beach Dance Parties every Monday night in August at the Caroline Street Stage, with a live DJ starting at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks ending the party at 9 p.m.
The OCDC sponsors the annual Boardwalk Scavenger hunt, in which kids walk the Boardwalk and find the hidden octopuses for the chance to win a free plush toy.
The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum has daily kids events Monday through Saturday throughout August. The programs start at 10 a.m. and cover a variety of nautical topics such as knot tying, beach safety, and aquarium feedings.
The Art League of Ocean City will also be hosting their Plein Air competition this month, with artists painting on the Boardwalk and at other location throughout Ocean City.
The OC Cruzers will also be setting up free car shows on Somerset Plaza this month, with classic cars and live music. Check out our events calendar for more details on all these free family events.
If you miss one of August’s many special events, don’t worry, Downtown Ocean City always has a lot to offer. Where to start? Well, the beach, naturally. Ocean City has miles of clean and well-maintained beaches, perfect for taking a stroll, sunbathing, surfing, or boogey boarding. Unlike some other communities, our beach is always free.
Did you know Ocean City has a beach bonfire program? Permits are required for bonfires. See all the rules and requirement for this unique, family friendly experience at ocbonfires.com.
Had enough of the beach? Don’t forget our world-class Boardwalk. It’s nearly 3 miles long and packed with rides, arcades, museums, stores, bars and restaurants. Highlights include the Life-Saving Station Museum, Jolly Rogers rides at the pier and Trimper Rides at the inlet, local surf shops, and our many arcades (yes, games are more fun if they aren’t on
Looking for a drink? Downtown Ocean City has everything from the local’s favorite watering holes (head to Wicomico Street) to bayside dock bars, where the drinks are only overshadowed by the striking sunsets. Many of our bars and restaurants have a lively entertainment schedule. Still have some energy? Downtown Ocean City has tons of activities to get your blood pumping. Head to the bayside for Jet Ski or pontoon boat rental, or book a tour on an oceangoing powerboat. The recently renovated Bayside Park on 3rd Street, houses the country’s oldest municipal skate park, the Ocean Bowl Skate Park. Bayside Park also has tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a playground. Book a charter fishing boat and head out for the day to catch a tuna or maybe even a marlin. Public Playgrounds are located at N. Division Street (on the Boardwalk) and at Bayside Park. We have multiple bicycle rental businesses and we encourage you to rent bike and explore Downtown.
If you’ve arrived in Downtown Ocean City for the first time, welcome and we hope you enjoy your stay. If it is you first, it won’t be your last.
Cruzers announce 2024 schedule at Somerset Plaza
The OCDC is happy to once again be working with the Ocean City Cruzers to bring a full array of hotrods, muscle cars, and other classic vehicles to Somerset Plaza. The car shows will take place on select Sunday afternoons from 3 to 6 p.m. The event is family-friendly and free to the public. Shows will either have a DJ playing tunes or live music. Somerset Plaza is located on Somerset Street between Baltimore Avenue and the Boardwalk.
Aug. 11: Classic Cars and Live Music from Josh Pryor
Aug. 25: Classic Cars and DJ Sept. 1: Classic Cars and DJ Sept. 15: Classic Cars and Live Music from Beach Bandit Duo
Scavenger hunt: free family event returns to Boardwalk
As we move into the last weeks of August, Downtown OC will be filled with excitement. Along with the Air Show and Jeep Fest, the OCDC Information Booth will have something special just for the kids. A group of Octopuses has arrived to spend their vacation in Ocean City. They are staying in several business along the Boardwalk and are anxious to meet our young visitors.
Kids 12 and under can pick up a game card at any of the participating businesses or the Boardwalk Information Booth, find the hiding place of all the octopuses, and get their card stamped at each business. Kids can return their completed card to the information booth to win their own plush octopus.
SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS
This is a free activity! The Octopuses Hunt will run from Aug. 16-31. Participating businesses are Ocean City Lifesaving Museum, Doggie Style, Souvenir City, Marty’s Playland, Beachology, Dough Roller, Somerset Jewelers, Fun City Arcade, Sportland, Wockenfuss Candies, Park Place Hotel, Shenanigan’s Irish Pub and Kite Loft.
More information on the hunt and all the other August and fall events is available at the Information booth on the Boardwalk between N. Division and Caroline Streets. The friendly and knowledgeable staff members are in the booth every day from noon to 8 p.m. to provide valuable insight on OC business, events and activities.
The OCDC and Town of Ocean City’s Special Events has again joined to bring back the Sunset Park Party Night summer concert series. This year’s schedule features familiar local talent from the likes of Lauren Glick and Teenage Rust to Full Circle.
Aug. 8 - Tranzfusion (Classic Rock)
Aug. 15 - Teenage Rust (Classic Rock)
Aug. 22 - Full Circle (Rock and Pop)
Aug. 29 - Dunehounds (Jam Band)
Sunset Park Party Nights take place on Thursdays. We kick things off at 7 p.m. and wrap up around 9 p.m. Sunset Park, truly one of OC’s hidden gems, is located at the intersection of Philadelphia Ave and S. Division Street. This event is free and family-friendly. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs. Beer and Wine will be sold at the event, with proceeds benefitting the OC Rec Boosters. Mark your calendars for good times and bayfront sunsets.
OCDC has grants to assist downtown property owners
Continuing a long history of supporting downtown Ocean City, the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) has more grant programs available than ever for downtown property owners and business owners.
These grants have helped fund hundreds of property renovations and helped dozens of businesses set up new locations. It’s difficult to walk any street in Downtown Ocean City without seeing a property that one of our programs has helped improve.
Over the past year, the OCDC was pleased to announce the refunding of the Business Assistance Program and launch the Workforce Housing Program. A snapshot of the OCDC grant programs include:
Development and Assistance (Workforce Housing): Up to $25,000 for property owners developing new employee housing or rehabilitating existing employee housing.
Business Assistance: Up to $10,000 to help businesses build out interior spaces of downtown locations; can be used by owners starting a new business or existing businesses opening a new location.
Façade Improvement: Up to $7,500 to help make exterior improvements to your building; examples include new siding, railings, porches, windows, and doors.
Green Building: Up to $7,500 to improve the energy efficiency of your building, such as new windows, doors, and improved insulation.
Roof Improvement: Up to $2,000 for roof replacement.
Streetside Fence: Up to $2,000 for fence replacement or installation. Downtown Lights: Up to $500 for exterior lighting upgrades.
Funding for these grants comes from Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland’s Main Street Program, and the fundraising efforts of the OCDC. These grants are restricted to downtown properties (generally south of 17th Street).
Other restrictions also apply and applicants are encouraged to contact the OCDC before starting work. For more information, please contact the OCDC’s Program Manager (David Noonan) at 410-289-7739 or David@OCDC.org.
Before (top) and after (above) of a recent project on 10th Street that recently took advantage of the OCDC Façade Improvement Program. With financial assistance from the OCDC Façade Improvement Program, the owners of this property were able to replace rotting and damaged cedar siding with new vinyl siding, install new vinyl trim, fascia, soffit, gutters and downspouts.
Public invited to watch, buy as artists work ‘en plein air’
The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to view art being created on the spot and be the first to collect freshly painted landscapes during the 19th annual plein air festival — “Artists Paint OC” — Aug. 1418. The public is also invited to view and collect the art during the “wet paint” art sales on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17 and 18, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside.
“Fifty artists will be capturing a moment in time on canvas, and this is your opportunity – one that only happens once a year — to purchase these beautiful paintings of iconic local scenes that are hot off the easel,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said.
“En plein air” is a French expression that means “in the open air,” used to describe the art of painting outdoors. Plein air events take place wherever the scenery is inspirational, artists congregate to paint it, and people gather to watch art being created right before their eyes.
Baltimore Magazine listed “Artists Paint OC” in their “50 Reasons Why We Love Our Beach.”
The annual event brings in 50 plein air painters to the resort and
features many popular regional artists as well as painters from around the country. Artists will paint Wednesday through Saturday at picturesque spots around the area. The Art League’s Facebook page will list some locations.
On Saturday, Aug. 17, the artists will bring their best work to the Arts Center to be judged and participate in the Wet Paint Sale that evening, a celebratory event that brings the artists together with the public. The party Continued to Page 12
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includes live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
Saturday’s Wet Paint Sale from 57 p.m. is free and open to the public and an opportunity to collect original artwork of local scenes at affordable prices and meet the artists who painted them. The exhibit and sale continue at the Arts Center on Sunday and until the end of August.
Sunday morning’s Quick Paint and Sale on Aug.18, sponsored by the Ocean City Development Corp., will wrap up the event. Artists gather in downtown Ocean City near South Division St. and the Boardwalk to paint against the clock from 9-11 a.m. They then bring their work to the Arts Center to be judged and winners announced. The public may purchase this Quick Paint art off-the-easel from 1-3 p.m. at the Arts Center.
For the 2nd year, the “Kids Paint OC” event joins the festival to feature the plein air artwork of youth ages 617. The children painted outdoors from July 1-31 and brought their work to the Arts Center to be exhibited. Kids Paint OC artwork will be on display on Sunday, Aug. 18, from noon-3 p.m. and cash prizes will be awarded. The event is made possible
by a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council.
Ocean City mayor Rick Meehan believes many visitors are surprised to learn the resort has a vibrant and active arts community, and the annual plein air event reinforces that awareness.
“I cannot think of a more picturesque setting than the scenic views of Ocean City to inspire their creativity,” Meehan said. “Art is alive and flourishing in Ocean City.”
More information about the event is available online at OCart.org or by calling the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 410-524-9433, or on Facebook/Artists Paint OC: A Plein Air Event.
The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting artistic expression and appreciation for the creative arts in our community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs, and community art projects. Funding is provided in part by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, and the National Endowment of the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
Downtown Events
Aug. 2024
Month of August
Daily Events at OC Life
Saving Station Museum
The museum will host daily programs throughout the month of July (Monday-Saturday). Program topics include knot tying, beach safety, historical summaries, and marine life. Program start at 10 a.m.. More info at www.OCMuseum.org/events
Month of August
Nao Trinidad
Docked at the Bayside Park at Third Street, the Nao Trinidad is a floating museum and recreation of the ship Magellan used to circumnavigate the globe in early 1500s. This traveling exhibit gives details on that historic journey as well as showing the life the average sailor in the 16th century. Tickets to board are available to purchase on site or by visiting the website at https://naotrinidad.org/en/
August
Sunset Park Party Nights
This free concert series continues. Enjoy OC’s famous bayside sunset while listening to live music. These shows are family-friendly and free to the public. Attendees are en-
couraged to bring their own beach chairs and sunglasses. Beer and Wine will be available, with proceeds going to support the OC Rec Boosters. Sunset Park is located bayside, at the intersection of S. Division Street and Philadelphia Ave. Shows run from 7 to 9 p.m.
Aug. 5
OC Beach Dance Parties with fireworks
A summer tradition returns with weekly dance parties at the Caroline Street Stage (on the Boardwalk). This family-friendly, free dance party will kick off at 7:30 with music provided by Ocean 98. Don’t forget to bring a beach chair or blanket. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
Aug. 5-9
White Marlin Open
“The world’s largest and richest Billfish Tournament” this year marks the 51st Annual White Marlin Open. Hundreds of anglers (with the occasional celebrity) will compete in multiple categories for the chance to win more than $1 million in prizes. Spectators can watch the weigh in’s live as they
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come in at Harbor Island on 14 Street. For more information on one of OC’s largest events of the year, check out www.whitemarlinopen. com
Aug. 5-9
Marlin Fest
The sister event to the White Marlin Open, Marlin fest takes place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the inlet beach. Watch the boats come through the inlet on their way to Harbor Island and watch the weigh-ins broadcasted live on giant screens. Attendees can enjoy food, adult beverages, and vendors … as well as securing the coveted WMO gear. Live music throughout the weekend. Admission is free and more info can be found at www.marlinfest.com
Aug. 7
Stranded at Sea
A partnership of the OC Bay Hopper and Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum, this evening cruise explores the history of local shipwrecks, with proceeds going to benefit the museum. This excursion takes place from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.; more info can be found at www.ocbayhopper.com
Aug. 8
Sunset Park Party Nights
This free concert series continues with the Tranzfuzion! A local favorite, this band will be playing all your favorite classic rock hits. Enjoy OC’s famous bayside sunset while listening to live music. These shows are family friendly and free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs and sunglasses. Beer and Wine will be available, with proceeds going to support the OC Rec Boosters. Sunset Park is located bayside, at the intersection of S. Division Street and Philadelphia Ave. Shows run from 79 p.m.
Aug. 11
OC Cruzers on Somerset Plaza
The OC Cruzers continue their classic car shows on Somerset Plaza. These shows are family-friendly and free to the public. Stroll Somerset Plaza and check out an array of classics, hot rods, and custom cars. The Aug. 11 show will have live music from Josh Pryor. Shows take place from 3-6 p.m.
Aug. 12
OC Beach Dance Parties with Fireworks
A summer tradition returns with weekly dance parties at the Caroline Street Stage (on the Boardwalk). This family-friendly, free dance party will kick off at 7:30 with music provided by DJ Rupe. Don’t forget to bring a beach chair or blanket. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
Aug. 14-18
Artist Paint OC: A Plein Air Festival
This festival is organized by the Art League of Ocean City and will feature artists painting scenes live through-
out town. The competition will include a quick draw event on the Boardwalk. Many of the pieces will be available to purchase, so this is a great opportunity to bring home a memento from Ocean City. The schedule for this event is packed and for more info go to artleagueofoceancity.org
Aug. 15
Sunset Park Party Nights
This free concert series continues with Teen Age Rust! The set list will cover a wide range of classic rock songs. Enjoy OC’s famous bayside sunset while listening to live music. These shows are family-friendly and free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs and sunglasses. Beer and Wine will be available, with proceeds going to support the OC Rec Boosters. Sunset Park is located bayside, at the intersection of S. Division Street and Philadelphia Ave. Shows run from 79 p.m.
Aug. 15-17
Poor Girls Open Fishing isn’t just for the boys; the Poor Girls Open is one of the largest women’s open billfish release tournaments. Proceeds from this event go to Breast Cancer research. Spectators are welcome to watch the weigh-ins at Bahia Marina. For more info, go to www.poorgirlsopen.com
Aug. 16-31
Boardwalk Scavenger Hunt
A free, family-friendly activity. Families walk the Boardwalk finding plush octopuses hiding in Boardwalk businesses. When all of them have been found, return a filled out scavenger hunt card to receive a free octopus plush for the kids. For more information, stop by the Boardwalk Info Cottage between N. Division Street and Caroline Street.
Aug. 19
OC Beach Dance Parties with fireworks
A summer tradition returns with weekly dance parties at the Caroline Street Stage (on the Boardwalk). This family-friendly, free dance party will kick off at 7:30 with music provided by DJ Kutt. Don’t forget to bring a beach chair or blanket. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
Aug. 21
Stranded at Sea
A partnership of the OC Bay Hopper and Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum, this evening cruise explores the history of local shipwrecks, with proceeds going to benefit the museum. This excursion takes place from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. More info can be found at www.ocbayhopper.com
Aug. 22-25
Ocean City Jeep Fest
This four-day festival will celebrate everything Jeep. Festival events are held throughout town, with a focus on vendors and country concerts at the convention center. For many attendees, the highlight is taking their
rides through the sand course, which starts at the inlet parking lot. More info is available at www.oceancityjeepfest.com
Aug. 22
Sunset Park Party Nights
This free concert series continues with the Full Circle, playing a wide range of rock and pop favorites. Enjoy OC’s famous bayside sunset while listening to live music. These shows are family friendly and free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs and sunglasses. Beer and Wine will be available, with proceeds going to support the OC Rec Boosters. Sunset Park is located bayside, at the intersection of S. Division Street and Philadelphia Ave. Shows run from 7:00-9:00.
Aug. 24-25
OC Air Show
This annual event has moved to August for 2024. One of the biggest events of the year, OC will be covered overhead by jet fighter and aeronautical acrobats. While the show will have a full range of military planes and parachute teams, this year’s highlight will be the Italian Air Force’s “Frecce Tricolori.” Tickets and more info are available at www.OCairshow.com
Aug. 25
OC Cruzers on Somerset Plaza
The OC Cruzers continue their classic
car shows on Somerset Plaza. These shows are family-friendly and free to the public. Stroll Somerset Plaza and check out an array of classics, hot rods, and custom cars. Shows take place from 3 to 6 p.m.
Aug. 26
OC Beach Dance Parties with fireworks
A summer tradition returns with weekly dance parties at the Caroline Street Stage (on the Boardwalk). This family-friendly, free dance party will kick off at 7:30 p.m. with music provided by BK and Chrissy from Radio Ocean City. Don’t forget to bring a beach chair or blanket. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
Aug. 29
Sunset Park Party Nights
This free concert series concludes with the Dune Hounds! A fan favorite and billed as a jam band, the Dune Hounds will close out this year’s concert series. Enjoy OC’s famous bayside sunset while listening to live music.
These shows are family-friendly and free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs and sunglasses. Beer and wine will be available, with proceeds going to support the OC Rec Boosters. Sunset Park is located bayside, at the intersection of S. Division Street and Philadelphia Ave. Shows run from 7 to 9 p.m.
All of our candies are handcrafted with the finest ingredients. Wockenfuss is an Ocean City tradition everyone loves – especially your friends and family at home. Because they can’t wait for you to bring them back a box of our homemade fudge and taffy just for them. So visit WOCKENFUSS for the candy that gets a big fuss.
