Sunfest in Ocean City

As the summer season draws to a close, Ocean City, Maryland, pulls out all the stops with its signature event, Sunfest! Taking place along the iconic Inlet Lot and beach, this beloved festival promises four days of live music, local food, arts and crafts, and non-stop fun from October 24th-27th, 2024. Whether you’re a long-time visitor or new to the area, Sunfest is the perfect way to savor the final moments of summer. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Event Hours:

  • Thursday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Music Lineup:

Sunfest features free live performances on two stages, with over 20 bands covering genres like rock, country, R&B, and fusion. Notable performances include July Moon, performing on Sunday, October 27, at 11 a.m.

Delicious Local Eats

No festival experience is complete without trying the amazing food, and Sunfest does not disappoint. From fresh seafood to sweet treats like funnel cakes, the food options reflect the best of Ocean City’s culinary scene. Don’t miss the chance to try local favorites like Maryland crab cakes or fried oysters.

Art and Craft Show

Sunfest is famous for its Arts & Crafts Tent, which features more than 200 artists showcasing their talents. You’ll find handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more, with many vendors offering unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a special souvenir or gift.

Activities

This festival is a fantastic family outing, with plenty of kid-friendly activities. Some daily activities include the beach maze, tractor rides, a turtle search, and bikes on the beach. They also have pet events like Dock Dogs, Howl-o-ween parade, and other casual competitions. Some more fun events include a pumpkin race, OC Jeep club Drive in Disguise and a bonfire with fireworks on Saturday!

How to Get There

Located at the southern end of Ocean City, the Inlet Parking Lot is the hub of all Sunfest activity. Parking can fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to take the Ocean City bus for easy access to the event.

College Football Specials

The mornings are colder, and the days are getting shorter. Fall is upon us, which means college football is back! So put on your jerseys, grab a beer, and get ready to enjoy the game. Two of our in-hotel restaurants are offering specials for game days on Saturdays.

Marlin Moon

Extended happy hour from 12-6pm

$9 Menu

  • Big House Salad
  • Big Caesar Salad
  • Cream of Crab Soup
  • Soup of the Day

$12 Menu

  • Bangin’ Shrimp
  • Mom’s Shrimp
  • Fish & Frites
  • Chicken Tenders
  • Chicken Wings

Drink Specials

  • $2.50 Natural Light Cans
  • $5 Domestic Bottles
  • $6.50 Local IPA Drafts
  • $6.50 Imported Bottles
  • $6 Rail Drinks
  • $6 House Wine
  • $8 Crushes
  • $10 Martinis

The Atrium Cafe & Bar

Extended happy hour from 12-7pm

Drink Specials

  • $3.25 Draft Beers
  • $4.00 Domestic Cans
  • $5.00 Wines
  • $7.99 Frozen Delights
  • $8.99 Rum Runners

2024 Guide to Country Calling Music Festival

With Country Calling quickly approaching, we wanted to give you a run down of all the information from parking, to food, and more, here is all the information you’ll need to plan your festival experience! This festival is the following weekend after Oceans Calling.

General Info

Doors open at 12pm every day with performances starting at 12:30. Festival entrances are at North and South Division Street. The box office is located at 5 Baltimore Ave. You can buy your merch outside of the festival grounds at a pop up between 1st and 2nd streets or inside the festival grounds near the pier. You can re-enter the festival grounds as many times as you need to until 7pm. There will be security doing bag searches upon entry to the festival grounds. Don’t forget to check out Country Calling’s bag policy.

Getting to and from the festival

There will be three main parking lots with public transportation options to get to the festival grounds: West Ocean City Park and Ride at 12848 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842, Ocean City Convention Center Parking Lot at 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, and 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot at 10267 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Buses

OC buses will be running during the entire festival weekend to ease traffic and make getting to the festival easier. Luckily, they have a Ride-All-Day option for only $4 which allows you to ride the buses from 6am to 2am. Also, a heads up credit card payment is not accepted so make sure to have exact change for the bus fare.

The West OC Park & Ride shuttle runs to the festival grounds and back between the hours of 11am and 12am.

The OC Beach Bus runs from 144th Street to the festival grounds; however, it is running with a limited number of stops.

For guests at one of our hotels, your closest bus stops for traveling to the festival are 17th Street, 23rd Street, 32nd Street, 49th Street, 58th Street, and 67th Street. When you are returning to your room, northbound buses stopping at 12th Street, 22nd Street, 32nd Street, 49th Street, and 66th Street are closest to our hotels.

If you are still looking for a hotel, our properties Hilton, DoubleTreeQuality Inn Oceanfront, Quality Inn Boardwalk, Holiday Inn SuitesHoliday Inn Oceanfront and Flagship still have availability, and are very close to multiple bus stops making getting to and from the festival a breeze.

Pick Up/Drop Off

If you are being picked up and dropped off by either a taxi, rideshare, or friends/family, the official pick up/drop off location is at 409 Baltimore Ave. With the influx of people for the festival, plan for extra time getting to and from, especially by car.

If you’re looking for a unique way to get to and from the festival, check out the OC Bay Hopper! This water taxi will be taking festival goers to the Talbot Street Pier at M.R. Ducks which is a very short walk to the festival grounds.

It’s $25 per person one way or $50 round trip. The OC Bay Hopper launch locations are at 118th Street, Ocean Pines Yacht Club, OC Convention Center, and West OC’s Pier 23. Seats are limited and not all locations will be running boats frequently. Check out their Country Calling shuttle service page for more details.

The Lineup & Schedule

Of course, what everyone is excited for is the ultra-talented line up featuring world renowned names like Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Tyler Childers, but before these headliners take the stage, tons of amazing artists will be performing for the crowds.

Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss out on your favorite acts.

And don’t forget to check out all the local businesses that are on the festival grounds. Our own Harrison’s Harbor Watch and The Wedge Bar will be available to all festival goers, and you won’t be disappointed by their delicious food and drinks, and of course, the view.

It’s sure to be an exciting weekend full of amazing live music, delicious food, and obviously tons of fun!

2024 Guide to Oceans Calling Music Festival

With Oceans Calling quickly approaching, we wanted to give you a run down of all the information from parking, to food, and more, here is all the information you’ll need to plan your festival experience!

General Info

Doors open at 12pm every day with performances starting at 12:30. Festival entrances are at North and South Division Street. The box office is located at 5 Baltimore Ave. You can buy your merch outside of the festival grounds at a pop up between 1st and 2nd streets or inside the festival grounds near the pier. You can re-enter the festival grounds as many times as you need to until 7pm. There will be security doing bag searches upon entry to the festival grounds. Don’t forget to check out Oceans Calling’s bag policy.

Getting to and from the festival

There will be three main parking lots with public transportation options to get to the festival grounds: West Ocean City Park and Ride at 12848 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842, Ocean City Convention Center Parking Lot at 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, and 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot at 10267 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.

Buses

OC buses will be running during the entire festival weekend to ease traffic and make getting to the festival easier. Luckily, they have a Ride-All-Day option for only $4 which allows you to ride the buses from 6am to 2am. Also, a heads up credit card payment is not accepted so make sure to have exact change for the bus fare.

The West OC Park & Ride shuttle runs to the festival grounds and back between the hours of 11am and 12am.

The OC Beach Bus runs from 144th Street to the festival grounds; however, it is running with a limited number of stops. Check out the official festival map to find your best bus stop.

For guests at one of our hotels, your closest bus stops for traveling to the festival are 17th Street, 23rd Street, 32nd Street, 49th Street, 58th Street, and 67th Street. When you are returning to your room, northbound buses stopping at 12th Street, 22nd Street, 32nd Street, 49th Street, and 66th Street are closest to our hotels.

If you are still looking for a hotel, our properties DoubleTreeQuality Inn Oceanfront, Holiday Inn SuitesHoliday Inn Oceanfront and Flagship still have availability, and are very close to multiple bus stops making getting to and from the festival a breeze.

Pick Up/Drop Off

If you are being picked up and dropped off by either a taxi, rideshare, or friends/family, the official pick up/drop off location is at 409 Baltimore Ave. With the influx of people for the festival, plan for extra time getting to and from, especially by car.

If you’re looking for a unique way to get to and from the festival, check out the OC Bay Hopper! This water taxi will be taking festival goers to the Talbot Street Pier at M.R. Ducks which is a very short walk to the festival grounds.

It’s $25 per person one way or $50 round trip. The OC Bay Hopper launch locations are at 118th Street, Ocean Pines Yacht Club, OC Convention Center, and West OC’s Pier 23. Seats are limited and not all locations will be running boats frequently. Check out their Oceans Calling shuttle service page for more details.

The Lineup & Schedule

Of course, what everyone is excited for is the ultra-talented line up featuring world renowned names like Blink-182, The Killers, Sublime, and Dave Matthews Band, but before these headliners take the stage, tons of amazing artists will be performing for the crowds.

Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss out on your favorite acts.

And don’t forget to check out all the local businesses that are on the festival grounds. Our own Harrison’s Harbor Watch and The Wedge Bar will be available to all festival goers, and you won’t be disappointed by their delicious food and drinks, and of course, the view.

It’s sure to be an exciting weekend full of amazing live music, delicious food, and obviously tons of fun!

2024 Ocean City Air Show

Experience the Thrill of the OC Air Show

The OC Air Show, a highlight of Ocean City, Maryland, has a stellar lineup of aerial performances this year. The show will take place between 13th and 17th street on August 24-25th.

Featured Performers:

  • Frecce Tricolori: The renowned Italian aerobatic team.
  • F-22 Raptor Demo Team: Showcasing the prowess of the Raptor fighter jet.
  • E/A-18 Growler Team: Demonstrating advanced electronic warfare capabilities.
  • A-10 Thunderbolt IIs: Known for their close air support roles.
  • C-17 Globemaster III Demo: Highlighting the versatility of this military transport aircraft.
  • West Point Parachute Team: Precision skydiving from the U.S. Military Academy.
  • Air Force Heritage Flight: A tribute to the history of military aviation.
  • Navy Legacy Flight: Honoring naval aviation heritage.
  • B-25 Bomber “Panchito”: A classic World War II bomber.
  • Buck Roetman: Performing exhilarating aerobatic maneuvers.

For tickets and more information, visit the OC Air Show website.


Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or looking for a thrilling family outing, this event is not to be missed! Pull up a beach chair and enjoy the show!

The Only Crab House on the Ocean City Boardwalk – Mug and Mallet

When you think of Ocean City, Maryland, the first things that probably come to mind are the sandy beaches, the bustling boardwalk, and the iconic Thrasher’s French Fries. But if you’re a seafood lover, there’s one spot that you absolutely cannot miss: Mug & Mallet. This gem holds the title of the only crab house on the Ocean City boardwalk just a few steps from the Plim Plaza, offering a unique and delightful dining experience.

Mug & Mallet isn’t just a place to grab a meal; it’s an integral part of the Ocean City experience. Located right on the boardwalk, this crab house combines the charm of a classic seaside eatery with the vibrancy of the boardwalk atmosphere. As you walk up, the inviting smell of steamed crabs and Old Bay seasoning draws you in. Long wooden tables are covered with brown paper, ready for you to crack open some fresh crabs. It’s a casual, laid-back spot where you can roll up your sleeves and dig into a seafood feast without any pretense.

The star of the show at Mug & Mallet is, of course, the crabs. But the menu doesn’t stop at crabs. You can also indulge in a variety of seafood dishes including shrimp, clams, oysters, and fish. For those who prefer something other than seafood, Mug & Mallet offers a selection of other delicious options like juicy burgers, crispy chicken tenders, and fresh salads. Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails or a cold beer from their extensive drink menu to complete the experience.

Dining at Mug & Mallet is more than just eating; it’s an experience. So, the next time you find yourself strolling along the Ocean City boardwalk, make sure to stop by. Grab a mallet, crack open some crabs, and enjoy a true taste of Maryland.

Ocean City’s Ruby Lilley in this Year’s 2024 Paris Olympics

Skateboarding, a sport that made its Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games, has seen significant growth in recent years. Among the athletes pushing the sport forward is Ruby Lilley, a 17-year-old skateboarder originally from Ocean City, Maryland.

Ruby is currently ranked No. 14 in the world and third among American female skateboarders. Although she now lives and trains in Oceanside, California, she spent her early years on a farm in Ocean City with her seven siblings. Initially a ballet and competitive ballroom dancer, Ruby transitioned to skateboarding around the age of 10, inspired by her brothers. The Ocean Bowl Skate Park is where she spent the majority of her time.

Known for her left-foot forward riding style, Ruby will compete in both the street and park skating competitions at the upcoming Olympics. She has already made a name for herself in the skateboarding world with impressive performances, finishing second at the 2023 Red Bull Bowl Rippers in France and the 2023 X Games in Japan.

The women’s street prelims and finals are scheduled for July 28, while the women’s park prelims and finals will take place on August 6. Ruby Lilley is poised to make her mark and represent Ocean City on the world stage!

If you need somewhere to watch the Olympics while visiting Ocean City check out one of these locations:

  • Harrison’s Harbor Watch
  • The Atrium Cafe & Bar
  • Coral Reef
  • The Wedge

Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim

Next Wednesday, July 24th, marks the 99th annual Chincoteague Pony Swim. For those who might not know, the pony swim was made famous by the novel “Misty of Chincoteague”, a classic children’s novel by Marguerite Henry about a wild pony and two siblings who befriend and care for her on the island. Every year people will gather to watch the ponies swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. If this is something you might be interested here is more info on what will be happening leading up to the swim as well as where you are able to witness it.


Saturday, July 20th, 2024

Southern Herd Roundup: South Corral 7:00 AM

Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival: Chincoteague Center 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival: Carnival Grounds 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Northern Herd Roundup: North Corral 6:00 AM (Not accessible to the public during the roundup)

Monday, July 22, 2024

The Beach Walk: The ponies move from Northern Corral to Southern: 6:00 AM (Can be viewed from The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge)

Misty of Chincoteague’: The Island Theatre (FREE Admission): Check for times here

Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival: Carnival Grounds 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Pony Vet Checks: Southern Corral all day

Misty of Chincoteague: The Island Theatre (FREE Admission): Check for times here

Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival: Carnival Grounds 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Pony Swim: Veterans Memorial Park viewing area 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Pony Parade to Carnival Grounds: After the swim the ponies will parade down Main Street to the carnival grounds.

Misty of Chincoteague’: The Island Theatre (FREE Admission): Check for times here

Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival: Carnival Grounds 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Pony Auction: 8:00 AM

Misty of Chincoteague’: The Island Theatre (FREE Admission): Check for times here

Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival: Carnival Grounds 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Friday, July 26, 2024

The Pony Swim Back to Assateague

Misty of Chincoteague’: The Island Theatre (FREE Admission): Check for times here

Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival: Carnival Grounds 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

For any additional information visit this website!

Ocean City Art League July Exhibits

The Art League of Ocean City has an exciting lineup of exhibits this July. Here’s a glimpse into the vibrant displays you can explore this month.

In the Thaler Gallery, Randy Hofman’s “Tides of Life in OCMD” captures the beauty and spirit of Ocean City’s dynamic tides. The Sisson Galleria hosts the Beverly Bassford Memorial Juried Show, celebrating local and regional artists in honor of a passionate former board member.

Studio E features thought-provoking works by Mason D’Aleo, while the Spotlight Gallery showcases Joanne Guilfoil’s vibrant paintings of pollinators and pelagic fish. Guilfoil, a retired professor, also teaches at the Art League.

In the Artisan Showcase, Dee Dobson’s exquisite jewelry reflects traditional gold and silversmithing techniques, inspired by the colors of the southwest desert and ocean waves. The Staircase Gallery presents Elizabeth Grey’s “Different Imagination,” offering viewers an escape into imaginative worlds through her graphite and ink drawings.

Visit the Art League of Ocean City this July to experience these incredible exhibits and celebrate the remarkable talent of these artists. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or looking for a cultural experience, the Art League has something special for you.

51st Annual White Marlin Open

The White Marlin Open is a prestigious and highly anticipated annual fishing tournament held in Ocean City, Maryland. It is one of the largest billfish tournaments in the world, attracting anglers from all over to compete for millions of dollars in prize money. This year, the event takes place August 3rd-10th and features categories for white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and shark.

Participants fish in the Atlantic Ocean and weigh their catches at the Harbor Island Marina, where spectators gather to watch the excitement. The White Marlin Open is not only a competitive event but also a significant social and community gathering, with festivities and activities for attendees of all ages.

White Marlin Open Schedule

August 3

  • Registration: 11 AM – 5 PM at Harbour Island Marina
  • Registration: 11 AM – 3 PM at South Jersey Marina, Cape May, NJ

August 4

  • Registration: 11 AM – 7 PM at Harbour Island Marina
  • Captain’s Meeting: 7 PM (Virtual only on WMO Facebook and website)

August 5

  • Live Broadcast with Ocean 98.1: 4:00 AM – 10 AM
  • Fishing Begins: 8:00 AM

August 5-9

  • Fishing: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Weigh-in: 4:00 PM – 9:15 PM at Harbour Island Marina
  • Marlin Fest: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM at Ocean City Inlet

August 10

  • Polygraph Testing: Times & Locations TBA
  • Awards Ceremony: 4 PM – 6 PM at Ocean City Convention Center

If you know you will be in Ocean City during the tournament, don’t forget to visit The Wedge and Harrison’s Harbor Watch for unobstructed views of the boats coming in and out of the inlet!

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