Author: Haven

OC Rock & Ride: Bikefest 2025

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Known in the past as Bikefest, Ocean City, Maryland’s annual motorcycle festival is back with a brand new look! Local organizers Matthew and Tyler Odachowski are proud to present OC Rock & Ride, a fresh take on Bikefest dedicated to preserving the rally’s spirit. The event will begin on Wednesday, September 10th, and end on the 13th.

Tickets and Lineup

With performances from bands including Queensrÿche, Slaughter, and Quiet Riot, rock and roll is being brought right to the inlet! Tickets are available online, starting at only $41 for a single-day general admission pass. Upgrades and multi-day packs are also for sale through the official OC Rock & Ride website.

OC Rock & Ride is also partnering with local charities to make a difference in our community. The four-day event draws over 160,000 attendees, providing support for several non-profit organizations:

Beyond the Stage

As part of the plan to preserve the spirit of Bikefest, OC Rock & Ride will welcome back many longtime Bikefest traditions. The event features more than just music, so take a step beyond the stage to explore everything the festival has to offer!

Vendors

This year, more than 85 sellers will make up the vendor villages, one of the most popular parts of Bikefest. The vendors will be set up in two locations. The Convention Center near 40th Street will host over 60 vendors, while the inlet area will feature about 30. Visit the OC Rock & Ride website to see a full list of participating businesses.

From custom gear to jewelry, the vendor areas have something for everyone. Also, because no festival experience is complete without it, OC Rock & Ride will feature a wide variety of food vendors to keep you fueled through the event!

Stunts, Poker Runs, and More

Beyond the music and vendors, there are a variety of stunt shows and activities to enjoy, including the thrilling Globe of Death performance and a huge fireworks display.

Don’t miss Cruizin’ the Coast, with exciting new stops across Worcester County, Somerset County, and Downtown Salisbury, each offering scenic views and an incredible experience! Every $50 ticket includes admission for one rider and 1 Cruzin’ the Coast t-shirt. Bikers can pick up their stamp cards at the locations listed below starting on Monday, then visit participating locations Thursday and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Monday – Tuesday(8 AM to 5 PM)
  • OC Rock & Ride Main Office (Look for the OC Rock & Ride Sign)
    12046 Ocean Gateway
    Ocean City, MD 21842
Wednesday 9/10 – Friday 9/12 (9 AM – 5 PM)
  • Ticket booth at the Ocean City Inlet
    809 S Atlantic Ave
    Ocean City, MD 21842
  • OC Rock & Ride Info Booth at the Convention Center (South Lot)
    4001 Coastal Hwy
    Ocean City, MD 21842

To learn more about OC Rock & Ride, click here. Learn more about nearby hotels under the lodging page or at ocmdhotels.com.

Ocean’s Calling 2025 – Times & FAQ’s

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Ocean’s Calling is a three day music festival taking place this September in Ocean City Maryland. Featuring headliners such as Green Day, Noah Kahan, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer, the event brings in a huge crowd each year. The festival grounds are right on the beach, creating one of the most unique and memorable venues ever! With endless food vendors, onsite bars, merch stands, and music all day long, Ocean’s Calling is an experience that you’ll never forget! If you’re planning a visit or looking to buy tickets, check out our blog about which artists are to appear onstage here.

Friday, September 26

Kicking off the festival are artists Izzy Escobar and Chef Antonia Lofaso, who will take the Sea Bright and the Carousel stages at 12:15. Water stands, merch stands, bars, food vendors, and more will also open at this time. Friday includes many well-known artists and bands such as the Spin Doctors, Fountains of Wayne, Live, Nelly, O.A.R., The Black Crowes, Cake, Lenny Kravitz, and Green Day! Green Day will take the final performance on Friday with an almost 2 hour set accompanied by an ASL interpreter.

Saturday, September 27

With artists like Noah Kahan and bands like Good Charlotte, Modest Mouse, and Franz Ferdinand, Saturday is going to be packed with incredible music! Don’t miss O.A.R. & Friends, which features a mystery guest appearance. The final performance by Noah Kahan is ASL interpreted, ensuring a great night for everybody! While the doors open at 12:00 p.m., the first performances are not set to begin until 12:30. If you don’t want to miss any music, it’s the perfect amount of time to stop by the merch stands set up around the festival grounds!

Sunday, September 28

The final day of the festival, Sunday, September 28, keeps the music going with sets from Marcy Playground, 4 Non Blondes, and Blind Melon. Weezer will also take the stage, delivering their signature hits to the Ocean City crowd for the second year in a row. Closing out the weekend, Fall Out Boy headlines with a nearly two hour set beginning at 9:15 p.m. on the Sea Bright stage!

FAQ

  • Are tickets for Ocean’s Calling still available?

Yes, tickets for the event are still available for purchase through the official Ocean’s Calling website! Three day tickets are currently waitlisted, but there are single day passes still for sale.

  • What is the best time to arrive at the festival grounds?

If you’re looking to beat the crowds and find parking, it’s best to arrive from 11 to 12. Doors open at 12:00 p.m., so arriving earlier will give you time to get a good spot in line.

  • What am I allowed to bring into the festival?

You can bring:

  • Check what bags are allowed at the festival
  • Empty reusable water bottles and hydration packs, and plastic or aluminum water bottles
  • Baby strollers, including stroller wagons designed to transport children with children present
  • Binoculars
  • Cameras (basic point and shoot consumer-grade cameras) without detachable lenses and other accessories (monopods, selfie sticks, tripods, GoPro mounts, and other attachments are not allowed)
  • Personal-sized hand sanitizer
  • Portable battery packs
  • Personal misting fans with a bottle no larger than 1.5 L (must be empty upon entry)
  • Sunscreen in non-aerosol containers is allowed in the size of 3.4 ounces or less
  • Factory sealed Naloxone/Narcan kit
  • Hydration/Electrolyte packets in factory sealed single serving package(s)
  • Frisbees
  • Blankets, sheets, towels

You cannot bring:

  • Any bag that is not aligned with the allowed bags
  • Aerosol containers, including sunscreen and personal beauty products
  • Coolers of any kind. (Exceptions may be made for medical use)
  • Any and all professional audio recording equipment
  • Professional cameras and professional recording (photo, video, audio) equipment
    • NO large professional detachable zoom lenses, stands, monopods, tripods, attachment sticks (selfie sticks) or other commercial equipment
  • Any and all professional video equipment. No video recording will be allowed
  • Drones or any other remote flying device
  • Hammocks
  • Inflatables of any kind
  • Glass containers of any kind
  • Illegal and illicit substances of any kind
  • Outside food or beverage (including alcohol) of any kind
  • Umbrellas
  • Pets (except service animals)
  • Selfie sticks
  • Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, wagons, carts, or any personal motorized vehicles
  • Tents, canopies, or shade structures of any kind
  • Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are not allowed. No unauthorized solicitation and materials including handbills, flyers, stickers, beach balls, giveaways, samples, etc.
  • Weapons or explosives of any kind
  • Fireworks
  • Large chains or spiked jewelry
  • Bicycles inside festival grounds (free parking is available near festival entrance)
  • Carts of any kind (including Red Wagons)
  • Chairs of any kind
  • Smoking (including vaping)

More Info

For more information about Ocean’s Calling, check out their website here. The website includes festival maps, transportation guides, hotel booking services, merchandise, and more! Visit their help page for any questions about the event.

With three jam-packed days of music, ocean views, and nonstop entertainment, Ocean’s Calling is shaping up to be one of the biggest music events of the year! Whether you’re here for your favorite band just to soak up the festival atmosphere, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss.

The White Marlin Open is Back!

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The White Marlin Open is a 52-year-old deep-sea fishing event famous for being the world’s largest and richest billfish tournament. Hosted yearly in the waters of “The White Marlin Capital of the World,” a name bestowed upon Ocean City in 1939 by President Franklin Roosevelt, the competition reels in a massive crowd of spectators and competitors. Whether you’ve never heard of the White Marlin Open or you’re planning to visit and watch, here’s everything you should know about the tournament!

Photo courtesy Jim Motsko

About the White Marlin Open

The White Marlin Open was founded in 1974 by the Motsko family. The inaugural tournament had 57 boats, 150 anglers, and a total prize purse of $20,000. The event has been hosted by Ocean City ever since, earning titles such as the “World’s Largest Billfishing Tournament.” It lives up to the name, as the total number of boat entries since 1974 exceeds 15,500.

“The White Marlin Open began in 1974 with 57 boats entered in the tournament and a top prize of 20,000 dollars,” said director Jim Motsko. “In 2018 we had 382 boats entered and paid out over 5,450,000 dollars in prize money. It’s grown a lot since the beginning.”

Since then the tournament has only gotten bigger, with this year’s edition of the White Marlin Open watching 282 boats chase $7.2 million in prize money. 2025 also welcomes back past winners such as the Waste Knot, Blue Runner, and Floor Reel.

Watching the Tournament

The end-of-day weigh-in is the most popular time to watch the White Marlin Open. Starting at 4:00, people can see fish get weighed on the scale as boats fight to climb the leaderboard all night. Many people also enjoy seeing the boats return to the inlet. Flags are flown on each boat as they return to signify what fishes were caught and which are going to the scale.

The edges of the inlet fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to arrive early. There are also two restaurants with views of the inlet, which are perfect places to ensure a spot to watch without the crowds. Harrison’s Harbor Watch and The Wedge both offer a clear look at the returning boats, making them popular choices for dinner during the tournament.

Another way to watch is at the festival downtown. Marlin Fest is held during the White Marlin Open, featuring a daily livestream of the tournament weigh-ins, live music, food & drink, and local vendors! It’s a great way to support the community while celebrating the competition. The event is also completely family-friendly, bringing the action straight to you on a big screen at the beach!

If you’re not able to attend in-person, you can still tune in online! The official White Marlin Open website features the MarlinCam, a livestream complete with commentators and real-time reports as the fish hit the scales. If you want to see the inlet and returning boats, you can watch the cameras from The Wedge here.

Chincoteague Island Celebrates 100 Years of the Pony Swim!

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Image courtesy of

After herd roundups for veterinary inspections early this week, the ponies are officially prepared for the 100th Annual Chincoteague Island Pony Swim! Tomorrow from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., approximately 150 horses and foals will swim across the Assateague Channel to the shores of Chincoteague, VA.

July 30th: The Main Pony Swim

Once every year, horseback volunteer firefighters known as the Saltwater Cowboys guide the ponies into the waters of the Assateague Channel. The swim to shore is around 3 to 5 minutes long, but it’s a race to shore for the foals involved! The first colt or filly to reach the sand is crowned “King/Queen Neptune,” a prize for one lucky raffle winner. After a break for the ponies to rest, they are led in a parade down “Pony Swim Lane” to the Carnival Grounds for auction.

Parking will be limited, so it’s important to have a plan beforehand. Click here to view Chincoteague’s guide to free parking and transportation via shuttle. Maps are also available online alongside a comprehensive event guide.

Visitor Regulations

This year, the Mayor of Chincoteague has introduced new security measures to keep guests safe. Follow the packing guide below to ensure your visit runs smoothly.

ABSOLUTELY:

  • No coolers
  • No umbrellas
  • No glass containers
  • No bags or backpacks

NOTABLE EXCEPTIONS:

  • Bags or backpacks that are clear vinyl, plastic, or PVC will be allowed
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar)
  • Small clutch bags or belt bags are allowed but should not exceed 4.5” X 6.5”, with or without a handle or a strap. These can be carried separately or within a clear plastic bag.

DISCOURAGED:

  • Large water bottles
  • Thermoses

The Chincoteague Island Pony Swim is a celebrated annual event that brings in many visitors every year! Hosted on the shores of the island, the event spans through the streets and features a massive fair at the Carnival Grounds. Make sure to follow packing restrictions and have your bags prepared for search if necessary. The pony swim is a beloved event that doesn’t disappoint, so pack your bags and visit Chincoteague for a day you won’t forget!

Kids Paint OC Art Contest

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In the era of French Impressionism, “en plein air” painting was introduced. The technique involves painting “in the open air” to draw inspiration from one’s surroundings. This July, the OC Art League has reintroduced the “Kids Paint OC” contest focusing on this method! With over $500 in cash prizes and no fee to enter, it’s time for any young artist to pick up their brushes and paint!

Painting Criteria

One entry is permitted per artist. All submissions must be:

  • Painted outdoors
  • Made by an artist ages 6-17
  • Created in July 2025
  • Original work
  • Traditional media (not digital)
  • Less than 8×10-inches
  • Submitted by August 7, 2025 to the Arts Center

Free painting kits are available at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside, courtesy of the Art League. Participants will also receive a “Kids Paint OC” shirt while supplies last!

“We hope any young person interested in the arts will take up the brush and make a plein air painting,” Rina Thaler, Art League Executive Director, said.  “Then come to the Arts Center on August 17 to see their work displayed and experience what it’s like to have their art exhibited.”

More information is available here or by calling the Arts Center at 410-524-9433. For more events, read here.

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.

Meet Quality Inn Oceanfront’s June Employees of the Month

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At Quality Inn Oceanfront, exceptional guest care is a team effort, and June’s Employees of the Month truly embody that spirit. Known for their warm hospitality and attention to detail, they consistently go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels welcome and comfortable. Whether it’s maintaining spotless rooms or promptly addressing guest needs, their dedication never goes unnoticed. Their commitment reflects the hotel’s core values of genuine care and outstanding service. Thanks to their hard work, every stay at Quality Inn Oceanfront feels personal and memorable. It’s that extra attention that keeps guests coming back year after year.

Housekeeping—De’Myron Showell

We are proud to recognize De’Myron as our Employee of the Month for June for the housekeeping department! De’Myron has been a valued member of our team since October 16, 2005, and currently serves as our Head Inspector. His dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence set the standard for our department every day. De’Myron’s years of service reflect his loyalty not only to the company but to his team, and we are grateful for his hard work and leadership. Congratulations, De’Myron — this recognition is well deserved!

Maintenance—Russell Parker

We are proud to recognize Russell as our Employee of the Month for June for the maintenance department! Russell, our Pool Guru, has been a valued member of our team since December 10, 1986.  With nearly four decades of dedication, his expertise, work ethic, and commitment to excellence continue to shine. Russell ensures our pool and facilities are always at their best, and his positive attitude leaves a lasting impression on both guests and team members. Thank you, Russell, for your outstanding service and loyalty — this recognition is truly well earned! 

Front Desk—Shemiah Goodman

We’re thrilled to recognize Shemaiah as our Employee of the Month for June for the front desk department! Since joining us on May 9, 2022, Shemaiah has been a shining example of what it means to provide excellent guest service. Her professionalism, friendly demeanor, and dedication make her a standout front desk representative. She is also leading our contest for the most guest compliments on Medallia, a testament to the positive impression she leaves on everyone she meets. Thank you, Shemaiah, for all that you do—we’re grateful to have you on our team. 

Ocean City, Maryland’s Top Ten Places to Visit

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 From the shores of Assateague Island to Jolly Roger Splash Mountain, Ocean City has a collection of attractions like no other! To help narrow the list of possibilities, these are Ocean City, Maryland’s top ten places to visit.  

10: Paradise Watersports 

With the largest reserved jet ski area in Ocean City, Paradise Watersports is a great destination for a thrilling experience on the water! You can rent a jet ski, go parasailing, or even climb aboard a safari boat for a tour of the wild ponies and animals of Assateague Island. You can also board their tiki boat for the ultimate party experience! Each boat is equipped with a Coast Guard Certified Captain and first mate to ensure a safe and exciting time. 

9: Dumsers Dairyland 

Since 1939, Dumsers Dairyland has been a part of Ocean City’s nostalgic beach-town atmosphere. Whether you’re searching for a quick treat or a place to relax in the hot summer weather, any of Dumsers Dairyland’s seven locations will be perfect for you! You can choose from many types of soft serve ice cream, hand scooped ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, sorbet’s, specials, and more! 

8: Baja Amusements 

Ever since its first race in 1981, Baja Amusements has delivered fun for all ages on their 8 high-speed go-kart tracks. Kids as young as 5 years old can have their turn behind the wheel on the Junior Speedway. Baja also features several rides including a carousel, the frog hopper, and the spin zone! If you’re looking for even more excitement, you can try your hand at mini golf, test your skills in the arcade, or grab a snack and relax between races. With a mix of adrenaline-pumping tracks and attractions, Baja Amusements is the best stop for a full day of fun!

7: Jolly Roger Splash Mountain 

Jolly Roger at 30th St. is a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals looking for family-friendly fun in Ocean City! One of the park’s four areas is Splash Mountain, home to 16 thrilling water slides that offer something for every age. Among them is the Aqualoop, a 360º semi-transparent looping slide that’s the only one of its kind on the East Coast! Park passes are available at the main entrance, but visitors should keep an eye out for discounted passes offered at participating OCMD hotels.

6: Harrison’s Harbor Watch 

Whether you’re planning a relaxing date night or looking for the perfect lunch spot, Harrison’s Harbor Watch is a must-visit. With its unmatched views of the inlet, the setting is as memorable as the meal. The restaurant is also well-suited for groups, offering spacious booths and large tables for comfortable dining. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes made with high-quality ingredients, making it a go-to destination for anyone craving a taste of the coast.

5: Trimper Rides 

If you’re looking to add a little thrill to your Ocean City visit, Trimper Rides on the boardwalk is a great place to start. Just steps away from Harrison’s Harbor Watch, you can end your visit with a meal by the inlet. Trimpers offers 22 rides that range from classic carousels to high-energy roller coasters, making it a staple of the Ocean City experience.

4: Northside Park 

Northside Park is a scenic 58-acre bayfront recreational space offering year-round fun for everybody! Visitors in the summer can enjoy Sundaes in the Park for free bayside concerts and beautiful sunset views. After the sun sets, fireworks are set off over the bay as a magical end to an unforgettable night.

3: The Wave Riding School

If you’re looking to catch some waves during your visit in Ocean City, there’s not better place to go than K-Coast Surf Shop! Partnered with the Wave Riding School, the shop offers 1.5 hour long surf lessons at only $99. The school’s team of instructors are among the best, ensuring a safe and productive experience for surfers of any level. Call or text 443-203-WAVE (9283) for details and book online today!

2: Breakfast at Coastal Salt

Coastal Salt opened its doors in the Spring of 2020 with visions of providing excellent culinary experiences through honest, inventive, and locally sourced cuisine. Located right on the boardwalk, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the early morning sun with a fresh ocean breeze! Coastal Salt has a wonderful breakfast menu complete with different types of omelets and morning delicacies.

1: Assateague Island

Assateague Island is an unforgettable destination, best known for its wildlife that roam freely across the beaches and marshes. The island’s coastline offers a place for swimming and sunbathing without the crowds. Hiking and biking trails wind through the area, offering beautiful views and encounters with herds of wild ponies. Whether you’re drawn by wildlife, adventure, or relaxation, Assateague is a destination for every type of traveler!

Your Guide to Fourth of July Weekend in Ocean City, Maryland

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Nothing can compare to the sight of fireworks over the nighttime waves of Ocean City, Maryland. The classic beach-town charm builds a magical atmosphere for the perfect Fourth of July celebration. From the iconic downtown fireworks to hidden gems such as the Chesapeake Ghost Walk, Ocean City has just about everything to offer! 

The firework show in downtown Ocean City is one of two simultaneous firework displays on the Fourth of July. The celebration will begin at 8:00 p.m. on the beach when DJ Kutt takes the Caroline Street Stage. The official show is expected to begin at 9:30 p.m. over the ocean, so don’t forget to bring a blanket and beach chair!

At Northside Park, 125th Street and the bay, a separate firework show will take place at the same time as the downtown celebration. Radio Ocean City will kick off the northern event at with DJ entertainment from 8:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. “Northside Park is the perfect place for families to watch the colorful displays light up the evening sky and lagoon,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “We encourage spectators to get there early to claim their spot to watch the fireworks.”

It is important to keep in mind that parking will be very limited throughout the day. The Inlet Lot will have a rate of $6 per hour, but it is suggested to take a bus. The bus will run from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and provide ride all-day passes for $4. Anybody on the road should expect delays due to heavy traffic.

Other Weekend Events in Ocean City

Ocean City is always buzzing with exciting places to go and unforgettable experiences, but July 5th and 6th have a variety of special events you won’t want to miss. 

Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market

On July 5th, Ocean Pines is proud to open the Farmers and Artisans Market, where you can find one-of-a-kind goods and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of White Horse Park! It’s the perfect place to find fresh produce and locally handcrafted items while supporting one of Ocean City’s communities. If you’re looking for a getaway from the weekend crowds, the Farmers and Artisans Market should be on your list of places to go. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday. 

Chesapeake Ghost Tours

Locally owned since 2014, Chesapeake Ghost Tours presents one of nine locations right here in historic Ocean City! From 8:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Saturday night, guests will be taken on a journey through the very streets on which haunting stories take place. The tour will uncover stories of eerie local legends and unexplained occurrences throughout the town’s history. Can you brave the secrets of Ocean City’s paranormal? 

Camel and Ostrich Races

For an event you won’t forget, visit Ocean Downs Casino to watch camels and ostriches live on the race track! The event is well-organized and focuses on the safety of both the animals and attendees. Seating is available, but standing areas provide great views of the action as well. It’s recommended to arrive early, as parking and seating can fill quickly! Watch the races on Saturday between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Sundaes in the Park

On Sunday evening from 7:00 to 9:00, Northside Park is the ultimate destination for kids and adults alike! Free live music spanning across many genres is only one of the park’s excellent entertainment options. Kids can play while you indulge in ice cream or a featured beverage under a stunning sunset view. Whether you’re ending your weekend or just getting started, Sundaes in the Park is a perfect way to enjoy a summer evening.

Marlin Moon Featured Cocktails

Marlin Moon’s special July cocktail menu features refreshing, summer-inspired drinks crafted to celebrate the season. The featured highlight is a vibrant blend of Tito’s Vodka, blue curaçao, cherry juice, and sparkling lemonade. Keep an eye out for additional limited-time cocktails that showcase bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and the spirit of summer in every sip.

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