Celebrate Independence Day in Ocean City: A Spectacular Fourth of July Event

Ocean City is gearing up for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration this year. With two locations—downtown at N. Division St. Beach and uptown at Northside Park, 125th St.—the town promises a night filled with DJ music, performances from US Army Band, and a breathtaking fireworks display. Mark your calendars, grab your beach chairs or blankets, and get in the patriotic spirit.

Downtown Festivities:
The heart of the Fourth of July celebration in Ocean City will be at N. Division St. Beach. The evening kicks off at 6:30 PM with music and announcements by KuttProductions. At 7:00 PM, the U.S. Army Band Downrange takes the stage at Caroline Street.

As the night continues, DJ Kutt will take over the stage, delivering fun dance music and patriotic tunes to keep the energy high. Finally, at 9:30 PM, the sky will be filled with a mesmerizing fireworks display. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and witness this breathtaking spectacle.

Uptown Extravaganza:
If you prefer to celebrate a little further uptown, Northside Park on 125th St. also offers an exciting lineup of events. The evening starts with free music, setting the stage for a great night. As the sun sets, around 9:30 pm, there will be a spectacular fireworks display, and just like the downtown location, bring your beach chair or blanket and arrive early to ensure the best viewing spot for the fireworks display.

Ocean City’s Fourth of July celebration is one of the highlights of the summer season, offering everyone an opportunity to come together and commemorate our nation’s independence. With two great locations, downtown at N. Division St. Beach and uptown at Northside Park, Ocean City is pulling out all the stops to make this year’s celebration one to remember. So, gather your friends and family, pack your beach chairs or blankets, and head to Ocean City for an unforgettable Fourth of July experience.

Event Schedules

DOWNTOWN: N. Division St. Beach
6:30PM:  Background Music & KuttProductions Announcements
7:00PM:  The U.S. Army Band Downrange performance at Caroline Street Stage and the beach
8:15PM:  DJ Kutt Dance Music and Patriotic Music
9:30PM:  Fireworks Display with Audioby Kutt Productions

UPTOWN: Northside Park, 125th St.
Free music celebration starts off the evening. Then, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display. Bring a beach chair or blanket & arrive early.
8-9:30pm:  DJ Knappy and Gizmo

Behind the Scenes Heroes: Ocean City’s Public Safety Expo

While so many come to Ocean City for fun in the sun, there are many men and women who spend most of their time in Ocean City dedicated to protecting the community and making it a safe and enjoyable place to visit. Much of their work is behind the scenes; however, this weekend, the Ocean City Fire Department is hosting a public safety expo highlighting the tireless work of Ocean City’s public safety forces.

The event will include demonstrations from many emergency services departments, including the Ocean City Police Department, Maryland State Police, the OC Beach Patrol, and more.

One of the featured groups is OCPD’s mounted horse patrol, i.e., the Mounted Unit. The mounted patrol is often used at large events in OC for crowd control because of a horse’s height advantage, which places the mounted officer at a more accessible vantage point to spot disturbances or break up crowds. They are an integral part of maintaining safety at our most prominent events.

An exciting demonstration planned for the expo is by the K-9 unit. They are showcasing the K-9 unit’s extraordinary abilities, which include drug detection, suspect apprehension, and search and rescue operations. The intelligence, agility, and unwavering loyalty of these four-legged officers is nothing short of amazing!

The featured event of the expo is the landing and take-off of Maryland State Police’s Trooper 4 Helicopter. The skilled pilots of Trooper 4 will demonstrate the aerial capabilities of the MSP aviation unit. These helicopters are an incredibly vital resource for the state offering critical support in search and rescue operations, suspect tracking, and assisting with medical emergencies.

Another exciting demonstration planned is the water rescues. In our coastal town, water safety is a huge part of protecting the public. We have the dedicated OC Beach Patrol that keeps swimmers safe while enjoying our beautiful beach, but in the event of more severe water emergencies, aviation and boats are used to locate and rescue. These highly trained water rescue teams provide an invaluable resource that is an integral part of maintaining the safety of everyone at the beach.

Also, the 911 Mobile Command will be at the expo. These vehicles are the headquarters when major emergency events occur. The mobile command manages the response and provides onsite communications between response teams and commanders. It is a critical part of maintaining order in the chaos during the emergency response to a major incident.

Several other units are attending, with more demonstrations planned along with activities for families to participate in. The expo is being held at Northside Park on Friday from 1-4pm. Check out our event page for more details.

Father’s Day in Ocean City

There are so many places to go and things to do while in Ocean City. This Father’s Day weekend, here are ten things packed into one day that we think a Dad would enjoy.

  1. Watching the sunrise over the ocean and enjoying a freshly brewed cup of Starbucks coffee. What an incredible way to start a day by watching the beautiful sunrise while sipping an iced coffee from the 17th Street Starbucks.
  2. Next up, breakfast at 32 Palm. You haven’t lived until you’ve had a “Benedict on the beach.” It’s 32 Palm’s take on eggs benedict with lump crab and Old Bay. So good!
  3. Now it’s time to get some cardio in and take a stroll on the legendary Ocean City, Maryland boardwalk. Named one of the top 10 boardwalks by National Geographic, walking the two-and-a-quarter-mile boardwalk is the best way to take in the sights and sounds of Ocean City while getting in some steps.
  4. After all that walking, it’s time to relax and enjoy the brand-new pool at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront on 67th Street. This spectacular new pool and bar will be a must-visit destination for Ocean City visitors for years to come. It’s so new we don’t even have pictures for it yet! 
  5. Take a break from the sun and explore the Quality Inn Oceanfront’s five-story atrium! Make sure to say hi to Kiwi, Fenwick & Barry! They’re birds, but they’ll say hi back!
  6. Lunch is next, and it’s time to try the hottest new restaurant in town, The Wedge! Enjoy the relaxed, open-air setting with incredible views of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Indulge in their tasty menu and refreshing drinks.
  7. Dad can relive his younger days and get back on a skateboard at the Ocean Bowl skate park. This skatepark has it all for skateboarders of all skill levels. But, if Dad doesn’t feel like getting back on a board, it’s still fun to watch!
  8. Maybe a little more up to Dad’s speed may be trying out one of the mini-golf courses in Ocean City! Old Pro Golf is celebrating 60 years in Ocean City, and they offer six fantastic courses, including two indoor ones for those rainy days!
  9. As the day winds down, no Father’s Day is complete without an incredible specialty cocktail. Marlin Moon offers an array of specialty cocktails just for the holiday, including the “Big Daddy.”
  10. We can’t end Father’s Day without a dinner to remember! Harrison’s Harbor Watch has been a dining destination in Ocean City for nearly 40 years. Enjoy the world-renowned oyster stew followed by the freshest seafood with unlimited sides and their award-winning raw bar!
  11. Bonus – time to sleep! Listen to the sound of the crashing waves from the comfort of one of the amazing oceanfront rooms found at OCMDhotels.com. Sleep even better because you found the best rate on your room right on our specials page

Whatever you decide to do on Father’s Day, hope you and your loved ones enjoy it!

IHG Hotels & Resorts Honors Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, Maryland with a 2022 Performance Award

Ocean City, MD (May 10, 2023) – IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to recognize the Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, Maryland and its team among its 2022 Performance Awards recipients. Considered the most prestigious internal organizational honor among IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Americas colleagues and properties, the Performance Awards acknowledge hotels for notable achievements among several key customer criteria, including guest service and satisfaction, cleanliness, and adherence to clean energy metrics and other company standards.

The Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, Maryland is one of nearly 300 Performance Awards winners selected among the organization’s more than 4,300 hotels across the United States, Canada, Latin America and South America. More specifically, the Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, Maryland received the Spirit of True Hospitality Excellence award, given to IHG hotels open prior to December 31 2020 that have achieved “elite” status and received cleanliness survey scores of at least 90.

Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “The definition of modern travel and the demands of our guests continue to evolve, and our hotel teams remain committed to adapting and delivering the experience travelers have come to expect across IHG’s 18 brands and more than 4,300 Americas properties. The Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, Maryland and its staff lead by example, and their hard work and dedication to providing True Hospitality for Good are more than deserving of a 2022 Performance Award.” IHG hotels welcome guests with flexible and comfortable environments that enable travel on their own terms. Specifically, IHG’s Clean Promise guarantees clean, well maintained and clutter-free rooms that offer guests added peace of mind before and throughout their stay.

To learn more, or book a trip with IHG, visit https://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/reservation or use the new IHG One Rewards mobile app.

About IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 18 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 1,800 in the development pipeline.


InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 325,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the new IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores.

For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Spring in Ocean City: Event Season Kicks Off

With spring in full swing now, we are looking forward to a full slate of events to kick off the 2023 season! From fan conventions to aerial stunts and performances, the events this spring are sure to bring a lot of excitement to Ocean City.

Anime Ocean City

Rep your favorite anime characters at Ocean City’s first anime convention April 29th and 30th! Whether you are a casual fan or a certified otaku, this event has something for everyone. There will be panels, activities, contests and more during the two day event, all culminating in a cosplay parade at the end of the day on Sunday. For more information, check out animeoceancity.com.
It’s coming quick so make sure you have your hotel and tickets! Our hotels, >Doubletree, >Hilton, >Quality Inn Oceanfront, and >Holiday Inn Oceanfront are conveniently located less than two miles from the convention center.

OC Bridal Show

Wedding planning can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. Enjoy a girl’s weekend and sip cocktails all while preparing for your upcoming nuptials. The event features top local wedding vendors as well as a fun fashion show showcasing the latest in bridal fashion; it’s your one-stop-shop for everything wedding related.
You can gather information on local venues, bridal shops, florists, hair and makeup artists and more. Check out all the featured vendors for the April 30th event here, and get your tickets here.

Springfest

Spring into the season with one of Ocean City’s biggest events. Returning for its 32nd year on May 4th, Springfest is an OC tradition. The festival brings thousands to the Inlet to check out the vendors, food, music all while enjoying the warmer weather.
From the music to the food and vendors and many more activities, it’s fun for the whole family, and it’s a great time to spend the weekend in Ocean City before the season starts! Check out our boardwalk hotels, Plim PlazaHarrison HallCourtyard by MarriottQuality Inn BoardwalkHoliday Inn & SuitesFlagship Oceanfront, and Dunes Suites for a convenient boardwalk location for the weekend.

Cruisin’ OC Car Show

This semi-annual car show is a blast from the past with hundreds of classic cars cruising around town! The event starts on May 18th with a parade down the boardwalk, giving our boardwalk hotels a front row seat to the festivities. You can see cars all the way back to Model T’s to the modern sports cars like Lambroginis. No matter your taste in cars, there’s something for everyone. In addition to the boardwalk parade, there are carshows all over town, the main ones being at the Inlet and convention center.
But the main car shows and boardwalk parades aren’t the only attractions. There are specialty car shows for pedal cars and an after-dark neon lights car show, and also, automotive vendors showcasing new products as well as the Annual Pin-Up contest and live music.

For more information, check out the event website .

OC Air Show

Keep your eyes on the sky June 10th-11th! The US Air Force Thunderbirds and others return to perform their thrilling aerobatics as they take to the skies of Ocean City, Maryland once again. This event is set up from 13th to 17th Street giving spectators the best views of the incredible stunts and performances.
The event offers several different viewing experiences from the premium VIP Penthouse to the “Sandboxes” on the beach. Whether you are an aerial enthusiast or not, this event is a must see! Check out ocairshow.com for more details.
Our very own, Quality Inn Boardwalk is the host hotel for the event, but several of our other hotels offer the perfect locations for viewing the show without even leaving your room. Check out Harrison HallCourtyard by Marriott, and Holiday Inn & Suites for those perfect air show views!

Spring in Ocean City is already one of the best times of the year to visit because of the warmer weather and limited crowds, but these events add even more appeal to a perfect spring getaway!

Check out our Facebook page to stay up-to-date on OC events.

Dunes Suites & Dunes Court Join OCMD Hotels

Good news, travelers! Dunes Suites and Dunes Court on 27th Street have joined our growing OCMD Hotels family.

For those not in the know, the Dunes Suites and Dunes Court were two of three properties previously owned and operated as part of the Dunes Manor portfolio. Built in 1987, the Dunes Manor has remained an iconic part of the Ocean City skyline for over 30 years. The Manor and its two sister properties, Dunes Suites and Dunes Court, have welcomed countless guests over the years. However, Dunes Manor as we knew it closed for good at the end of the 2022 season after it was purchased by OTO Development, who are currently preparing its transformation into a Hilton Garden Inn. As for Dunes Court and Dunes Suites, our purchase was made official in October 2022 and we’re committed to continuing the legacy of their hospitality. The Dunes Suite re-opens in March, with Dunes Court following suit in late April, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome guests back to these iconic properties this spring.

These locations, in addition to everything guests loved about them, are a unique part of what made and continue to make Ocean City, Maryland a top East Coast destination, and we’re honored to carry that tradition forward.

Dunes Suites is located at 2709 Baltimore Ave. in Ocean City, Maryland, on the north end of the boardwalk and directly on the beach. Each oceanfront suite comes beautifully equipped with a full-size kitchen. This gives its guests all the essentials needed for the conveniences of a desired boardwalk location with the comforts of home. Take in the view with a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise from your private balcony and see for yourself.

Dunes Court is located at 2700 Baltimore Ave. in Ocean City, Maryland, a half-block from the beach and boardwalk. Spacious rooms feature plush bedding, family-friendly accommodations with two double beds and a sofa bed, high-speed WiFi, 48” HDTV, and more. After a long day at the beach, take in the fresh ocean air from the comfort of outdoor patio seating overlooking the courtyard pool area.

Looking to reserve your stay? Pre-season savings are available for both Dunes locations when you book before May 1st, 2023. Check out our specials page!

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