The Winterfest of Lights is back in Ocean City, Maryland, spreading holiday magic across the town. This year, the Art League of Ocean City invites you to make the season even brighter by participating in its annual “Trees for the Arts” event—a festive competition about creativity, community, and giving back.
From November 21st to December 31st, step into the Winterfest Pavilion to marvel at a dazzling display of 24 uniquely decorated trees. Each tree is lovingly crafted by local businesses and organizations, including some of your favorite Ocean City hotels and restaurants. Together, they’re lighting up the holidays for a great cause.
How It Works:
Vote for Your Favorites: Each vote costs $1, and you can vote as often as you like. Every dollar raised will support the Art League’s youth programs. VOTE FOR US BY CLICKING HERE
Help Choose the Winner: The tree with the most votes at the end of Winterfest will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Your votes could help your favorite tree take the crown!
What Makes It Special:
“Trees for the Arts” is more than a holiday event—it celebrates Ocean City’s creative spirit. Each tree tells its own story, showcasing the talent and festive imagination of the people and businesses that make this town shine.
OCMD Hotels and OCMD Restaurants will both have a tree decorated to represent all of your favorite properties! Here’s a sneak peek at what you can look forward to when you go to vote for yourself.
Plan Your Visit:
Tickets for the Winterfest of Lights are available at ococean.com. Stop by the pavilion to see the trees, cast your votes, and enjoy the lights.
Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the season, support local art programs, and make cherished memories with friends and family. Cast your votes, spread the holiday cheer, and let the magic of “Trees for the Arts” light up your winter!
Ocean City’s Sunfest 2024 wrapped up another incredible year, filling the beach with energy, live music, and sunshine! This year’s festival offered everything fans love, from thrilling performances and unique crafts to mouthwatering food options—all under perfect weather conditions, making it an unforgettable celebration of summer’s end!
Stellar Line-Up of Artists
This year’s lineup brought something for everyone, with standout performances like Kayleigh Clark. With a mix of rock, country, pop, and local favorites, the festival’s headliners and supporting acts created an unforgettable atmosphere that amplified the fun.
Exciting Events and Activities
Beyond the music, Sunfest offered an array of activities to engage and entertain. Visitors wandered through artisan booths, watched Dock Dogs, explored the beach maze, and more! The food vendors didn’t disappoint, serving classic beach bites along with unique festival fare like Gosia’s Pierogies and sweet and savory crepes. Kids enjoyed family-friendly games, face painting, and interactive activities, making Sunfest an event for everyone.
Perfect Weather to Top It Off
Adding to the magic, this year’s Sunfest enjoyed ideal weather—sunny skies, mild ocean breezes, and warm temperatures. This made the outdoor experience even more enjoyable, whether visitors were lounging on the sand, strolling the festival grounds, or dancing along to their favorite tunes. They were kidding when they named the stage “Beach Stage”.
Until Next Year!
As the final day came to a close, Sunfest reminded everyone why it’s one of Ocean City’s most cherished traditions. The festival was the perfect farewell to summer, setting the stage for an even bigger celebration next year!
Halloween in Ocean City is packed with family-friendly events, spooky fun, and plenty of treats. Here’s your guide to the best Halloween happenings in Ocean City this October.
October 24-27th: Sunfest
October 24-27th: Halloween Beach Maze
Thursday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 10am-3pm
Head to North Division Street for a thrilling adventure through the Halloween Beach Maze. The maze is filled with spooky decorations and fun challenges, making it perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s open throughout the weekend, so there’s plenty of time to join the fun!
October 26th: Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade and Pageant
1pm – 3pm
Dress your pet up in it’s favorite costume for a chance to win a a prize. You can dress up too!
October 26th: Drive in Disguise & Truck or Treat
Drive in Disguise: 3pm
Trunk or Treat: 3:45pm
This one-of-a-kind event lets you decorate your car with Halloween spirit! Join other locals as they “Drive in Disguise” through town, with a “Truck or Treat” to follow. Get creative with your car’s costume and enjoy the community atmosphere.
October 27th: The Great Pumpkin Race
Registration: 11:30am – 12:30pm
Races Begin: 1pm
A fan-favorite event, the Great Pumpkin Race challenges participants to race their homemade pumpkin racers down the street.
Other Activities
October 22: Paint Night
When: 6pm-8pm
Where: Windmill Creek & Winery
Fee: $33.85
Sit back with and glass and paint some pumpkins alongside artist Jessica L. Schlegel!
October 23: Haunted Harvest Murder Mystery
When: 6pm-9pm
Where: Windmill Creek & Winery
Fee: $65
Enjoy appetizers, wraps and a free glass of wine while you witness a live murder mystery performance. Ticket sales end October 20th so make sure you reserve your spot and purchase from here.
October 24: Charcuterie Tricks N’ Treats – Kids Workshop
When: 5:30pm-7pm
Where:
Fee: $39.19
Enjoy a hands-on charcuteries board making class with your kids!
October 24: A Ghostly Gathering Story Sharing Event
When: 7pm-9pm
Where: Reverie Arbor & Wine Bar
Fee: Free
Listen to Mary’s stories to help get you in the spooky spirit!
October 25: Pumpkins in the Park
When: 7pm-9pm
Where: Stephen Decatur Park
Fee: Free or $25 to participate
Vote for your favorite carved pumpkins or submit your own! All proceeds go to the Berlin Gardens.
October 25-26: Ocean Pines 4th Annual Haunted House
When: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Where: Ocean Pines Community Center
Fee: $8
What’s Halloween without a haunted house?
October 25th-27th: 34th Annual Sea Witch Festival
When: 9am-5pm
Where: Downtown Rehoboth Beach and Town of Dewey Beach
Fee: Free
Head down to Rehoboth Beach to watch the Halloween parade down the avenue along with a dog parade, live music, games and more!
October 26th: Wags, Witches and Warlocks
When: 8am-1pm
Where: Downtown Bethany Beach
Fee: Varies (see below)
Enjoy a day full of fall fun. There’s a costume contest, Halloween games, pet adoption, and trick or treating!
October 27th: Seacrets Halloween Party and Costume Contest
When: 5pm-2am
Where: Seacrets Jamaica USA
Participate in Seacret’s costume contest for a chance to win tickets to Jamaica!
October 27: Annual “Spook Out” Party
When: 1pm-3pm
Where: Northside Park
Fee: Free (required to bring one full bag of individually wrapped candy)
Hosted by Ocean City Recreation & Parks, the Spook Out Party is a family-friendly Halloween event filled with games, costume contests, crafts, and plenty of candy. Kids can enjoy a safe trick-or-treating experience while participating in all the spooky fun.
October 31: Haunted Highway: Trick-or-Treat Bash
When: 4:30pm-7pm
Where: Roland E. Powell Convention Center
Fee: Free with costume
Taking place during the OC RV & Van Lifestyle Show, kids can trick-or-treat by going to the different RVs, vans and exhibits. It’s something different to do this year!
October 31: Halloween Celebration in Berlin
When: 5pm-7pm
Where: Downtown Berlin
Fee: Free
Wear your favorite costume and head to downtown Berlin for trick-or-treating!
Ocean City’s Halloween season is bursting with activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a creative workshop, a spooky haunted house, or a fun costume contest, there’s no shortage of events to get you in the Halloween spirit!
The 27th annual Endless Summer Cruisin’ brought the streets of Ocean City, Maryland, alive once again with the roar of classic cars and the enthusiasm of auto enthusiasts from all over. This year’s event featured a fantastic lineup of over 3,200 cruisers, including vintage classics, hot rods, and custom builds, shining brightly under the October sun.
Whether you cruised down Coastal Highway or just enjoyed the sights, the event offered plenty of opportunities for fun and entertainment. For those who couldn’t make it this year, don’t worry—next year promises even more excitement with OC Cruisin’ 2025, scheduled for May 1-4, and Endless Summer Cruisin’ 2025 on October 9-12. Be sure to mark your calendars!
Here are some photos of the incredible rides that graced this year’s event, giving you a reason to plan your visit next year. Be sure to visit this page to book your stay in advance!
As fall sweeps into Ocean City, MD, the air gets crisp, the crowds begin to dwindle, and the beachy vibe takes on a cozier feel. While the temperatures may be cooling off, the fun is far from over—especially when your hotel offers indoor pools that keep the summer spirit alive, no matter what the thermometer says!
A Warm Escape From the Chill
When you’re staying in Ocean City, the Atlantic Ocean is no longer the only place to take a dip. As the days get shorter and the cool breeze rolls in, our indoor pools offer a perfect escape for guests who still want to enjoy water fun without worrying about the weather. Whether you’re traveling with kids who are eager to swim, or you’re just looking to relax by the water, our indoor pools are the perfect solution.
Hilton OceanfrontDoubleTree by Hilton OceanfrontHoliday Inn Hotel & Suites
Plan Your Off-Season Visit
Don’t let the cooler weather deter you from experiencing everything Ocean City has to offer. Even as the temperatures dip, Ocean City has so much to offer in the fall and winter months. Sunsets are more breathtaking than ever, the boardwalk is less crowded, and many of the local restaurants and attractions are still open for you to enjoy. While the summer days may have passed, the memories you create here in the cooler months will be just as warm and unforgettable. Visit this page to book your stay!
Thanksgiving is around the corner and menus are out. Take a break from hosting this year and stop in for a feast at the beach. Make sure to book your reservation ahead of time!
Captain’s Table
Captain’s Table, located in The Courtyard by Marriott, will be putting on their annual Thanksgiving buffet from 12pm to 5pm! Call (410) 289-7192 for reservations.
Coral Reef, located in the Holiday Inn on 17th street, is serving a Thanksgiving platter. You can choose between a classic turkey dinner or embrace the eastern shore with some fried oysters. Don’t like either of those? Go for the prime rib! Call (410) 289-2612 for reservations.
32 Palm, located in the Hilton on 32nd street, is also putting on their buffet from 12pm to 5pm with some mouth-watering sides like sweet potato casserole with marshmallow fluff! Call (410) 289-2525 for reservations.
If you’re a classic car lover, the Ocean City Cruisin’ event is perfect for you. Held annually in Ocean City, Maryland, this exciting multi-day event is packed with action for car enthusiasts. With hundreds of classic, custom, and muscle cars on display, Ocean City Cruisin’ offers something for everyone.
What to Expect at Ocean City Cruisin’
Ocean City Cruisin’ isn’t just about parking cars in a lot and calling it a day. It’s a full-throttle celebration of vintage vehicles, offering a variety of activities for participants and spectators. Here are some of the highlights you can look forward to during the event:
1. Parades Along the Famous Boardwalk
Each morning of the event, you’ll see the classic cars roll along Ocean City’s historic Boardwalk. You can grab a cup of coffee, settle into your spot, and enjoy the unique parade.
2. Car Shows & Competitions
The heart of the event is the various car shows that take place throughout Ocean City. There are daily competitions, and car enthusiasts get the chance to show off their vehicles in categories ranging from best custom build to best paint job.
3. Ocean City Cruzers Car Show
The Ocean City Cruzers Car Show, typically held at the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street, is an opportunity for local enthusiasts and visitors to mingle and appreciate vintage vehicles.
4. Special Themed Shows
In the evenings, things get even more exciting with unique shows like the Neon & LED Light Car Show. Cars equipped with dazzling neon lights and LEDs light up South 1st Street, creating a colorful and vibrant nighttime spectacle. The fun continues with events like the Beard Contest and the Pedal Car Show!
Schedule
Wednesday, October 9th
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Early Arrival Sign-In | Ocean City Convention Center (OCCC)
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: R&M Welcome Car Show | Seacrets Parking Lot (49th Street)
The Park on 3rd street has been around for decades but finally got the refresh that it needed. This Spring, the new and improved park opened and has it all. With four-acres, the park includes walking paths, benches, two playgrounds, a skate park, pickle-ball and tennis courts, as well as basketball courts! Don’t miss out on the boardwalk overlooking the bay where you can fish as well!
The last day of operation for the skate park was on Sunday, September 29th. However, they will be reopening in Spring/Summer 2025. In the meantime, you can enjoy the other amenities as the weather gets cooler. Keep an eye out for future events and concerts that hopefully will take place in the park. They just hosted their first event, Shore Craft Beer’s OCtoberfest on September 21st and it was a success!
The park is free and open to all so stop by and enjoy a pickle-ball match or make your way across the monkey bars.
Going to Oceans Calling or Country’s Calling in Ocean City, Maryland?? Then you try out these drink specials at Marlin Moon, instead the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel on 33rd street.
Ocean City, Maryland – (September 18, 2024): The Town of Ocean City and its Special Events Division have announced a date change for the Springfest. The four-day festival, which is celebrating its 34th anniversary in 2025, is traditionally held in the first week of May. In 2025, the event will move to an earlier time slot, taking place from April 24-27, 2025.
“As our event calendar continues to evolve and we strive to create the best possible experiences for residents and visitors, we recognized the opportunity to shift the dates,” said Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo. “We believe moving the event one week earlier will better align with the town’s overall schedule, and we’re confident it will allow us to continue delivering a fantastic experience.”
Special Events Director Frank Miller echoed the Perlozzo’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of this change for the event’s long-term success. “We’ve always strived to deliver top-tier events, and this adjustment allows us to reimagine our current event to bring an even better event to the town next April,” said Miller. “We are grateful to our community and participants for their understanding as we work to enhance the experience for everyone involved.”
The event will retain its usual fan-favorite features, including concerts, delicious Eastern Shore delicacies, and the best craft vendors on the East Coast. More details about the event will be released as the event draws near. “The new dates bring excitement and opportunity to an event that has kicked off our season each year,” Miller continued. “We look forward to offering the tradition that our residents and visitors love while sprinkling in the excitement of a new date and new opportunity.”
Ocean City, Maryland – (September 17, 2024): In a joint announcement, the Town of Ocean City and the producers of the popular Cruisin’ Ocean City event revealed that the event is moving from its previously planned dates. The event, scheduled for mid-May, will move to May 1-4, 2025.
“As our shoulder seasons continue to evolve, we have begun to look closely at our event calendar, and we have made adjustments that we think will benefit our events and our community,” commented Ocean City’s director of tourism and business development, Tom Perlozzo. “After three decades, Cruisin’ Ocean City has built a long-standing relationship with our businesses, residents, and visitors. Although change can be challenging, we believe the new event dates will greatly benefit the event’s overall success.”
Along with the adjustment to the Cruisin’ Ocean City event, the Town of Ocean City is also announcing a date change for the annual Springfest celebration, which will now take place April 24-27, 2025. “Realigning the dates for both Springfest and Cruisin’ Ocean City gives us a unique opportunity to create a more cohesive festival experience for our guests,” added Perlozzo. “We’re excited to see these signature events grow together and draw even more visitors to Ocean City in the spring.”
According to event promoters, this change will take work, but it will prove to be the best option for the event to grow in the future. “As producers of the event, providing continuity in succeeding years is of utmost importance,” commented Meredith Herbert of Special Event Productions. “With that in mind, changing the dates for 2025 allowed us to solidify the future dates for 2026 and 2027.”
According to Herbert, the new dates will eventually give the event full use of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center’s Exhibit Halls space, which they have not had in previous years. Further, although the dates will be new, the event will feature the same format as other Cruisin’ years, including Boardwalk Parades, a kickoff concert night, and satellite car shows throughout the community.
“We are excited to return to the first week in May of 2025, which historically is the weekend that hosted the first Cruisin’ Ocean City,” Herbert said. “Regardless of the date, we are confident the event will provide the same amazing experience our guests have grown to love over the last 34 years.”
Those currently registered for the event who cannot attend the new dates can request a refund or transfer prior to March 1, 2025. Please send an email to infoevent@specialeventpro.com. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and continued support. Please note that Endless Summer Cruisin’ 2024 will be held in the coming weeks, October 10-13, 2024, and we look forward to seeing everyone soon!
**The previous information has been provided to us by the Town of Ocean City**
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