The New Jersey Shore boasts many towns that are jewels sparkling at the edge of the Atlantic. One beautiful and family-friendly destination is Ocean City, located at Exit 30 off the Garden State Parkway. Ocean City hosts events throughout the year, with the summer months bursting with activity. From fine arts to fun parades, Ocean City has something for everyone.
Locals and out-of-towners celebrate the end of tax season with the comedic Doo-Dah Parade along Asbury Avenue from 6th to 12th Streets. and then along the Boardwalk to finish at the Music Pier. Attendees can join the fun at the annual Family End to End Bike Parade, or put on their walking shoes and join in when Ocean City hosts the annual March of Dimes March for Babies Walk. There are numerous events, so check out the calendar at beachwatchnj.com for more.
Ocean City welcomes more than 350 crafters, food vendors, and entertainers to its Spring Block Party, along Asbury Avenue from 5th through 14th Streets. One of Ocean City's largest events, the Boardwalk Spring Family Fun Fest, features a juried craft show, face painters, pony rides and music. The Family Fun Fest takes place on the Boardwalk at 11th Street.
The Miss Artisan Pageant takes place at Ocean City's Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk. Artisans select the young woman who will represent the organization for the coming year at Ocean City events. The Miss New Jersey Boardwalk Parade takes the day before the preliminary competitions, and finals of the Miss New Jersey Pageant. The winner goes on to represent New Jersey at the Miss America Competition.
Visitors feast on some of the southern Jersey Shore's finest seafood and enjoy entertainment, rides kids and crafters at the Merchants in Venice Seafood Festival, which takes place on Asbury Avenue between 6th and 9th Streets.
Families can enjoy a special kind of fun with a variety of events centered around small children. One possibility is to watch the annual Pamper Scamper baby crawling race at the 6th Street Beach. One of the oldest baby parades in the United States rolls along the Boardwalk from 6th to 12th Streets. On the same day, there are prizes for siblings who look the most and least alike at the Twins Contest, held at the Music Pier. At the Little Miss Ocean City Pageant, girls age eight to 11 years will compete for scholarships.
Those who love things that go fast should check out the Street Rod Weekend, when classic cars are on display at the Sports and Civic Center, 6th Street off the Boardwalk, as well as along the Boardwalk. The annual Ocean City Air Festival features a ground display of unique air planes including World War II and Warbirds at the Municipal Airport, 26th and Bay Avenues. During the same weekend, visitors should be sure to watch for the Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow.
October is a shopper's delight in Ocean City. There are bargains at the Citywide Yard Sale, the Tabernacle Grounds, 6th and Asbury Avenues, plus yard sales throughout the city all on one day. Boardwalk and downtown merchant table sales will take place on two weekends in October, along the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue between 6th and 14th Streets.
