Ocean City is celebrating this fall weekend and the Rest of October with a variety of events. Here’s some of what you can expect:
Fall Block Party and Drone Show – Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., downtown Asbury Avenue
More than 400 crafters, food vendors and entertainers will line Asbury Avenue between Fifth Street and 14th Street for the annual celebration. Entertainers and bands will perform at various spots along the Avenue between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. A few of the perennial favorites include the Robert Boney Band (7th Street), Big Daddy (at 9th Street), String Band (13th Street) and Keith Hickman (at 14th Street). Pony rides for children will be available on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors including Asbury Avenue restaurants will offer a variety of foods. The drone show will begin at 8 p.m., when hundreds of drones in the sky will create images synchronized to music over the beach and Boardwalk. Best viewing will be south of Sixth Street.
Parking will be free at all municipal lots and metered spaces in the city.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of OCNJ – Sunday, Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m.
Join more than 5,000 walkers for the 18th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of OCNJ – a celebration of courage and hope to end breast cancer. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. with the walk going off at 10 a.m. Participants can get more information and register online at makingstrideswalk.org/OceanCityNJ.
Spooks N’ Kooks Costume Surf Contest – Sunday, Oct. 12, 10:00 a.m.
The Spooks N’ Kooks Costume Surf Contest on Sunday will be open to groms, adults and tandems with sign-in at 10 a.m. on Seventh Street Beach. Entry fee is a $20 gift card to ShopRite or ACME with all proceeds benefiting the Ocean City Food Cupboard. The no-wave date is Monday, Oct. 13.
Johnny Cash and the “Ring of Fire” – Saturday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct.12, 2 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, a cast will perform the music of Johnny Cash in the Ocean City Theatre Company production “Ring of Fire” at 7 p.m. on October 11, and 2 p.m. October 12 at the Ocean City Music Pier. The theatrical concert features more than 20 songs by the legendary artist. “Ring of Fire” takes you on a journey through Cash’s struggles and successes, exploring themes of love and redemption.
Tickets are $20 and available at www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com and at the door before the shows.
‘Faith and Blue’ Food Drive – Sunday, Oct. 12, 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Ocean City Police Department and the Ocean City Ecumenical Council are seeking donations of food and supplies on Sunday as part of a nationwide program called “Faith and Blue Weekend.”
Faith and Blue is an organization whose goal is to connect law enforcement agencies and our local faith-based communities. Faith and Blue Weekend is being celebrated nationwide from October 10 to 13. This is the fourth year that Ocean City is participating in the event. All participating departments across the country are doing different events unique to their community.
The OCPD is working with the Ocean City Ecumenical Council, which runs food and clothing cupboards that are shared and accessible by all churches in Ocean City. The Food Cupboard provides food/supplies to people throughout our community. The event is aimed at helping stock the food cupboard for the upcoming holiday season.
Everybody is encouraged to make donations 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at either Ocean City ACME Supermarket location (800 West Avenue or 3428 Simpson Ave). Ocean City will park a police pickup truck in front of each ACME, and accept donations of non-perishable goods. At the end of the day, the OCPD will deliver all donations to the Ecumenical Food Cupboard at 8th Street and Central Avenue.
Also Coming Up in October
Porsche Boardwalk Reunion (Oct. 18): Porsches will be displayed from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street.
“Hadestown” (Oct. 18-19): Presented by the OCTC Junior Company, this intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. October 18 at 7:30 p.m. and October 19 at 2 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
John R. Elliott HERO Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run (Oct. 19): Register today at www.herowalkrun.org.
Dog Days (Oct. 25-26): Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite furry canine friend. Activities for Saturday include dog-specific vendors along the boardwalk, photo-op stations on the boardwalk, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” announcement.
HSOC “Howl-O-Ween” Parade (Oct. 25): Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes in the spirit of the season. Registration begins at 2 p.m. at the Sports & Civic Center. The parade begins at 3 p.m. and the procession is from 6th to 14th Street on the Boardwalk. This year’s grand marshals include former Philadelphia Phillie Milt Thompson and FOX 29 news anchor Dawn Timmeney.
Halloween Costume Skate (Oct. 25): The Ocean City Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue will celebrate Halloween 4 p.m. to dusk. Skateboarders are invited to come dressed for the holiday. There will be prizes for best costume and best trick, and candy for the participants.
OC Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Welcome Night (Oct. 29): 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center. Meet OC groups, businesses & organizations. Free event.
Halloween Parade (Oct. 30): 7:15 p.m. on Asbury Ave. from 6th – 11th Street. Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. For more information, visit ochp.blogspot.com.
