First Fright in Ocean City

Ocean City’s First Fright celebration offers a variety of family Halloween programs ranging from a popular parade and Haunted House in City Hall to a Children’s Trick or Treat Family Night and free hayrides on the boardwalk.
Events begin on Friday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. with a free Spooky Magic and Comedy Show at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 17th and Simpson avenues. Family entertainer, Mark Wurst, will spin Halloween tales, mystify the audience with interactive magic and there will be trick or treat refreshments for all.
On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19 and 25-26, there will be free hayrides and Trick or Treating on the boardwalk from noon to 4 p.m. from 8th to 12th streets.
On Friday, Oct. 24, the Community Arts Project holds it second annual Fright Night at the Flanders Hotel from 7 to 11 p.m. The evening includes a DJ and dancing, celebrity fortunetellers, creepy photo booth, prizes for best costumes, and face painting to accessorize your costume. Theme of the event is “ Eat, Drink and Be Scaree!”
Admission is $85 per person with proceeds benefiting the Community Arts Project. 609-425-2687 or www.communityartprojects.com.
On Sat., Oct. 25, Trick or Treat in downtown Asbury Avenue stores is set from noon to 3 p.m. plus face painting, magic and more. Also on Oct. 25, the Philadelphia Balalaika Orchestra performs at the Music Pier at 7:30 p.m.
On Sun., Oct. 26, the Ocean City Dog Park will hold a Howling for Hounds Halloween Costume contest at the Port O’ Call. The contest will follow the crowning of the Dog of the Year set for noon. Following the contest all pooches are invited to enjoy a swim in the Port O’ Call’s pool.
On Tues., Oct. 28, An Evening With Edgar Allen Poe by Candlelight will be presented by the Ocean City Repertory Theatre, 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth Inn, 710 Atlantic Ave. 609-770-1935 or access www.ocrep.org.
On Thurs., Oct. 30 the Ocean City Exchange Club presents its annual Halloween Parade from Sixth to 11th streets on Asbury Avenue starting 7:15 p.m. The march features a costume contest, bands, floats and the appearance of the annual Mystery Marcher. The audience is challenged to name the person dressed in a gorilla suit for a chance to win a cash prize.
Friday, Oct. 31 is Halloween Trick or Treat Family Night at the Music Pier from 6:30 to 9 p.m. There will be a children’s puppet show featuring Candy and Cupcake, magic by Chad Juros, a book swap (bring a book-get a book) and candy and refreshments served. Admission is $3 per person with a $10 maximum per family. The Family Night is sponsored by the Ocean City Free Public Library.
Trick of Treat for the community will be on Friday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.
On Saturday, Nov.1, there will be a Haunted House at City Hall, Ninth and Asbury avenues from 6 to 9 p.m. Donation is $5. Sponsored by the Exchange Club and Ocean City High School students. Proceeds benefit the Exchange Club’s Prevention of Child Abuse programs and scholarships for Ocean City High School students.
Also on Saturday, there will be entertainment by the “Shore Thing Band” at Ninth and Asbury avenues from 4 to 7 p.m.
For more info call 609-525-9300.