Connecting Generations Through the Decades
By Julie Matthews
For more than 150 years, Ocean City, Maryland has been a top vacation destination on the East Coast. With humble beginnings as a tiny fishing village in the 1800s to a top entertainment city today, Ocean City just keeps getting better each year. At the heart of the town is the vibrant Ocean City Boardwalk, welcoming guests of all ages and interests and offering countless experiences amongst a scenic Atlantic Ocean backdrop.
Timeless Boardwalk Traditions
Year after year, families flock to Ocean City for the quintessential beach vacation. In addition to spectacular beaches, Ocean City’s boardwalk is filled with exciting activities including all types of attractions and events, amusements and games, dining and shopping. It’s no wonder that the Ocean City Boardwalk has received impressive accolades such as recently earning a spot on USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards – Top 10 Boardwalks in the U.S. in 2025.
Stretching nearly three miles, the wooden boardwalk begins just after The Inlet and runs north to 27th Street, with endless things to see and do in between. It is a place tightly wrapped in traditions, nostalgia and memories of happy times spent with family and friends. The boardwalk brings visitors and locals together for activities ranging from early morning runs and bicycling as the sun comes up to amusement games and rides into the night. From candy shops to jewelry shops, there’s no shortage of shopping temptation on the boardwalk. Beach gear, novelty t-shirts and coastal souvenirs—it’s all on the boardwalk. And kids of all ages never tire of Ocean City’s incredible kite shops showcasing impressive kites in all shapes and colors.
With all of the delicious food smells wafting from nearby restaurants and food stands, it’s also difficult to resist tasty treats like boardwalk fries, fresh popcorn, ice cream, saltwater taffy and freshly squeezed lemonade. Of course, for a meal, it doesn’t get more “Ocean City” than enjoying delicious Maryland blue crabs and other fresh seafood at a restaurant on the boardwalk, or grabbing a quick bite at a longtime favorite pizza spot.
However, make no mistake, Ocean City and its incredible boardwalk are not just all about summer getaways; this is a year-round destination that welcomes guests no matter the season.
Premier Entertainment at the Boardwalk
Ocean City may still look like the same place that our parents have known and loved during their lifetime, but in recent years the entertainment scene has shifted into high gear, hosting huge music events like Oceans Calling, Country Calling and Boardwalk Rock. From large annual ticketed events to free family-friendly event series, Ocean City truly does have something for everybody and every budget. Keep reading to learn about incredible events happening on the boardwalk—or just steps away—that you can look forward to throughout the different seasons.
Spring
Each spring, Springfest takes place, featuring a robust lineup of live music performances, artists and artisans, and a variety of food vendors. While the 2026 event has passed, mark your calendar for next year’s event, the 35th Annual Springfest, April 22-25, 2027. Another top spring event is the OC Air Show (June 13-14, 2026), held from 13th Street to 17th Street over the beach.
Summer
Each summer, Ocean City celebrates Independence Day with a July 4th Fireworks (July 4) event at two locations, including a downtown location at North Division Street and the beach. The July 4th event is always popular, particularly with families. Additional top events that draw visitors from all over include Ocean City Jeep Fest (Aug. 27-30), OC Rock & Ride Bikefest (Sept. 9-13) and King of the Wind Ocean City Kite Festival (Sept. 17-20), now in its 48th year.
Also a nice perk in the summer, catch Thursday Night Fireworks, July 9-Sept. 3 at on the beach off of Caroline Street.
Fall
Fall is when some of Ocean City’s largest festivals take place including its long-running and very beloved Sunfest, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2025. Make plans for the 2026 Sunfest, Oct. 22-25, and experience music, arts, food and much more at one of the region’s biggest outdoor festivals. In recent years, Ocean City’s music scene has boomed as it has hosted some of the music industry’s top performers at its ultra popular fall music festivals, Oceans Calling (Sept. 25-27) and Country Calling (Oct. 2-3). (Tip: Tickets go quickly so purchase them early!) Marking its 29th year in 2026, Endless Summer Cruisin’ (Oct. 8-11) is another top event to consider.
Winter
Ocean City also holds a number of fun holiday events both on and off of the boardwalk. Get into the festive spirit at the 43rd Annual Ocean City Christmas Parade (Dec. 5), which runs along Coastal Highway, and bring in the new year with the New Year’s Day Fireworks (Jan. 1).
No matter what kind of boardwalk experience you desire, either epic entertainment or simple pleasures or both, you’ll find it at the Ocean City Boardwalk—a fan favorite through the decades for good reason!
For a full calendar of events, visit the events page. All dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead or check online before attending.
