Mark Your Calendar for these January 2026 Events in Ocean City
By Chris Murphy
The month is full of fun and exciting events in and around Ocean City. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly events, food and drink events, live music or free festivals, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Jan 1: Annual Penguin Swim
The Annual Penguin Swim is set for Wednesday, January 1, 2026 and will take place once again on the beach at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street & the Ocean in Ocean City, Maryland!
Get ready to dunk your penguin tail in the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean to support our community’s Healthcare Heroes!
The Penguin Swim is a fun, annual event to support our not-for-profit community hospital. Each year, hundreds of Penguins raise funds to help the hospital provide the excellent quality care our community depends on.
Jan. 15-17: Dreamfest
Join us for four unforgettable days filled with a vibrant fusion of music, captivating history tours, powerful commemorative speakers, and exuberant celebrations all around Maryland’s Coast. From January 15-17, 2026, come together with friends, family, and the community to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s enduring legacy and the vision he had for a world united in equality and peace. www.ococean.com/dreamfest
Jan. 16-18: Delmarva Wool and Fiber Expo
Ocean City’s Festival of all Fibers! Quilting, spinning, knitting, weaving, dying-if it has to do with fiber, we have it! More info: www.woolandfiber.com
Jan. 17: Evolution of Pop
From the creators of Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience comes Who’s Bad 20/20: The Evolution of Pop — a high-energy, multi-sensory celebration of the greatest hits in pop music history. This electrifying production takes audiences on a journey from the funk of the ’70s to today’s chart-topping anthems, connecting the sounds of past and present through powerhouse vocals, dazzling choreography, and world-class musicianship. Buy Tickets.
Want more Events?
CALENDAR: Check out our Ocean City calendar of events to help plan your activities!
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up for our Ocean City Destination Newsletter to receive exclusive content for planning your vacation getaway to Ocean City, Maryland!
