2017

Ocean city, marylandvacation days press kit

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vacationday!

April 4, 2017

Dear Media Friends of Ocean City, Maryland,

For the past couple years, Ocean City has been inspiring folks to use their paid time off from work for a true vacation. Why? Because we found that most Americans are using their vacation days for errands, household chores, medical appointments and many other activities that don’t involve sun, sand and relaxation!

This year, we conducted another survey to check in on the improvements Americans have been making on how they spend their days off. While I’m pleased to report that the clear majority of Americans used all the vacation days they earned in 2016, 31 percent also said they have spent at least part of their day off working. We’ve certainly seen progress with less Americans losing their vacation days as compared to 2014, but working during a day off is not how I define vacation!!

My message this year is simple: there’s no better place to plan a vacation than Ocean City, Md. There’s a reason why our beautiful beach town was the only beach outside of Florida or Hawaii to be named in the Top 10 of TripAdvisor’s 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards: OC has so much to offer, from our 10 miles of stunning, free beach, to our famous Boardwalk, and our free family fun events seven nights a week! This year, in addition to events like our 27th annual Springfest on May 4-7, the OC Air Show on June 17-18, and the White Marlin Open from August 7-11, we’re excited to announce a NEW family event to our lineup: 100 Nights of Lights. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, this spectacular light show will be presented nightly along a portion of the Boardwalk every 20 minutes from 9-11 p.m. We have outlined many highlights of the fun things we have in store this year in this press kit, but be sure to visit us at ococean.com to stay up to date on all things OC.

We’ll see you and your audience down the ocean very soon!

Sincerely,

Rick MeehanMayor of Ocean City, Maryland

Office of the Mayor • Town of Ocean City • 301 Baltimore Avenue • Ocean City, Maryland 21842410.289.8221 • ococean.com

100 NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

Every night from Memorial Day weekend

through Labor Day, visitors can enjoy a

spectacular light show along a portion of the

Boardwalk. Shows will take place every 20

minutes from 9 to 11 p.m.

NEW FOR

2017Ocean City offers free family fun events, every

day of the week, all summer long. Just in time

for the start of the 2017 season, OC vacationers can

enjoy these NEW and exciting additions

to our weekly lineup.

OC beach dance party

Don’t miss these themed parties at the

Caroline Street Stage from 7 to 9 p.m. most

Tuesday nights in July and August. Enjoy

live entertainment by DJ Batman and special

guest performances. Dates include: July 11,

18 and 25, and August 8, 15, 22 and 29.

44OF PEOPLE USE VACATION DAYS FOR HOUSEHOLD CHORES

30OF PEOPLE USE VACATION DAYS FOR WAITING FORA SERVICE REPTO COME TO THEIR HOME

18OF PEOPLE USE VACATION DAYS TO VISIT THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

SOURCE: Ocean City, Md. via 2016 Ipsos eNation survery of 1,566 adults

27OF PEOPLE USE VACATION DAYS TO ATTEND AWEDDING

OCEAN CITY 2017 EVENTS

LATE APRIL–MAYOCEAN CITY SPRING RESTAURANT WEEKApril 24-May 7Ocean City’s spectacular restaurants offer special fixed-price menus. No passes, tickets or coupons

required. www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com WARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WILDFOWL CARVING COMPETITIONApril 28-30Carvers and visitors from around the world convene for the most prestigious competition of contemporary wildfowl art, featuring classes and seminars, demonstrations, kid’s activities and exhibitors. Convention Center. www.wardmuseum.org

MARYLAND INTERNATIONAL KITE EXPOApril 28-30Three fun-filled days of kite flying on Ocean City’s beautiful beach, featuring stunts, demonstrations, kite lessons and more. 3rd to 6th Street Beach. www.kiteloft.com

OCEAN CITY ISLAND TO ISLAND HALF MARATHON/5KApril 29Half marathoners start at Assateague Island and finish in the Ocean City Inlet. 5K participants run on the Boardwalk, finishing in the same location as the half marathoners. www.octrirunning.com

SPRINGFESTMay 4-7Ocean City celebrates spring and the upcoming summer season with four dynamic days of local food, live entertainment, and arts and crafts. The 27th

annual Springfest features headline performers Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. Inlet parking lot. www.ococean.com

SPRING MOVIE NIGHTMay 12Grab a beach chair and enjoy a free movie at Sunset Park. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Concessions available for purchase. www.ococean.com

RAT PACK TOGETHER AGAINMay 13A thrilling night of great music. The Rat Pack will perform all of their wonderful songs, comedy and sketches. Performing Arts Center. www.ratpacktogetheragain.com

WHITE MARLIN FESTIVAL & CRAB SOUP COOK-OFFMay 13Local professional chefs compete for the title of “Best Crab Soup.” Entertainment for kids, exhibits and live music. The public can sample and vote for the best soup for a small fee. Somerset Street Plaza between Baltimore Avenue and the Boardwalk. www.downtownassociation.net

BEACHFEST VOLLEYBALL FESTIVALMay 13-14A fun, competitive indoor volleyball tournament. Convention Center. www.ococean.com

MOTHER’S DAY MEMORIAL 3-MILE FUN RUN/WALKMay 14An event to honor all mothers in celebration of Mother’s Day. The event will start and end at Northside Park. www.octrirunning.com

“UNDER THE STREETLAMP” CONCERTMay 18An electrifying evening of classic hits from the American Radio Songbook, featuring recent leading cast members of the Tony Award-winning sensation “Jersey Boys.” Performing Arts Center. www.underthestreetlamp.com

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAYMay 18Enjoy free admission to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, featuring interestingdisplays on history, the lore of the sea and more.

www.ocmuseum.org

CRUISIN’ OCEAN CITYMay 18-21Popular car show featuring more than 3,400 hot rods, customs, classics, street machines and muscle cars. Live entertainment, celebrity guests, special attractions and Boardwalk parades. Convention Center and Inlet parking lot. www.cruisinoceancity.com

BROWN BOX THEATRE PRESENTS: SONG FOR A NEW WORLDMay 20-21This breathtaking song cycle by Jason Robert Brown weaves together the stories and voices of a diverse cast of characters in a musical journey that transcends time and space. OC Center for the Arts. www.brownboxtheatre.org

SPRING MOVIE NIGHTMay 26Bring a beach chair and enjoy a movie free of charge at Northside Park. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. In the event of rain, movie will be shown in the gym at Northside Park. www.ococean.com

SPRING ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOWMay 27-28Ocean City’s only Memorial Day weekend craft show, featuring vendors displaying garden accessories, jewelry, candles, florals, nautical items, wood crafts, and handmade chocolates and fudge. Convention Center. www.ococean.com

FREE FAMILY EVENTS100 NIGHTS OF LIGHTSEvery Night from May 27-September 4NEW THIS YEAR, visitors can enjoy a spectacular light show along a portion of the Boardwalk every night from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Presented every 20 minutes from 9 to 11 p.m.

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTIONMay 5Every first Friday of the month from April through December. Meet artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see new exhibits from 5 to 7 p.m. OC Center for the Arts.

JUNEBALTIMORE RAVENS BEACH BASHJune 1-3Join the Baltimore Ravens for a fantastic purple team-sponsored beach bash. Highlights include appearances by Poe, players and

coaches, and the Council of Baltimore Ravens Roosts annual parade on June 3. www.ococean.com

COUNCIL OF RAVENS ROOSTS ANNUAL PARADEJune 3Baltimore Avenue from 19th to 26th Streets turns into a sea of purple at the annual Ravens Roost parade, featuring floats, players, cheerleaders and marches. www.ococean.com

MAKO MANIAJune 2-4The 21st annual mako shark tournament with added entry levels for bluefish and thresher shark. Daily weigh-ins will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Bahia Marina. www.bahiamarina.com

ESA SUMMER SURF SERIESJune 3Self-sustaining, long-running series of surfing competitions. Events provide amateur athletes with an avenue to international and Olympic competition. 30th

Street Beach. www.ococean.com OCEAN CITY FILM FESTIVALJune 8-11A collaboration with the Art League of Ocean City to showcase local and regional filmmakers. OC Center for the Arts. www.artleagueofoceancity.org

OC CAR AND TRUCK SHOWJune 10-11One of the East Coast’s largest automotive events comes to OC with tuners, exotics, trick trucks, classics and super bikes. Live entertainment and special guest appearances. Convention Center. www.occarshow.com

SAND DUELS BEACH SOCCER CHALLENGEJune 10-11The largest sand soccer event in OC. Open to all traditional and non-traditional soccer teams and features recreational and competitive brackets. Wicomico Street to N. Division Street Beach. www.ocbeachsoccer.com

CAPTAIN SCHOEPF RELAYJune 11Relay with current lifeguards and alumni in honor of Captain Schoepf, who served as captain of the Ocean City Beach Patrol from 1987-1996. 7th Street Beach. www.ococean.com

OC AIR SHOWJune 17-18Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the show is thrilled to announce the return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The show is visible along the entire length of the

Boardwalk. Spectators can watch free of charge or in VIP seating. Unique media experiences available. www.ocairshow.com

MARYLAND STATE FIREMAN’S ASSOCIATION CONVENTIONJune 18-21Annual convention for the Maryland State Fireman’s Association. Training programs, business meetings, exhibits and a popular parade on Wednesday, June 21. www.msfa.org

ESA SUMMER SURF SERIESJune 24Self-sustaining, long-running series of surfing competitions. Events provide amateur athletes with an avenue to international and Olympic competition. 46th Street Beach. www.ococean.com

ART’S ALIVEJune 24-25Art’s Alive celebrates 17 years as Ocean City’s biggest and best fine art show. About 100 artists display fine art around a lagoon in a picturesque park with

expansive bay views. Enjoy lunch at the Artists’ Café and live music while children participate in free art activities. Outdoors rain or shine. Northside Park. www.ococean.com

BEACH 5 SAND SOCCERJune 24-25Family-focused soccer tournament on the beach from Dorchester Street to 3rd Street and St. Louis Avenue. www.beach5sandsoccer.com OC BEACH PATROL ROOKIE GRADUATIONJune 29Spectators are invited to take part as this year’s rookie class demonstrates its skills and participates in training exercises. Beach from Pier to Inlet. www.ococean.com

SKATE BASHJune 30The annual Ocean Bowl Skate Bash is open to kids of all ages. Free day of skating, door prizes, music from a local DJ and food concessions for sale. Ocean Bowl Skate Park www.ococean.com

FREE FAMILY EVENTS • ALL MONTH LONG100 NIGHTS OF LIGHTSEvery NightNEW THIS YEAR, visitors can enjoy a spectacular light show along a portion of the Boardwalk every night from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Presented every 20 minutes from 9 to 11 p.m.

FAMILY BEACH OLYMPICSA variety of fun family contests for all ages to enjoy on the beach at 27th Street most Tuesday

evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., beginning June 27.

SUNDAES IN THE PARKJune 18Bring your family and beach chairs and enjoy free local music groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. Children’s entertainment

presented. Fireworks conclude the evening. 7 to 9 p.m. in Northside Park.

MOVIES ON THE BEACHThree nights a week, take a seat on the beach and enjoy a movie free of charge. Mondays and Fridays on the 27th Street Beach beginning June 26, and Wednesdays on the beach by the Carousel Hotel beginning June 7.

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTIONJune 2Every first Friday of the month from April through December. Meet artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see new exhibits from 5 to 7 p.m. OC Center for the Arts.

JULYSTARPOWER BELIEVEJuly 3-7Dance competition featuring professional staging and sound, knowledgeable judges and a perfor-mance atmosphere like no other. Convention Center. www.believetalent.com

JULY 4TH CELEBRATIONSEnjoy a free concert at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on the beach at N. Division Street, and simultaneously uptown at Northside Park on 125th Street.

www.ococean.com

CAPTAIN CRAIG SWIMJuly 8Competitors swim a measured mile with the prevailing current to a finish line located at 14th Street. Open to the public. 14th Street Beach. www.ococean.com

OC TUNA TOURNAMENTJuly 14-16The East Coast’s largest tuna tournament celebrates its 30th year. Spectators can watch for free as more than 100 boats weigh-in large tuna in hopes of winning more than $625,000 in cash. Ocean City Fishing Center. www.octunatournament.com

STARPOWER NATIONAL TALENT COMPETITIONJuly 19-23World championship competition for dancers who qualified at regionals held across the U.S. Master Classes and Top Gun auditions will be offered with some of the most talented performers and teachers in the entertainment business. Convention Center. www.starpowertalent.com

STARPOWER REVOLUTIONJuly 24-29Talent competition that is one of the fastest growing dance events in the industry. Convention Center. www.revolutiontalent.com

GREEK FESTIVALJuly 28-31Experience the sights, sounds and flavors of a trip to Greece right here in OC. Shop for art, jewelry, clothing and more while enjoying live entertainment, dancing and traditional Greek fare. Convention Center. www.stgeorgebythesea.org OC BEACH PATROL CREW COMPETITIONJuly 29Watch lifeguards compete against each otherin events that demonstrate their athletic skills. N. Division Street Beach. www.ococean.com

FREE FAMILY EVENTS • ALL MONTH LONG100 NIGHTS OF LIGHTSEvery NightNEW THIS YEAR, visitors can enjoy a spectacular light show along a portion of the Boardwalk every night from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Presented every 20 minutes from 9 to 11 p.m.

BEACH FIREWORKSEnjoy a beautiful display of fireworks Mondays and Tuesdays from July 10 to September 4. Fireworks are visible along the Boardwalk. North Division Street Beach.

FAMILY BEACH OLYMPICSA variety of fun family contests for all ages to enjoy on the beach at 27th Street most Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

OC BEACH DANCE PARTY Themed parties, live entertainment by DJ Batman and guest performances from 7 to 9 p.m. most Tuesday evenings. Caroline Street Stage on the beach by the Boardwalk.

SUNDAES IN THE PARKBring your family and beach chairs and enjoy free local music groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. Children’s entertainment presented. Fireworks conclude the

evening. Offered most Sundays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Northside Park.

SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTSThursday nights in July and August, watch the sun set over the Isle of Wight Bay from the perfect location as you enjoy a free concert. 7 to 9 p.m. in Sunset Park at S. Division Street and the Bay.

FREE FAMILY PROGRAMSStop by the OC Life Saving Station Museum Mondays through Saturdays (except July 4) at 10 a.m. to learn something new about beach safety, aquarium feeding, knot tying, history or sharks. www.ocmuseum.org

MOVIES ON THE BEACHThree nights a week, take a seat on the beach and enjoy a movie free of charge. Mondays and Fridays on the 27th Street Beach, and Wednesdays on the beach by the Carousel Hotel.

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTIONJuly 7Every first Friday of the month from April through December. Meet artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see new exhibits from 5 to 7 p.m. OC Center for the Arts.

AUGUSTBEACH 5 SAND SOCCERAugust 5Family-focused soccer tournament on the beach from Talbot Street to 1st Street. www.beach5sandsoccer.com

WHITE MARLIN OPENAugust 7-11World’s largest billfish tournament with more than 300 boats competing for $2 million in prize money. Watch weigh-ins Monday through

Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. Harbour Island Marina. www.whitemarlinopen.com

ARTISTS PAINT OCAugust 9-13Artists take to the Boardwalk, streets, harbors and marshes to paint “en plein air.” www.artleagueofoceancity.org

POOR GIRLS OPENAugust 17-19All-women’s fishing tournament raises money for breast cancer research. Bahia Marina. www.bahiamarina.com

ESA SUMMER SURF SERIESAugust 19Self-sustaining, long-running series of surfing competitions. Events provide amateur athletes with an avenue to international and Olympic competition. 46th Street Beach. www.ococean.com

WINGS AND WHEELS EXPOAugust 19Private aircraft, custom cars and antique military vehicles on display. Food, beverages and crafts will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Huey Memorial. Ocean City Airport. www.oceancityaviationassn.org

THE BEACH BOYSAugust 23The Beach Boys will bring plenty of “Good Vibrations” and amazing surfer harmonies as they perform their timeless hits. Performing Arts Center.

www.ocmdperformingartscenter.com

OC JEEP WEEKAugust 24-27Family-friendly event with more than 250 Jeeps participating in beach crawls, Jeep jams, and show and shines. www.ocjeepweek.com

OCEAN CITY HOTEL WEEKAugust 27-September 10Two weeks of great deals on Ocean City hotel rooms. Excludes Labor Day weekend. www.oceancityhotelweek.com

FREE FAMILY EVENTS • ALL MONTH LONG100 NIGHTS OF LIGHTS, EVERY NIGHTNEW THIS YEAR, visitors can enjoy a spectacular light show along a portion of the Boardwalk every night from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Presented every 20 minutes from 9 to 11 p.m.

BEACH FIREWORKSEnjoy a beautiful display of fireworks on Mondays and Tuesdays. Fireworks are visible along the Boardwalk. North Division Street Beach.

FAMILY BEACH OLYMPICSA variety of fun family contests for all ages to enjoy on the beach at 27th Street most Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

OC BEACH DANCE PARTY Themed parties, live entertainment by DJ Batman and guest performances from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. Caroline Street Stage on the beach by the Boardwalk.

SUNDAES IN THE PARKBring your family and beach chairs and enjoy free local music groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. Children’s entertainment presented. Fireworks conclude the evening. Offered Sundays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Northside Park.

SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTSThursday nights in July and August, watch the sun set over the Isle of Wight Bay from the perfect location as you enjoy a free concert. 7 to 9 p.m. in Sunset Park at S. Division Street and the Bay.

FREE FAMILY PROGRAMSStop by the OC Life Saving Station Museum Mondays through Saturdays (through August 26) at 10 a.m. to learn something new about beach safety, aquarium feeding, knot tying, history or sharks. www.ocmuseum.org

MOVIES ON THE BEACHThree nights a week, take a seat on the beach and enjoy a movie free of charge. Mondays and Fridays on the 27th Street Beach through August 11, and Wednesdays on the beach by the Carousel Hotel through August 30.

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTIONAugust 4Every first Friday of the month from April through December. Meet artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see new exhibits from 5 to 7 p.m. OC Center for the Arts.

SEPTEMBERLABOR DAY MOVIESeptember 2Enjoy a free movie at Northside Park in honor of Labor Day. www.ococean.com

FLOUNDER POUNDER FISHING TOURNAMENTSeptember 10One-day flounder fishing tournament that’s great for kids! Fish from your own boat or rent a skiff, skimmer or pontoon.

Bahia Marina. www.bahiamarina.com

SEPTEMBER 11TH MEMORIAL SPOT TOURNAMENTSeptember 11Kids and adults of all ages will have fun fishing from the docks for $5 per angler. No skill required. Ocean City Fishing Center. www.ocfishing.com

9/11 PARADE OF BROTHERSSeptember 11Annual motorcycle ride and memorial service to commemorate 9/11. Parade is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Boardwalk from 27th Street to N. Division Street. www.ococean.com

OC BIKEFESTSeptember 14-17Live music, stunt shows, bike builders, vendors, food and drinks. Convention Center and Inlet parking lot. www.ocbikefest.com GLO GOLF TOURNAMENTSeptember 15Features a twilight party followed by a 6:45 p.m. shotgun start. Two-player scramble format. Eagle’s Landing Golf Course. www.eagleslandinggolf.com

SUNFEST 2017September 21-24Celebrate summer’s end at OC’s biggest festival with music, food, and arts and crafts. Headline entertainment includes country artist Clint Black on

Friday; remaining headliners TBA. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Inlet parking lot. www.ticketmaster.com

SUNFEST KITE FESTIVALSeptember 21-24Bring the family and see master kite flyers from around the world showcase their aerial displays of art. Kite-making workshops and kite battles. 3rd to 6th Street Beach. www.kiteloft.com

SAND CASTLE HOME TOURSeptember 22-23This 13th annual self-guided tour will feature 10 beautiful homes in the Ocean City area. Proceeds benefit the Art League of Ocean City. www.artleagueofoceancity.org

TREASURE HUNT AT THE BEACHSeptember 23-24Dig in the sand for buried treasure at the beach in front of Park Place Jewelers. Prizes include jewelry, diamonds, gemstones and gift certificates to area restaurants and retailers. 2nd and 3rd Street Beach. www.parkplacejewelers.com

WINE ON THE BEACHSeptember 29-30The 22nd Annual Wine on the Beach featuring wineries from the mid-Atlantic. Micro-brewed beers, local food, quality arts and crafts, and live music. Inlet parking lot. www.winefest.com

ESA SUMMER SURF SERIESSeptember 30Self-sustaining, long-running series of surfing competitions. Events provide amateur athletes with an avenue to international and Olympic competition. 46th Street Beach. www.ococean.com

OC COIN AND CURRENCY SHOWSeptember 30-October 1Thirty dealers buying and selling U.S. and world coins and currency. Free admission and appraisals. Convention Center. www.coinshows.com

FREE FAMILY EVENTS100 NIGHTS OF LIGHTSEvery Night through September 4NEW THIS YEAR, visitors can enjoy a spectacular light show along a portion of the Boardwalk every night from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Presented every 20 minutes from 9 to 11 p.m.

BEACH FIREWORKSEnjoy a beautiful display of fireworks Mondays and Tuesdays through September 4. Fireworks are visible along the Boardwalk. North Division Street Beach.

SUNDAES IN THE PARKSeptember 3Bring your family and beach chairs and enjoy free local music groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. Children’s entertainment presented. Fireworks conclude the evening. 7 to 9 p.m. in Northside Park.

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTIONSeptember 1Every first Friday of the month from April through December. Meet artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see new exhibits from 5 to 7 p.m. OC Center for the Arts.

OCTOBER20TH ANNUAL ENDLESS SUMMER CRUISIN’October 5-8Hot rod car show featuring more than 2,000 customs, muscle cars, street machines and classics. Live entertainment,

manufacturers’ midway, Boardwalk parades and special attractions. Convention Center and Inlet area. www.endlesssummercruisin.com

FAMILY BONFIRE ON THE BEACHOctober 6Enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa, storytelling and live music for a night of fun by the bonfire.

Pre-registration is encouraged, but on-site registration will be accepted. 130th Street Beach. www.ococean.com

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTIONOctober 6Every first Friday of the month from April through December. Meet artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see new exhibits from 5 to 7 p.m. OC Center for the Arts. www.ococean.com

FREE STATE CORVETTE CLUB WEEKENDOctober 13-14More than 1,200 Corvette enthusiasts attend from Canada to Florida. Car shows, road rallies, a parade and other activities raise money for a cause. 10100 Coastal Highway and Inlet parking lot. www.freestatecorvette.com

ROCKTOBERFESTOctober 21-22 Ocean City’s only 24-hour rockfish tournament. Prizes awarded for heaviest rockfish, flounder, trout, tautog and an open category. Concludes with an awards banquet around a bonfire and a pig roast on the beach. Bahia Marina. www.bahiamarina.com

O.C.TOBERFESTOctober 21-22 and October 28-29This fall celebration includes a beach maze, a Howl-O-Ween pet parade on October 21 and a pumpkin race on October 28. North Division Street Beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.octoberfestmd.com

SWING FOR YOUTH GOLF OPENOctober 28Golf tournament featuring a shotgun format, barbeque, raffle and more. All proceeds benefit the youth programs of Ocean City Recreation and Parks. Eagle’s

Landing Golf Course. www.eagleslandinggolf.com SEASIDE 10-MILE/5KOctober 28Join the 10-mile or 5K race, both starting at the Ocean City Inlet. Course includes the world-famous Ocean City Boardwalk and heads out to Coastal Highway. www.octrirunning.com

AUTUMN HOME AND CONDO SHOWOctober 28-29Featuring exhibitors with merchandise, product demonstrations, and interior and exterior displaysfor homeowners in all stages of remodeling,landscaping and decorating. Arts and crafts fairoffering a wide assortment of creative and unique

gifts and accessories. Convention Center. www.oceanpromotions.info

HALLOWEEN SPOOK-OUT PARTYOctober 29Carnival games, arts and crafts, hayrides, food and costume contests. Admission is one single wrapped bag of candy per child. Northside Park. www.oceancitymd.gov

NOVEMBERFIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTIONNovember 3Every first Friday of the month from April through December. Meet artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see new exhibits from 5 to 7 p.m. OC Center for the Arts. www.ococean.com

OCEAN CITY FALL RESTAURANT WEEKNovember 5-19Ocean City’s spectacular restaurants take the spotlight with special fixed-price menus. No passes, tickets or coupons

required. www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com

WINTERFEST OF LIGHTSNovember 16-December 31Hop aboard the Winterfest Express for a journey through an animated wonderland. Sing carols and sip hot chocolate while taking in the magnificent display

of more than one million lights. Northside Park. www.ococean.com

LIGHT UP DOWNTOWNNovember 18Free festival featuring fun for the whole family, including holiday shopping, vendors, tree lighting, kids’ crafts, games, prizes and a visit from Santa. Boardwalk and Inlet area. www.downtownassociation.net

TURKEY TROT GOLF OPENNovember 18Enjoy one of the last chances to golf before cold weather hits. Tournament features a four-person modified scramble and turkey feast. Eagle’s Landing Golf Course. www.eagleslandinggolf.com

HOLIDAY SHOPPER’S FAIRNovember 24-26Annual holiday shopping extravaganza. Unique handmade merchandise, nautical items, toys, candles, photography, florals, jewelry and ceramics. Children’s activities and photos with Santa. Convention Center. www.ococean.com

DECEMBERWINTERFEST OF LIGHTSNovember 16-December 31Hop aboard the Winterfest Express for a journey through an animated wonderland. Sing carols and sip hot chocolate while taking in the magnificent display

of more than one million lights. Northside Park. www.ococean.com

HOLIDAY ARTISANS FAIRDecember 1A special showcase of local artisans in time for the holidays! Features a variety of unique, handmade items, including jewelry, glass and ceramics. Enjoy free admission, live music, refreshments, and book signings with local artists and authors. OC Center for the Arts. www.artleagueofoceancity.org

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTIONDecember 1Every first Friday of the month from April through December. Meet artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and see new exhibits from 5 to 7 p.m. OC Center for the Arts. www.ococean.com

ANNUAL OCEAN CITY CHRISTMAS PARADEDecember 2A tradition for many visitors, the 34th annual Ocean City Christmas Parade features high school bands, floats, marching

units and Santa. Children will love the candy tossed out throughout the parade. North Ocean City. www.ococean.com

PIZZA WITH SANTADecember 6Children are invited to attend a pizza party with Santa. Event features arts and crafts, cookie decorating, refreshments, a ride through the Winterfest of Lights, and more. Northside Park. www.ococean.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONSDecember 31Start the New Year off right and say goodbye to 2017 at the beach. Town-wide celebrations take place at popular hotels, restaurants and nightspots. Special packages and menus are offered to make it a truly memorable New Year’s Eve experience. www.ococean.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKSDecember 31Ocean City welcomes 2018 with a beautiful display of fireworks. Northside Park. www.ococean.com

24TH ANNUAL PENGUIN SWIMJanuary 1, 2018Hundreds of participants brave frigid temperatures to take their first official dip in the ocean on New Year’s Day. Proceeds from the event benefit the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation. 91st Street Beach at the Princess Royale. www.aghpenguinswim.org