BREATHE - Ocean City Maryland

BREATHE
new life into your
2016 summer travel coverage
2016
OCEAN CITY, MD
PRESS KIT
April 4, 2016
Dear Media Friends of Ocean City, Maryland,
After the record-breaking blizzard that hit the East Coast this past January, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say
the vast majority of us are ready for a sunshine-filled beach getaway. As our good friend Rodney the
Spokesguard has shown over the years, it’s important for folks to “rescue” themselves from humdrum
everyday life and take an actual vacation. And where’s the best place to take that vacation? Ocean City,
Md., of course!
We have so many fun things in store at Ocean City this year to ensure your vacation days are put to good
use. As always, we offer free family fun six nights a week—from firework shows on the beach to Sundaes in
the Park. We have many exciting events planned, including the 26th annual Springfest from May 5-8; the
OC Air Show on June 18-19 featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds; and the White Marlin Open from
August 8-12. Visitors can enjoy our 10 miles of beautiful, free beach and our famous Boardwalk. Ocean
City’s dining scene is better than ever with so many different restaurant offerings. Whether you’re looking
for delectable treats from our Boardwalk, a good beer or cocktail, or something the whole family can enjoy,
there’s truly something for everyone in OC.
Our Trip Planner on ococean.com, which we launched last year, is the perfect tool to assist folks in planning
their vacations—whether it be an unforgettable family vacation, romantic getaway or weekend of golf and
fishing—and keep all the details organized in one place. And because it can be used to build an itinerary to
share with family and friends, it’s a no-brainer for a stress-free vacation.
To learn more and stay up to date on all the events and exciting things happening in Ocean City, be sure to
keep coming back to ococean.com.
Happy vacation planning! We hope to see you, and your audience, down the ocean soon!
Sincerely,
Rick Meehan
Mayor of Ocean City, Maryland
Office of the Mayor • Town of Ocean City • 301 Baltimore Avenue • Ocean City, Maryland 21842 • 410.289.8221 • ococean.com
2016 HIGHLIGHTS
Ocean City vacationers can enjoy these exciting
features and events this year—
RECONSTRUCTED FISHING PIER
The record-breaking blizzard in January damaged Ocean
City’s beloved fishing pier. We’re happy to report that visitors will find a new fishing pier ready for action this summer.
Break out the fishing poles!
OC AIR SHOW
Ocean City is pleased to announce the 9th annual OC
Air Show will take place June 18-19. The U.S. Air Force
Thunderbirds will return to headline the show and will soar
over the beach and Boardwalk. The Thunderbirds flight
demonstration team includes six pilots who will fly
patriotic red, white and blue F-16s in formation and
perform aerial maneuvers—sometimes just inches apart!
DINING IN OCEAN CITY
Ocean City has long been known for its delicious
Boardwalk fare and great family-friendly restaurants.
That hasn’t changed, but the dining scene now
welcomes some of the best chefs on the East Coast,
who are taking our fresh seafood and produce to new
levels. Add several new craft beer brew pubs, and you
can see why the OC dining experience is even more exciting these
days. To search Ocean City’s excellent dining options,
visit www.ococean.com/dining.
SMOKING RULES
In May 2015, Ocean City added new designated
smoking areas along the beach and 15 feet off of the
Boardwalk to help keep OC’s beautiful beach clean.
Visitors can learn more about the designated smoking
areas on ococean.com.
Clean air. Clean beach.
Smoking is PROHIBITED
beyond this point
except in Designated
Smoking Areas.
OCEAN CITY 2016 EVENTS
LATE APRIL–
MAY
Ocean City Spring Restaurant Week
April 17-May 1
Ocean City’s fantastic restaurants
offer special fixed-price menus. No
passes, tickets or coupons required.
www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com
Maryland International Kite Expo
April 29-May 1
Three fun-filled days of kite flying on Ocean City’s
beautiful beach, featuring stunts, demonstrations, kite
lessons and more. Boardwalk from Inlet to 27th Street.
www.kiteloft.com
Springfest
May 5-8
Ocean City celebrates spring and the
upcoming summer season with four
dynamic days of local food, live
entertainment, and arts and crafts.
The 26th annual Springfest features
headline performers Dr. K’s Motown Revue, Sara Evans
and Collective Soul. Inlet area.
www.ococean.com
Spring Movies at Sunset Park
May 13
Grab a beach chair and enjoy a free movie. Showtime
is 8:30 p.m. Concessions available for purchase.
www.ococean.com
White Marlin Festival & Crab Soup Cook-Off
May 14
Local 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 Plaza between Baltimore
Avenue and the Boardwalk.
www.downtownassociation.net
International Museum Day
May 18
Enjoy free admission to the Ocean City Life-Saving
Station Museum, featuring interesting displays on
history, the lore of the sea and more.
www.ocmuseum.org
Crusin’ Ocean City
May 19-22
Popular 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
Spring Movies at Northside Park
May 27
Bring a beach chair and enjoy a movie free of charge.
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 Show
May 28-29
Ocean 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
Memorial Day Laser Light Shows
May 28-29
Ocean City will observe Memorial Day with a patrioticthemed light display on the beach at North Division
Street on Saturday and an additional show on Sunday.
www.ococean.com
JUNE
Baltimore Ravens Beach Bash
June 2-5
Join the Baltimore Ravens in a fantastic purple teamsponsored beach bash. Highlights include appearances
by Poe, players and coaches, and the Council of
Baltimore Ravens Roosts Annual Parade.
www.ococean.com
Mako Mania
June 4-5
20th 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
OC Car & Truck Show
June 11-12
One 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
Ocean City Air Show
June 18-19
Celebrating its 9th year, the show is
back and thrilled to announce the
participation of the U.S. Air Force
Thunderbirds. 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 Convention
June 19-22
Annual convention for the Maryland State Fireman’s
Association. Training programs, business meetings,
exhibits and a popular parade on Wednesday, June 22.
www.msfa.org
Art’s Alive
June 25-26
Art’s Alive celebrates 16 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 Lights Spectacular
All Month Long
Free laser light shows every Sunday featuring fireworks
effects. Visible along the Boardwalk. North Division
Street Beach.
Movies on the Beach
All Month Long
Take a seat on the beach and enjoy a movie free of
charge. Wednesdays on the beach by the Carousel Hotel.
JULY
July 4th Celebrations
Enjoy a free concert at 8 p.m.
followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on
the beach downtown at N. Division
Street and simultaneously uptown at
Northside Park on 125th Street.
www.ococean.com
OC Tuna Tournament
July 8-10
The East Coast’s largest tuna tournament celebrates
its 29th year. Spectators can watch for free as more
than 100 boats weigh-in large tuna in hopes of winning
$500,000 in cash. Route 50 and Inlet Isle Lane.
www.octunatournament.com
Ocean Games
July 16
Annual event held along the beautiful shoreline of OC,
featuring three main competitions. Raises funds for the
John’s Hopkins Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program.
www.ococean.com
Greek Festival
July 29-August 1
Experience 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
Free Family Events, All Month Long
BEACH FIREWORKS
Begininng July 11, enjoy a beautiful display of fireworks
Mondays and Tuesdays through August. Fireworks are
visible along the Boardwalk. N. Division Street Beach.
BEACH LIGHTS SPECTACULAR
Free laser light shows every Sunday featuring fireworks
effects. Visible along the Boardwalk. North Division
Street Beach.
CONCERTS ON THE BEACH
Wednesdays starting July 13 and lasting through August.
Live entertainment while you relax beside the ocean
and watch the sunset. Tribute bands and local favorites.
North Division Street Beach.
FAMILY BEACH OLYMPICS
A variety of fun family contests for all ages to enjoy on
the beach at 27th Street every Tuesday evening.
FREE FAMILY PROGRAMS
Stop by the OC Life Saving Station Museum at 10 a.m.
Monday–Saturday to learn something new about beach
safety, aquarium feeding, knot tying, history or sharks.
www.ocmuseum.org
MOVIES ON THE BEACH
Three 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.
SUNDAES IN THE PARK
Bring your family and beach chairs and enjoy free local
music groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for
a small fee. Offered most Sunday evenings in July and
August. Children’s entertainment presented each week.
Fireworks conclude the evening. 7–9 p.m. in Northside Park.
SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS
Thursday nights in July and August, watch the sun set
over the Isle of Wight Bay from the perfect location.
7 p.m. in Sunset Park at South Division Street.
AUGUSTWhite Marlin Open
August 8-12
World’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, 14th Street.
www.whitemarlinopen.com
Artists Paint OC
August 12-14
Artists take to the Boardwalk, streets, harbors and
marshes to paint “en plein air.”
www.artleagueofoceancity.org
Poor Girls Open
August 18-20
All-women’s fishing tournament raises money for breast
cancer research. Bahia Marina, 21st and 22nd Street.
www.bahiamarina.com
OC Sandfest
August 22-28
Watch professional sand sculptors
create works of art out of OC’s
beautiful sand at the 3rd annual
Sandfest. North Division Street to
4th Street Beach.
www.ocsandfest.com
OC Jeep Week
August 25-28
Family-friendly event with more than 250 Jeeps
participating in beach crawls, Jeep jams, and show
and shines.
www.ocjeepweek.com
North American Sea Glass Festival
August 26-27
Featuring internationally-recognized sea glass jewelry
artists, experienced collectors, vendors and the Shard
of the Year Contest. Convention Center.
www.seaglassassociation.org
Ocean City Hotel Week
August 28-September 11
Two weeks of great deals on Ocean City hotel rooms.
www.oceancityhotelweek.com
Free Family Events, All Month Long
BEACH FIREWORKS
Enjoy a beautiful display of fireworks Mondays and
Tuesdays in July and August. Fireworks are visible
along the Boardwalk. North Division Street Beach.
BEACH LIGHTS SPECTACULAR
Free laser light shows every Sunday featuring fireworks
effects. Visible along the Boardwalk. North Division
Street Beach.
CONCERTS ON THE BEACH
Wednesdays in July & August. Live entertainment while
you relax beside the ocean and watch the sunset. Tribute
bands and local favorites. North Division Street Beach.
FREE FAMILY PROGRAMS
Stop by the OC Life Saving Station Museum at 10 a.m.
Monday–Saturday to learn something new about beach
safety, aquarium feeding, knot tying, history or sharks.
www.ocmuseum.org
MOVIES ON THE BEACH
Three 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.
SUNDAES IN THE PARK
Bring your family and beach chairs
and enjoy free local music groups.
Create your own ice cream sundae
for a small fee. Offered most
Sunday evenings in July and August.
Children’s entertainment presented
each week. Fireworks conclude the evening. 7 to 9 p.m.
in Northside Park.
SUNSET PARK PARTY NIGHTS
Thursday nights in July and August, watch the sun set
over the Isle of Wight Bay from the perfect location.
7 p.m. in Sunset Park at South Division Street.
SEPTEMBER
Labor Day Movie
September 3
Enjoy a free movie at Northside Park in celebration
of Labor Day.
www.ococean.com
Wings and Wheels Expo
September 3
Private aircraft, custom cars and antique military
vehicles on display. Food, beverages and crafts will
be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Huey
Memorial. 12724 Airport Road.
www.oceancityaviationassn.org
9/11 Parade of Brothers
September 11
Annual 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 North
Division Street.
Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament
September 11
One-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 Fishing Tournament
September 11
Kids and adults of all ages will have fun fishing from
the docks for $5 per angler. No skill required. 12940
Inlet Isle Lane.
www.ocfishing.com
OC Bikefest
September 15-18
Live music, stunt shows, bike builders, vendors, food
and drinks. Convention Center and Inlet parking lot.
www.ocbikefest.com
Sunfest 2016
September 22-25
Celebrate summer’s end at OC’s
biggest festival with music, food,
and arts and crafts. Headline
entertainment is TBA. Tickets are
available through Ticketmaster.
www.ticketmaster.com
Sunfest Kite Festival
September 22-25
Bring the family and see master kite flyers from
around the world showcase their aerial displays of
art. Kite-making workshops and kite battles. Beach
between 3rd and 6th Street.
www.kiteloft.com
Treasure Hunt at the Beach
September 24-25
Dig 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. 3rd Street Beach.
www.parkplacejewelers.com
Wine Fest on the Beach
September 30-October 1
The 21st Annual Wine Fest 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
OCTOBER
OC Coin and Currency Show
October 1-2
Thirty dealers buying and selling U.S. and world
coins and currency. Free admission and appraisals.
Convention Center. www.coinshows.com
19th Annual Endless
Summer Cruisin’
October 6-9
Hot 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 Beach
October 7
Enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa, storytelling and live music
for a night of fun by the bonfire. Pre-registration in
encouraged, but on-site registration will be accepted.
130th Street Beach.
www.ococean.com
Mid-Atlantic Surf Fishing Tournament
October 7-8
Annual fishing tournament celebrates its 37th year.
30th Street to 119th Street Beach.
www.oceancitysurfanglersmd.com
Ocean City Fall Restaurant Week
October 9-23
Ocean City’s spectacular restaurants
take the spotlight with special fixedprice menus. No passes, tickets or
coupons required.
www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com
Free State Corvette Club Weekend
October 14-16
More 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
O.C.toberfest
October 22-23 & 29-30
This fall celebration includes a beach maze, a
Howl-o-ween pet parade on October 22 and a pumpkin
race on October 29. North Division Street Beach from
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
www.octoberfestmd.com
Drive In Disguise Halloween Parade
October 22
Proudly display your costumed car during this fun family
Halloween parade. Boardwalk from 27th Street to Inlet
parking lot.
www.downtownassociation.net
Seaside 10-Mile and 5K Run
October 29
Join 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
Turkey Trot Golf Open
November 19
Enjoy one of the last chances to golf before the cold
weather. Tournament features a four-person modified
scramble and turkey feast. Eagle’s Landing Golf Course.
www.eagleslandinggolf.com
Swing for Youth Golf Open
October 29
Golf 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
Holiday Shopper’s Fair
November 25-27
Annual 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
Autumn Home & Condo Show
October 29-30
Featuring exhibitors with merchandise, product
demonstrations, and interior and exterior displays for
homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping
and decorating. Arts and crafts fair offering a wide
assortment of creative and unique gifts and accessories.
www.oceanpromotions.info
Halloween Spook-Out
October 30
Carnival games, arts and crafts, hayrides, food and
costume contests. Admission is one single wrapped
bag of candy per child.
www.oceancitymd.gov
NOVEMBER
Storm Warriors 5K
November 12
5K race begins at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station
Museum on the Boardwalk and heads to 15th Street
and back.
www.octrirunning.com and www.ocmuseum.org
Winterfest of Lights
November 17-January 1
Hop 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 Downtown
November 19
Free festival featuring fun for the whole family,
including holiday shopping, vendors, tree lighting,
kids’ crafts, games, prizes and a visit from Santa.
Boardwalk at Inlet area.
www.downtownassociation.net
DECEMBER
Winterfest of Lights
November 17-January 1
Hop 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
Annual Ocean City Christmas Parade
December 3
A tradition for many visitors, the 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.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
December 31
Start the New Year off right and say goodbye to 2016
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 Fireworks
December 31
Ocean City welcomes 2017 with a beautiful display of
fireworks. Northside Park.
23rd Annual Penguin Swim
January 1, 2017
Hundreds 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