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10 free events in Ocean City in 2024

Story Haensler – Sundaes in the park.

You already know that vacations can break the bank. Luckily, the Town of Ocean City knows this too, and that’s why, in addition to the miles of free beach and boardwalk that are perfect for a summertime stroll, the city also offers a variety of free, fun and family-friendly activities throughout the season. It is possible to have a memorable trip without emptying your wallet – here are just 10 of the top free events, some hugely popular and others lesser-known, to take advantage of during your summer vacation.

And if you need any more ideas for free and fun things to do, well… we’ve got 100

Ocean City Air Show Acrobatic Team performing over the beach.

The Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori are visiting the USA for the first time in over 30 years. Their performance will commemorate the 500th anniversary of Giovanni da Verrazzanoโ€™s expedition to America in 1524. Also known as the โ€œTricolour Arrowsโ€ in English, they are officially designated as the 313ยฐ Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico, Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale. The Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team comprises of ten aircraft, holding the distinction of being the worldโ€™s largest acrobatic patrol. Their 30-minute display will showcase their awe-inspiring skills, bringing a touch of Italian flair to the skies over Ocean City.

Free Movies on the beach in Ocean City MD

Throughout the week, weather permitting, the whole family is welcome to catch a flick by the ocean, Monday and Friday evenings on 27th street and and Wednesday evenings on 118th behind the Carousel Hotel. All you need is a beach blanket and maybe some popcorn to enjoy a movie three nights out of the week, all summer long.

 

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Ocean City Beach Dance Party

Beach dance party in ocean city md
Jessica Trice – Beach dance party. Beach Dance Parties and Fireworks are a new addition to the free line-up from the Town of Ocean City.

Every Monday in July and August from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm at the Caroline Street Stage.  Beach entertainment hosted by local DJs.

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Monday Night Fireworks

Enjoying the fireworks in Ocean City MD
Tammy Ann – Enjoying the fireworks

Right after the Dance Party, the Town of Ocean City will light up the night with a free fireworks display.  Watch from the beach or boardwalk near the Caroline Street stage.

Visiting the fire station, and taking a tour of the fire trucks.
Crystal Murphy – Visiting the fire station, and taking a tour of the fire trucks.

Firetrucks and floats will be parading along Coastal Highway at the annual Fireman’s Parade, and all families and future firefighters are welcome to join the crowd. The parade is part of Fireman’s Week, which begins the third weekend in June and runs through the following week.

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Ocean City St. Patrick's Day Parade Cancelled Coronavirus
Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Free fun for everybody is the idea at the annual Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  Find your seat or just stand along Coastal Highway where the Delmarva Irish American Club puts on their annual event.  Wear green or you will feel left out!

Go to our St. Patrick’s Day page for more suggestions of fun things to do around this traditional early start to the season in Ocean City, Maryland!

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ESA Summer Surf Series

surfing in Ocean City MD

Family Olympics are great, but ever thought about competing in the real Olympic games? This series of surfing competitions provides an avenue for amateur surfers to compete internationally and maybe even worldwide.  The Eastern Surfing Association’s Regional Championships are held in Ocean City.  In 2024, they were held in May.  Come to the beach to watch the surfing!  

Just keep checking the events page for updates and more information.

8
4th of July Concert and Fireworks

Sunset on 4th of July looking at Assawomen Bay. Head to N. Division Street or Northside Park to listen to live music and then be treated to a fireworks extravaganza!
Sunset on 4th of July looking at Assawomen Bay. Head to N. Division Street or Northside Park to listen to live music and then be treated to a fireworks extravaganza!

 

Whether you prefer to see the fireworks in Ocean City, MD at Northside Park or at N. Division Street just off the Boardwalk, both locations will feature a live band prior to the 9:30 fireworks display.  You knew this would make the list of the best free things to do in Ocean City, MD because it’s an Ocean City tradition.

sunset park party night
Sunset Park Party Night every Thursday from July 11- the end of August.

Every Thursday night from July to August, you can watch the sun set over the Isle of Wight Bay while listening to live music – just bring a chair and maybe a few bucks for a cold beer.

Janel Quillen Flynn - Fireworks at Sundaes in the Park, Northside Park
Photo by Janel Quillen Flynn

Head up to Northside Park to enjoy a free summer concert series, and bring a few bucks for ice cream, too! This family-friendly event hosts bands that play almost any genre from country to rock to tribute bands to oldies, and happens every Sunday night in the summer from 7 to 9 p.m.

 

Details and a full listing of the free events that Ocean City offers can be found here.

Kristin
Kristinhttp://kristinhelf.tumblr.com
Kristin is a writer and photographer in Ocean City, Maryland, and is the content manager for OceanCity.com and other State Ventures, LLC sites. She loves getting reader-submitted stories and photos, so send her an email anytime. She also works part-time at the Art League of Ocean City and the Ocean City Film Festival and lives just off the peninsula with her dog and fiancรฉ. Her photos can be found on Instagram @oc_kristin.

2 COMMENTS

  1. You need to correct the website for concerts on the beach…the write up states the concerts are on Wednesday but the dates a Thursday…we got all the way down there wednesday and found we were a day early..kinda spoiled the evening.

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