We’re excited to announce a new community initiative in partnership with the Ocean City Beach Patrol! Together, we’ve launched a program to distribute our Kids Ocean & Beach Safety Placemats to local restaurants, hotels, motels, and businesses.
These fun and educational placemats are a great way to welcome families to Ocean City. Not only do they help teach kids important beach and ocean safety tips, but they also provide some entertainment while parents settle in or during those occasional rainy vacation days.
Our mission is simple: to keep everyone safe while enjoying the beach. We believe these placemats are a great step toward making that happen—and we’d love your help!
Bill Passes, Orange Crush is the New Maryland State Cocktail
Delegate Hartman successfully passed legislation to make the Orange Crush the Maryland State cocktail.
In a significant nod to Maryland’s rich culinary heritage, Delegate Wayne Hartman, representing District 38C in Worcester and Wicomico Counties, sponsored House Bill 1001 during the 2025 legislative session. This bill designated the original Maryland Orange Crush as the official state cocktail. “A lot of serious work had to be done this session in Annapolis especially with the budget and energy policy, but this bill provided a little fun. We could all come together and show our Maryland pride” said Hartman. The bill passed the House with enthusiasm but stalled in the Senate.
In a whirlwind of legislative maneuvering, Delegate Wayne Hartman refused to let his effort die. “Let’s not have the Senate crush our enthusiasm,” Hartman quipped during the amendment process. Delegate Hartman revived the effort by adding an amendment to Senator Zucker’s State Mineral Bill—naming chromite as Maryland’s official mineral—around 5 p.m. on the last day of the session. The House’s Health and Government Operations Committee accepted the amendment, and the Senate’s Education, Energy, and Environment Committee voted to concur. Just minutes before the midnight deadline—at 11:58 p.m.—the Senate passed the bill. “This gives new meaning to last call” said Delegate Hartman.
The legislation is set to take effect on June 1, 2025.
Delegate Hartman enjoying an Orange Crush, Maryland’s new state cocktail.
The Origins of the Orange Crush
The Orange Crush cocktail was first crafted in 1995 at Harborside Bar & Grill in West Ocean City, Maryland. The cocktail is easy to make according to Hartman’s understanding of the original recipe. It is made with equal parts triple sec and orange vodka, a freshly squeezed orange, and a splash of Sprite.
The Harborside Bar & Grill is home to the original orange crush, Maryland’s new state cocktail.
Interstate Rivalry Over the Cocktail
Despite its Maryland origins, neighboring Delaware has also embraced the Orange Crush. In August 2024, Delaware Governor John Carney signed a bill making the Orange Crush the state’s official cocktail, acknowledging its creation in Maryland but highlighting its popularity in Delaware establishments. When Delaware laid claim to the drink last year, Hartman was determined to set the record straight. “Virginia is for lovers,” he joked, “but Maryland is where you had your first crush.” He intimated that we might even see this phrase on a bumper sticker.
Boosting Maryland Tourism
By officially recognizing the Orange Crush as Maryland’s state cocktail, the state aims to celebrate its culinary traditions and enhance tourism. Highlighting such unique local offerings can attract visitors eager to experience authentic regional flavors, thereby supporting local businesses and the hospitality industry.
The original HB 1001 stalled in the Senate, but Delegate Hartman succeeded in getting Maryland to designate the Orange Crush as the Maryland State Cocktail.
OceanCity.com’s Orange Crush Trail Coming
In conjunction with this legislative recognition, OceanCity.com is launching the Orange Crush Trail. This initiative will guide visitors to various establishments in Ocean City renowned for their Orange Crush cocktails and will allow them to try the first orange crush for only $5. To participate, guests can make reservations through OceanCity.com’s new reservation system, set to debut in May 2025. This trail offers tourists an engaging way to explore the city, savor its signature drink, and save money all at the same time!
The official designation of the Orange Crush as Maryland’s state cocktail not only honors a beloved local creation but also serves as a catalyst for tourism and economic growth, inviting visitors to experience the unique flavors and hospitality that Maryland has to offer.
The MD State Highway Administration is temporarily closing MD 90 (Ocean City Expressway) for 4 days overnight (7 p.m. to 5 a.m) for maintenance work beginning Sunday, April 13th.
Motorists will be Directed to Use US 50 in Downtown Ocean City
(April 9, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will close a nearly 12-mile section of MD 90 (Ocean City Expressway) between US 50 (Ocean Gateway) and MD 528 (Coastal Highway) for maintenance work starting Sunday, April 13. Crews will work overnight until the expected completion on Thursday, April 17, weather permitting.
The work will begin on Sunday night and continue for four days from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. During the work periods, motorists will be directed to continue to US 50 to downtown Ocean City to Coastal Highway. Drivers should add approximately 30 minutes to their commute during the maintenance work.
The work includes:
guardrail repair,
patching on all bridges,
drainage inlet cleaning for improved highway drainage, and
debris removal.
The State Highway Administration works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving, and look for reduced speed limits as well as other traffic pattern changes.
Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.
Last month we highlighted some of the interesting things related to the Ocean City boardwalk such as its true length, oldest building, oldest business, and several other items. Now let’s look at the bayside and into some of its interesting features and trivia. Specifically, this article will speak of the oldest section which is the southern end of our ten-mile island that we call Ocean City.
Oldest Restaurant in Ocean City
Angler Restaurant and Bar
Ocean City has several older restaurants that have been around for decades. But the oldest is the Angler Restaurant, located on the bay at 312 Talbot Street, just south of the Route 50 Bridge.
Excerpted from the ‘Our History Heading’ on the Angler Restaurant Website:
“Around the turn of the 20th Century, Charles Rollins Bunting purchased the property where the Angler restaurant now stands. At that time there was no dock, only marsh grass through which the Buntings pulled their sail bateaux and row boats to shore.
In the Winter of 1934, Charles’ son William (one of five sons) returned to Ocean City from North Carolina. A year later, he bought a house and property adjoining his father’s dock. There he built a small 20’x20′ building where he sold fishing bait, cool sodas and rented small boats.
His wife Louise, an enterprising young woman, started selling homemade pies. It soon became obvious that they needed to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Small tables were placed in the fishing office and it became a combined business adventure.”
And this started in 1939, thus making the Angler Restaurant 86 years old this year!!
Sherry C. “One of our absolute favorite places in OC! See you soon!”
John C. “Best happy hour in Ocean City!!”
Angler server
Oldest Bar in Ocean City
Quietly situated at 216 Somerset Street, near St. Louis Avenue in downtown Ocean City is the Harbor Inn bar. Starting in 1935, the same family has owned this business with a long bar, pool table, some tables, and lots of character. It’s fondly known as “the Bloody Bucket,” one of Ocean City’s favorite dive bars.
Harbor Inn
In 2021 a fire temporally closed this fine establishment; reopening in September that year, stronger than ever.
In January 2025, Oceancity.com did a Facebook post congratulating the Harbor Inn on its ninetieth (90th) birthday coming in 2025. To express the public interest in this bar, this FB post received over six thousand likes, over five hundred shares, and reached almost 900,000 people! Now that’s love!
Just look at several select comments from that Facebook post:
Amy B. “We love the Harbor Bar!! It’s a must for a drink or two on every trip to OC.
Mike P. “My favorite bar in the state of Maryland!
Patty R. “Many good times had in the Bloody Bucket.”
To learn more about this small, but popular bar check out this 2021 article:
In its early days, people entered Ocean City from the railroad bridge, which connected from West Ocean City to what is now South Division Street (the site now Sunset Park) in downtown Ocean City. This bridge was constructed in 1876. However, The Storm of 1933 destroyed this bridge and ended railroad access into Ocean City. Ocean City had two railroad stations; one along Baltimore Avenue and the other on Philadelphia Avenue, just north of Wicomico Street.
Railroad Station along Philadelphia Avenue Photo credit from the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum
In 1916, a simple two-lane bridge was constructed from Old Bridge Road in West Ocean City to Worcester Street on the island. This small, but important bridge was later replaced in 1942 by the more modern (at that time) bridge know as the Route 50 Bridge or also called the Harry W. Kelley Memorial Bridge. Special note: This bridge contains a draw that opens regularly to allow marine traffic, typically at 25 minutes and 55 minutes past the hour during the peak tourist season (May thru October).
Car Bridge Photo credit from the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum
In 1971 the Route 90 Bridge (Ocean City Expressway) was completed that enters Ocean City midtown at 62nd Street. Route 90 runs about 12 miles in length with its eastern end in Ocean City and western end near Whaleyville.
Bayside Fishing Industry
The early days of Ocean City contained pound fishing along the ocean side. On the bayside, Captain Charles Bunting is credited with building a dock at Talbot Street in 1918, adjacent to the site that would eventually be home to the Angler Restaurant. From this space, sailboats and rowboats were rented to anglers to fish the bay. Of course, much changed because of The Storm of 1933, which created the Ocean City inlet and permitted boat access from the coastal bays to the Atlantic Ocean.
fishing picture near Talbot Street pier. 1938 Picture credit provided by MR Ducks
Today the Ocean City bayside contains a number of marinas, as does West Ocean City. A number of prominent fishing tournaments are annual events with the largest being the White Marlin Tournament; held in August of each year, starting in 1974. The WMO is the biggest and richest billfish tournament in the world and is based out of the Harbour Island community on 14th Street in Ocean City. Other, more-recently established fishing tournaments are based out of these bayside marinas; such as the Big Fish Classic tournament at MR Ducks on Talbot Street, held in late July, since 2014, and Captain Steven Harman’s Poor Girls Open, which started in 1994 at the Bahia Marina (21st Street), typically held in August – the week following the WMO. Proceeds from this latter tournament are used to benefit breast cancer research. Check out fishinoc.com website for the full list and dates of these 2025 fishing tournaments.
Talbot Street pier
The Coastal Bays
An article about our Ocean City bays would not be complete without additional information about some details. For those not familiar, there are actually five coastal bays in Maryland, but only three of these bays abut Ocean City. These three descriptions from the Maryland Coastal Bays website are:
Sinepuxent Bay’s drainage includes northern Assateague Island and a narrow strip of the mainland south of Route 50, including the Route 611 corridor and land to the east. It is the smallest of the five coastal bays sub watersheds. The bay receives considerable oceanic flushing from the Ocean City inlet.
Assawoman Bay’s drainage includes both Worcester and Sussex counties, with over 40% of the drainage in Delaware. The northern half of Ocean City drains to Assawoman Bay. Grey’s Creek is the primary tributary that drains into Assawoman Bay in Worcester County.
Isle of Wight Bay’s drainage includes both Worcester and Sussex counties, with nearly 15% of the drainage in Delaware. It is the second largest bay and drainage of the five coastal bays, and includes Manklin Creek, Herring Creek, Turville Creek, St. Martin River, Bishopville Prong, and Shingle Landing Prong. The community of Ocean Pines, the southern half of Ocean City and West Ocean City drain to this bay. The bay is bounded to the north by Route 90 and Route 50 crosses the Bay near its southern boundary.
The Newport Bay and Chincoteague Bay are further south from Ocean City.
Map of Coastal Bays from Maryland Coastal Bays Program
We hope you learned a little more about the Ocean City bayside from these highlights. There are numerous items of interest found along the Ocean City bayside based upon its history and current activities. Make sure you spend a little time on the “quiet side” of downtown Ocean City on your next visit.
Love Ocean City’s history? We’ve pulled together some of our favorite Facebook posts featuring downtown areas and those classic older buildings. Take a trip down memory lane with us, exploring structures that have stood the test of time, some remarkably unchanged!

Postcard from the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum
This 1920’s postcard shows an image of downtown Ocean City with on-street parking on both sides of street and two way traffic. The picture is taken looking north on Baltimore Avenue just south of Somerset Street.
Here is the same view, taken in 2025 of the same street section.
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Cropper’s Fish Camp House is on S. Division St., just west of S. Baltimore Avenue. It was built around 1912, its design typical of those houses found in the commercial pound fishing camps of that era. It’s also known as the Violets are Blue house as it was used in the movie of the same name which was filmed in Ocean City in 1984. 
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In the early 1950s, the Harrison Hall Hotel on 14th Street would become the northernmost hotel on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Motel Row, between 15th Street and 33rd, was only just starting to emerge as a region in town where tourists could lodge. The luxurious new hotel would set the standard for those who followed, as the first hotel in Ocean City to include a private bathroom in each room. Now, after over 70 years, Harrison Hall still stands as elegant as ever on the Boardwalk at 14th Street, within walking distance of the beach, amusements, restaurants and shops.
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The building that we all know of as the Kite Loft was constructed about 1930, and originally it was Eugenia’s Guest House. It later became Maria’s Guest House and is now the Kite Loft, the shop few can prevent themselves from stepping inside, as there is so much to see, and buy! The Kite Loft is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!
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The Brous family acquired the Flamingo Motel in 1963, just a year after its construction. What started as a 23-unit motel on the outskirts of Ocean City has evolved into a thriving destination. Now featuring 112 units, ocean views, and both indoor and outdoor pools, the Flamingo now stands in the center of a thriving resort. Spend a week here this summer and it experience it first hand. Find out more here.
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The Lankford Hotel was built in 1924, and has recently undergone some changes including a deck with restaurants looking out onto the Boardwalk. You can still stay at the Lankford or one of its apartments. Find out more here.
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Plim Plaza hotel
The Plimhimmon Hotel, between 1st and 2nd streets, was built in 1894. It was one of the first three hotels built in Ocean City, along with The Atlantic and The Seaside. During an expansion of the hotel in 1962, a fire broke out in the hotel’s north wing, and the blaze quickly spread to the rest of the building. Only parts of the south wing avoided any damage, and part of that wing remains standing today. The hotel was rebuilt, a fifth floor was added and even its famous cupola was replaced by the summer of 1963. Its name was changed to Plim Plaza to match the hotel’s new, modern look. Want to experience staying here? Take a look and make reservations for the Plim Plaza here.
May sure you like and follow our Facebook page to see more hidden gems in Ocean City Md, and next time you visit, get out and explore old Ocean City yourself!
A WEEK IN REVIEW OF OCEAN CITY PICTURES – Week 13 of 2025
Kite Loft
Spring has sprung this week in Ocean City. Baseball season has started and we are in the middle of March Madness college basketball!
Let’s look at several pictures taken in Ocean City, Maryland over the past week between March 22 and March 22.
Pictures around Ocean City
Here’s some pictures of this thirteen week of 2025 in Ocean City.
Sunrises in Ocean City
Sunrise 2Sunrise 1Beach sunrise 3
Iconic buildings
This week we highlighted an older building.
Kite Loft
The present Kite Loft building was constructed about 1930. Prior to the Kite Loft business, which is located on the Ocean City boardwalk between 5th and 6th Streets, this building served as residential uses. This is the 50th anniversary of this popular business!
Plim Plaza hotel
The Plim Plaza hotel is also located on the Boardwalk between 1st and 2nd Streets. Built in 1963 this hotel has been a popular destination spot for many families and vacationers. The original Plimhimmon Hotel was built in the early 20th century.
Other pictures around downtown
Ocean City inlet
At the Ocean City inlet
Ocean City Bayside
Bayside birds
Ocean City Boardwalk
Bayside birdsBoardwalk memorial bench
Ocean City Beach
OC beach after beach cleaners
Sunset Park
Spring flowers blooming at Sunset Park in downtown Ocean City
(March 26, 2025 – Ocean City, MD) Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Brooks & Dunn are slated to headline the star-studded lineup for Country Calling Festival 2025, headed back to the Ocean City Boardwalk October 3-5. Showcasing more than 35 artists across three stages over three days at Ocean City Inlet Beach, the weekend includes performances from Zach Top, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Koe Wetzel, Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen, Treaty Oak Revival, Flatland Cavalry, Gary Allan, Gavin Adcock, Tyler Hubbard, Tucker Wetmore, Wynonna Judd, Chase Rice, LeAnn Rimes, and many others. The entire lineup and lineup-by-day can be found at www.countrycallingfestival.com.
Country Calling 2024
Access to the lowest price 3-Day and 1-Day General Admission, GA+, VIP and Platinum Tickets will be available Friday, March 28, at 10am ET, and a general on-sale will follow at 11am ET if tickets remain. To sign up for the presale code and shop Country Calling’s limited festival merch, visit www.countrycallingfestival.com. Hotel + Festival Experience packages are also available for 3-Day Tickets.
Festival goers will have access to the Ocean City Boardwalk and its businesses in residence including restaurants, bars, variety shops and more, as well as the beloved Jolly Roger at the Pier Amusement Park. Both are located inside the festival grounds and included with the purchase of a Country Calling Festival ticket.
Country Calling 2024
Ticket types include 1-Day and 3-Day, General Admission, GA+, VIP, and Platinum Tickets, and layaway payment plans start at $25 down. GA+ tickets offer fans unlimited access to a private lounge with seating, air-conditioned restrooms, complimentary water, a private bar with drinks for purchase and a dedicated on-site hospitality team. VIP Tickets offer an exclusive seated viewing platform at the main stage as well as dedicated viewing areas at all stages, unlimited access to two VIP Lounges including air-conditioned restrooms, a private bar with drinks for purchase and complimentary water, lockers and mobile charging units for rent, an on-site hospitality team and more. Platinum Tickets include front-of-stage viewing at all stages, complimentary all-day dining and full-service bars, access to two Platinum Lounges with relaxed seating, air-conditioned restrooms, complimentary lockers and mobile charging, a dedicated festival entry lane, plus all the amenities of VIP, GA+, and GA, and more. For the full list of ticket offerings, and to purchase 1-Day or 3-Day Tickets, visit www.countrycallingfestival.com/tickets.
A crowd of people wait for Jelly Roll as they take pictures of the sunset. Country Calling 2024
OCEAN CITY, MD — March 25, 2025 — The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to the First Friday art openings on April 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St. bayside and at two nearby satellite galleries. Admission is free.
To celebrate the Manga and Anime exhibit opening on First Friday at the Arts Center, the Art League is encouraging Cosplay at the event – dressing in costumes inspired by characters from popular culture sources like movies, TV, video games, and comics – and will award prizes for the best costumes.
The Thaler Gallery hosts “Points of Juxtaposition” featuring the work of six African-American artists from the Eastern Shore who find inspiration from life in America and from an older African consciousness. The title comes from the work that, like the points of a compass, covers their many visual points of view and reflects a culmination of more than 190 years of experiences and perspectives.
Points of Juxtaposition
Tony Burton of Felton De. is a cartoonist at heart and draws his life observations in a comedic way. A graduate of Delaware State University and Delaware College of Art and Design, he taught for 40 years in Bridgeville, De. and also teaches Tai Chi.
Alexander Gamble was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., received his BA in art from Delaware State University, and is now part of Studio IXOII in Wilmington, De. His digital and print media art is a combination of circumstance and the recall of events past.
Kenneth Jones of Salisbury Md. is a graphite artist and photographer. As a young boy, Jones struggled with oral communication and expression. His pencil work involves the creation of sociopolitical subjects and commentary. As a photographer, he focuses on discarded and forgotten things.
Michael J. Morris of Salisbury Md. is a retired art educator of 40 years and a painter, graphic artist, printmaker, and photographer. He works under the name Mijomor and uses his four disciplines to create mixed media art with an illustrative style.
Ernest Satchell of Princess Anne, Md. received his degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and worked for Boeing Aircraft before pursuing Masters Degrees in the arts. He began taught at UMES from 1971-2010 and is known for throwing very large pots, raku vessels, and sculptures.
Dr Ernie Satchell
Carl Williams of Wilmington, De. works with collage, lines and shapes, acrylics, inks and natural materials to evoke self-reflection by the viewer. His work is graphic and design-oriented, influenced by the graphics work he produced for Dupont Corp.
The Corporate Partner Juried Group Show, an annual exhibition to honor the corporate partners of the Art League of Ocean City, will be on display in The Sisson Galleria. The Art League receives support from more than 50 local businesses that have signed up to be corporate partners. “Our corporate partnerships are vital to keeping the Ocean City Center for the Arts up and running, and this is our way, once a year, to thank them for their support,” Rina Thaler, executive director, said.
The Schwab Spotlight Gallery hosts UMES associate professors Elvin Hernandez, Brad Hudson and Collin Byrd, and celebrates Manga and Anime styles of animation originating in Japan, characterized by stark, colorful graphics depicting fantastic or futuristic themes.
Hernandez of Salisbury, Md. earned his MFA in Sequential Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and his EdD in Higher Education from Argosy University. He is a long-time educator and practicing freelance artist in the field of comics and commercial art, working for Toys R Us, DC Entertainment, Marvel, FX, and Cartoon Network.
Hudson of Mardela Springs, Md. publishes his own comics under the moniker of Coldstream Studios, developing characters such as Rocket Girl and Dark Crusader. He produces work for, among others, Topps Trading Cards, including StarWars, The Walking Dead, Mars Attacks, and more.
Byrd of Salisbury, Md., who is also the Art League’s Fellow for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, works in 2D animation, sequential art, and 3D sculpting and printing. Byrd is constantly experimenting with the limits of artistic digital creation tools.
The student portion of the Manga and Anime show will also open on First Friday and continue through the weekend, Apr. 4-6. The Art League developed this exhibit to promote creativity among students outside formal art programs and to increase community awareness of the Manga and Anime art form. Students in middle, high school, and higher education submitted entries judged by Byrd, Hernandez, and Hudson. Art League Past President John Sisson and James Dufendach of Ocean City Comic Con are sponsoring cash and other prizes.
Studio E exhibit showcases the work of the Creative Hearts program that includes artists who participate in the Salvation Army of Delaware’s developmental disabilities program, started in 2007 by Director Christy Cugno and art teacher and mentor Barbara Buford.
The Artisan Showcase features artwork in clay by Lisa Chambers of Lewes, De. Chambers handmakes and hand-paints red stoneware with a white liquid clay over the top, and also handmakes and hand-colors the glaze.
The Burbage Staircase Gallery continues an exhibit by Abi Lightner. The Princess Royale satellite gallery, 9100 Coastal Hwy., hosts a new exhibit by photographer Angela Vinson, who specializing in capturing the beauty of everyday moments.
The Coffee Beanery satellite gallery at 94th St. and Coastal Hwy. also opens a new show, displaying the work of Patricia Elmes Farley, a full-time textile and paper artist, sometime writer and storyteller, who lives on Chincoteague Island.
The Arts Center shows will be on display through April 26; the satellite galleries, through June 28. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.
The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Funding for this event is in part provided by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
This season, Ocean City is implementing the ParkMobile app for payment at most parking locations. Street and lot parking (excluding the Inlet Parking Lot) now require the app. The Inlet Parking Lot will transition to app-based payment in 2026. If you do not have a smartphone, you can pay online, by phone, or via text. The sign where you are parking will have details on secondary payment options. Download the ParkMobile app before arriving in Ocean City to make your parking experience a lot easier!
Park for free at the West Ocean City Park and Ride and take advantage of the convenient shuttle service. The views from the Park and Ride are actually worth a trip on their own, with scenic panoramas of the bay, wetlands, and Ocean City skyline. The shuttle is usually free, with a $4 charge during special events.
You can also rid the bus! The Ocean City Beach Bus rides from South Division Street Transit Station to/from 144th Street Transit Station. The buses are buses are safe, clean, reliable, and convenient, and you won’t have the hassle for looking for a parking space when all you really want to be doing is enjoying your day in Ocean City. In winter, the bus runs every half hour, but fin the summer months, it runs every 15 minutes from 6am -3am! With your $4 pass, you can transfer to one of the Park & Ride buses at no additional cost and go to West Ocean City Park & Ride facility.
Standard Fare: $4 Ride-All-Day. Exact cash fare required, or use of pre-paid photo ID General Bus Pass obtained from City Hall.
Half Fare ($2.00 Ride-All-Day): Senior Citizens age 65 and over, Disabled Persons, Medicare card holders. Proof of eligibility may be required. Exact cash fare required, or use of pre-paid photo ID General Bus Pass obtained from City Hall.
Free: Children 42 inches in height and under, ADA Certified Disabled card holders and Ocean City Resident Senior Citizen Bus Pass holders. Proof of eligibility may be required.
Not everyone is going to enjoy these changes, but it is a sign of the times, and the app is pretty simple to use, if you have a smart phone of course. Find our more details about parking in Ocean City here, and more details about traveling by bus in Ocean City here.
Spring is official in Ocean City, Maryland the first weekend of May with the opening of the 4 day celebration of the season at the 34th annual Springfest 2025. On April 24th, Ocean City is getting ready to welcome visitors from far and wide for Springfest 2025 which will continue through April 27th. This Spring event will feature a little bit of everything, so we thought we would give you four good reasons to join us here in Ocean City, Maryland.
Live Music
One of the highlights of Springfest is the incredible lineup of live music. With over 20 groups from all around the world performing on two stages, there’s something for everyone.
3 Ticketed Headline Shows
Information the headliners this year coming soon.
4 Days of Free Live Music
You don’t have to pay to enjoy concerts throughout Springfest 2025 in Ocean City, MD. There are two stages, the Indoor Stage and the Midway Stage, and the Town has lined up performers each day that are completely free.
2:30pm – Indoor Stage – Lennon La Ricci & The Leftovers
4pm – Midway Stage – Fat Mezz
6:00pm – Midway Stage – DJ Rupe
STRANGELOVE – The Depeche Mode Experience – Thursday, April 24 – 7pm – Indoor Stage. Tickets here.
Friday Line-Up:
10am – Indoor Stage – Real Diamond: The Premier Neil Diamond Tribute Band
11:30am – Midway Stage – Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys
12:30pm – Indoor Stage – Nicks In Time: The Ultimate Stevie Nicks Tribute Band
2pm – Midway Stage Melissa Quinn Fox
3:00pm – Indoor Stage – Callum Toner
4:30pm – Midway Stage – Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis
6:00pm – Midway Stage – DJ Kutt
Hunter Hayes – Friday, April 25 – 7:00pm – Indoor Stage. Tickets here
Saturday Line-Up:
10:00am – Indoor Stage – Fast Times At Shermer High
11:30am – Midway Stage – Mike Pinto
12:30pm – Indoor Stage – Rick K.
2:00pm – Midway Stage – Milk Mountain Band
3:00pm – Indoor Stage – Blind Wind
4:30pm – Midway Stage – DJ BK
The Legendary Wailers Featuring Junior Marvin & Passafire – April 26 – 6pm – Indoor Stage. Tickets here.
Sunday Line-Up:
10:00am – Midway Stage – Island Fusion
11am – Indoor Stage – The Lauren Glick Band
12:30pm – Midway Stage – Poole & the Gang
1:30pm – Indoor Stage – Rick K
2:30pm – Midway Stage – The 21 Sunday’s Band
3:30pm – Indoor Stage – The Mashup – The Ultimate Party Band
4:30pm – Midway Stage – Making Waves
Art at Springfest
Arts & Crafts vendors will be on hand to provide fabulous browsing and shopping opportunities.
Springfest will feature over 200 artists and exhibitors presenting their works of art and fine crafts. You can browse through a variety of handmade art, including clothing, textiles, glass, jewelry, metalwork, painting, photography, pottery, specialty foods, and woodwork.
Many Food Options – Local too!
And with so many food vendors on hand, you’ll never go hungry! Enjoy tasty creations from up and down the Eastern seaboard as well as typical Ocean City boardwalk favorites while jamming out to live music or taking in the sights and sounds of the festival.
Activities
Of course, Springfest isn’t just about music and art. There are plenty of family-friendly activities on offer as well.
Transport
Getting to and from Springfest is easy, too. The town of Ocean City will be offering transportation to and from the event throughout the entirety of the festival. You can take the bus along Coastal Highway or catch a shuttle from the Park & Ride lot in West Ocean City, both of which will have a $4 fare.
OCEAN CITY BOARDWALK TRAM REMAINS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Springfest is a celebration of all things spring, and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. Whether you’re a music lover, an art enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for some family fun, there’s something for everyone at Springfest. So mark your calendar and get ready to welcome the warm weather in style!
Spring has arrived in Ocean City, bringing vibrant colors and longer days – the perfect time to explore! Discover family-friendly festivals, quiet beaches, lush parks, and scenic cycle paths. Capture the beauty of cherry blossoms at Northside Park, embark on day trips to explore the Eastern Shore or just enjoy a quieter pace in Ocean City Md. Get ready to put a spring in your step!
1. Having the Boardwalk all to yourself
Having the Boardwalk almost to yourself
The bustling Boardwalk of summer time is a sight to be seen, and to experience. It exemplifies summer in Ocean City. But sometimes, it’s nice to have the space to walk at your own pace, stop and look around when you wish, and know no-one is going to bump into you! A quiet springtime Boardwalk allows you to do just that.
2. Northside Park Blossom
Northside Park is Ocean City’s largest park. It has softball, baseball and soccer fields, a fishing lagoon, foot bridge, concession stands, two playgrounds, picnic area, two piers, and a gazebo. It’s host to Sundaes in the Park during the summer on Sunday evenings, and Winterfest of Lights from Thanksgiving until New Year. But in the Springtime, its tranquil beauty really shines through. And if you time it just right, you get to experience the cherry blossoms in bloom, with a lot less visitors than our wonderful DC neighbor!
3. Quiet Beaches for Long Walks
Enjoying the beauty of the beach without the crowds
Not everyone wants to battle the waves on a busy summer day at the beach. Some of us prefer long walks along a quiet beach. It clears the mind, and works those leg muscles too! Springtime is the perfect time to do this in Ocean City, with mild temperate and lots of ….space.
4. All Day Bike Riding on the Ocean City Boardwalk
A quiet bike ride on the Boardwalk
During the summer months, you can only ride your bike on the Boardwalk until noon, but from the Tuesday after Labor Day through Friday before Memorial Day you can ride your bike up and down the Boardwalk all day long! (some restrictions may apply during Springfest and Sunfest). It’s safe, easy, and very enjoyable, and if you don’t have a bike to bring with you, there are several places dotted along the Boardwalk where you can rent one.
Dogs are always welcome in Ocean City Md, but they are only allowed on the Boardwalk and beach between October 1st and April 30th, so Springtime is the perfect time to visit with your four legged friend. There’s plenty of hotels and restaurants that will welcome them too. Find out more here.
The Ocean City St Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on the Saturday March 15th, and features floats, marching bands, and colorful performers. The parade starts at 12pm and travels along Coastal Highway from 61st Street to 44th Street. This event is free and a great way for the whole family to enjoy St Patrick’s Day. Make sure you wear something green!
Celebrate spring at Ocean City’s 34th annual Springfest! This four-day extravaganza, held at the south end of the Boardwalk from April 24th to 27th, offers a vibrant mix of activities and entertainment. Enjoy continuous live music, lots of shopping, and plenty of food at the Inlet Parking Lot. Admission is free, and the event runs rain or shine!
Restaurant Week is your opportunity to explore Ocean City’s vibrant dining scene. Restaurants will offer a variety of options, from fixed-price menus to special promotions, giving you the chance to try new dishes or enjoy familiar favorites. Make plans to support local eateries and discover your next favorite meal. The event runs from April 27 – May 11.
Cruisin’ Ocean City transforms Ocean City into a car lover’s paradise each spring. Held May 1st-4th, before the summer crowds arrive, this event showcases thousands of classic cars, hot rods, and custom trucks, flooding the streets with automotive splendor. Even if you’re not a car aficionado, it’s fun to watch the early morning parades down the Boardwalk with coffee in hand, and marvel at the design of these classic old cars.
Enjoy local beer, wine, mead and spirits or dive right into wine tasting at Berlin’s Jazz, Wine and Brews on May 3rd. Sip your wine while perusing local art on the street or in any of Berlin’s amazing shops.
7. Performing Arts Center
Getting ready for the show at the Performing Arts Center
Just a short drive from Ocean City and Assateague, Downtown Berlin offers a unique and vibrant experience. This award-winning community, a designated Maryland Main Street and Arts & Entertainment District, features over 60 shops, diverse dining options, live music, and thriving art galleries. Opening day for the Berlin Farmer’s Market is May 4th!!!
Snow Hill
Snow Hill, Maryland is a riverfront town in Worcester County, MD, also home to Ocean City.
Historic Snow Hill, a charming small town on the Pocomoke River, is 30 minutes from Ocean City. Enjoy its rich history and scenic beauty, away from the crowds.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach De
Drive north to Bethany Beach De, just a few miles from Ocean City. This coastal town offers boutique shopping, and gourmet coastal delights, and is a great place to take a stroll.
9. Restaurant and Hotel Deals
If you’re planning a trip to Ocean City, MD in the Spring, you’ll find great deals at hotels that may be out of reach during the summer months. Find a hotel with an indoor pool in case the weather weather doesn’t cooperate. Then check out the restaurants who have week day specials, such as Longboard Cafe, Seacrets, 28th St. Pit-n-Pub, and Marlin Moon. Find more restaurants who have won The Best of Ocean City® award here.
10. Sunrises and Sunsets!
Which do you prefer, an early morning sunrise to start your day, or an evening sunset to finish the day off perfectly? Don’t worry, you don’t have to choose, in Ocean City you can easily do both! You can catch a perfect sunrise every morning, from anywhere on the beach, whether you are staying oceanfront or not. And in the evening, take some time to reflect on the day from a bayside restaurant, at Northside Park, or any side street leading to the bay, and watch the sun go down on anther perfect day in Ocean City.
Early morning sunrise in North Ocean CitySunset from Seacrets
Enjoy Ocean City all year round, but visit before summer, and you’re sure to put a Spring in your step!
A WEEK IN REVIEW OF OCEAN CITY PICTURES – Week 12 of 2025
Shamus on the OC Boardwalk. Mascot of Shenanigans Bar and Grille for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Let’s look at several pictures taken in Ocean City, Maryland over the past week between March 15 and March 21. And it all started with St. Patrick’s Day events in Ocean City.
Pictures around Ocean City
Here’s some pictures of this twelfth week of 2025 in Ocean City.
St. Patrick’s Day 5K run/walk
Start of the 5K walk run on OC boardwalk
Over 1,000 participants in this year’s run/walk that was sponsored by Shenanigan’s Irish Pub and Grille on the Boardwalk and 4th Street.
Participants at the 5K race walk on OC boardwalk5K runners on boardwalk
St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival
Now Maryland’s largest St. Paddy’s parade, this year there were 100 parade entries!!
Proceeds for beer sales at 45th Street festival is applied to college scholarships for local high school students in Worcester County by Delmarva Irish American Club.
St. Patrick’s Day float in parade along Coastal HighwayMiller Lite and Yuengling beer pourers at St. Paddy’s Day festival at 45th Street
Iconic building
This week we highlighted an older buildings.
former Steger Apartments building on Dorchester Street
This week we featured the former Steger Apartments building that was constructed in 1930 and added onto in 1962. The Steger family owned and managed this building, on Dorchester Street in downtown Ocean City for several decades. It now serves as seasonal employee housing by its new owner.
Changes coming up
The relocated Thrashers French fry location (from 8th Street) installed its new signage on the boardwalk at 9th Street. This replaced the long-standing Alaska Stand which decided to sell this location. Alaska Stand started in 1933.
New Thrashers sign being installed on boardwalk at 9th Street
The property just south of Sunset Park installed a chain link fence closing off its property. A site plan has been approved for a new hotel. Sunset Park will remain as a public park with free concerts on Thursday nights in July and August.
Fence enclosure in prep of new hotel construction south of Sunset Park
Sunrises in Ocean City
sunrise by OC fishing pier
Attractive pictures of Ocean City also start with its beautiful sunrises this week.
Will Rothermel at Train Depot historical marker. 2025
It has now been about ten years since Will Rothermel started to plan for his Eagle Scout rank by completing a community-based service project. This type of project is a requirement to attain the Eagle Scout rank and must be completed prior to a Scout’s eighteenth birthday. Will’s service project was to create a series of historical markers in downtown Ocean City.
Eagle Scout Project
Will Rothermel, an Ocean City native, served in local Boy Scout troop 261. Having a strong interest in local history, Will presented his project idea to his scout advisor. The project encompassed the planning, design, manufacture, and installation of six historical markers located in the downtown area of Ocean City. As to the reason why to select these historic markers as his Eagle Scout project, Will stated, “Downtown Ocean City has a rich history. I knew that I wanted to showcase some of the bygone attributes of Ocean City for my Eagle Scout project.”
Will Rothermel (center), fellow Boy Scouts from Troop 261, former Mayor Jim Mathias and Mayor Rick Meehan at City Hall in 2016
The project also required site selection, approval by the Mayor and City Council as these plaques were being placed on public property, and then a fundraising effort to pay for the markers. Funding for these historic markers came from the following organizations and businesses: Ocean City Museum Society, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, OC Hotel Motel Restaurant Association, Ocean City Development Corporation, Friends of Youth, and the Kate Bunting Family Partnership. Each marker recognizes these supporting organizations.
Design of the markers
Will designed these plaques with each to be 24 inches high by 36 inches wide to aid in readability size. The plaques needed to be larger enough to contain the proper wording and graphics to tell each historic story. The historic marker supports and frames were made of powder coated aluminum. The actual plaques were of exterior acrylic for the intent to be attractive and durable to handle the sometimes-harsh weather conditions that Ocean City affords. UV protectant was also applied to these markers to protect them from the strong sun. Ten years later, each of these markers has held up very well. To date, all of the plaques continue to stay in good condition and have not required any repairs.
Railroad era marker at Sunset Park Railroad era marker at Sunset Park
Details on each historical marker
Each marker highlights an important part of Ocean City history. Here is the theme of each historic marker and its location:
The Railroad Era highlighting the railroad’s important role in Ocean City’s early development. Located at Sunset Park on the bayside water’s edge.
The Train Depot discussing the location and importance of the early railroad stations. Located at the bus depot on S. Division Street, on the west side of S. Baltimore Avenue.
Pier Ballroom and Bandshell that provided recreation and entertainment. Located on Boardwalk concrete pad near Somerset Street.
The Life Saving Station and the importance of the surfmen that manned these early facilities. Located on the Boardwalk and east end of Caroline Street.
Fishing Industry that references the importance of commercial and recreational fishing in Ocean City’s heritage. Located at the Talbot Street dock on the bayside.
City Hall that discusses its early years as a teacher’s college, change to a public school and then as a municipal administrative building. Located on Baltimore Avenue and 3rd
Will added, “Looking back, I would have liked to include a marker for the Storm of 1933 that created the Ocean City Inlet. However, there were already markers at the Inlet area.”
2016 installation of historical marker at Train Depot on S. Division Street
Partnerships
In early 2016, the historic markers were installed with the help of his fellow scouts from troop 261 and the Ocean City Public Works Department. The Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum helped with the historic resources and old pictures to be applied to the final design product. Will stated, “My favorite part of my Eagle Scout Project was the installation of these markers. It’s an extremely warm and moving feeling to have your fellow scouts help you on your project, because they are there solely to help you succeed.”
Caroline St marker in 2016 with Will and fellow Boy Scouts and others
Over these past ten years, Will received his Eagle Scout rank, graduated from Stephen Decatur High School, graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2019 and received a Master of Arts in Audio Technology from American University in 2024. Since then, he has been assisting in the operation of T.E.A.M. Productions, his family’s business based in Ocean City.
Pier Ballroom and Bandshell maker on Boardwalk
So, if you wish to get a good overview of several important historic elements of Ocean City, take a walk to them. All are located in the downtown area; some on and off the Ocean City boardwalk. Will is very proud of completing this project as well as the partnerships that were required to bring it to fruition. Ocean City residents and visitors should be very grateful that he selected these markers as his Eagle Scout project ten years ago.
OCEAN CITY, MD — March 18, 2025 — The Art League of Ocean City’s annual outdoor painting festival, “Artists Paint OC,” is happening Aug. 13-17, 2025 in the resort, and artists who paint “plein air” are invited to register for the competition. In 2025, the festival celebrates 20 years of bringing outdoor painting to the community.
Watch artists paint throughout Ocean City during the Ocean City’s Art League annual Plein Air event.
For five days, 50 of the region’s best landscape painters compete for prestige and cash prizes – more than $8,000 total – with the 1st place winner receiving $2,500. These “plein air” artists are professionals; many are award winners in multiple competitions. The 50 artists spread out across the area to paint anything that catches their eye, from the Boardwalk to Assateague to Berlin and beyond.
Rickey Sears won Spirit Of Ocean City Award
Registration is limited to 50 artists, age 18 or older, on a first-come basis. The registration fee is $50 for Art League members, $65 for non-members and is non-refundable. Registration includes participation in the full event and the Sunday Boardwalk Quick Paint, sponsored by the Ocean City Development Corp. Registration is now open at OCart.org.
The artwork painted during the festival will be available for purchase during two sales at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on Saturday, Aug. 16, 5-7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 17, 1-4 p.m. The best of the artwork will remain on display through September 2025.
Leo Kahl 1st Place Winner
The juror for the competition is Sara Linda Poly whose past experience includes illustration and design and work as assistant gallery director at the Art League Gallery in Alexandria, Va., where she is now an instructor. Known for her sweeping skies and dramatic light in the landscape, she has been the winner of numerous awards.
Sponsorships are also available for the festival and welcomed by the nonprofit Art League. Sponsors present special awards to the artists who best portray a theme or category, for example, Best Use of Light or Best Maritime. Interested sponsors may contact Jessica Bauer, the Art League’s Development Director, at development@artleagueofoceancity.org.
The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Funding for this event is in part provided by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
A WEEK IN REVIEW OF OCEAN CITY PICTURES – Week 11 of 2025
Sunrise
Let’s look at several pictures taken in Ocean City, Maryland over the past week between March 8 and March 14. Hope you are ready for St. Paddy’s Day!!!
This weekend will feel like the unofficial kick-off of Summer (not), Spring (not); how about hoping for warmer days!!
Pictures around Ocean City
Here’s some pictures of this eleventh week of 2025 with some pictures around Ocean City.
Older OC buildings
This week we highlighted several of the older buildings.
The Shoreham Hotel was constructed in 1923 and is located on the Boardwalk at 4th Street. On the first floor can be found Shenanigan’s Irish Pub and Grill. The place where everyone that is at least some part Irish will be this weekend.
Shenanigans Irish Pub and Grille
The Henry Hotel, constructed in 1916, is located at the southwest corner of S. Division Street and S. Baltimore Avenue. It has interesting story to tell of the live of the African American tourists and visitors to Ocean City in the 1900’s. A fundraising is actively underway to restore this building. For more information: Henry Hotel.
Henry Hotel
Located on the northside of Dorchester Street are four small older residential buildings often referred to the Spring Houses. For the past number of years, these buildings have provided housing to many seasonal employees.
Spring Houses on Dorchester Street
Not quite a building, but still important is the Coast Guard Tower that sits at the south end of the Ocean City Boardwalk. It was constructed in 1939.
Coast Guard Tower
Bayside views
cormorants on OC bayside
The quiet side of Ocean City is also pleasant to see. And our local birds love it!
Sunrises in Ocean City
Sunrise 1
Attractive pictures of Ocean City also start with its beautiful sunrises.
Sunrise 2
Ocean City Boardwalk and beach.
Biking on the OC boardsOC beach scene by pier
Coming up
Do not forget that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival returns to Ocean City on Saturday, March 15th. The parade is sponsored by the Delmarva Irish American Club and will start at noontime on Coastal Highway and 57th Street. The parade marches southwards to the 45th Street Shopping Center which will be the Irish Festival grounds with live music, souvenirs, food and beer. This is a free admission festival beginning at 11 am to 3 pm.
The building that we all know of as the Kite Loft was constructed about 1930, and originally it was Eugenia’s Guest House. It later became Maria’s Guest House and is now the Kite Loft, the shop few can prevent themselves from stepping inside, as there is so much to see, and buy! 
This season, Ocean City is implementing the ParkMobile app for payment at most parking locations. Street and lot parking (excluding the Inlet Parking Lot) now require the app. The Inlet Parking Lot will transition to app-based payment in 2026. If you do not have a smartphone, you can pay online, by phone, or via text. The sign where you are parking will have details on secondary payment options. Download the ParkMobile app before arriving in Ocean City to make your parking experience a lot easier!
Northside Park is Ocean City’s largest park. It has softball, baseball and soccer fields, a fishing lagoon, foot bridge, concession stands, two playgrounds, picnic area, two piers, and a gazebo. It’s host to Sundaes in the Park during the summer on Sunday evenings, and Winterfest of Lights from Thanksgiving until New Year. But in the Springtime, its tranquil beauty really shines through. And if you time it just right, you get to experience the cherry blossoms in bloom, with a lot less visitors than our wonderful DC neighbor!
