Summer Send-Off
Beach between Dorchester and 3rd StreetDowntown
Celebrate the end of summer at Ocean City's Summer Send Off! Enjoy glowing hot air balloons or giant kites, and a spectacular laser show on the beach during this one-of-a-kind, weather-dependent event taking place on two days between August 27–30. It's a dazzling evening the whole family won't want to miss!
No tickets needed
This event has no external ticket page yet. Check back closer to the date or explore upcoming events.
Browse the calendarNext date
Thursday, August 27, 2026
4 dates scheduled
Time
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where
Beach between Dorchester and 3rd Street
Beach from Dorchester Street to 3rd Street, Ocean City, Maryland
Returns
Seasonal event
Runs seasonally in Ocean City
This August, don't miss one of Ocean City's most spectacular new events—the Summer Send Off! Watch glowing hot air balloons light up the beach, giant kites soar overhead, and an incredible laser show transform the night sky as we celebrate the end of summer in unforgettable style.
While festivities will take place throughout town over four days, the main beach event will be held on two weather-dependent days during the weekend.
Where: Beach between Dorchester Street and 3rd Street
When: Two days between August 27–30 (dates will be selected based on weather conditions)
Time: 4pm Balloons Inflate or Kites Fly | 8:30-9:30pm Laser Show
FREE
Balloon Glow
Experience the magic of eight illuminated hot air balloons lining the Boardwalk at sunset. The display will feature four whimsical special-shape balloons and four traditional teardrop balloons, creating a stunning glow against the evening sky.
Please note: This is a viewing experience only. Hot air balloon rides will not be available.
Giant Kite Exhibition
Just north of the balloon display, look to the sky as ten giant "monster show kites" create a colorful and unforgettable display above the beach.
Laser Show
From 9:00–10:00 PM each event night, an exciting laser show will light up the sky. Brilliant beams will dance across the balloons and beach, creating a spectacular finale that's best enjoyed from the sand.
Bring your beach chairs and enjoy the show!
Kites or Balloons? It Depends on the Wind!
Mother Nature will help decide the evening's display. If winds are light, you'll see the breathtaking Balloon Glow. If conditions are too windy for balloons, the sky will come alive with the giant kite exhibition instead. Safety and weather conditions will determine which attraction takes place each day.
All dates
0 upcomingLineup & schedule
Balloon Glow
Hot Air Balloons Along a Gorgeous OC Backdrop (set up at 4 - depends on weather - will be 2 of the 4 nights)
Laser Light Show
A Sky Full of Light, Music, and Movement
Balloon Glow
Hot Air Balloons Along a Gorgeous OC Backdrop (2 of 4 nights depending on the weather)
Laser Light Show
A Sky Full of Light, Music, and Movement
Balloon Glow
Hot Air Balloons Along a Gorgeous OC Backdrop (2 of 4 nights depending on the weather)
Laser Light Show
A Sky Full of Light, Music, and Movement
Balloon Glow
Hot Air Balloons Along a Gorgeous OC Backdrop (2 of 4 nights depending on the weather)
Laser Show
A Sky Full of Light, Music, and Movement
Monster Kites
Whimsical Shapes Soaring High Above the Sand (set up at 4, flying based on weather)
Monster Kites
Whimsical Shapes Soaring High Above the Sand - set up at 4; flying depends on weather
Monster Kites
Whimsical Shapes Soaring High Above the Sand - set up at 4; flying depends on weather
Monster Kites
Whimsical Shapes Soaring High Above the Sand - set up at 4; flying depends on weather
Frequently asked questions
Summer Send-Off
When is the Summer Send-off
Summer Send-Off weekend runs from Thursday, August 27, through Sunday, August 30, 2026. The main balloon, kite and laser activities will take place on the two days offering the safest weather conditions.
Where is the Summer Send-Off being held?
The main event will take place on the downtown Ocean City beach from Dorchester Street to 3rd Street, beside the southern end of the Boardwalk.
Is the Ocean City Summer Send-Off free?
Yes. Admission to the balloon glow, kite exhibition and laser show is completely free.
What time does the Summer Send-Off begin?
Setup for the balloons or giant kites begins around 4 p.m. Which will launch depends on the weather. Their launch or inflation times will depend on the wind. The laser show is scheduled to begin around 8 p.m and last for an hour.
Will all the activities happen every day from August 27–30?
No. The main beach attractions are planned for two weather-selected days during the four-day weekend. Other events will take place around Ocean City throughout the weekend.
Will there be hot air balloon rides?
No. The balloons will remain tethered to the ground for an illuminated balloon-glow display. Passenger rides and balloon flights will not be offered.
How many hot air balloons will be displayed?
The event is expected to feature eight balloons: four special-shape balloons and four traditional teardrop-shaped balloons.
What are the monster kites?
The monster kite exhibition will feature ten enormous, colorful show kites flying above the beach, weather permitting.
What happens if it is windy or raining?
Balloon inflation and kite flying are weather dependent. Balloons generally cannot be inflated during rain, nearby storms or winds exceeding approximately 12–14 mph. The laser show is expected to continue even when weather prevents the balloons or kites from operating.
Can I bring a beach chair or blanket?
Yes. Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets for viewing the activities from the sand.
Are strollers and wagons permitted?
Yes. Strollers and wagons are welcome.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are permitted within the event area.
Is the event accessible?
The Ocean City Boardwalk is accessible. Visitors who cannot comfortably travel across the sand can view portions of the event from the Boardwalk.
Where can I park?
Public parking is available throughout downtown Ocean City. Standard municipal parking rates apply. Visitors can also use the Ocean City Beach Bus. Parking is available at the inlet. Check out our parking guide. https://www.oceancity.com/guides/parking
Can I take pictures or videos?
Yes. Personal photography, video cameras and GoPros are permitted. Personal drones are not allowed.
Will food and merchandise vendors be available?
The Town has not yet published an official list of on-site food or merchandise vendors. Restaurants, shops, amusements and concessions are available along the nearby Boardwalk and throughout downtown Ocean City.
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