When the smell of burnt rubber and Armor All permeate the Ocean City air it can only mean one thing: Cruisin’ Ocean City weekend is here! Just days before tourists flood the streets for summer, Coastal Highway and Route 50 will be overflowing with more than 3000 Classic cars, Hot Rods, and tricked out trucks. In 2015, Cruisin’ Ocean City turns 25, so regardless if you’re a car owner, car enthusiast, or just really love the soothing sound of dual exhaust, head to the Convention Center and Inlet parking lot to be part of all the anniversary action from May 14-17. Over 500 awards are up for grabs at Cruisin’ Ocean City 2015, and if that isn’t enough to get your engines revving, various businesses in Ocean City, West Ocean City, and Berlin will host shows, vendors, and events celebrating custom cars.
Hitting the quarter century mark is no small feat, so the Cruisin’ organizers went all out to make 2015 the best in the event’s history. Tom Wopat, better known as Luke Duke from The Dukes of Hazzard, will be on hand Friday-Sunday to meet fans, sign autographs, and take pictures. Joining Wopat in Ocean City will be Christine Brimberry from Fast N’ Loud & Gas Monkey Garage.
In addition to these celebrity appearances, Cruisin’ Ocean City has an abundance of daily events planned for its 25th birthday celebration. Of the most popular events are the daily Boardwalk parades which take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8am. Staging beings at 27th street on the boards and the parades begin at 8am from North Division Street going south to the inlet.
Each morning the Boardwalk parade kicks off an exciting day of car shows, contests, meet & greets, live music, and more. Here is a quick look at some Cruisin’ Ocean City weekend events and attractions (click here to download the full schedule):
- Thursday night The Doo Wop Project takes the stage at the new Ocean City Performing Arts Center (located inside the OC Convention Center). Doors open at 7pm and show time is 8pm. Tickets are $25 and $35 and can be purchased by calling the Ocean City Box Office 410-723-8601 or through Ticketmaster.
- This year an annual favorite gets a makeover as the Express Auctioneer’s Hot Rod and Custom Car Auction will last 3 full days in 2015. The Hot Rod & Custom Car Auctions take place on Thursday May 14th and Friday May 15th inside the Convention Center with previews beginning at 9am and the live auction at 10am both days, plus Saturday, May 16th there will be a Car Collectables Auction at 10am and an Exotic and Specialty Car Auction at 2pm. For more information on the auctions, or if you are interested in being a seller or a buyer, call 410-243-9999.
- Saturday night check out the Cruisin’ Pin Up Contest at the 28th Street Pit & Pub at 8pm. Enjoy food and drink specials while you cheer on your favorite Pin Up Contestant as they compete for cash and trophies. If you would like to compete please arrive early to register, there is no registration fee.
- On Sunday the Grand Finale Awards takes place at the Inlet. Before Cruisin comes to an end there will be more than 500 trophies, plaques and awards presented plus over 3,000 giveaways.
