There’s no better way to whet your whistle for summer than to plan a trip to Ocean City while the crowds still are small. Whether you’re making a day trip or taking a long weekend, there are plenty of free things to do in Ocean City and the surrounding area so you can save your money and splurge when you come back in the summer. Here are the Top 10 Free Things to Do In Ocean City this Spring with links to the even more free event information.

This guide was updated on 2/26/18 for the 2018 season –ed. 

1. Springfest 

May 6 – 8 Springfest in Ocean City, Maryland – Springfest Guide

Memorial Day weekend is often identified as the official start of summer, but many people don’t like to wait that long; so each spring, Ocean City welcomes the arrival of warm weather and celebrates the oncoming season with its first of many annual festivals: Springfest.

2. St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17 St. Patrick’s Day in Ocean City, MD – Things to do in Ocean City

With Valentines Day behind us, it’s time to fold our mirrors in on February and look straight ahead to St. Patrick’s Day. There’s nothing quite like the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Ocean City. Like a bear from hibernation, our favorite resort town awakes from its long winter nap.

3. Maryland International Kite Expo

April 27 – 29 Maryland International Kite Expo

A great spectator and participant event! The Maryland International Kite Exposition will feature three fun-filled days of kite flying on the beautiful beaches of Ocean City, Maryland. 

4. Spring Movie Night

May 11 & 25 Spring Movies at Sunset Park 

Spring Movie Night – FREE! Grab your beach chair and meet us at Sunset Park for a great time! Showtime is 8:30pm. Previews begin at dusk. Concessions can be purchased, including drinks, popcorn, and candy.

5. 2nd Friday Art Strolls in Berlin

April 13, May 11, June 8 Berlin Main Street

Pop over to Berlin and take a walk down Main Street in America’s Coolest Small Town for the monthly 2nd Friday Art Stroll event. Be sure to check Berlin’s calendar of events for even more free, fun things to do downtown this spring. 

6. Spring Arts & Crafts Show

May 26 – 27 Spring Arts & Crafts Show

Ocean City’s only Memorial Day weekend craft show, featuring vendors displaying garden accessories, jewelry, candles, florals, nautical items, wood crafts & homemade items. Also, handmade chocolates, fudge, and dip mixes. Free admission. 

7. Easter Kids’ Fun Fair 

March 30-31 (free for kids 3 & under, $3 for students 4 – 18) Easter Kid’s Fun Fair and Art & Craft Show 

Arts & Crafts Show will include exhibitors displaying unique handcrafted items including wearable art, jewelry, lawn & garden decor, toys, florals, fine art, caricatures, and more. Admission also includes the Games, Contests, magic shows, and Easter egg hunts and more. 

8. Cruisin’ OC Parades

May 17 – 20 Cruisin’ Ocean City

Cruisin’ OC features over 3,400 hot rods, customs, classics, street machines, muscle cars and more. Live entertainment, celebrity guests, special attractions, boardwalk parades, manufacturers vendor midway and more. Come for the free morning Boardwalk parades, stay for the other events throughout the weekend. 

9. Art League of Ocean City First Fridays 

April 6, May 4, June 1 The Art League of Ocean City

See new exhibits at the Art League of Ocean City’s free First Friday reception, on the first Friday of every month. Visit the Art League and be inspired. Home to a gallery, studio, classrooms and a library all dedicated to the arts.

10. Ocean City Air Show

June 16 – 17 Ocean City Air Show 

Celebrate the tail end of spring at the 11th annual Ocean City Air Show, returning to Ocean City, Maryland, on June 16-17, 2018. Performer announcements TBA. The OC Air Show keeps getting bigger and better thanks to the support of the Town of Ocean City and the hundreds of thousands of spectators