OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Summer may be over, but Ocean City is preparing for a busy fall season filled with family-friendly events, charity fundraisers, festivals and Halloween celebrations.
With the official arrival of fall Tuesday, Sept. 22, the city is gearing up for a packed calendar that includes the annual MS City to Shore Ride, the Fall Block Party, the Ocean City Halloween Parade and the popular Dog Days celebration on the Boardwalk.
The events will bring thousands of visitors to the resort throughout September and October, offering residents and visitors plenty of reasons to return to Ocean City after the traditional summer vacation season.
Thousands of Cyclists Head to Ocean City This Weekend
The fall calendar begins with the MS City to Shore Ride on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The annual fundraising event attracts thousands of cyclists from across the country, raising millions of dollars for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Participants will begin their journey in Cherry Hill early Saturday morning and travel to Ocean City, finishing at the parking lot at Fifth Street and the Boardwalk.
Many riders will stay overnight before making the return trip Sunday.
Motorists should anticipate traffic delays as cyclists enter Ocean City via the 34th Street causeway and travel toward the Boardwalk.
The event has become a longstanding Ocean City tradition, bringing cyclists, volunteers, supporters and their families to the resort.
For event information, visit Bike MS City to Shore .
October Brings Festivals, Races and Boardwalk Events
October begins with several major events during the first weekend of the month.
Ocean City, NJ Jeep Invasion — Saturday, Oct. 3
Jeeps will take over the Boardwalk from Fifth Street to 14th Street from noon to 5 p.m.
The event gives Jeep enthusiasts an opportunity to display their vehicles along one of the Jersey Shore's most recognizable attractions.
For information, visit NJ Jeep Invasion .
OCNJ Half Marathon, 5K and 10-Mile Walk/Run — Sunday, Oct. 4
Ocean City's annual running event returns with a course showcasing the Boardwalk, downtown and ocean views.
The event includes a half marathon, 5K and noncompetitive 10-mile walk/run.
Registration and additional information are available at ocnj.us/race-events .
Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant Discount Days — Oct. 3-4
Shoppers can take advantage of special sales at participating businesses along the Boardwalk from Sixth Street to 14th Street and along Asbury Avenue.
A second round of Discount Days is scheduled for Oct. 10-12.
Fall Block Party Returns Oct. 10
One of Ocean City's largest fall traditions returns Saturday, Oct. 10, when the annual Fall Block Party fills Asbury Avenue with hundreds of craft and food vendors and live entertainment.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Asbury Avenue from Fifth Street to 14th Street.
Visitors can browse merchandise, enjoy food from a variety of vendors and explore Ocean City's downtown shopping district.
Parking will be free at all municipal parking lots and metered spaces throughout the city during the event.
Fire Department Open House Offers Family Fun
The Ocean City Fire Department will host its annual open house Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. at department headquarters, 550 Asbury Ave.
The event is held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week and provides an opportunity for families to visit the firehouse and learn more about fire safety.
The rain date is Friday, Oct. 9.
Music Pier Hosts Rodgers and Hammerstein Revue
The Ocean City Theatre Company will present "A Grand Night for Singing" at the Ocean City Music Pier on Oct. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18.
The musical revue celebrates the work of Rodgers and Hammerstein, featuring songs from Broadway classics including "Oklahoma!," "Carousel," "South Pacific," "The King and I" and "The Sound of Music."
Evening performances begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Matinee performances are scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 11 and 18.
Tickets and additional information are available at Ocean City Theatre Company .
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and Costume Surf Contest Set for Oct. 11
Two events are scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 11.
The 19th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Ocean City will bring thousands of participants together in support of breast cancer awareness and fundraising.
The walk begins at 10 a.m. at the Ocean City Civic Center.
Organizers expect more than 5,000 walkers to participate.
For information and registration, visit Making Strides Ocean City .
Also on Oct. 11, the Spooks N' Kooks Costume Surf Contest returns to Seventh Street Beach.
The contest features youth, adult and tandem surfing divisions, with participants encouraged to wear costumes.
Registration begins at 10 a.m.
The entry fee is a $20 gift card to ShopRite, ACME or Aldi, with proceeds benefiting the Ocean City Food Cupboard.
The no-wave date is Oct. 13.
Porsche Boardwalk Reunion Returns Oct. 17
Automotive enthusiasts can enjoy the Porsche Boardwalk Reunion on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Porsche vehicles will be displayed along the Boardwalk from Sixth Street to 14th Street between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The event provides an opportunity for visitors to see a variety of Porsche models against the backdrop of the Ocean City Boardwalk.
HERO Walk and Fun Run Set for Oct. 18
The John R. Elliott HERO Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run returns Sunday, Oct. 18.
The annual event supports the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers, which promotes the use of designated drivers and safe transportation alternatives to prevent impaired-driving crashes.
Registration and additional information are available at herowalkrun.org .
Dog Days Brings Four-Legged Friends to the Boardwalk
One of Ocean City's most popular fall events returns Oct. 24-25, when leashed dogs will be permitted on the Boardwalk during designated hours.
Dog Days will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25.
Saturday's activities include dog-related vendors, photo opportunities and the Humane Society of Ocean City's Pet of the Year announcement.
The Humane Society will also host its annual Howl-O-Ween Parade on Saturday.
Participants are encouraged to dress themselves and their dogs in Halloween costumes.
Registration begins at 2 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center.
The parade begins at 3 p.m. and travels along the Boardwalk from Sixth Street to 14th Street.
For registration and event information, visit ocnj.us/dogday .
Beach Cleanup and Halloween Skate Also Scheduled
Volunteers are invited to participate in the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Participants should check in at the Ocean City Music Pier and bring their own buckets and gloves.
Registration information is available at Clean Ocean Action .
The Ocean City Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue will also host a Halloween Costume Skate on Oct. 24 from 4 p.m. until dusk.
Skateboarders are encouraged to dress in costume, with prizes awarded for the best costume and best trick.
Candy will be available for participants.
Halloween Parade Highlights Final Week of October
Ocean City's annual Halloween Parade returns Thursday, Oct. 29, beginning at 7:15 p.m.
The parade will travel along Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 11th Street.
Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club, the event features costumes and a community celebration of Halloween.
Registration for parade participants is available at ochp.blogspot.com .
The Ocean City Chamber of Commerce will also host its annual Welcome Night on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center.
The free event gives residents an opportunity to meet representatives of local businesses, community organizations and civic groups.
With activities scheduled nearly every weekend, Ocean City's fall calendar offers a variety of opportunities for families, residents and visitors to enjoy the resort beyond the summer season.
For additional information and updates, visit the City of Ocean City's official website .
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
