OCEAN CITY — Summer may be winding down, but Ocean City isn't slowing down, with a packed late-August schedule featuring everything from racing hermit crabs and Mummers to legendary musical acts and hundreds of drones lighting up the night sky.
One of Ocean City's more unusual summer traditions returns Wednesday, Aug. 19, when hermit crabs take center stage for the annual Miss Crustacean Pageant and Hermit Crab Races.
The festivities begin on the beach at Sixth Street, where creatively decorated crustaceans will compete for the coveted Cucumber Rind Cup.
Registration opens at 5:30 p.m., with the pageant beginning at 6 p.m. Contestants display their hermit crabs in elaborately themed dioramas, with the winner getting a trip down a flowery runway.
The Hermit Crab Races follow the pageant, giving the crustaceans a chance to prove they're more than just good looks.
Both events are free to enter and watch.
Temptations and 10,000 Maniacs Close Out Concert Series
Two nationally known acts will also help close out Ocean City's 2026 Boardwalk Summer Concert Series at the Music Pier.
The Temptations perform Tuesday, Aug. 18. The legendary Motown group is known for classics including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” and “Papa Was a Rollin' Stone.”
10,000 Maniacs take the Music Pier stage Monday, Aug. 24. The band is celebrating its 45th anniversary and currently features Mary Ramsey on vocals.
Both concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Final Patriotic Drone Show of Summer
Another highlight comes Monday, Aug. 24, when Ocean City presents its final patriotic drone show of the summer.
The America 250 — Lights Over Ocean City Drone Show will feature hundreds of illuminated drones creating patriotic animations over the beach and Boardwalk south of Sixth Street.
The 15-minute show begins at 9 p.m.
The event is part of Ocean City's celebration of America's 250th anniversary and is being supported by a $25,000 grant from the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, Boardwalk merchant sponsorships and city funding.
Mummers, Farmers Market and Family Activities
The week's schedule includes plenty of other activities.
On Tuesday, Aug. 18, Mummers Night brings string bands to the Boardwalk between Sixth and 14th streets from 7 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 19 is particularly busy. Free Pilates Yoga begins on the Sixth Street beach at 8 a.m., while the weekly Farmers Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle.
Wacky Wednesday begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier, where participants will be challenged to create their own masterpieces from giant chocolate chip cookies.
At Sandcastle Park, the 34th Street Summer Entertainment Series presents “Summer-ween” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Families can meet the Sanderson sisters from “Hocus Pocus,” wear costumes, make a craft treat bag and participate in a small trick-or-treat. A DJ, face-painting and balloon artist are also planned.
Free guided beach walks begin at 6:30 p.m. at 59th Street and Central Avenue, while Family Night brings magicians, musicians, characters and other entertainers to the Boardwalk between Sixth and 14th streets.
On Thursday, Aug. 20, Market Days brings entertainment, face-painters and balloon artists to the downtown shopping district along Asbury Avenue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mummers Night returns to the Boardwalk from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Ocean City Green Fair will be held Friday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Music Pier, with exhibits and activities focused on environmentally friendly living.
Ocean City Pops Takes the Stage Sunday
The Ocean City Pops will be joined Sunday, Aug. 23, by The Three Tenors of Rock Opera — Angel Gomez, Chris Lysack and Robert Stahley.
The concert will combine opera from composers including Verdi, Puccini and Wagner with popular music ranging from The Beatles to Coldplay.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier.
Then on Monday, Aug. 24, 10,000 Maniacs, the America 250 drone show and another Family Night on the Boardwalk will cap a busy stretch of late-summer entertainment.
More information about Ocean City events is available through the city or by calling 609-399-6111.
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.
