FREE ACTIVITIES IN OCEAN CITY

As soon as the weather starts warming up, you know it’s time to head to Ocean City. The first weekend in May brings locals and visitors together for a free four-day festival of food, live music, arts and crafts and soaking up the sun called Springfest. But while Springfest is the most popular free thing to do, it’s not the only one – you can also get into the high-flyin’ spirit at the Maryland International Kite Expo, get artsy at the Spring Arts and Crafts show, or head over to Berlin for music and food at May Day Play Day.

Summer is the ultimate tourist season in Ocean City, which could be why the town gets a bad rep for being expensive this time of year. But ignore the beachside chain stores and you really can have a fun and inexpensive time June through August, because those three months are actually when the most free activities are offered.

Such activities include, but are not limited to: 
The Ocean City Air Show – It happens the third week of June every year, so you know when to plan for a weekend of incredible aircraft stunts and maneuvers. 

Beach Patrol Rookie Graduation – In late June, the graduating beach patrol class demonstrates their skills and training exercises for spectators on the beach. 

Movies on the Beach – This year, the family-friendly films have been playing every Monday on 27th St and every Wednesday on 118th Street.  

ESA Summer Surf Series – If you’re an amateur surfer, this summer surfing competition could provide an avenue for you to participate in other competitions nationwide.

Sundaes in the Park is each Sunday during the summer from 7 – 9 pm. Listen to live music in the beautiful park as the sun goes down. This family concert series is free to enjoy, with music ranging from country to rock, tribute bands to oldies. Each week children are offered various free activities and entertainment. (Ice cream is available for purchase each week.)

4th of July Concert and Fireworks – If you’re willing to brave the crowds, Ocean City throws an Independence Day celebration like no other town. Watch the fireworks and enjoy live music uptown and downtown.

Beach Dance Party – A free dance party every Mondayy night?! Yep. Dance the night away at Caroline Street Stage.  

Sunset Park Party Nights – Now you’re busy on Tuesday nights, but on Thursdays there’s another free party in town, with food, beer and live music that plays while the sun sets over the Isle of Wight Bay.   

Also make sure to take advantage of free events associated with annual car shows and other festivals, and if you’re in town during the White Marlin Open, checking out the nightly weigh-ins at Harbor Island (14th St., bayside) is a must.

The festivities in Ocean City tend to slow down around September, when kids go back to school and everyone else returns to their day jobs. That’s what makes it the perfect time to vacation – the crowds have thinned out, it’s not so hot outside and there are still free events to take advantage of. Watch a weigh-in at one of the many autumnal fishing tournaments, and then officially say goodbye to summer at Sunfest and at the Sunfest Kite Festival. And, of course, celebrate Halloween the Ocean City way at the family-friendly Beach Maze, Spook-Out Party and Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade (among other fun, festive events!).  Still in November but leading us to the holiday season is the free opening night of Winterfest of Lights which brings us into…

It might technically still be fall, but it’s definitely starting to feel like winter when the Ocean City Christmas Parade hits town in early December. Take a peaceful winter walk on the boardwalk, and don’t miss Winterfest of Lights – if it’s not a tradition in your family yet, it should be! We admit, this one’s not completely free for those older than 11, but tickets are only $6, and it’s well-worth it for a walk through a winter wonderland. Once the holiday season is over and spring is getting closer and closer, close out the season at the town’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  Winter is also a great time of year to score deals at hotels and restaurants, so check back in as the season nears and book your vacation ahead of time. So don’t worry about the dent your vacation might put in your budget – as long as you know where to go and what to do, you won’t have to spend more than a dime (or $10 on the beer and ice cream that many of these events offer). As your Ocean City vacation nears, make sure you check back to see all of the free festivities the town has to offer – events are always being added right here.