The hurricane we thought might ruin the weekend ended up being a washout; In fact, aside from a few clouds and scattered light showers, last week in Ocean City was really quite nice. Temperatures are slowly and steadily dropping to fall-friendly numbers (it still reaches the low 80s here, but at least it’s no longer 95!) and Sunfest starts on Thursday to officially usher in the autumn in OC.
Bikers rode up and down Coastal Highway all weekend, stopping by the indoor and tented events at the Convention Center, Seacrets and Hoopers, in spite of the negative forecast. And while the sun has chosen not to show up for its own festival in recent years, it’s looking like it might just make an appearance at Sunfest and Ocean City’s last big, blow-out weekend of the summer. We hope you’re there, too!
If you’re looking for details about Sunfest, including times, parking and entertainment, you’ll find those in the post below. And if you’re looking for whatever else is going on in Ocean City this week, then as always, you’ll find that, too.
Ocean City’s 44th annual Sunfest celebrates the end of summer
Fall can’t officially begin in Ocean City without the traditional weekend-long celebration known as Sunfest, OC’s famous arts, crafts and music festival. Now entering its 44th year, the signature event is known for drawing crowds from across the country, and with live music, fantastic food, a unique array of arts and crafts and our fingers crossed for beautiful weather, Ocean City’s Sunfest will take over the Inlet Lot once again from Sept.
Last week’s news
The calm after the storm: Florence didn’t bring much to Ocean City aside from some stormy skies and all the shells that washed up on the beach. And maybe some rare migrating birds, too, as they tend to end up in places they don’t belong after a hurricane hits the East Coast.
This week in pictures. – OceanCity.com
We started the week out fearful that Florence would make a direct hit on our town, but by Friday afternoon, it’s fair to say it’s not been too bad a week at all, compared to what could have happened. Here are a few of our favorite pictures from this week.
Maryland Bird-Watching After a Storm – OceanCity.com
Birders, keep your eyes wide open after Hurricane Florence hits: After a major storm, you’re more likely to see rare migrant birds where they wouldn’t normally be spotted. When birds and bugs get caught in high winds, they seek out calmer places, which often ends up being the eye of the storm (strong surface winds rotate around the exact center or the ‘eye’ of the hurricane, but the center itself is calm).
Bikers weather the rain: Events and concerts were moved indoors to the Convention Center after the weatherman predicted a weekend of doom and gloom, but tons of bikers still turned out for Ocean City’s annual BikeFest.
What hurricane? Bikers roar into Ocean City for BikeFest
CLOSE Despite the threat of Hurricane Florence, hundreds of bikers and bike enthusiasts stayed committed to this year’s Ocean City BikeFest. While Delmarva Bike Week was canceled due to the bad weather forecasts in the area, Ocean City adjusted its portion of the four-day event so that it could stay open, rain or shine.
#ThisWeekinOC
Sunfest (Sept. 20 – 23): With over 30 food vendors, free live entertainment on two stages, and a huge selection of arts and craft vendors, there is something for everyone at Ocean City’s Sunfest. Enjoy four days filled with something for all the family, including over 250 vendors, live music, artistic demonstrations, gourmet food and beverages, family hayrides on the beach and kids activities. Remember, admission to Sunfest is FREE!
Sunfest Kite Festival (Sept. 20 – 23): Always a sight to see as you walk along the Boardwalk, come and marvel at the spectacular sight of hundreds of brightly colored kites being flown in the blue skies above the beach and Boardwalk. Master kite flyers from around the world will showcase their aerial displays of art. There will be kite-making workshops and kite battles, and more.
Sandcastle Home Tour (Sept. 20 – 21): The 14th annual self-guided home tour will feature 10 beautiful homes ranging from oceanfront to bayside, penthouse to family home, all in the Ocean City area. $30 per person. Proceeds benefit the Art League of Ocean City.
Brown Box Theatre Presents: “As You Like It” (Sept. 20): Brown Box Theatre presents As You Like It by William Shakespeare, performed under the stars at Sunset Park. As You Like It will transport audiences into the heart of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies in a can’t-miss multi-state tour. This performance is FREE.
Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show (Sept. 21 – 23): Peruse an inventory of fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, sterling silver jewelry, wire-wrapped jewelry, beads, pearls, loose gemstones, minerals, crystals and fossils. Admission is $5, age 16 and under are free.
Park Place Jewelers’ Treasure Hunt at the Beach (Sept. 22 – 23): Dig in the sand for real buried treasure on the beach in front of Park Place Jewelers. Prizes include gems, diamonds, silver jewelry, gift certificates and more. This chance to dig for treasure is limited to 100 people per day, so you must register in-person at Park Place. Must register in-person at either Park Place Jewelers location. There’s a $15 entry fee that goes toward the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s foundation.
OC Cruzers Car Display (Sept. 23): For the 16th year, the OC Cruzers Car Display will be on select Sundays on Somerset Plaza, a semi-pedestrian street that is closed to all traffic during special events.
