Given the variety of festivals and events that are held in the resort town of Ocean City, MD, it's no surprise that the area attracts visitors with almost every interest imaginable. Throughout the year, festival-goers can plan their visit to coincide with a tribute to a passion, they truly enjoy—whether it's fine wines or motorcycles, or something completely different.
A local favorite, the O.C. Air Show showcases military strength and aerial acrobatics high in the sky. On June 16-17, you too can witness modern and vintage planes performing current and historic marvels of military aviation in the skies above. Don't miss the famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as they execute intricate stunts at astonishing speeds. The elite pilots are renowned for flying in tight formations with absolute precision. The GEICO Skytypers, parachutists, and the patriotic Air Force Heritage Flight are some of the other amazing sights at the air showthat will leave the audience breathless.
The following weekend (June 23-24), the biggest show of the summer, the Ocean City Car and Truck Show , comes roaring into the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. This show is one of the largest custom car and truck shows in the country, with more than 700 vehicles and vendors. Stop by to see the latest designs in the automobile market, luxury vehicles and even tricked-out motorcycles.
As always, Ocean City is a wonderful place to celebrate Independence Day weekend, with events on the beach and the bay. The Fourth of July Celebration brings entertainment, games, food and a giant fireworks display to Northside Park at 125th St. & the Bay. The fun begins at 8pm with a live concert followed by fireworks at 9:30pm. On the ocean side, the celebration kicks off at 8pm with a Concert on the Beach at North Division St. Fireworks will follow at 9:30pm.
During the Artists Paint OC: Plein Air Event on Aug. 8-12, the Ocean City Boardwalk will resemble a scene along the river Seine in Paris as easels are set up and artists display their talents to the public. On the final day of this event, a timed race to complete a masterpiece will be held and judged. Afterwards, spectators are welcome to purchase a newly created piece of art to add to their collection.
Motorcycle enthusiasts will not want to miss OC BikeFest , Sept. 13-16. There will be live music, entertainment and fun at three locations: the Inlet, the Convention Center, and the Boardwalk. This year's BikeFest headline performers including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tonic, and Molly Hatchet will be on the Ocean Stage at the Inlet.
Summer may officially end the third week in September, but it's hard to tell in Ocean City, as the resort's biggest festival, Sunfest , kicks off on Sept. 20. Sunfest features four-days of fine art, distinctive crafts, performers on two stages, and a variety of food vendors. Children will enjoy activities such as hayrides and inflatables on the beach. Master kite flyers will also showcase their talents at the Sunfest Kite Festival—a festival within a festival—between 3rd St. and 6th St. on the beaches and Boardwalk. This event also includes a children's workshop, kite battles and the East Coast's premier sport kite competition.
Visit the Inlet Lot on Sept. 28 or 29 from 11am-7pm to experience the 24th Annual Winefest ! This "Wine on the Beach" event offers samplings of favorites including Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as less popular (but very delicious) varietals such as Petit Cab, Vidal Blanc, and Chambourcin. A few microbreweries will be at the event, and regional cuisine will be available for sale. Bring a lawn chair to relax in while sipping wine and enjoying musical entertainment from local recording artists.
Hot rods will be in town Columbus Day weekend as the 21st Annual Endless Summer Cruisin' , beginning Oct. 4, brings over 2,000 hot rods, customs and classic cars to the resort. Admission is charged for this 4-day event.
On Oct. 28 from 1-3pm, kids of all ages can don their favorite costume and attend the Halloween Spook-Out Party in the gym at the Northside Park Recreation Complex on 125th Street. Each attending child can enjoy hayrides, games, contests, and snacks by bringing a bag of individually wrapped candy. Costume contests for different age groups will be taking place, so come dressed in your best character outfit.
Ocean City really shines Nov. 15-Jan. 1, when Winterfest of Lights brings dazzling lights to locations throughout the town for the holidays. Tour the tunnel of lights and the Inlet and see the old-fashioned lighted wreaths along city streets. Northside Park at 125th St. & the Bay is a must-see, with hundreds of animated lighted displays. Browse the gift shop, have a photo taken with Santa, and sip hot chocolate in the heated, decorated tent while you wait to tour the lights on a tram for a small fee.
*culled from www.sunnydayguide.com
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