OCEAN CITY, NJ — With Memorial Day two weeks away, Ocean City is preparing for another summer season with a ceremonial kickoff, discounted beach tags and a full slate of events stretching from mid-May into the summer.
The official “Unlocking of the Ocean” is scheduled for noon Friday, May 22, on the beach at Ninth Street. The event opens the way for the Business Persons Plunge, which follows immediately. According to the announcement, everybody is invited to participate, and more information is available at ocnj.us/bizplunge.
Ocean City also said the preseason discount on beach tags remains available through May 31. Seasonal tags are $5 off during the promotion, according to the announcement, and purchase information is posted at ocnj.us/beachtags. Registration also remains open for summer recreation programs, with details available at ocnj.us/summer-recreation-programs.
The city is also promoting its 2026 entertainment lineup. Tickets are on sale for the 2026 Ocean City Pops season, which the announcement describes as including a wide variety of shows. Schedule and ticket information is available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Information and ticket sales are also available for the 2026 Summer Concert Series at the Music Pier at ocnj.us/SummerConcertSeries. According to the announcement, the a cappella group Straight No Chaser will open the series on June 29, and acts from Bruce Hornsby to 10,000 Maniacs will perform on Monday or Tuesday nights through July and August.
Ocean City’s May calendar includes several charity walks and community events. On May 16, the fourth annual Walk SONJ begins at 10 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier, with funds raised supporting Special Olympics New Jersey athletes through sports training, competition, health screenings and leadership opportunities. The American Heart Association Annual Spring Heart Walk is also set for May 16, with registration at 8:30 a.m. at the Civic Center and the walk starting at 10:30 a.m.
Other upcoming events include Chica De Mayo, an all-girls skate park party at 10 a.m. May 17 at the Ocean City Skate Park, and the 2026 Walk to End Lupus Now, also on May 17, with registration at 9 a.m. at the Civic Center and the walk starting at 10:30 a.m. On May 23, the Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes will be staged at Ninth Street beach.
The Memorial Day schedule includes an 11 a.m. service on May 25 at Veteran’s Memorial Park between Fifth Street and Sixth Street on Wesley Avenue. The National Moment of Remembrance is set for 3 p.m. on the Boardwalk. A printable summer events calendar is available online, and the updated calendar remains posted at oceancityvacation.com.
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