Ocean City Releases Early Calendar Of 2020 Events

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Whether you live in or visit Ocean City, it's time to start making 2020 plans. City officials released a preliminary list of events scheduled for 2020.

All dates and events are subject to change or cancellation. For more information call 609-399-6111 or visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Here are some upcoming highlights:

Jan. 20: MLK National Day of Service; Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony and Soul Food Lunch

Day of Service: Volunteers are invited to join others nationwide to honor King's contributions. Citizens will participate in a city-wide cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon. Signup and supply distribution will take place at the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center, located in the Community Center.

Ceremony: Noon at the Hughes Performing Arts Center. Bringing the community together to remember King through words, song and dance. After the program, a free soul food dinner takes place in the high school cafeteria. Donations will be accepted for OCNJ CARE.

April 3-5: Girls Weekend

It's time to put yourself first! Girls Weekend Downtown on Asbury Avenue between 6th and 14th Streets. Fashion show Kick-Off Event on Friday evening, shopping and dining specials all weekend, accommodation packages, wellness classes and so much more. More details to follow.

April 4-5: OC Con - Comic Book and Memorabilia Show

More details to follow on https://www.ocnjcon.com/.

April 18: Doo Dah Parade and Mr. Mature America Pageant

The annual comedy parade complete with 300 basset hounds. Later that evening, men 55 or older compete for the Mr. Mature America title. Read more: Ocean City Taps 'Brady Bunch' Star For Doo Dah Parade

May 2: Spring Block Party

Over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more.

May 9: Martin Z. Mollusk Day

Find out if summer is coming early.

May 22: Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge

Participants dress in business suits, carry brief cases and march into the ocean to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance to welcome the new season.

June 15-20: Restaurant Week

Fixed-price specials at participating Ocean City restaurants.

June 24-Sept. 9: Farmers market

Every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tabernacle Grounds.

July 4: Bike Parade and Fourth of July Celebration

The bike parade begins at 10 a.m. A kite-flying competition will run at 7 p.m., followed by entertainment on the beach next to the Music Pier. A boardwalk fireworks display kicks off at 9 p.m.

July 18: Night in Venice

The city's annual boat parade. Registration opens Feb. 3. Theme to be announced.

Aug. 11: Pamper Scamper

Annual baby crawling race.

Aug. 13: 111th Annual Baby Parade

One of the country's oldest baby parades. Registration begins July 6.

Aug. 19: Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant; Hermit Crab Races

The original beauty contest for crustaceans. Families, kids, businesses and organizations are invited to enter their crustaceans. The winner receives the Covered Cucumber Rind Cup and gets to walk down a flowery runway.

The fastest hermit crabs in the universe will also race that day.

Sept. 13: Corvette Show

Over 350 cars exhibited. Models from every year Corvettes were manufactured are displayed on the boardwalk.

Oct. 10: Fall Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular

Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more, plus fireworks over the boardwalk in the evening.

Oct. 29: Halloween Parade

Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club.

Nov. 27: Christmas in the Downtown - "Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue"

Join merchants in kicking off the old-fashioned Downtown Christmas.

Dec. 31: First Night New Year's Celebration

A full slate of entertainment leading to midnight fireworks.

Click here for the full preliminary schedule.

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