Memorial Day 2018: Ocean City Event Dates, Times, Parking

OCEAN CITY, MD — Ask most any resident of most any beach town to name the first day of summer, and you'll almost always get the same response. Summer begins on Memorial Day, or the Memorial Day weekend. Never mind that summer actually begins June 21. Nope, the long Memorial Day weekend is the one that opens the floodgates for tourists eager to get their beach fix and merchants eager to get accept their money.

Ocean City certainly is no different, and the beach playground of choice for many folks in Maryland, DC and Virginia kicks off its 2018 season in earnest this weekend. But it's more than just some nearby weekend getaway. In 2017, TripAdvisor—the website dedicated to all things travel—picked Ocean City as the nation's 10th-ranked beach, nudging out some hot spots in Florida, Hawaii and California.

An Ocean City fan from Columbia posted on the website: "Been going to OC for 30 years. Biggest and best beach on east coast. Every kind of accommodation you can imagine, from expensive to cheap. Lot of amusement parks and rides galore. Ocean Downs Casino about 20-30minutes from Inlet. Delaware state line about 50-60 minutes from Inlet for Oulet shopping w/no taxes. OC has it all."

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Here are some highlights for Memorial Day weekend, and other information that may come in handy if you're headed to Ocean City this summer to enjoy its 10 miles of open beach, courtesy of the city's website:

Friday, May 25:

• Beach Lights will begin Memorial Day weekend and run nightly through Labor Day from 9pm to 11pm at North Division Street Beach. Special 3-minute displays at 9:00pm, 9:20pm, 9:40pm, 10:00pm, 10:20pm, 10:40pm, and 11:00pm. This lighting attraction features high-powered searchlights that accent the sky and surrounding area around N. Division Street and the Boardwalk. Searchlights move and sway, creating a dance of light to musical selections played through boardwalk speakers. The lights change into a variety of colors, bathing the surrounding beachscape and boardwalk in vibrant colors.

Saturday, May 26:

• LULAROE AND VENDOR SHOW. Ocean City Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway. Come shop from 14 LuLaRoe inventories, tons of crafters and other vendors like Thirty-One, Pure Romance, Paparazzi, and so much more! Saturday: 12pm to 6pm Sunday: 11am to 4pm Free admission.

Sunday, May 27:

• ESA SUMMER SURF SERIES. 30th Street.
• LULAROE AND VENDOR SHOW. Ocean City Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway. Come shop from 14 LuLaRoe inventories, tons of crafters and other vendors like Thirty-One, Pure Romance, Paparazzi, and so much more! Saturday: 12pm to 6pm Sunday: 11am to 4pm Free admission.

SEE ALSO: Maryland Patch Photo Contest: Submit Your Best Pics

Also from the website is a list of tips for things you don't want to miss during your stay, no matter when it is:

1) Hit the boardwalk. At just under three miles, the Ocean City, Maryland, boardwalk is a perfect family bike ride, an invigorating walk or run, or a relaxing tram ride. At night, the boardwalk comes to life with rides, arcades, performers and much more.

2) Indulge in culinary delights. Ocean City restaurants serve up fresh seafood, boardwalk fries, Maryland crab cakes, hot, fresh pizza, juicy Delmarva fried chicken, sweet saltwater taffy and some of the finest dining in the Mid-Atlantic.

3) Catch the sun's ups and downs. Sunsets are spectacular on the bay as the sun sinks down along the western side of the island. And a glorious sunrise on the Ocean City beach is worth getting up early for.

4) Go back in time. Explore Ocean City, Maryland's colorful history at the Life-Saving Station Museum, or take a walking tour of our historic downtown area.

5) Check out Assateague's wild ponies. The famous ponies are just 9 miles from Ocean City, along with nature trails, deer, foxes and thousands of birds.

6) Do some serious shopping. Hit the outlets, the boardwalk, Gold Coast Mall, boutiques or do some antiquing in nearby Snow Hill and Berlin.

7) Enjoy nights of free family fun. In the summer, there is a free family event almost every night of the week. Some of the events include:

• 100 Nights of Lights every night along the boardwalk Memorial Day thru Labor Day.
• Sundaes in the Park on Sundays at Northside Park with free concert, fireworks and ice cream.
• OC Beach Dance Party on Tuesdays at the Caroline Street Stage.
• Movies on the Beach on Mondays and Fridays at 27th Street and Wednesdays at 118th Street.
• Family Beach Olympics on Tuesdays.
• Sunset Park Party Nights on Thursdays.
• Beach Fireworks on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• OC Museum Programs every day at the OC Life-Saving Station Museum on the boardwalk.

8) Explore the beauty of Northside Park. This 58-acre complex is Ocean City's largest and most popular park facility. Athletic fields.

Northside Park is also home to playgrounds, a gazebo and walking paths.

9) Fore! Ocean City is home to some of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the Mid-Atlantic region. Or if miniature golf is more your speed, you will find a number of fun courses in town.

PARKING INFORMATION

Parking is available in city lots, private lots and on certain public streets unless otherwise noted.

Parkmobile - Pay for parking right from your phone!

Ocean City has partnered with Parkmobile to make it easy for you to pay for parking using your mobile device. There are three easy ways to sign up:
1. Download the FREE app.
2. Visit www.parkmobile.com.
3. Call the toll free # on Parkmobile signs and stickers throughout town.
Once registered, use the benefits of this service as you pay throughout the downtown area. Using the app, simply enter the zone number listed on the sign to start a parking session.

Electronic Vehicle Charging Stations

Ocean City offers charging stations for electric vehicles. For information on those locations click here.

Trailer, RV and Oversized Vehicle Parking

RVs and other oversized vehicles may not park in any municipal lot, public street or alley between May 1 and Oct. 31. An oversized vehicle is defined as 21 feet, 2 inches or more in length, and 6 feet, 8 inches in width, needing more than one parking space. For more information, call the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610. Updated ordinance highlights effective May 1, 2016 click here.

ADDITIONAL PARKING LOTS

• Worcester St., between Baltimore Ave. & Philadelphia Ave.
• Somerset St. & Baltimore Ave.
• Dorchester St. & Baltimore Ave.
• N. Division St. & Baltimore Ave.
• N. Division St. & St. Louis Ave. (small lot)
• 4th St. & Baltimore Ave.
• 1st. St. & St. Louis
• 61st St. & Coastal Hwy., bayside

Find more information about parking for boats, trailers and vehicles here.

Photo of Ocean City, MD, beach courtesy of city website