Ocean City, New Jersey
August in Ocean City, NJ: Let’s Make the Rest of Summer Count
There’s something about August in Ocean City.
The beach days feel a little more precious. The sunsets somehow get noticed a little more. And suddenly, the things we kept saying we’d do “sometime this summer” start feeling like things we should probably do now.
So consider this your friendly reminder: summer isn’t over yet.
There are still boardwalk nights to wander into, concerts to catch at the Music Pier, traditions that feel uniquely Ocean City, and a few wonderfully quirky events you’ll probably end up talking about long after vacation is over.
If you’re staying with us this August, save a few of these dates. You don’t need to plan every minute. Just leave a little room for the kind of summer memories you didn’t know were going to become your favorites.
August 11–12: Start With the Simple Summer Stuff
Some of our favorite Ocean City days aren’t complicated at all.
On Tuesday, August 11, Downtown Asbury Avenue hosts Funtastic Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed later by Mummers Night on the Boardwalk from 7–9 p.m. It’s the kind of day where you can grab breakfast, wander downtown, head back to the beach, and somehow find yourself on the boards again after dinner.
Then on Wednesday, August 12, make a slow morning of the Farmers Market at the Ocean City Tabernacle, or stop by the Music Pier for Wacky Wednesday. These little weekly traditions are part of what makes an Ocean City summer feel like an Ocean City summer.
August 13: One Very Ocean City Kind of Day
If there’s one date we’d circle, it might be August 13.
The 116th Annual Baby Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on the Boardwalk. It’s one of Ocean City’s longest-running traditions, and there’s something genuinely sweet about seeing generations of families come back for it year after year.
Later that evening, the Ocean City Fishing Pier Open House runs from 6–8 p.m., giving visitors a chance to experience the pier and clubhouse at 14th Street. Then at 7:30 p.m., country artist Chris Janson takes the stage at the Music Pier.
Beach in the morning. Parade before lunch. Pier at sunset. Concert at night.
That sounds like a pretty good August day to us.
August 14–16: A Weekend at the Music Pier
The Music Pier stays busy through the weekend.
Little Miss Ocean City takes place Friday, August 14 at 7 p.m., followed by Junior Miss Ocean City on Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m.
Then on Sunday, August 16, Lee Greenwood performs with the Ocean City POPS at 7:30 p.m.
If your perfect vacation night involves dinner somewhere nearby, a walk along the boards and a show overlooking the ocean, this might be your weekend.
August 17: Stay Out a Little Later
Monday nights don’t really feel like Monday nights when you’re on vacation.
On August 17, Family Night brings entertainment to the Boardwalk between 6th and 14th Streets from 7–9 p.m. At the same time, the Indigo Girls perform at the Music Pier beginning at 7 p.m.
And then look up.
At 9 p.m., Ocean City’s America 250: Lights Over Ocean City Drone Show is scheduled over the beach and Boardwalk.
This is one of those evenings we’d tell you not to rush through. Get ice cream. Stay on the Boardwalk. Let the kids stay up a little later.
Vacation rules.
August 19: Only in Ocean City…
This might be our favorite entry on the calendar purely because it is so wonderfully, unapologetically Ocean City.
Start with Wacky Wednesday: Cookie Sculpting at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier.
Then comes the legendary Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant, followed by the Hermit Crab Races near 6th Street and the Boardwalk. The current official calendar lists the crab festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m.
A beauty pageant.
For hermit crabs.
Followed by hermit crab racing.
You’re not getting this everywhere, friends. Put it on the vacation itinerary.
August 21: Ocean City Green Fair
If you’re looking for something a little quieter between beach days, the Ocean City Green Fair takes place on Friday, August 21 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Music Pier. The community event focuses on practical ways families can live a little more sustainably.
Grab a coffee, walk the Boardwalk and stop in before heading back to the beach.
August 23–24: Two Nights of Music
August keeps the Music Pier busy right through the end of the month.
On Sunday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m., The Three Tenors of Rock Opera perform with the Ocean City POPS.
Then on Monday, August 24 at 7 p.m., 10,000 Maniacs take the Music Pier stage.
There’s something pretty special about walking out of a concert and immediately hearing the ocean.
August 30–31: Don’t Rush the Goodbye
And then somehow, we get to the last few days of August.
On August 30 at 7:30 p.m., Four Magnificent Male Icons comes to the Music Pier with music celebrating Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Elvis Presley and Bobby Darin.
Then Ocean City gives August one last proper sendoff on Monday, August 31.
Family Night returns to the Boardwalk from 7–9 p.m., followed by another America 250: Lights Over Ocean City Drone Show at 9 p.m.
Honestly, that feels like exactly how summer should end.
Not quietly.
Not early.
But somewhere on the Boardwalk, probably holding something covered in powdered sugar, watching lights fill the sky.
Don’t Let August Become “We Should Have”
If you’re already in Ocean City, you know how fast these weeks go.
And if you’re thinking about squeezing in one more shore trip before schedules get busy again, consider this your sign.
Come for the beach. Stay for the Boardwalk nights. Pick one event you’ve never experienced before. Have dessert before dinner at least once. Take the long way home. Let everyone stay sandy a little longer.
Because you don’t have to do everything on this list to have a great Ocean City vacation.
You just have to be here for some of it.
There’s still plenty of summer left. Let’s make August count.
Traveling with your dog? Browse our pet-friendly homes too.