Ocean City NJ Fall Events 2026: Things to Do This Fall
Car shows, races, concerts, festivals, Halloween traditions and the start of the holiday season — September through November in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Ocean City, New Jersey • September – November 2026
There’s a different side of Ocean City, New Jersey in the fall—and if you’ve only visited during July and August, you’re missing it.
The beach is still here. The Boardwalk is still here. But fall brings cooler mornings, easier strolls downtown, and a packed calendar of car shows, races, concerts, festivals, Halloween celebrations, shopping weekends, and early holiday traditions.
So whether you’re planning a September weekend at the Shore, looking for Ocean City NJ October events, or thinking about a Thanksgiving getaway, here’s your guide to fall events in Ocean City, NJ for 2026.
Updated September 25, 2026. Event dates and times are based on the official Ocean City calendar and organizer information available at publication. Schedules can change, so check with the event organizer before heading out.
Fall 2026 at a Glance
Month One
September 2026 Events in Ocean City, NJ
September may mark the end of peak summer, but Ocean City doesn’t exactly slow down. From the Farmers Market to airshows and classic cars, the month is packed with reasons to come back.
September 2, 9 & 16
Ocean City Farmers Market
Start a fall morning at the Ocean City Farmers Market at the Tabernacle Grounds. Shop local produce and vendors from 8 a.m. to noon, with crafters set up near Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue.
September 2
Starman: The Best of David Bowie
Head to the Ocean City Music Pier for an evening celebrating the music of David Bowie, featuring Camille K and the Vince League Superstars.
September 6
Eagles Golf Cart & Bike Parade
Football season starts Jersey Shore style. Eagles fans decorate bikes and golf carts for a noon parade along the Ocean City Boardwalk, making this a fun one for families and Philly sports fans.
September 6
The Movie Music of John Williams with the OC Pops
Later that evening, the Ocean City Pops celebrate the legendary movie scores of John Williams at the Music Pier. Think big-screen classics and a perfect indoor evening after a day on the Boardwalk.
September 7
OCNJ Labor Day Race
Say goodbye to summer with Ocean City’s traditional five-mile beach run and one-mile fun run/walk. It’s a fitting finale to Labor Day weekend at the Shore.
September 9
Dueling Pianos with the OC Pops
Two pianos, 176 keys and plenty of familiar music. The popular Dueling Pianos performance returns to the Music Pier for another lively night with the Ocean City Pops.
September 11
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Ocean City gathers for its annual “A Day to Remember” ceremony featuring music, prayer and reflections honoring those lost on September 11, 2001.
September 12
Fall Cruisin’ the Boards Car Show
Classic cars take over the Boardwalk from Sixth to 14th streets for the 50th anniversary of the OC Classic Car & Street Rod Show. Expect vintage vehicles from 1989 and earlier lining the boards.
September 12
The Music of Billy Joel with Tony DeSare and the OC Pops
Finish the day at the Music Pier with Tony DeSare and the Ocean City Pops performing music made famous by Billy Joel.
September 13
Corvette Show
Car lovers get another big Boardwalk weekend with more than 400 Corvettes expected between Sixth and 14th streets. Models representing decades of Corvette history turn the Boardwalk into an open-air auto show.
September 19
Ocean City Airport Festival
The Municipal Airport at 26th Street and Bay Avenue hosts displays ranging from classic aircraft to warbirds, along with a parachute jump by Team Fastrax.
September 19
The Righteous Brothers with the Ocean City Pops
The evening continues at the Music Pier with the Righteous Brothers and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra as part of the group’s farewell tour.
September 19
Parachute Pyrotechnic Show
Look toward the sky that evening as Team Fastrax performs a nighttime parachute demonstration featuring illuminated pyrotechnics over the beach and Boardwalk.
September 20
Boardwalk Aerobatic Airshow
The aviation weekend continues above the ocean with stunt pilots, aerobatic champions and military demonstrations visible from the Boardwalk between Sixth and 14th streets.
September 26–27
MS City to Shore Ride
Thousands of cyclists make their way toward Ocean City during the annual Bike MS City to Shore Ride. Expect an energetic atmosphere around town—and some additional traffic near the cycling route.
Month Two
October 2026 Events in Ocean City, NJ
If there’s one month that proves fall is far from the “off-season” in Ocean City, it’s October.
The month brings one of the city’s biggest block parties, Boardwalk car events, races, theater, dogs on the Boardwalk and plenty of Halloween fun.
October 3, 4, 11 & 12
Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Discount Days
Fall shopping gets a little better during Discount Days, with participating merchants between Sixth and 14th streets on the Boardwalk and along Asbury Avenue offering seasonal specials.
October 3
Ocean City NJ Jeep Invasion
Jeeps fill the Boardwalk from Fifth to 14th streets from noon to 5 p.m. It’s an especially fun Boardwalk stroll if someone in your group is a Jeep enthusiast.
October 4
OCNJ Half Marathon, 5K & 10-Mile Walk/Run
Runners take over Ocean City for one of the fall’s major athletic events, with half-marathon, 5K and 10-mile options. Half-marathon participants should register in advance because race-day registration is not offered for that event.
October 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18
A Grand Night for Singing
The Ocean City Theatre Company brings the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein to the Music Pier with selections associated with classics including Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Carousel and The King and I. Multiple performance dates make this an easy addition to an October weekend.
October 10 • 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ocean City Fall Block Party
This is one of the big ones.
The Ocean City Fall Block Party takes over Asbury Avenue from Fifth to 14th streets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with more than 400 crafters, food vendors, music and plenty to browse. Give yourself more than an hour for this one.
October 17
Porsche Boardwalk Reunion
More than 350 Porsches are scheduled to line the Boardwalk between Sixth and 14th streets. Even if you’re not a serious car person, it makes for a pretty impressive Saturday walk.
October 18
John R. Elliott HERO Walk & 1-Mile Fun Run
This community event raises awareness about designated driving and honors families affected by drunk-driving crashes. Participants can join the walk, fun run or support the event as spectators.
October 24–25
Dog Days
For one special weekend, leashed dogs are permitted on the Ocean City Boardwalk during designated Dog Days hours—9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Saturday also includes dog-focused vendors and photo opportunities.
October 24
Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep
Want to give a little back to the beach you love? Volunteers can join the fall beach sweep, checking in at the Music Pier before heading out to help clean Ocean City’s shoreline.
October 24
HSOC Howl-O-Ween Parade
Dogs—and their humans—get into costume for the Humane Society of Ocean City’s annual Howl-O-Ween Parade. Registration begins at 2 p.m., with the Boardwalk procession following at 3 p.m.
October 24
Halloween Costume Skate
There’s even something for skateboarders. The Ocean City Skate Park celebrates Halloween from 4 p.m. to dusk, with costumes, tricks, prizes and candy.
October 28
Ocean City Chamber Annual Welcome Night
Meet local businesses, organizations and community groups at the Sports & Civic Center from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free.
October 29 • 7:15 p.m.
Ocean City Halloween Parade
Costumes, floats and local groups take over Asbury Avenue from Sixth to 11th Street for one of Ocean City’s favorite Halloween traditions. The parade begins at approximately 7:15 p.m.
Month Three
November 2026 Events in Ocean City, NJ
November is when Ocean City starts shifting from fall weekends into the holiday season—and the island has its own traditions for making that transition.
November 7
Trail of Two Cities 5K/Walk
Start the month with a run or walk across the Ninth Street Bridge from Ocean City toward Somers Point. The annual event begins at 8 a.m. and offers one of the more unusual race routes in the area.
November 7–8
Cabaret
Ocean City Theatre Company students bring Cabaret to the stage for two November evening performances. It’s an easy indoor addition to a cool-weather weekend at the Shore.
November 11
Veterans Day Program
Ocean City holds its annual Veterans Day observance at 11 a.m. inside the Ocean City Tabernacle at 550 Wesley Avenue.
November 14 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Winterfest by the Sea
Holiday shopping begins at the Sports & Civic Center with Winterfest by the Sea, featuring craft vendors, food vendors and a strolling Santa from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
November 21 • 8 a.m.–noon
Earlier Than the Bird
Yes, pajamas are encouraged.
From 8 a.m. to noon, downtown shoppers head to Asbury Avenue for early-bird specials during this very Ocean City holiday tradition.
November 21, 27, 28 & 29
Horse & Carriage Rides
Horse-drawn carriage rides begin their holiday-season run downtown, boarding near Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue from noon to 3 p.m. on scheduled dates.
November 26
Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot
Before Thanksgiving dinner, head to the Boardwalk for the Humane Society of Ocean City’s annual Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot.
November 27 • 2–5 p.m.
Christmas in the Downtown: “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue”
Ocean City officially starts getting festive from 2 to 5 p.m. as downtown merchants and the Chamber host an old-fashioned Christmas celebration culminating with Santa’s arrival at 5 p.m.
November 28–29
Santa in the Downtown
Bring the kids to Soifer Park from 9 to 11 a.m. for a chance to see Santa while spending Thanksgiving weekend downtown.
November 28–29
Photos With Santa
Keep the holiday afternoon going with Photos with Santa at the Music Pier, scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. both days.
Looking Ahead
Staying Into December? The Holiday Events Keep Going
The season doesn’t stop with November. If you’re stretching your Ocean City trip into early December, the Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 4 at 6 p.m. along Asbury Avenue, while Santa appearances, carriage rides and Photos with Santa continue on December 5.
Make a Weekend Out of Your Favorite Ocean City Fall Event
The nice thing about fall in Ocean City is that your event doesn’t have to be the entire trip.
Come for the Fall Block Party, then spend Sunday morning walking the Boardwalk. Make the Porsche Reunion the excuse for a couples’ weekend. Bring the dog for Dog Days. Turn the Turkey Trot into a Thanksgiving-by-the-Shore tradition.
And where you stay can be part of the experience too.
Where to Stay for Your Ocean City Fall Getaway
HeavenlyRez offers vacation rentals throughout Ocean City, NJ for all kinds of fall getaways—from true beachfront and oceanfront homes to classic beach-block rentals, larger family properties, select Ocean City NJ rentals with private pools, and pet-friendly Ocean City vacation rentals for weekends when the dog is coming too.
Our current portfolio includes more than 100 Ocean City properties, so whether you’re planning a quick two-person fall escape or bringing the whole family for a long weekend, you can choose the home, location and amenities that fit the trip.
Pick the event. Find the stay. And experience a side of Ocean City that proves summer isn’t the only season worth coming back for.
Event details sourced from
Ocean City NJ September 2026 events calendar
Ocean City NJ October 2026 events calendar
Ocean City NJ November 2026 events calendar