Ocean City’s Fall Block Party on downtown Asbury Avenue is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 11) and marks the pinnacle of Ocean City’s shoulder season.
The event started more than three decades ago and has grown into a full Indian Summer Weekend Festival that includes three days of activities, including a Saturday night fireworks display, three days of table sales and a seafood festival. Saturday’s block party goes on rain or shine and typically attracts as many as 40,000 people.
The centerpiece of the special weekend is the mile-long block party that extends from Fifth to 14th streets along Asbury Avenue. More than 400 juried crafters from throughout the East Coast participate in the event that features hand-made products.
Here’s what you need to know about Indian Summer Weekend.
Parking: Parking will be free on all municipal lots and streets.
Block party features: The event includes a variety of foods highlighted by Greek specialties, ribs, seafood, pizza, hot dogs, burgers, baked goods and more. Bands and street musicians entertain along the block party route from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are free pony rides for children 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tabernacle Grounds, Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Public service displays for non-profit organizations are set up on Ninth Street between Asbury and Central avenues.
Fireworks: A fireworks display is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 11), It will be launched from a barge off Ninth Street and best viewed from any of the downtown blocks of the beach and boardwalk between Fifth and 14th streets.
More block party information: The block party is sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association of Ocean City in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ocean City. For information, visit oceancityvacation.com.
Live webcam: http://attheshore.com/
Seafood Center and Downtown/Boardwalk table sales: A seafood center will be set up at the Ocean City Music Pier 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11 to 13. The center will feature local seafood restaurants and vendors. The seafood festival will be held rain or shine. Boardwalk merchants will hold table sales starting Saturday, Oct. 11, and ending Monday, Oct. 13. Downtown merchants will hold sidewalk sales on Sunday and Monday (Oct. 12 and 13).
Discounted Rides: An end-of-summer special at Playland’s Castaway Cove (between 10th and 11th streets on boardwalk) includes a $15 wristband good for unlimited rides 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 10 and 11 (Friday and Saturday) and 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 12 (Sunday). Gillian’s Wonderland Pier (at Sixth Street on boardwalk) has a Guest Appreciation Weekend with all rides for 3 tickets from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 11) and 1 p.m to 6 p.m Sunday (Oct. 12).
“Shout!”: The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company takes audiences back to the 1960s with a mod musical 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 10) and Saturday (Oct. 11) at the Ocean City Music Pier. Enjoy a perfect blend of popular music, theatre and fun. Tickets are $20, $18 for senior citizens and children 12-and-under. For tickets access www.ocnj.us/boxoffice or call (609) 525-9300.
3rd Annual Spooks ‘N Kooks Costume Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup: Open to all. Entry fee is five canned goods or a clothing donation. Registration starts 7:30 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 11) on 1st Street Beach. Divisions: Longboard, Shortboard, & SUP events and 13 and Under. Prizes and trophies for all. Benefits local food and clothing non-profits. For more details, visit Facebook Spooks N Kooks or call (609) 741-1156.
Charlie Phillips Band: The greatest hits of Eric Clapton will be performed at the Music Pier at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 12) by the Charlie Phillips Band. Tickets are $15, call (609) 525-9300 (cash or checks) or www.brownpapertickets.com/event, credit card only.
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