Wacky Wednesdays are a popular tradition.
While special events will continue uninterrupted through the fall and some of the best weather is still on the way, the traditional summer season in Ocean City comes to a close on Labor Day, said Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen.
That makes this the final week to catch up on some of Ocean City’s popular weekly summer events. Wacky Wednesday (Aug. 29) invites families and individuals to use their creativity to shape and sculpt French fries into unique masterpieces. The free contest starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier (between Eighth Street and Ninth Street on the Boardwalk). The Promenade sponsors this event.
Downtown Market Days (Aug. 30) brings entertainment and kids’ activities to Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 11th Street on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Family Night (Aug. 30) provides bands and other performers on the Boardwalk from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The weekly Farmers Market (Aug. 29 and Sept. 5) will be open for two more weeks with fresh produce and local crafts available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (between Fifth Street and Sixth Street along Asbury Avenue).
The Ocean City Pops 2018 season continues with two concerts this week. Join the Ocean City Pops for "The Lighter Side" on Aug. 29, an evening of light orchestral works from a wide variety of genres: symphonic works, musicals, dance, movies and jazz. The show features guest conductor Adam Boyles. The set list includes “Someone to Watch Over Me,” selections from “West Side Story,” a “My Fair Lady” medley and more. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier.
Entertainer Clint Holmes performs at the Ocean City Music Pier Sept. 2. (Courtesy City of Ocean City)
The Ocean City Pops will also feature the two-time 2018 Grammy nominee Clint Holmes in a special show on Sept. 2. Holmes is an entertainer, performer, recording artist, and vocalist. Whether he is singing selections from the Great American Songbook, contemporary classics or stirring original pieces, every performance is a one-of-a-kind experience.
The show is 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Stop by the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or call 609-399-6111 to purchase tickets for either concert.
Ocean City’s traditional end-of-summer event, the OCNJ Labor Day Race, features a 5-mile beach run and 1-mile fun run/walk. Race day registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 3, on the beach at 23rd Street. The race starts at 9 a.m. To pre-register, visit www.ocnj.us/Race-Events.
Ocean City’s annual Street Rod Weekend is Sept. 7 and 8. Street rods are classic cars (1988 or older) modified with modern parts. Other cars will also be on display. Registration to participate is still open with forms available at www.ocnj.us/carshow. Event day check-in and registration will be held at the Ocean City Tabernacle (550 Wesley Avenue) from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, and again 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8. To be judged, all cars must be registered by 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8. Pre-registration is $30 per car.
Ocean City's street rod car show is Sept.7 and Sept. 8. (Courtesy City of Ocean City)
Friday evening (Sept. 7) will feature a sock-hop party on the grounds of the Tabernacle, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with dancing, family fun, bubble-gum-blowing and hula hoop contests.
On Saturday 
“Under the Streetlamp,” a modern-day Rat Pack, will perform with the Ocean City Pops Sept. 8 and 9 at the Ocean City Music Pier. (Photo courtesy of the City of Ocean City)
Eric Gutman, David Larsen, Brandon Wardell and Shonn Wiley will perform doo-wop, Motown, old time rock ’n’ roll and all of your favorite songs from the Drifters, the Beach Boys, the Beatles and a “show-stopping” salute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The group is composed of recent leading cast members of the Tony Award-winning sensation “Jersey Boys.”
Tickets are $30 to $45 and are available at the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office, by visiting oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or by calling 609-399-6111.
Also in September
Latin Night with the Ocean City POPS (Sept. 5): Guest conductor Bradley Thachuk leads a show with heated melodies and driving rhythms of Latin music, including light classics featuring Mexican/American violinist Maureen Conlon-Gutierrez and Los Angeles guitarist Steven Thachuk. Show is 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. For tickets, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or call 609-399-6111.
Scott Nuss is pictured as he begins to play "Piano Man" by Billy Joel.
The Piano Men (Sept. 7): Dr. Daniel Weiser and his young protégé, Scott Nuss, will perform the music of Billy Joel on dueling grand pianos. The show includes guest performer Andrew Hink. Proceeds to benefit Ocean City Band Boosters and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Showtime is 7 p.m. at the Hughes Performing Arts Center, Sixth Street and Atlantic Avenue. Tickets are $15 or $10 with a student ID and will be sold at the door.
9/11 Ceremony (Sept. 11): Ocean City’s annual “A Day to Remember” memorial ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, in front of the Ocean City Fire Department headquarters between Fifth Street and Sixth Street on Asbury Avenue. All are encouraged to attend. The ceremony includes music, prayer and reflections on the memory of lives lost and on the community spirit that was renewed in the wake of the tragedy.
Vincent Primavera speaks on behalf of Joyce, Chelsea and Devon Rodak while Mayor Jay Gillian listens during the 9/11 memorial ceremony in 2016.
Let’s Misbehave – a Cole Porter Revue (Sept. 12): Guest conductor Keith Hodgson and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra celebrate the music of Cole Porter. Show is 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. For tickets, visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice or call 609-399-6111.
Walk to Defeat ALS (Sept. 15): This two-mile walk raises funds to support patient services and research. Help us take steps towards a cure for ALS. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Sixth Street practice field. Walk begins at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.oceancitywalktodefeatals.org or call 215-664-4143.
Ocean City Airport Festival (Sept. 15): Annual festival at the Municipal Airport runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II to the present. The event will feature a parachute jump from Team Fastrax.
Parachute Pyrotechnic Show (Sept. 15): Consists of several highly trained and specially licensed Team Fastrax parachuters exiting an aircraft 6,000 feet above Ocean City’s beach and boardwalk. Brilliant white or multi-colored projectile pyrotechnics are then ignited and flown in formation, creating a dazzling display for spectators on the ground. The 8 p.m. jump will end with a landing on the Seventh Street Beach and will be viewable along the entire Boardwalk.
Boardwalk Aerobatic Air Show (Sept. 16): Some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world put on a show over the beach and Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street starting at 1 p.m.
Two planes fly in close formation while performing a daring maneuver at the Ocean City Aerobatic Air Show. (Courtesy Ian Crowley)
