Ocean City Kicks Off Spring Season With "Market Madness"

Boardwalk and Downtown merchants in Ocean City will give shoppers a spring preview during the Market Madness event on Saturday, March 11, at the Ocean City Music Pier.

The one-day sale will bring together more than 25 different vendors under one roof and provide discounts on favorite local merchandise, goods and attractions.

Hours for the event are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking will be free in municipal lots adjacent to the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street.

Ocean City's Boardwalk Merchants Association and Downtown Merchants Association created the event in 2020 as an early-season attraction, and it will help kick off a season of 2023 special events that will continue throughout the year.

MORE SPRING EVENTS IN OCEAN CITY

Save these dates as the family fun continues throughout March, April and May:

Girls Weekend (March 24 to March 26): Hotel and bed-and-breakfast packages, dining offers, shopping discounts, prizes, yoga and wellness classes, craft projects and demonstrations at various locations throughout Ocean City. Look for updates and announcements about activities and participating businesses by visiting the Facebook event page or calling 609-399-1412.

The wacky Doo Dah Parade featuring the brigade of basset hounds will be one of the annual favorites returning in 2023. OC-Con Comic Book and Memorabilia Festival (March 25 to March 26): Meet-the-artist sessions, discussion panels, costume contests, and the display and sale of comic books and memorabilia at the Ocean City Music Pier. Registration is open for costumed “superhero” runners and obstacle course racers. Visit www.ocnjcon.com for complete information on all of OC-Con. The Great Egg Hunts (April 1 and April 8): The event invites children to stop by participating Boardwalk stores in their search for eggs and treats. The Easter Dueling Pianos Show and Fashion Stroll (April 9): Traditional family events at the Music Pier. Doo Dah Parade (April 15): A fun downtown and Boardwalk parade that features a brigade of basset hounds. Sports Memorabilia Show (April 29): Vendors interested in participating can register online through RecDesk. Martin Z. Mollusk Day (May 5): Ocean City’s mascot seeks his shadow to determine if we’ll have another early summer. Spring Block Party (May 6): Don’t miss the premier spring event along Asbury Avenue from Fifth Street to 14th Street.