A colorful fireworks display will light up the sky for the Fourth of July. (Photos courtesy of Ocean City)
Fireworks, neighborhood bike parades and outdoor concerts will highlight Ocean City’s family-friendly Fourth of July celebration.
In a grand finale, fireworks will light up the sky at 9 p.m. Friday, July 4. They will be launched from a barge in the ocean near the Music Pier and are best viewed from the beach or Boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14th Street.
A musical simulcast will be broadcast over the Boardwalk public address. The normal 8 p.m. beach curfew in Ocean City has been extended to 10 p.m. for July 4 to accommodate the holiday crowds watching the fireworks.
As is local tradition, the holiday celebration in Ocean City always starts with a set of family bike parades. Participants are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in the spirit of the holiday. The events are free to join.
Neighborhood bike parades are a holiday tradition in Ocean City. The South Ocean City bike parade starts at 10 a.m. at 40th Street and Asbury Avenue. Registration opens at 9 a.m. The parade ends at the playground at 52nd Street and Haven Avenue with refreshments and prizes for participants.
The Gardens parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Ocean City-Longport Bridge parking lot (also with 9 a.m. registration). The route makes its way to East Atlantic Boulevard with a finish near Beach Road. Refreshments and free T-shirts will be available.
The Riviera Neighborhood parade starts at noon at the Rosemar Lane Park. Registration starts at 11 a.m.
A kite-flying competition will start at 7 p.m. July 4 on the beach near the Ocean City Music Pier.
A kite-flying competition will start at 7 p.m. on July 4 on the beach near the Ocean City Music Pier. The first of two Sand Sculpting Contests this summer will be held on the beach at Sixth Street on Thursday, July 3. The informal competition is open to children, teens, adults and families. Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m. Judging takes place by 11 a.m.
OCEAN CITY POPS PERFORMS THREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS THIS WEEK
On Wednesday, July 2, the Pops will perform “Star Wars: The Completed Symphonic Saga I-IX” during an 8 p.m. outdoor show at Carey Stadium (just off the Boardwalk between Fifth Street and Sixth Street).
The Pops and Maestro Vince Lee will take concertgoers on a journey through the entire Star Wars saga, featuring the music of the legendary film composer John Williams.
Star Wars characters will join the fun. Concertgoers are encouraged to dress up as their own favorite character. Children 12 and under can enter a costume contest. Face-painting will also be available.
Conductor Vince Lee leads the Ocean City Pops. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field at Carey Stadium. There will also be seating available in the stadium bleachers.
Family-friendly pricing ($17) is in place for the concert. Tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
The Ocean City Pops will also perform a pair of free outdoor concerts on July 3 and July 4 to celebrate Independence Day. The Pops will play patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of the nation’s birthday during 8 p.m. shows at Carey Stadium.
Free face-painting for kids will be available at both shows.
The July 4 show will be followed immediately by the holiday fireworks. Carey Stadium is a prime spot to view the fireworks display.
