Jack Hagan and Ocean City High School senior Joseph Heng cook some hot dogs and hamburgers at the Exchange Club's grill to give the Spring Block Party some sizzle.
They bought jackets, a summer wreath decorated with seashells and some napkin holders.
It was a mini-shopping spree of sorts on Saturday for Carol and Ed Krzanowski while they were experiencing Ocean City’s Spring Block Party for the very first time.
The Krzanowskis, a married couple from Manahawkin, N.J., had heard about the mega-block party, but still were surprised when they encountered thousands of people strolling along Ocean City’s Asbury Avenue downtown retail corridor.
“This is very good,” Carol said while emphasizing the word “very.”
A mile-long stretch of Asbury Avenue from Fifth Street to 14th Street was transformed into a sprawling, downtown pedestrian mall for the block party celebration – the tradition kickoff for the spring and summer tourism season.
Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, called the block party “a truly amazing celebration.”
“The Spring Block Party is such a special event – it marks the official start of our 2026 season,” Gillian said. “We’re excited to welcome hundreds of vendors and thousands of guests, friends and family to Ocean City to experience all of the amazing shopping and dining our town has to offer.”
With Asbury Avenue closed to motor vehicle traffic for the block party, throngs of shoppers casually strolled along the thoroughfare and navigated through crowded sidewalks.
Despite cloudy skies and temperatures hovering in the high 50s on Saturday, the block party still drew thousands of people for an extravaganza of shopping, dining and entertainment during the city’s signature springtime event.
John and Nicole Pizzo, their dachshund, Botto, and their niece, Rose Engle, left, are regulars at the block party.Husband and wife John and Nicole Pizzo were joined by their niece, Rose Engle, and their dachshund, Botto, for what they estimated was the sixth or seventh time they have visited the block party.
“We try to make it every year,” Nicole said. “We just like to walk around to see all of the different things they have for sale. We’re mainly looking for sales.”
The Pizzos, who live in Deptford, N.J., also were shopping for dog treats and other things for Botto.
Altogether, more than 350 crafters, food vendors and entertainers lined Asbury Avenue. The vendors and restaurants along Asbury offered the block party crowds a variety of fine cuisine, casual food and everything in between.
Jack Hagan and Joseph Heng, members of the Ocean City Exchange Club, were busy cooking hot dogs, hamburgers, pork roll and sausage on a large grill at the corner of Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue in front of City Hall.
“We love it,” Hagan said of the block party’s big crowds. “We love the meets-and-greets and the cooking.”
Proceeds from the Exchange Club’s food sales benefited veterans groups and programs to protect children from abuse and violence, members of the club said.
Becky Juzwiak, vice president of operations for Johnson's Popcorn, arranges the tubs of popcorn on a table.Johnson’s Popcorn, an iconic Ocean City business dating to 1940, was busy selling tubs of its handmade caramel popcorn to hungry customers.
Johnson’s Popcorn has three stores on the Boardwalk. Becky Juzwiak, vice president of operations for Johnson’s, said Ocean City’s spring and fall block parties give the popcorn maker some exposure downtown.
“Oh, my gosh, we love it. It’s so festive. It’s so fun,” Juzwiak said. “It’s a great kickoff to the spring and summer season.”
The block party turns Ocean City into a weekend destination, with visitors booking overnight stays and dining at their favorite spots. As it does every year, the city also holds a Fall Block Party on Columbus Day weekend in October.
Over the course of the weekend, the block parties draw an estimated 50,000 visitors to Ocean City.
Crowds of shoppers pack Asbury Avenue downtown.
Carol and Ed Krzanowski do some shopping at their first Spring Block Party.
Shoppers browse through the clothes up for sale on a vendor's table.
The intersection of Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue in front of City Hall was one of the most crowded spots.
Pastries and other bakery items tempt the block party customers.
A steady flow of shoppers keeps Asbury Avenue busy.
