Two major annual events this weekend will kick off the April calendar of family fun for Ocean City in 2024: the OC CON Comic Book and Memorabilia Festival and Girls Weekend.
Now in its eighth year, the OC CON FESTIVAL returns to the Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace) on Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and April 7. General admission to the show is free. In addition, free parking will be available at municipal lots adjacent to the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street.
The event features meet-the-artist sessions, costume contests, and the display and sale of comic books and memorabilia. Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (April 6), and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (April 7).
Featured artists include Tony DiGerolamo (“The Simpsons” and “Bart Simpson” comic books), Bob Petrecca (Marvel Comics), Luke Petrecca (Upper Deck and the Dear Hunter) and Neil Vokes (American Mythology Comics), among many others. Two stars from the 1982 movie classic “Annie” – Toni Ann Gisondi (Molly) and Roseanne Sorrentino (Pepper) – will make appearances.
Another highlight is the annual 1-mile “Super Hero Run” on the Boardwalk (9 a.m. Saturday) and more Super Hero running events” (9:30 a.m. Saturday). Sign up for either or both events at the Music Pier starting at 8 a.m. Saturday. Pre-registration is available online at ocnj.us/race-events.
Visit www.ocnjcon.com for complete information on all artists and scheduled events for OC CON. The event is sponsored by the Ocean City Free Public Library and the City of Ocean City.
The annual Fashion Show will open Girls Weekend on April 5, and the celebration will continue through Sunday, April 7 with shopping and dining specials, and activities that highlight all that Downtown Ocean City has to offer.
The Downtown Ocean City Girls Weekend Fashion Show will return the Ocean City Yacht Club (100 Bay Road), on Friday, April 5 and tickets are on sale now. The annual event features the latest spring and summer clothing lines for sale in Ocean City’s retail shops and modeled by local men and women. It includes light fare and refreshments.
Girls Weekend features 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 at facebook.com/DowntownOCNJ or by calling 609-399-1412.
One new feature will be a Dance Showcase with performances from eight local dance studios from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday (April 7) at Mark Soifer Park (901 Asbury Avenue).
Tickets for the Fashion Show are $35 each and available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. Capacity is limited, so don’t wait to make your purchase.
MORE SPRING EVENTS IN OCEAN CITY
April 13 – Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps: All organizations and families are encouraged to participate in an annual statewide event to help keep our beaches clean and safe and to protect our coastal environment.
Volunteers are sought for the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13. Check in and pick up supplies at the Ocean City Music Pier before the event.
April 13 – Doo Dah Parade: Welcome the spring season with this comedy-themed parade complete with more than 300 basset hounds. Parade starts at noon on Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 12th Street, and then moves up to the Boardwalk, ending at Sixth and Boardwalk. Philadelphia Flyers legend Brian Propp will be grand marshal and be available for photographs and autographs for an hour after the parade at the Music Pier. Dietz & Watson returns as the event sponsor.
April 20 – Sports Memorabilia Show: Sales and special guests at the Ocean City Music Pier.
April 27 – Ocean City Schools Art Showcase: See artwork on display from local Ocean City School District students and meet the artists. Event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier.
April 27-28 – Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant Table Sales: 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.
