We know you have heard it before, but let’s make it clear…as the summer comes to an end, the fun is still to begin!
Following Labor Day weekend, the crowds thin and hotel rates drop. As we head back to school, keep in mind you might want to save those vacation days for cooler temperatures at the beach. Ocean City, Maryland and the local businesses work together year-round to ensure residents and visitors alike have plenty to do, no matter the time of year! With events spread throughout the Fall season into the winter, this could make for one of the best times to visit the beach.
The Carousel Group, with hotel locations throughout Ocean City from the busier downtown section to the quieter north end, start dropping room rates as early as September 2 this year at Coastal Palms Beach Hotel on 120th St. & Coastal Hwy. and Bonita Beach Hotel on 81st St. & Coastal Hwy. for as low as $79/night, Sunday through Thursday.
The following hotels will join the savings for $79/night, Sunday through Thursday, starting September 15: Tidelands Caribbean Hotel & Suites on 5th St. & the Boardwalk, Crystal Beach Hotel on 25th St. & the Boardwalk and Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums on 118th St. & Coastal Hwy. Even one of the oceanfront locations, Atlantic Oceanfront Inn on 45th Street & the Ocean, makes the list at $89/night, Sunday through Thursday, also starting September 15.
Events are a plenty during this time of the year, take your pick:
September kicks off with the **Flounder Pounder** on September 8th. Located at the Bahia Marina on 22nd Street & the Bay, the Bahia Marina Flounder Pounder is a one-day fishing tournament for flounder. This tournament is a lot of fun and great for the kids. You may fish from your own boat or rent a skiff, skimmer, or pontoon from the marina if you wish.
For more information or to register visit https://www.bahiamarina.com/.
**OC Bikefest** hits the streets September 12th – 15th with locations at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center & Inlet Parking Lot will bring thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to Delmarva. The event features vendors, concerts, entertainment and more. One of the biggest hits of the event is the musical lineup, with headliners including KIX, ZZ TOP, and Stone Temple Pilots.
For more information and to buy tickets visit https://ocbikefest.com.
Ocean City’s awarding winning festival, **Sunfest**, will take place September 19th – 22th this year in the Inlet Parking Lot, and as always, admission is free! Enjoy four fun-filled days of arts and crafts, delicious food, hayrides, kids activities and musical entertainment. Headliners include “Who’s Bad” The Ultimate Michael Jackson Band, Granger Smith and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
For details and tickets visit the Special Events Department on the Town of Ocean City’s website https://oceancitymd.gov.
**Wine on the Beach** will take over the Inlet Parking Lot next from September 27th – 28th. The event has grown to be a huge success introducing Maryland’s Wine industry to the Delmarva region. The beach party has become a tradition for many who enjoy learning about Maryland wines, tasting new products and stocking up with favorites. With wine tastings, vendors, live music and more, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
For more information and to buy tickets visit http://winefest.com/.
**Free State Corvette Weekend** kicks off October on the 4th – 5th. The largest Corvette Club sponsored event on the East Coast with over 1,200 Corvette enthusiasts attending from Canada to Florida this event includes car shows, road rallies, a parade and other related activities to raise money for charity.
For more information visit http://www.freestatecorvette.com/.
A wonderful event to bring in the Fall weather is the **Family Bonfire on the Beach** on October 4th happening on 130th Street Beach. Come for S’mores, hot cocoa, refreshments, storytelling, and live music. Bring your beach chairs, beach blankets, and warm clothes for a night of fun by the bonfire.
Pre-registration is requested. Call the Town of Ocean City’s Recreation and Parks Department at 410-250-0125.
The classics will return to the beach with the **Endless Summer Cruisin’** event from October 10th – 13th where over 2,000 hot rods, customs, classics and trick trucks cruise the streets during this event. While the main events will take place at the Inlet Parking Lot and the Roland. E Powell Convention Center on 40th Street, there will be various satellite locations throughout the city. In addition there will be plenty of entertainment, games, giveaways and more.
Visit https://specialeventpro.com/endless-summer-cruisin for more information.
We can’t forget about the foodies! **Ocean City Restaurant Week** is October 13th – 27th where participating Restaurant Week establishments offer special $10 to $40 fixed price menu options. Dining options range from the clean and simple to fine dining. This is your chance to try new food or dine at your favorites for a great price.
For more information and a list of participating restaurants visit https://www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com/.
Ocean City turns pink for **Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk** on October 19th with the race/walk taking place downtown. The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks raise awareness and funds to save lives from breast cancer. Ocean City is one of the only venues to host a 5K run, as well as a noncompetitive 5K walk that brings people together to make a difference for everyone who has been touched by breast cancer.
For more information or to register visit http://main.acsevents.org.
Boo! Don’t forget about Halloween in Ocean City with the Town putting on **Octoberfest**. Events take place from October 19th through the 26th, all being free to the public. Thousands of people experience the thrill of the giant Halloween Beach Maze with surprises around every corner. The maze includes an eye spy game, with prizes to everyone who makes it out of the maze. Plus, hourly door prizes for the winners of the game.
Over 200 pets gather for the **Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade** dressed in their best costumes and parade the boardwalk, as well as the **Drive and Disguise** parade featuring cars decorated for Halloween. Once the parade reaches the pier the cars park along the boardwalk for some Trunk or Treating. The night ends with **Haunted Halloween Fireworks** lighting up the sky.
The event also includes **The Great Pumpkin Race**. Build a pumpkin race car and compete in a side-by-side, down-hill race. Prizes will be awarded in each division, as well as for creativity.
Beach Maze
October 19-20 & 26-27, 2019
Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade
October 19, 2019
Great Pumpkin Race
October 26, 2019
For more information or how to register for Octoberfest events visit the Special Event Department on the Town of Ocean City’s website https://oceancitymd.gov.
For a full list of events offered throughout the year in Ocean City, MD., visit https://ococean.com.
For more information on Carousel Group hotels and rates visit our website at https://carouselgrouphotels.com.
