2024 Round Up: Our Favorite Moments & Memories from 2024

2024 began on a high note with Dreamfest, a celebration of art, music, and innovation. Local and regional talent came together for a weekend of creativity that showcased Ocean City’s vibrant arts scene. The captivating performances of Dreamfest set the tone for a year of excitement.

March brought the return of one of OCMD’s most beloved traditions: the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The streets were lined with cheerful crowds decked out in green, celebrating Irish heritage with festive floats, marching bands, Irish Step dancing, and a sea of shamrocks. It was the perfect way to welcome spring!

May’s Springfest kicked off the start of beach season in style. This four-day festival combined live music, delicious food, and unique artisan crafts for locals and visitors to enjoy. The highlight? The variety of talent from the OC Stars to the Olivia Newton John tribute!

The summer months in Ocean City are always magical, and 2024 was no exception.

• Sunset Park Party Nights brought music lovers to the waterfront every Thursday, with free concerts and unbeatable views of the bay.
• Sundaes in the Park offered sweet treats, live music, and family-friendly fun every Sunday evening at Northside Park. Fireworks lighting up the night sky were the perfect cherry on top!
• The July 4th Fireworks were a patriotic spectacle, with celebrations taking place both downtown and at Northside Park. Crowds gathered to enjoy a night of festive music and dazzling displays over the water.

Two marquee events defined the summer:

• The OC Air Show returned with awe-inspiring aerial performances. The Italian Frecce Tricolori stole the show, thrilling spectators with their gravity-defying stunts over the Atlantic Ocean.
• August brought the legendary White Marlin Open, where anglers competed for record-breaking prizes. Fans gathered at the docks for daily weigh-ins, celebrating the excitement of the world’s largest billfish tournament.

Fall brought two blockbuster music festivals:

• Oceans Calling Festival rocked the boardwalk with an incredible lineup of national and local talent. Attendees enjoyed unforgettable performances while soaking up the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
• Making its debut, the Country Calling Festival brought country music’s biggest names to the beach, offering fans a new way to celebrate the season. With its warm welcome, this festival quickly became a crowd favorite.

September’s Sunfest was the perfect farewell to summer. The festival featured everything we love about Ocean City: art, food, and incredible entertainment. Developing an autumn twist, Sunfest hosted Dog Training Demos, Bicycle Rides, a Pet Costume Parade, and a Beach Maze. This year’s event had beautiful weather and drew crowds from all over, making it one of the biggest and best yet.

As temperatures dropped, Ocean City continued tradition and transformed into a winter wonderland with the Winterfest of Lights. Northside Park sparkled with millions of lights, creating a magical walking trail for families and friends. Hot cocoa, holiday cheer, and visits from Santa made this event a must-see for everyone.

From creative celebrations to beachside relaxation, 2024 reminded us why Ocean City is so special. As we prepare for another exciting year, we can’t wait to welcome you back for more incredible events, unforgettable sunsets, and cherished moments with our 150th Anniversary celebrations. Visit ococean.com/150 to learn more. Here’s to 2025 - see you on the sand!