Anniversary Round Up: Our Favorite Moments & More Fun to Come

The 150th anniversary celebrations kicked off in the new year with one of Ocean City’s most beloved traditions, the Penguin Swim. Each January, brave “penguins” take a chilly dip in the Atlantic to raise funds for our local community hospital. This year’s event not only brought out hundreds of participants and supporters, but also set the tone for a year filled with Ocean City pride.

In March, the 150th anniversary banner was seen at Maryland’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The OC Smile Squad proudly carried the banner while handing out classic salt water taffy from Dolle’s spreading sweetness and celebration along the parade route. With festive floats, music, and the unofficial kick-off of the season for many businesses, this year’s parade truly highlighted the joy of tradition meeting milestones.

Springfest added extra charm to its annual celebration by weaving OC 150th anniversary into the festivities. Attendees enjoyed interactive workshops alongside the stunning anniversary flower wall. The “150th Walk of Years”, a special collaboration with the OC Life Saving Museum invited guests to journey through decades of history, offering a unique chance to honor the town’s heritage while enjoying the traditional music, art, and food that makes Springfest a favorite. 

Every year, Ocean City lights up the night sky with spectacular Independence Day fireworks, but this year’s celebration had extra meaning. July 4th marks the town's official birthday making it the perfect moment to honor 150 years of memories, traditions, and community spirit. 

All summer long, the OC Smile Squad hit the town with the Suns Out, Funs Out activation series, bringing the anniversary excitement to some of Ocean City’s most iconic spots. They were midtown at Seacrets and Macky's, downtown at The Deep End Pool Bar at the Holiday Inn, The Wedge, MR Ducks, Fish Tales, and in West OC at Harborside. The team spread cheer, gave away swag, and reminded everyone that this milestone year is about celebrating together. 

Throughout the year, the monthly mobile museum brought Ocean City’s history directly into the community with rotating themes that showcased the town’s diverse heritage. Each exhibit offers a unique glimpse into the people and traditions that built our town. By bringing history on the move, it ensured that the anniversary wasn’t just celebrated, it was shared and remembered in meaningful ways.

From October 23-26, Sunfest will shine even brighter with special anniversary features that the whole community can enjoy. Guests can help create a one-of-a-kind interactive mural, snap photos at a photo op, and end Saturday evening with an expanded fireworks display.

The inaugural Rising Tides Festival on November 22 will bring music, entertainment, and energy to the anniversary season. Highlights include 70s Soul Jam featuring The Spinners and the Forever Young Tour with artists Vanilla Ice and Rob Base. Attendees can also lace up their skates at a roller rink, dance away the night at a silent disco, and enjoy plenty of food and drinks throughout the evening. 

To enter the winter season, Winterfest will keep all the traditions everyone loves while introducing a new fresh look. Guests can enjoy new displays, festive photo spots, along with special nights for horse and buggy rides (must reserve in advance), exclusive experiences, and unique holiday shopping finds. Stay tuned for more details!

Ocean City will close out its milestone year with the 150th Anniversary Gala on Friday December 12 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. Attendees can explore seven themed rooms with music, entertainment, food, drinks, and enjoy a dinner buffet with local favorites, and view a pictorial history of the town. THe evening will feature a 150-inch birthday cake and end with a spectacular drone show. Tickets are on sale now!