April in Ocean City is when everything starts to sparkle again. The days stretch a little longer, the breeze carries that first hint of salt and sunshine, and the events calendar fills up fast. Nearly every weekend brings a reason to gather at the shore — whether you’re here for art, live music, family traditions, or high-energy celebrations that draw visitors from up and down the coast.
What’s New at Springfest?
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Springfest returns for its 35th year to the Inlet with fresh energy and even more ways to soak up a waterfront weekend. This year’s event layers new experiences into a longtime favorite, blending live entertainment, crave-worthy bites, and a beautiful chalk art showcase that adds bold color to the boardwalk scene.
A Brand-New Street Art Festival & Glass Blowing
This year, Springfest welcomes a dynamic Street Painting Festival, where internationally recognized street painting artists transform simple pavement into breathtaking, large-scale works of art. Often called “madonnari,” this centuries-old tradition turns sidewalks into open-air galleries — and the best part? You can watch every detail unfold right before your eyes.
Featured artist Michael William Kirby, a Baltimore native, has spent decades mastering the art of ephemeral murals. After studying fresco painting in Italy at nineteen, he began creating monumental street works in Florence and went on to build a global reputation, working in more than 200 cities worldwide. Widely regarded as one of the leading street painters in the world, he has appeared on national television programs including the Late Show with David Letterman and Ace of Cakes. Kirby will be bringing two international street painting artists with him. Throughout the weekend, you can stroll through the festival grounds and watch Kirby and fellow artists turn blank pavement into vivid chalk masterpieces — a little bit of magic that lasts just long enough to make it special. Want to enjoy the fun on a local level? The Art League of Ocean City will be showcasing local street painting artists and giving visitors an opportunity to create their own.
Adding even more artistry to the weekend, Springfest is also welcoming a brand-new attraction: a live glass blowing experience by Glass Half Full. Festivalgoers can watch skilled artisans shape molten glass into stunning works right before their eyes, offering a rare glimpse into this time-honored craft. In addition to live demonstrations, the artist will have beautifully handcrafted pieces available for purchase, making it easy to take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake from the festival.
Free Music + Ticketed Headliners
Of course, it wouldn’t be Springfest without music filling the air. The main stage delivers a full lineup of free live performances, setting the soundtrack for sunny afternoons by the Inlet. Plan your daytime lineup ahead of time. When the sun goes down, the spotlight shifts indoors to the Ocean City Performing Arts Center, where ticketed headliners The Fabulous Hubcaps, Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, and Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Swift Experience take the stage in an intimate, concert-hall setting. It’s an easy rhythm to fall into — breezy and casual by day, polished and electric by night.
New Vendors, Food Trucks, & Gourmet Food Tent
Bring your appetite. This year’s lineup of food trucks, specialty vendors, and gourmet tastings adds even more flavor to the festival footprint. Sweet, savory, coastal-inspired, or comfort food classics — there’s something tempting around every corner, plus artisan finds that make the perfect take-home treasure.
More April Events You Won’t Want to Miss
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Springfest may set the tone, but the celebration keeps rolling all month long.
Head to Northside Park on April 4 for the annual Easter Bunny Egg Hunt. It’s a morning filled with bright baskets, happy squeals, and plenty of picture-perfect spring moments for the little ones.
Maryland International Kite Expo (April 24 – 26)
Look up! Giant show kites and high-flying stunt performances paint the sky during the Maryland International Kite Exposition. Stroll North from Springfest and catch the flying action in front of the Kite Loft. It’s a joyful, wind-powered display of color and motion that feels like spring in its purest form.
Cruisin' Ocean City (April 30 – May 3)
Engines rumble and chrome gleams as Cruisin’ Ocean City rolls into town. Classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds line the streets, with parades on the Boardwalk and car shows at the Inlet and Convention Center keeping the excitement in full gear all weekend long.
Ready to plan your spring escape? April in Ocean City is bursting with personality, color, and coastal charm. Pick your weekend, mark your calendar, and come see what’s happening at the beach. We’re ready to welcome you!
