Summer Bucket List: Best Summer Events & Activities for 2025

Attend a Themed Event During OC's 150th Anniversary

Ocean City is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its 150th Anniversary in 2025, making it the perfect time to join the festivities.  These once-in-a-lifetime celebrations are must-see events that capture the charm and spirit of Ocean City. Check out our page for more information about what events are coming up… you won’t want to miss them!

Watch Fireworks Light Up the Beach on the 4th of July

There’s nothing quite like watching fireworks burst over the ocean, and Ocean City’s Independence Day celebration is one of the best on the coast. Grab a beach blanket, find a cozy spot in the sand, and enjoy a spectacular show as the sky lights up in red, white, and blue. It’s a classic summer experience that creates lasting memories for families, couples, and friends.

Experience a Concert or Movie on the Beach

Make the most of warm summer nights by attending one of Ocean City’s many free summer events designed for all ages. Catch a movie under the stars with Movies on the Beach, where family favorites play right by the water’s edge. On Sunday evenings, Sundaes in the Park combines live music, family entertainment, and build-your-own ice cream sundaes—perfect for a sweet end to the weekend. For those who love to dance, Beach Dance Parties bring DJs and upbeat music to the sand for high-energy fun just steps from the waves. And don’t miss the Sunset Park Concert Series, where you can enjoy live performances against breathtaking bayfront sunsets. 

Ride a bike or walk the full 3 miles of OC's Boardwalk 

Challenge yourself this summer by walking or biking the full 3-mile stretch of Ocean City’s iconic Boardwalk—but to make it official, you must touch the yellow spot at both ends! It’s a fun tradition and the perfect excuse to snap a few photos to document your journey. If you're up for an even bigger adventure, go beyond the Boardwalk and tackle the entire 10 miles of Ocean City from the Inlet to the Delaware line. It’s a great way to take in all OC has to offer and earn some serious bragging rights.

Spot Wild Ponies at Assateague Island

Just a short drive from Ocean City, Assateague Island offers a unique coastal adventure where you can witness wild ponies roaming free in their natural habitat. These beautiful, untamed animals are a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike. Spend the day exploring the beaches, nature trails, and marshes, and keep your camera ready...you never know when a pony might wander by.

Boat Ride, Kayak, Parasailing, or Paddleboard

If you're craving adrenaline or a peaceful paddle, Ocean City’s waterways have something for everyone. Try parasailing for a bird’s-eye view of the beach, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the bay at your own pace, or hop on a boat tour for a relaxing ride on the water. These activities let you experience the beauty of the ocean and bay from a whole new perspective.

Watch the Sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean

Start your day with a moment of peace and awe by watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. The quiet, golden light over the waves is one of Ocean City’s most magical sights and a reminder of summer’s simple pleasures. Bring a coffee, a blanket, and someone you love, or enjoy the solitude, and soak in the beauty of a new day on the beach. 

Savor an Orange Crush Where It All Began

No Ocean City summer is complete without sipping the drink that started it all, the original Orange Crush from Harborside Bar & Grill. Made with freshly squeezed oranges, triple sec, and vodka, this refreshing classic was born here and still hits different when enjoyed dockside with a view of the bay. 

Thrashers Fries on the Boardwalk

It’s basically a beach law: Thrashers French Fries must be eaten hot, salty, and absolutely soaked in vinegar. No ketchup allowed! Grab a bucket, find a bench on the Boardwalk, and dig in while people-watching in the ocean breeze. A true OC rite of passage.

Crack Some Crabs

It’s a Maryland must. Crabs steamed hot, piled high, and dusted with way too much Old Bay (just how you like it). Grab a mallet, some corn on the cob, and a cold drink, then settle in at a paper-covered table by the bay. No better way to taste summertime in OCMD. 

Try a New Restaurant

Make this the summer you finally try that Ocean City restaurant you've been eyeing! Whether it’s the Mediterranean flavors at Kalamata, waterfront views and fresh seafood at The Wedge, retro-inspired bites at Surfin Betty’s, the modern coastal vibes of Tide Room, or the charm of Forgotten 50, there’s no shortage of delicious new spots to discover. Cross at least one off your foodie bucket list. You might just find your new favorite!

Explore the Museum of Ocean City

Newly opened as of May 1st, 2025, the Museum of Ocean City (located at 217 S. Baltimore Avenue) is the perfect place to dive into the town’s rich coastal history. Come read the stories of Ocean City's early days as a seaside resort, bringing the local heritage to life. It's a must-see stop for anyone curious about how this beloved beach town came to be.

Ride the Ferris Wheel at Jolly Roger at the Pier

Nothing says summer like a ride on the Ferris wheel at Jolly Roger at the Pier, where you can take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, bustling boardwalk, and glowing lights of Ocean City. Located right at the southern end of the Boardwalk, this iconic ride is perfect at sunset or after dark when the whole pier sparkles. It’s a classic experience that captures the fun and nostalgia of beach-town summers.

Complete an OCMD Trail

Discover Ocean City in a whole new way by completing one of the Tours and Trails featured on the OCMD app. Just download the app, pick a trail that sparks your interest, and start exploring! It's a fun, interactive way to experience the best of OC beyond the beach.

Events

☐ Join a themed event during Ocean City's 150th Anniversary

☐ Watch fireworks light up the beach on the 4th of July

☐ Experience a concert or movie on the beach (Free Summer Fun Events)

Beach

☐ Ride a bike or walk the full 3 miles of the Ocean City Boardwalk, or if you are feeling up to it, the entire 10 miles of Ocean City.

☐ Spot wild ponies at Assateague Island

☐ Boat Ride, Kayak, Parasailing, or Paddleboard

☐ Watch the sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean

Food

☐ Sip an original Orange Crush where it was born (Harborside) 

☐ Thrashers fries with vinegar (ONLY!)

☐ Crack some Crabs

☐ Try a new restaurant (Kalamata, The Wedge, Forgotten 50, Surfin Bettys, Tide Room) 

Other

☐ Explore the Ocean City Museum

☐ Ride the Ferris wheel at Jolly Rodgers at the Pier

☐ Complete a trail on the OCMD App