Ocean City Plans Two Weekends Of Halloween Events

Ocean City Plans Two Weekends Of Halloween Events
A youngster makes his way through the Halloween beach maze last year. Photo by Chris Parypa

OCEAN CITY — O.C.toberfest is back with spooktacular town events, providing numerous activities for the whole family.

O.C.toberfest offers music, competitions, unique attractions and children’s activities Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29. Halloween offerings and even a costume pageant for pets makes O.C.toberfest a “must-do” for residents and visitors looking for a few fantastic festivities to celebrate the fall season.

  • Halloween Beach Maze: Located at North Division Street and the Boardwalk, experience the thrill of a giant Halloween Beach Maze during its two-weekend run, Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29. Children of all ages can enjoy a pleasant scream as they meander the sands of the giant beach maze. Wicked witches, pirates of the sand, scary scarecrows, ghouls in the graveyard, creepy clowns, zombies and more will add to the excitement. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. The maze will be open an additional hour until 6 p.m. on Oct. 28 leading up to the OC Fright Lights laser show and fireworks. Admission is free of charge.
  • Big Toys On The Boardwalk: Located on the Boardwalk around the amusement pier and Inlet parking lot, this is an experience for the kid in all of us, young or old. Ocean City will line the walkway around the amusement pier with vehicles to touch, climb in, take photos with and simply enjoy on Saturday, Oct. 28. This O.C.toberfest event takes place from noon-2 p,m, and will include vehicles such as an Ocean City beach tractor, wheel loader, articulating bus, beach patrol ATV, Ocean City police cruiser and more.
  • Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade: Located at N. Division Street on the Boardwalk, bring your dog, cat, bird or other family pet for Ocean City’s Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade Saturday, Oct. 21. Dress up your pets and showcase your creativity on Ocean City’s historic Boardwalk or sit back, relax and cheer for your favorite contestant. Each entry gets a moment in the spotlight. Lots of prizes and surprises will be awarded. While the event is free to participate, donations of pet supplies and monetary donations will be collected to benefit the Worcester County Humane Society. Registration begins at noon with the pageant on the boardwalk beginning promptly at 1 p.m.
  • Drive In Disguise: It’s a parade of costumed cars from 27th Street to N. Division Street on the Boardwalk. Vehicles at the parade end point will line up on the concrete part of the Boardwalk north of the pier where voting and award presentations will take place. The public will be able to vote for its favorite decorated car. Each vote is one dollar. A People’s Choice award as well as additional certificates will be awarded.

There is no fee and vehicles must be decorated to participate. Proof of insurance is required for all participants. Proceeds from the event will be benefit the Ocean City Downtown Association.

  • Trunk Or Treat: Trunk or Treat will take place on the Boardwalk south of Caroline Street and north of the amusement pier after the Drive in Disguise (Oct. 21) gets parked and set up. Drive in Disguise participants have the option of participating in this candy and treat give-away. The event is expected to begin at approximately 3:40 p.m. and will last as long as the participants have treats to give.
  • Seaside 10 and 5K: It’s the 23rd consecutive year for this family-oriented event promoting health and fitness on Saturday, Oct. 28. This scenic Ocean City run is a fantastic way to gear up for the Halloween holiday. All are welcome to come wearing the most outrageous costumes you can dream up. The course utilizes Ocean City’s historic Boardwalk and main artery through the center of town to 69th Street and back. All 10-miler finishers will receive a finisher’s medal. Register online at OCtrirunning.com or on site, Oct. 28. Packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m. with the 10-mile run starting at 9 a.m. followed shortly after by the start of the 5K race at 9:15am. Call 443-497-4324 or go to OCtrirunning.com for additional information, online registration, packet pick-up locations, age groupings and awards. This well-known event takes place rain or shine starting from Ocean City’s Inlet parking lot.
  • he Great Pumpkin Race: Located on the sand at North Division Street and the Boardwalk, The Great Pumpkin Race will take place Saturday, Oct. 28. Build your own pumpkin race car to compete in this wacky and zany side-by-side down-hill race. There will be lots of room to watch these exciting races with live play-by-play by the event announcer. Prizes will be awarded in each division as well as for creativity. If you’re ready to start building your ghastly but spirited race car, download the complete event rules from OCocean.com or SpecialEventPro.com. Registration and team check-in begins at noon with races commencing at 1 p.m.
  • Halloween Spook Out Party: Held at the Northside Park Recreation Complex, get your Halloween costume ready and join all the other goblins at the Halloween “Spook Out” Party. Participants of all ages, including parents will fill the Northside Park gym for carnival games, arts & crafts, hayrides and snacks! Costume contests will be scheduled throughout the event. Event hours are 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29. Price of admission is a bag of individually wrapped candy per child. No preregistration is required.
  • Shore Craft Beer Fest: Bring your friends, your family and even your pet to Sunset Park where the 3rd Annual Shore Craft Beer Fest takes place, Saturday, Oct. 28 from 12:30-4:30 pm. Regular admission or VIP tickets to this event are still available and the first 800 ticket holders to arrive at the event receive a limited edition souvenir glass. There will also be music by The Poole Brothers and food provided by local food trucks including Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs, Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli and The Street Kitchen. This festival is co-sponsored by OCDC and the Town of Ocean City.