Ocean City Sets Full Week Of Events Around Night in Venice

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City is preparing for Night in Venice on Saturday, July 25, with a week of events scheduled before and after the city’s signature summer celebration.

This year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights,” ties the event to America’s 250th anniversary and a Christmas in July theme.

The city’s schedule begins Tuesday, July 21, with the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum in the municipal parking lot next to the Ocean City Civic Center off the Boardwalk between Fifth Street and Sixth Street. The exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 21-23. According to the event listing, the exhibit includes interactive technology, multimedia storytelling and hands-on experiences focused on the nation’s history and innovation.

Also on Tuesday, the Ocean City Theatre Company Summer Children’s Series will present “The Berenstain Bears” musical at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Advance tickets are available through the theater company.

Wednesday’s schedule includes Beach Exercise Pilates Yoga at 8 a.m. on the beach at Sixth Street, the Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle grounds, and Wacky Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Music Pier. Wacky Wednesday will feature a Christmas in July craft, Christmas music bingo and a visit from Santa. The 34th Street Sandcastle Park Summer Entertainment Series will continue Wednesday evening with a “Christmas in July” theme, including Santa, “Frozen” characters, a craft, DJ, face-painting and a balloon artist.

Ocean City also has Beach Walks scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday near 59th Street and Central Avenue, and Family Night on the Boardwalk will place entertainers between Sixth Street and 14th Street. “The Jersey Tenors” will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Music Pier.

On Thursday, July 23, Market Days will bring entertainment and children’s activities to the downtown shopping district along Asbury Avenue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mummers Night will follow from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street.

Friday’s schedule includes Santa Rides the Beach beginning at 11 a.m., when the Ocean City Beach Patrol will take Santa on a tour of the beaches. Beach Patrol guards also will decorate lifeguard stands in recognition of Christmas in July.

On Saturday, actor Randy Quaid is scheduled to appear at a noon screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at the Ocean City Tabernacle. A live Q&A will follow.

The schedule continues after Night in Venice with “Feelin’ Groovy Hits of the ‘60s” on Sunday, Bruce Hornsby at the Music Pier on Monday, and the America 250 Lights Over Ocean City Drone Show at 9 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 24 south of Sixth Street.