(July 2) The British Invasion rolls into Ocean City to help us enjoy an early start to the holiday. BEATLEMANIA NOW will perform at 7 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Recapture the mood of the legendary Beatles as Beatlemania Now performs live. Also featured in the program are the FIRST LADIES OF ROCK & SOUL, a girls’ group of seasoned singers with favorites of the ’60s. Their performance will take you back to an era of musical joy. This is a VFW Fundraiser. Tickets are $38 available at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice, (609) 399-6111, (609) 525-9248 or at the Music Pier Box Office.
(July 3) Ocean City has a full program of patriotic 4th of July events. Programs begin with CELEBRATE AMERICA, a patriotic concert by the Ocean City Pops. Special guests include Broadway star Nicolas Dromard and conductor Brett Rowe. Join the Pops as they pull out all the stops in this concert including America the Beautiful, the Armed Forces Salute, Stars and Stripes Forever and other iconic American favorites. 8 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Tickets are $15 /10, available at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice, (609)399-6111 or (609) 525-9248 or the Music Pier Box Office.
(July 4) JULY 4TH EVENTS feature the following: DECORATED BIKE PARADES – Gardens Civic Association,10 a.m. start, free registration at the Longport Bridge Parking Lot at 9 a.m.; South Ocean City Improvement Association, 10 a.m. start, free registration 9 a.m., 40th Street and Asbury Ave.; STAR SPANGLED SALUTE, Ocean City Theatre Co. Spotlight Performers Show Choir, show time noon, at Mark Soifer Park, corner of 9th and Asbury Ave.; KITE FLYING CONTEST on Ninth Street Beach, free at 6 p.m.; YO-YO CONTEST AND DEMO at 8 p.m. on Ninth Street Beach; HULA HOOP CONTEST at 8:30 p.m., sponsored by Air Circus; FIREWORKS DISPLAY, 10 p.m. fired from a barge at sea off the Boardwalk at 9th St. The popular TIDAL WAVE BAND will perform one hour before and after the fireworks in front of the Music Pier. For Information: 1-800-BEACH-NJ or (609) 399-6111 or www.oceancityvacation.com.
(July 5) FROG and TOAD TYA: Based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved children’s book, “A Year with Frog and Toad” is a whimsical story of two best friends, the cheerful frog and curmudgeonly toad. The Musical follows the pair through four colorful seasons from hibernation to hibernation. Their playful, quirky friends Snail, Turtle, the birds and more enact many exciting adventures. Children and adults alike will relish the joyful action featuring catchy tunes, funny dialogue and memorable characters. A hit on Broadway, the show was nominated for 3 Tony awards including best musical. 10:30 a.m. at Music Pier. Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at door. Call (609) 525-9248 or visit www.ocnj.com/boxoffice or (609) 399-6111 or Music Pier Box Office.
(July 6) SAND SCULPTING CONTEST: 9 a.m., 6th St. Beach. Bring buckets, shovels and your imagination. Entry free. Prizes Awarded by age groups 5 and Under, 6-8, 9-12, teens, single adults and families. For information, call (609) 399-6111.
(July 6) The Ocean City Pops presents BROADWAY NIGHT at the Pops featuring vocalists Jim Schubin (Sound of Music) and Joan Schubin. A delightful evening of the best music of Broadway. Also featuring first prize winner of the Philadelphia International Music Festival, violin virtuoso David Brill playing Tchaikovsky. Tickets $20/$15 at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice or (609)525-9248 or (609) 399-6111 or the Music Pier Box Office.
(July 7) FRECKLE CONTEST: 6:30 p.m. at Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Registration begins 6 p.m. in front of the Music Pier. Contest divided into age categories which include real and painted- on freckles. For information, call (609) 399-6111.
(July 9) ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES FAIR: From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stainton Senior Center, at Ocean City Community Center, 17th and Simpson Ave. Free admission. Items from the best known antique dealers in the region. China, glass, furniture, vintage collectibles, postcards, jewelry, textiles and more. Sponsored by the Ocean City Historical Museum. For information, call (609) 399-1801.
(July 11-12) THE BEACH BOYS IN CONCERT: Show times 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. both days at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Captained by Mike Love, the Beach Boys play an astounding 150 shows a year. One day alone, July 4, 1985, they played to nearly 2 million fans at shows in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000 or in person at the Music Pier Box Office, cash/check to Rose Relations.
(July 12) ALICE IN WONDERLAND: Join Alice and her wacky adventure down the rabbit hole in this musical version of Lewis Carroll’s beloved classic. Do you wonder where the White Rabbit is off to? Care to croon with a cuddly Caterpillar? Have a chat with the Cheshire Cat? Make merry at the Mad Hatters Tea Party? 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. All tickets $10 in advance, $12 at door. Call (609) 525-9248 or visit www.ocnj.us/Boxoffice at(609)399-6111 or the Music Pier Box Office.
(July 13) ART CENTER SUMMER LUNCHEON: The Ocean City Art Center’s popular summer fundraising luncheon will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point. Tickets are $50. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (609) 399-7628 or by stopping at the Center, 1735 Simpson Ave. Theme of event is “Art at the Beach.” Over 400 artists ‘work have been exhibited through the Center’s Shows and 500 children have attended classes throughout the year including summer art camps.
All of July, the Center is currently featuring the work of Philadelphia artist Phil Juska who creates models of Ocean City landmarks, popular diners, mini golf courses, etc. He has created a replica of Edward Hopper’s melancholy diner masterpiece “Night Hawks.” A “Meet the Artist” reception, free and open to the public, will be held Fri., July 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Art Center, 17th and Simpson Ave.
This July and August, ART ON ASBURY celebrates the beach season with its annual summertime themed show and exhibition. Entrance is free. A “Meet the Artist” reception and awards presentation is set for Fri, July 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the gallery. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. The Ocean City Fine Arts League (Art On Asbury) is located at 608 Asbury Ave. Call (609) 814-0308.
(July 12, 13, 14) 7:30 p.m. each night and 2 p.m. on Thursday. The Ocean City Pops presents WEST SIDE STORY. From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musical and love stories of all time. The Pops and the Ocean City Theatre Company present this masterpiece of Bernstein and Sondheim. Presented at the Hughes Performing Arts Center 6th St. and Atlantic Ave. Tickets Adults $30/Children 12 and under $25, available at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice at (609) 525-9248, or (609) 399-6111 or the Music Pier Box Office. .
(July 13) Ocean City Pops presents SOUNDS LIKE FUN! Children’s FREE Chamber Music Concert. The Pops String Ensemble will present a delightfully energetic hour of great classics with a Latin Twist. 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace.
62ND Annual NIGHT IN VENICE BOAT PARADE: The City’s Annual Boat Parade is one of the largest events of its kind in the world. Starting time is 6:30 p.m. Begins at Longport Bridge, sails along bay and lagoons then concludes at Tennessee Ave. New this year is the Collegiate Cup that is awarded to the boat that best celebrates school pride. College and University alumni have been contacted and boat owners are encouraged to participate. Two other new categories are Best Commercial Entry and Best Non Profit entry. The optional theme of this year’s event is “Destination America” Boats and homes can be decorated with themes that embrace the culture and regional pride of great cities and landmarks across the United States or any theme of your choice. A fireworks display will cap the evening. To register a boat or house go to www.ocnj.us/NIV/. For information call (609) 399-6111.
ALWAYS SWIM AT A GUARDED BEACH!