Thought COVID-19 canceled Halloween this year? Think again!
Ocean City’s OCtoberfest is sure to provide some much-needed Halloween fun for the entire family this year! This annual festival will take place the weekend of October 23–25 and will have much more to offer than just great local brews and food! Here's a breakdown of what you can expect and when.
OCtoberfest Craft Beer Festival
A glass of beer at OCtoberfest. Photo courtesy of Shore Craft Beer.
The OCtoberfest Craft Beer Festival will take place at Sunset Park on Saturday, October 24, 1–4 p.m. There are only 250 people allowed into this special VIP seated event, and wristbands do not gain you admittance to this festival. Event seating starts at 12:30 p.m., and craft beer delivery starts at 1 p.m. Tickets for this event must be purchased separately.
The craft beer festival offers participants (who must be 21 years or older) the opportunity to taste a variety of local craft beers and visit with local brewers. While there will not be brewery tents this year, participants can learn about local breweries from event staff, who will discuss the beers and answer questions about their individual craft beers and breweries.
Halloween Beach Maze
An aerial shot of the 2019 Ocean City beach corn maze. Photo courtesy of OCtoberfest.
You don’t need to participate in the beer festival to enjoy OCtoberfest. Attractions like the Halloween beach maze can be enjoyed by everyone in the family! Located at North Division Street and the Boardwalk, children of all ages can enjoy this FREE beach maze where they may encounter wicked witches, pirates of the sand, scary scarecrows, ghouls in the graveyard, creepy clowns, and zombies. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Howl-o-ween Pet Parade
One family dressed up their dog as Sebastian from The Little Mermaid at last year's pet parade! Photo courtesy of OCtoberfest.
Even your furry friends can join in on the fun at OCtoberfest!
Dogs, cats, birds, or other family pets are invited to Ocean City’s “Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade” on October 24 on the Boardwalk near North Division Street. 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 their 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 12 p.m. with the pageant on the boardwalk beginning at 1 p.m.
Drive in Disguise
Residents and visitors who are crazy about decorating for Halloween are invited to dress their vehicle in costume and ride down the Boardwalk during the annual Drive in Disguise parade on October 24. Participants will arrive at 26th Street and Baltimore Avenue by 2:45 p.m. for a 3 p.m. departure at 26th Street on the historic Boardwalk. Vehicles will move south to the amusement pier area where participating cars will line up on the concrete part of the Boardwalk north of the pier. Prizes will be awarded by the Town of Ocean City for the most unique parade entries! Download this application to participate in this parade!
Trunk or Treat
Immediately following the Drive in Disguise, Trunk or Treat will take place on the Boardwalk south of Caroline Street and north of the amusement pier. Drive in Disguise participants have the option of participating in this candy and treat give-away. The event is expected to begin at 3:30 p.m. and will last as long as the participants have treats to give.
The Great Pumpkin Race
A pumpkin-mobile makes its way down the ramp at the Great Pumpkin Race. Photo courtesy of OCtoberfest
Come back for a second day of fun and run in the Great Pumpkin race on Sunday, October 25, on the Boardwalk. Build your own pumpkin race car to bring and compete in this wacky side-by-side down-hill race. There will be lots of room to watch these 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 SpecialEventPro.com. Registration and team check-in begins at 12 p.m. with racing starting at 1p.m.
With this extensive lineup of events and attractions, there’s no better place to get in the Halloween spirit than Ocean City’s OCtoberfest! Think you’ll go? Let us know in the comments below!
