And it actually has nothing to do with jellyfish.

The Jellyfish Festival is starting its first annual celebration on Friday, June 21, in Ocean City, Maryland. And if you're thinking this is going to be a showcase of all things gelatinous and creepy in the sea, let's backtrack a bit.

The Jellyfish Festival is actually going to be a three-day music and fitness celebration in Maryland's most famous beach town. Local and national musicians will perform on the mainstage on Somerset Street. Already the performance list includes Styx (yes, that '70s band that sings "Come Sail Away") as one of the headliners, Badfish (a Sublime tribute band), The Phantom Limbs (a "deathrock" band you never knew you needed in your life), and a lot more eclectic musical selections. And while deathrock doesn't sound family friendly, the Jellyfish Village will have loads of family fun. It's five blocks wide after all.

This is also where the fitness bit comes in. Jellyfish Festival advertises a fitness challenge — a beach-themed obstacle course! There will also be an area designated to biking and skating, but professionals will be onsite as well. A freestyle Motocross team will perform various shows, and there will be contests with professional skaters and surfers. What better way to celebrate summer fun and fitness?! Don't forget that tons of vendors will also be in attendance. You'll also find local artists, food, and drinks. Kids can even participate in the art in the Kids Interactive Art and Music Zone.

Map of Jellyfish Festival

Courtesy of jellyfishfestival.com

You can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster. There are several options. If you're only looking to attend a specific show or a specific day, you can purchase a limited ticket or a ticket for multi-day entry. There are VIP-level tickets and standing room options. Cost of admission includes the various entertainment options and soon-to-be-announced discounts at participating food and drink venues. Just show your souvenir lanyard (also comes with cost of admission). Tickets are going fast, though, so if you're interested, you better hop to it.

Want to be a vendor, performer, artist, athlete or volunteer rather than an attendee? Email [email protected] with your inquiries!

So basically this festival has it all: sports, shopping, music, sustenance, and the beach! Can't argue with that! The festival kicks off on Friday, June 21, at 11 a.m. and runs until 10 p.m. Hours will be the same on Saturday, June 22, but on Sunday, June 23, the festival ends at 7 p.m.

What do you think? Will you brave the jellies and join Ocean City for the Jellyfish Festival this month? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to snag a commemorative t-shirt!

Caitlin Bean
Caitlin Bean is an Annapolis-based editor and writer. She loves to write about fitness, local events, and anything Annapolitan.
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