Celebrate the end of summer by drinking wine on the beach! The Wine on the Beach festival is coming to Ocean City September 29-30!
We all know that alcohol consumption on the beach is prohibited by Ocean City ordinance. Sure, not everyone obeys the rule -- no one is buying your story that it's 'just soda,' Jerry! -- but it is generally pretty hard to bring alcohol onto the beach without some pretty serious deception. Well, there is one big exception to the Ocean City ordinance: Wine on the Beach! This year marks the 23rd Annual Wine Fest on the Ocean City beach and promises to not only feature delicious vintages from local Maryland wineries, but also craft beers, local cuisine, arts and crafts available for purchase, and live music throughout the day and evening. The event is so large, it has to be held over two days: Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30. On both days, the gates open at 11 a.m. and finally close at 7 p.m.. Tickets at the door will cost $35 but you can save $1.30 by purchasing your advance ticket online. If you want to squeeze another 70 cents, you can use this coupon to take $2 off any ticket purchased at the gate. Your ticket is only good for one day -- Friday or Saturday -- and also comes with a commemorative wine glass and wine tasting coupons.
Children's tickets are available for attendees ages 13-20 and any child 12 and under gets in free. Anyone not old enough to drink must be be accompanied by an adult. There is a program for designated drivers. While the ticket costs just as much as a regular admission ticket, it also comes with a commemorative wine glass along with a coupon for free Coca-Cola beverages for the duration of the festival.
Once you go over the Rte. 50 bridge, bear right towards inlet parking. You will see the festival tents set up in the inlet parking lot closest to the pier/beach. In recent years, the interest in the Wine on the Beach festival has grown so large that organizers would have a hard time managing the crowds. This year, however, organizers are confident that by changing the festival layout and implementing a better gate admissions policy, they will be able to keep the lines moving and the wine glasses full!
Because this is a private event, picnic baskets, coolers, and outside food and drink will not be allowed into the festival. Please also leave your pets at home.
To learn more about the Wine on the Beach festival and to purchase tickets, visit the event website here.
