Guide to Ocean City's Block Party and Indian Summer Weekend

The fall Asbury Avenue block party— which typically attracts more than 40,000 visitors — is scheduled for Saturday (Oct. 6) and marks the pinnacle of Ocean City's shoulder season.

The event started 28 years ago and has grown into a full Indian Summer Weekend Festival that includes three days of activities, including a Saturday night fireworks display and, for the second year, a Boardwalk Music Festival.

The centerpiece of the special weekend is the mile-long block party that extends from Fifth to 14th streets along Asbury Avenue 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Oct. 6. More than 350 juried crafters from throughout the East Coast participate in the event that features hand-made products.

Here's what you need to know about Indian Summer Weekend:

Parking: All city municipal lots will be free during the block party and parking meters are now free until May 1. 

Block party features: The event includes a variety of foods highlighted by Greek specialties, ribs, seafood, pizza, hot dogs, burgers, baked goods and more. Bands and street musicians entertain along the block party route from 1 to 4 p.m. They will include the Robert Boney Band, which plays Dixieland, big-band swing and blues at Seventh Street and Asbury Avenue. There are free pony rides for children 1 to 4 p.m. at the Tabernacle Grounds, Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Public service displays for non-profit organizations are set up on Ninth Street between Asbury and Central avenues.

Block party web cams: Check out the action in real time:

http://attheshore.com/livecam-blockparty

http://attheshore.com/livecam-8th-asbury
 

Fireworks: A fireworks display is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 6) following the block party. The fireworks will be set off from a barge off the Ninth Street Beach. They will be visible from the downtown sections of the beach and Boardwalk.

First Night buttons: Visitors will be able to order First Night New Years Eve admission buttons during the block party at the Chamber of Commerce table near City Hall steps. First Night offers more than 40 entertainment programs at a 14 central locations and concludes with a fireworks display at midnight. Buttons are $15 per person.

More block party information: The block party is sponsored by the Retail Merchants Association of Ocean City in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ocean City. For information, visit oceancityvacation.com. 

Seafood Center and Boardwalk table sales: A seafood center will be set up at the Ocean City Music Pier Oct. 6 to 8. The center will feature local seafood restaurants and vendors.  Boardwalk merchants will hold table sales starting Saturday, Oct. 6, and ending Monday, Oct. 8. Downtown merchants will hold sidewalk sales on Sunday and Monday.

Boardwalk Music Festival: The Boardwalk Music Festival will include two days of free performances with live music starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. The music will pause for the fireworks, then resume with a Bubba Mac Blues Band Reunion Jam until 11 p.m.

The Sunday lineup includes: the Terry Showers Gospel Group (noon to 2 p.m.); The Tony Marts All-Stars will perform "the music that made Somers Point famous" (2:30 to 4:30 p.m.) — the band will perform classic hits from Bill Haley to Bruce Springsteen. Reggae artists Jah Works close the festival with a 5 to 8 p.m. show.

Discounted Rides: Customer Appreciation Weekend at Playland's Castaway Cove includes a $10 wristband good for unlimited rides on any single night Oct. 5 to 7.

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