Usher Summer In With Legendary Rockers, Broadway Star In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Temperatures are increasing, the days are getting longer and June 20 is the summer solstice. And in Ocean City, a full slate of events is set.

The legendary Beach Boys open the 32nd season of the popular Boardwalk Summer Concert Series at the Ocean City Music Pier with four shows on June 23 and June 24. The concerts come on the heels of the passing of band founder Brian Wilson last Wednesday, and they offer a chance to pay tribute to the beloved singer, songwriter and producer, the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce said.

“Brian Wilson has not performed as a part of The Beach Boys for many years and was not a part of their lineup for live tour dates,” concert promoter Bob Rose said. “We are saddened by the loss of this musical icon, and are grateful to have these opportunities in Ocean City to celebrate his legacy and songwriting brilliance with founding member Mike Love and the rest of The Beach Boys.”

This is the Beach Boys' fifth summer in Ocean City following sold-out shows in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2024.

Founding member Mike Love and Bruce Johnston will be joined by newer bandmates in performing the Beach Boys classics that have been part of the soundtrack of summers for more than six decades.

The shows are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 23; and 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24. Tickets are still available online through etix.com. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase by cash or check at the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office.

Opening the Ocean City Pops 2025 summer season is two-time Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. Dubbed “the last leading man” by the New York Times, Mitchell's career spans Broadway, television, film, and concert appearances. He received Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards for his star turn in “Kiss Me, Kate.” He also gave Tony-nominated performances in “Man of La Mancha,” August Wilson’s “King Hedley II,” and “Ragtime.” His other notable Broadway shows include “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Jelly’s Last Jam,” “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” and “Shuffle Along.

The show will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Ocean City Music Pier, and tickets are on sale online at oceancityvacation.com/box-office or in-person at the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office and at welcome centers in town.

Also this weekend is Ocean City’s annual Health, Fitness & Wellness Expo, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday (June 21) at the Ocean City Music Pier. The free event features health food, fitness classes, speakers, vendors and more. Stop by and learn more about staying fit for the summer.

The schedule is as follows:

• 8-8:50 a.m.: Chakra Yoga with Sound Healing (free class)
• 9:30-9:50 a.m.: Athleisure Fashion Show
• 10-10:30 a.m.: Functional Mobility Stretch (free class)
• 11-11:45 a.m.: Body Combat (free class)

The Antique Auto Show with more than 300 vintage vehicles will be on display from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (June 21) on the Ocean City Tabernacle grounds (Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue) then move to the Boardwalk for a parade. For more information, visit jerseycape.aaca.com.

The 8th annual Skato for Kato Contest on Saturday (June 21) at the Ocean City Skate Park (Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue) will be held in memory of the beloved rescue dog Kato and raise money for the Humane Society of Ocean City. Registration opens at 2 p.m. and the competition starts at 3 p.m. The Sheckies and Honey I’m Homeless will perform live music. This event had originally been scheduled for June 7 but was postponed due to the weather.