New Miss Night in Venice Pageants Tonight at Ocean City Music Pier

A new tradition is beginning to complement Ocean City’s well-known summer celebration this week. Tonight, on Wednesday, July 15, the inaugural Little Miss Night in Venice and Junior Miss Night in Venice titles will be awarded at the Ocean City Music Pier.

The pageants start at 7:00 p.m. and are free for everyone. Both residents and visitors are encouraged to fill the Music Pier to support the young contestants and enjoy an evening of talent, interviews, and special performances.

The competition is split into two age brackets:

• Little Miss Night in Venice: Features contestants ages 8 to 11.
• Junior Miss Night in Venice: Includes contestants ages 12 to 15.

The young ladies will be evaluated in various categories such as an interview, evening gown presentation, on-stage questions, and a specially themed “boat wear” contest.

The newly crowned queens will immediately assume a prominent role by presiding over the official Night in Venice boat parade on Saturday, July 25.

“It’s exciting to see our annual Night in Venice celebration continue to grow with new elements each year,” Mayor Jay Gillian said.

A Star-Studded “Christmas in July” Celebration

The pageants serve as the official kickoff for the 2026 Night in Venice boat parade, which promises to be one of the most distinctive versions yet. This year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights,” commemorates America’s 250th anniversary by combining patriotic festivities with a lively “Christmas in July” vibe.

Former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star John Kruk and renowned actor Randy Quaid are leading the parade as grand marshals.

Fans of the holiday classic ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ will enjoy a special event on parade day. Quaid, known for playing Cousin Eddie, will attend a screening of the film at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at the Ocean City Tabernacle.

After the screening, Quaid will host a live Q&A session. Fans seeking a premium experience can buy VIP meet-and-greet tickets, which include an autographed movie poster and a digital photo with the actor. Both movie screening and VIP tickets are now on sale at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.

The festivities will conclude on July 25 with the famous boat parade along the bayfront, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The 2026 Night in Venice presenting sponsors are ACME and OCNJ Watersports.

Night in Venice: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Night in Venice?

Night in Venice is Ocean City’s top annual summer event and one of the East Coast’s biggest boat parades. Bayfront homeowners decorate their houses, and local boaters embellish their watercraft with elaborate displays that reflect the year’s theme.

When is the 2026 Night in Venice Boat Parade?

The main boat parade takes place on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

What is this year’s theme?

The 2026 theme, “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights,” honors the United States’ 250th anniversary by blending patriotic red, white, and blue colors with holiday “Christmas in July” decorations.

Where can I watch the parade?

The parade moves along the grand canal and bayfront waterways of Ocean City. Excellent public viewing areas include:

• The standard street ends along the bay (from Longport Bridge to TMK/9th Street bridge).
• Bayside parks such as Sunset Park (1st Street & Bay Ave) and there are public stands at the standard viewing docks.
• Note: Grandstands are historically set up at standard city areas like the Bayside Center, though tickets or reservations may apply depending on the zone.

Are there fireworks this year?

Yes! A spectacular fireworks show will light up the sky over the bayfront right after the boat parade ends on July 25.

How can I buy tickets to meet Randy Quaid?

Tickets for the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation screening and the VIP meet-and-greet with Randy Quaid at the Ocean City Tabernacle can be purchased online at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. As space is limited, it is highly recommended to book in advance.