Surf’s Up! Ocean City’s Art of Surfing Festival Returns for 24th Year
Get ready to hang ten with your creative side, Ocean City! The Art of Surfing Festival rolls into town from Thursday, July 31st, to Saturday, August 2nd. Come out and immerse yourself in a free celebration of the ocean, the waves, and the incredible artistry they inspire.
The festival welcomes art lovers and surf enthusiasts with convenient hours: Thursday, July 31st, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and then from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 1st, and Saturday, August 2nd. And the best part? Admission is absolutely free!
Celebrating its 24th iteration, the Art of Surfing Festival boasts a proud history deeply intertwined with Ocean City’s enduring love affair with the ocean. What began as a smaller, intimate gathering in Ocean City’s former Sagemore Art Gallery has organically grown into one of the region’s premier cultural events. In recent years, local surf-inspired artist Aaron “Bogy” Bogushefsky has been a driving force behind the festival’s continued success and expansion. His vision has been instrumental in shining a brighter spotlight on South Jersey’s dynamic surf culture, broadening the festival’s reach and deepening its roots within the local surf community.
Ocean City’s surf scene itself has a rich and celebrated past. The establishment of the Ocean City Surfing Association in the 1960s, one of the nation’s earliest competitive surf programs, by local lifeguard and surfing pioneer John Carey and Don Pileggi, firmly cemented the town’s place in surfing lore. Today, Ocean City proudly remains a premier surfing destination on the East Coast, renowned for its consistent waves and dedicated surfing beaches. This deep-rooted surf heritage provides a fertile ground for artistic expression, making the Art of Surfing Festival a natural and integral part of the resort town’s identity
The 24th annual Art of Surfing Festival promises to be a highlight of Ocean City’s summer season, offering a captivating blend of artistic talent, rich history, and the timeless spirit of the waves. This year the festive offers:
- Original Surf-Related Artwork: Be captivated by a diverse array of pieces from talented artists across the region. From sun-drenched seascapes and powerful wave portraits to abstract interpretations of the ocean’s energy, these works showcase the profound connection between artists and the surfing lifestyle.
- Locally Shaped Boards: For the true surf aficionados, the festival offers a unique opportunity to marvel at the craftsmanship of locally shaped surfboards. It’s a chance to appreciate the hands-on skill that goes into creating these essential tools for riding the waves, which blends functional design and artistic expression.
- Meet the Makers: The festival provides an invaluable platform to engage directly with the regional artists themselves. Discover the inspirations behind their creations, learn about their techniques, and perhaps even find that perfect piece to bring a touch of the ocean into your home.
- Classic Surfboards and Memorabilia: Take a nostalgic journey through surfing history with displays of vintage surfboards and a fascinating collection of memorabilia. These relics offer a glimpse into the evolution of the sport and the timeless appeal of surf culture through the decades.
- Live Music: Live music will provide the perfect soundtrack to your festival experience. Expect tunes that echo the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean, creating a truly immersive sensory experience.
So, mark your calendars and prepare to be inspired. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the art of riding the ocean!
For more information on this year’s impressive lineup of vendors and artists, be sure to visit facebook.com/artofsurfingfestival.