Randy Quaid, Santa on the Beach, and More: Full Slate of Events Announced for Night in Venice Week

Ocean City is preparing for its flagship summer event, the annual Night in Venice boat parade, happening on Saturday, July 25. This year, the coastal tradition takes on a distinctive festive theme of Stars, Stripes, and Christmas Lights. The event celebrates America’s upcoming 250th birthday while also hosting a large town-wide Christmas in July festival. Although the parade on the bay remains the highlight of the weekend, the city has organized an extensive, week-long schedule of entertainment, community activities, and holiday-themed events leading up to the main celebration.

The upcoming week brings a massive, town-wide celebration to the island, anchored around the “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights” theme to honor America’s 250th anniversary alongside a classic Christmas in July twist.

To help navigate the packed schedule leading up to the main event on Saturday, July 25, here is the day-by-day breakdown of everything happening across town:

Tuesday, July 21

The week begins with an interactive journey through American history and a classic children’s story brought to life:

• Freedom 250 Mobile Museum: This high-tech, interactive exhibit features museum-quality multimedia storytelling highlighting America’s founding chapters. The mobile truck will be stationed in the municipal parking lot next to the Ocean City Civic Center (between Fifth and Sixth Streets) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., remaining open through Thursday.

• “The Berenstain Bears” Musical: The Ocean City Theatre Company kicks off its morning children’s programming with a live adaptation of the classic books at the Ocean City Music Pier starting at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, July 22

Wednesday is fully loaded with morning fitness, local shopping, and heavy family entertainment spreading from the beaches to the boardwalk:

• Beach Pilates & Yoga: A free morning stretch kicks off right on the sand at the Sixth Street beach starting at 8:00 a.m. (bring your own towel).

• Farmers Market: Local growers and crafters set up on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle (Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Wacky Wednesday: The Music Pier hosts “Christmas in July” crafts, holiday music bingo, and a special vacation visit from Santa Claus starting at 10:30 a.m.

• Sandcastle Park Summer Entertainment: Head up to the 3400 block between West and Asbury Avenue from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a holiday-themed family night featuring a Frozen character meet-and-greet, a live DJ, face painting, and balloon art.

• Guided Beach Walk: For those looking to explore local ecology, a free guided nature walk departs from 59th Street and Central Avenue at 6:30 p.m.

• Family Night on the Boardwalk: A variety of magicians, musicians, and street performers will entertain crowds between Sixth and 14th Streets all evening.

• The Jersey Tenors: The Friends of the Ocean City Pops sponsor an explosive opera/rock mash-up concert at the Music Pier starting at 7:30 p.m., blending classical arias with the music of Queen, Bon Jovi, and Elton John.

Thursday, July 23

The focus shifts to our downtown shopping district and classic island music traditions:

• Downtown Market Days: Stroll Asbury Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to enjoy live entertainment, face painters, and balloon sculptors while supporting local businesses.

• Mummers Night: The iconic string bands return to strut, play, and dance their way down the boardwalk between Sixth and 14th Streets from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Friday, July 24

The holiday theme hits the water’s edge as the beach patrol brings festive cheer to the shoreline:

• Santa Rides the Beach: Look out for the Ocean City Beach Patrol starting at 11:00 a.m. as they transport Santa Claus along the entire island coastline in an OCBP vehicle. Lifeguards will also be actively decorating their stands to compete in the holiday spirit.

Saturday, July 25 (Night in Venice)

The biggest day of the summer starts with a Hollywood legend before moving to the back bays:

• “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Screening: Actor Randy Quaid (Cousin Eddie himself) comes to the Ocean City Tabernacle at 12:00 p.m. for a special screening of the holiday classic, followed by a live Q&A and VIP photo opportunities.

• Night in Venice Boat Parade: The main event brings the “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights” theme to life in the evening, as a massive procession of decorated boats fills the bay alongside thousands of illuminated waterfront homes.

Sunday, July 26

The celebration concludes with a high-energy trip back in time:

• “Feelin’ Groovy” Hits of the ’60s: Maestro Vince Lee and the Vince League band team up with singing sensation Camille K at the Music Pier at 7:30 p.m., performing a nostalgic concert covering everything from the Beatles to downtown soul classics.