Your Complete Guide to Night in Venice 2025: 70 Years of Champions

Ocean City, New Jersey, America’s Greatest Family Resort, captivates visitors with its classic boardwalk, pristine beaches, and welcoming atmosphere. Each summer, one event truly distinguishes itself as the highlight of the season: Night in Venice. This cherished tradition transforms the city’s picturesque bay into a dazzling spectacle of decorated boats, vibrant bayfront homes, live music, and a palpable sense of community celebration

This year marks a significant milestone for Night in Venice, as it celebrates its momentous 70th anniversary. Since its inception in 1954, Night in Venice has been a cornerstone of Ocean City’s summer social scene and pure summer fun. Our comprehensive guide provides all the essential details to help make your Night in Venice an unforgettable bayfront celebration.

Night in Venice 2025 celebration is  Saturday, July 26, 2025. The spectacular boat parade is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. The parade begins near the Ocean City-Longport Bridge. From there, the decorated boats weave through the picturesque lagoons on the north end of the island, offering intimate views for those along these waterways. The procession then heads south, continuing its route along the bayside until it reaches Tennessee Avenue.

For its 70th anniversary, Night in Venice embraces the theme “70 Years of Champions”. This optional theme encourages participants to honor the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles or any other championship team, individual, or group that has achieved greatness over the past seven decades. 

For the 70th annual Night in Venice, Ocean City is proud to announce two legendary figures from Philadelphia sports as Grand Marshals: Bernie Parent and Vince Papale. Bernie Parent is a revered figure in ice hockey, a Hockey Hall of Famer who famously backstopped the Philadelphia Flyers to consecutive Stanley Cups in the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons. Vince Papale brings an equally inspiring story, immortalized in the film “Invincible.” His journey as a 30-year-old teacher, coach, and part-time bartender who made the Philadelphia Eagles team after an open tryout in 1976 captivated the nation. The Philadelphia Flyers mascot, Gritty, has also confirmed his participation, adding to the star-studded lineup

The Night in Venice boat parade is completely free to watch from numerous public areas along Ocean City’s bayfront.  For convenience, bleacher seating will be set up at various street ends, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Street ends where grandstands are usually located include: 

• Battersea Road
• North Street
• First Street
• Sixth Street
• Seventh Street
• 11th Street
• 13th Street
• 15th Street
• 16th Street
• Tennessee Avenue.  

Spectators are also welcome to bring their own seating and access the parade route from any other public street end or from the bayside park at Second Street.9

For a more exclusive Night in Venice viewing experience, tickets are available for the Bayside Center, located at 520 Bay Avenue. This ticketed area offers a comfortable setting with a picnic spot, a snack stand, face-painting for children, a DJ providing entertainment, and dedicated bleacher seating. Ticket prices are $6 for children (12-and-under) and $10 for adults (inclusive of service fees). Admission to the Bayside Center is limited, and past events have seen these tickets sell out, making early purchase highly recommended to secure a spot.

The Ninth Street Bridge is a popular vantage point for viewing the Night in Venice parade. However, specific guidelines are in place for viewing from the bridge. All pedestrians and bicyclists must use the Shared Use Bike Path and stay to the south side shoulder for viewing. No chairs are permitted on the bridge, and individuals are not allowed to block the free movement of the Shared Use Bike Path at any time. Furthermore, no open alcoholic beverages are permitted on the bridge, and persons are not allowed to walk along the bridge with motor vehicle traffic. Ocean City Police will be present on the bridge to monitor and assist during the parade.

For optimal viewing of the Night in Venice boat parade, spectators are encouraged to find a spot at the street ends or along the bayfront between the Ocean City-Longport toll bridge and 16th Street.

To ease congestion on Night in Venice, free parking and shuttle service will be available, starting at 4 p.m. on event day. Designated free parking lots include:

• Ocean City Municipal Airport: 25th Street and Bay Avenue
• Soccer Field at Tennessee Avenue: Off Shelter Road
• Ocean City Community Center: 1735 Simpson Avenue 

Shuttles will conveniently drop off spectators at various street ends along the parade route for viewing and will return them to the parking lots afterward. The shuttle service also includes a stop at the Bayside Center.9 This free shuttle service will be available until 10 p.m.

A spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky after the boat parade concludes. The show is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. It is important to note that the exact start time may vary slightly, occurring sometime between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., depending on the precise conclusion of the boat parade. The fireworks will be launched from a barge in the bay. The specific launch location is situated north of the Ninth Street Bridge, roughly off Third Street.  The Night in Venice fireworks display often rivals the city’s 4th of July show.

Night in Venice is more than just a single parade; it’s a full weekend of festivities designed to enhance the summer experience in Ocean City. To kick off the Night in Venice Weekend, a special concert featuring “Boat House Row: The Yacht Rock Experience” is scheduled for Friday, July 25, at 7:30 p.m. This performance will take place at the iconic Music Pier. The six-piece band will transport audiences back in time with smooth hits from the 1970s and 1980s, including music from legendary artists like Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, and Toto. Ticket prices for the concert are $30 and $25, inclusive of fees. Tickets can be purchased online at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111, or in-person at the Music Pier Box Office, City Hall, the Welcome Center on the Ninth Street causeway, and the 46th Street Information Center.

For those looking to start their Night in Venice day with some active fun, the third annual Night in Venice 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk is scheduled for the morning of the celebration, Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 8 a.m. The race will start at 19th Street and Haven Avenue. The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) race and the one-mile walk will follow a flat, out-and-back course along Haven Avenue and the adjacent bike path, offering a scenic route for participants. Registration for this event is now open, and more information can be found online at www.runsignup.com/NIV5k.

Ocean City’s Night in Venice stands as a testament to enduring tradition and vibrant community spirit. As it celebrates its 70th anniversary, the event continues to captivate with its dazzling boat parade, celebrity Grand Marshals, and spectacular fireworks display. This grand celebration of creativity and community on the bayfront is a must-attend summer highlight. Mark calendars for July 26, 2025, and prepare to be captivated by the magic that makes Night in Venice an unparalleled summer