Summer may be over, but Ocean City definitely isn’t slowing down! October is one of the best times to visit OCNJ, with cooler weather, fewer crowds and a full calendar of fall events happening on the Boardwalk and downtown.
From Jeeps and Porsches on the boards to the Fall Block Party, Dog Days and Halloween festivities, there’s plenty happening throughout the month. Here’s what to add to your October calendar.
October 3 | Ocean City, NJ Jeep Invasion
The Jeeps are taking over the Boardwalk! On Saturday, October 3, Jeeps will fill the boards from 5th Street to 14th Street from noon to 5 p.m. It’s a fun way to kick off October in Ocean City and check out an incredible lineup of Jeeps with the ocean in the background.
October 3 & 4 | Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Discount Days
Make a weekend out of it and do a little shopping while you’re here. Participating merchants along the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue will offer specials and discounts throughout the weekend.
October 4 | OCNJ Half Marathon, 10-Miler & 5K
Runners take over Ocean City on Sunday, October 4! The annual race starts at the Ocean City Music Pier and takes runners through some of the best views in town, including the Boardwalk, downtown and oceanfront.
October 9–11 & 16–18 | A Grand Night for Singing
Head to the Music Pier for the Ocean City Theatre Company’s A Grand Night for Singing, featuring music from Rodgers and Hammerstein favorites including Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific and The Sound of Music. Performances take place across two October weekends.
October 10 | Fall Block Party
One of Ocean City’s biggest fall traditions is back! The Fall Block Party runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Asbury Avenue from 5th to 14th Streets, with more than 400 crafters, food vendors, live music and plenty to browse.
October 10–12 | Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Discount Days
If you missed the first Discount Days weekend, you get another chance! Shops along the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue will once again offer fall specials throughout the weekend.
October 17 | Porsche Boardwalk Reunion
Car lovers will definitely want this one on their calendar. More than 350 Porsches are expected to line the Ocean City Boardwalk between 6th and 14th Streets for the Porsche Boardwalk Reunion. The event is free and open to the public.
October 18 | John R. Elliott HERO Walk & 1-Mile Fun Run
The annual HERO Walk returns on Sunday, October 18. The event supports the HERO Campaign’s mission to promote designated driving and help prevent drunk-driving tragedies.
October 24 & 25 | Dog Days
Bring your four-legged family members to the Boardwalk! During Dog Days, leashed dogs are welcome on the boards throughout the weekend. Saturday also includes dog-friendly vendors, photo opportunities and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s Pet of the Year announcement.
October 24 | Howl-O-Ween Parade
Things get even cuter Saturday afternoon when dogs and their owners dress up for the annual Howl-O-Ween Parade. The parade begins at 3 p.m. at 6th Street and travels down the Boardwalk to 14th Street.
October 24 | Halloween Costume Skate
The Ocean City Skate Park gets into the Halloween spirit with costumes, candy and prizes for the best costume and best trick.
October 28 | OC Chamber of Commerce Welcome Night
Stop by the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center to meet local businesses, organizations and community groups. The event is free to attend.
October 29 | Ocean City Halloween Parade
Finish out the month with an OCNJ Halloween tradition! The Halloween Parade travels along Asbury Avenue with costumes, floats and plenty of Halloween fun downtown.
Plan an October Getaway to Ocean City
October is a great time to experience a different side of Ocean City. Spend the morning walking the Boardwalk, grab lunch at one of your favorite local spots, shop downtown and plan your trip around one of the many events happening throughout the month.
And if one day in OCNJ just isn’t enough, turn it into a fall weekend at the shore! Browse available Ocean City vacation rentals and find the perfect home base for all of your October plans.