Night in Venice to Celebrate 71^st Anniversary on July 25th

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Night in Venice Planning Committee Chairman Dave Winslow and Mayor Jay Gillian announced the theme for the 2026 event: “Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights.”

Ocean City will celebrate the 71^st anniversary of Night in Venice at 6:30 p.m. July 25 this year, and the dual theme will invite more creativity as we celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the United States and “Christmas in July,” the day that falls exactly six months before the winter holiday. “Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights” will invite all participants to decorate their boats and houses in festive colors and lights for the grand event. 

“We want this year’s celebration to be bright and beautiful” Mayor Gillian said. “Combining two great themes will really give our participants more flexibility and more reasons to celebrate.” 

The committee also announced the addition of two new pageants to support the Night in Venice event. Little Miss Night in Venice and Junior Miss Night in Venice will make their debut with a crowning at the Music Pier on July 15, and the queens and their courts will preside over the Night In Venice boat parade on July 25. Registration for pageant participants (Little Miss NIV ages 8 to 11; and Junior Miss NIV ages 12 to 15) is open now at ocnj.recdesk.com.  The pageant will feature an interview portion, evening gown, boat wear and on-stage questions.  

Gillian and Winslow also announced that this year’s presenting sponsors will include ACME and OCNJ Watersports. 

Look for an unveiling of the 4^th edition commemorative Night in Venice poster created by local artist Aaron “Bogy” Bogushefsky and information about this year’s grand marshal shortly.

Entries are currently being accepted from all those who want to participate in the annual bayfront celebration. The boat parade and decorated bayfront home contests provide a chance to be part of the highlight of the summer season in Ocean City. Thousands of spectators line the bayfront, and thousands more attend private parties at homes along the route from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue. The theme is always optional, and entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online or by calling 609-399-6111. 

A spectacular fireworks display over the bayfront will be launched after the boat parade.