Published on October 17, 2024
October comes to a close in Ocean City with a full slate of Halloween events and the return of Dog Days on the Boardwalk. The early forecast for the week calls for clear and mild weather, ideal for families to enjoy these annual traditions.
The fun starts with the 76th annual Halloween Parade at 7:15 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 24). The parade travels a route on Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 11th Street and includes families, children and pets in costume, cheerleaders and dance teams, floats, musical entries and more.
All are welcome to watch or participate in this fun community event, which is organized by the Exchange Club of Ocean City in partnership with the city. For more information or to sign up, please visit Ocean City Halloween Parade (ochp.blogspot.com).
Ocean City will welcome Vince Papale as the grand marshal of the annual Howl-O-Ween Parade on Saturday (Oct. 26).
Papale was a 30-year-old teacher, coach and part-time bartender in 1976 when he attended a public tryout for the Philadelphia Eagles. Not only did he make the team, but he became a fan favorite and earned the team’s “Man of the Year” honors in 1978 for his gritty play on special teams. His story is the subject of the film “Invincible.”
Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City, the Howl-O-Ween Parade includes costumed pets and owners in a procession down the Ocean City Boardwalk that starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The event is part of Dog Days on the Boardwalk Oct. 26 and 27, a weekend that welcomes dogs on the Boardwalk, where they are usually prohibited.
Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 26, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 27.
On Saturday, Oct. 26 activities will include dog-specific vendors along the Boardwalk, photo-op stations and the Humane Society’s announcement of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year.” The event will allow owners to shop for dog treats, dog collars, shoot photos with Santa and more.
Pre-registration for the Howl-O-Ween Parade closes at 4 p.m. Oct. 22, and event-day registration will be open 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Ocean City Civic Center (Sixth Street and Boardwalk). All proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City. The event is sponsored by Manco & Manco, Heritage Surf, Castaway Cove, JiLLy’s OCNJ, OCNJ Entertainment, Berger Realty, Johnson’s Popcorn, the Ocean City Policemen’s Benevolent Association, Stainton’s, We Make It Personal and PHL-17. For more information and registration, visit ocnj.us/DogDay.
Other Halloween events include the Halloween Costume Skate at the Ocean City Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue 4 p.m. to dusk on Saturday (Oct. 26). Skateboarders are invited to come dressed for the holiday. There will be prizes for best costume and best trick, and candy for the participants.
The Ocean City Free Public Library will celebrate a Halloween Fest 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29. The free family event includes games, stories, crafts, candy and a dry ice station.
Hours for traditional trick-or-treating will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
The fifth annual Halloween House Decorating Contest in Ocean City will award prizes to homes and businesses in a variety of categories. A list of participants will be posted at ocnj.us/halloweenhouse, so everybody can see the decorated homes. Judging will take place the evenings of October 22 and 23.
