OCEAN CITY, Md. - Ocean City will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its annual Springfest from April 23-26 at the Inlet Lot, marking a milestone for the popular seaside tradition that signals the start of the spring tourism season, according to town leaders.
The free, four-day festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., inviting locals and visitors to welcome warmer weather with a mix of art, food and live entertainment. Organizers say the event will feature more than 200 artists and crafters, a wide variety of specialty vendors and four days of live music across two stages.
Organizers say Springfest, long considered the official kickoff to spring in Ocean City, will introduce several new attractions this year to commemorate its 35th year.
Organizers say among them is a Gourmet Food Pavilion, where attendees can browse artisan goods such as infused olive oils, small-batch jams and specialty spreads. The festival will also expand its food truck offerings, with vendors serving a range of sweet and savory options.
A new street painting component will bring visual art directly to festival grounds, as artists transform pavement into large-scale, colorful works. Participating artists include Baltimore-based Michael William Kirby, whose work has been featured in more than 200 cities worldwide. In addition, visitors will be able to watch a live glass-blowing demonstration showcasing the craft in real time, according to town leaders.
Organizers encourage attendees to visit the event’s official website for additional details and updates.
Town leaders say beyond the daytime festival, the Ocean City Performing Arts Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center will host a Spring Showcase series of evening performances.
Scheduled acts include The Fabulous Hubcaps on April 23, Who’s Bad: The Michael Jackson Experience on April 24, “Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Swift Experience” on April 25 and The Fab Four: “Help!,” a Beatles tribute show, closing the series.
Organizers say Ocean City’s April calendar also includes several other major events. The Maryland International Kite Exposition will take place April 24-26 along the beach and boardwalk between 3rd and 7th streets, featuring kite displays and flight demonstrations.
Closing out the month, the 36th annual Cruisin Ocean City event is set for April 30 through May 3. Organizers say the event is expected to draw more than 3,000 classic cars, hot rods and custom vehicles to the Inlet Parking Lot and the Ocean City Convention Center, along with vendors, live entertainment and boardwalk cruises.
City leaders say the lineup of events underscores Ocean City’s role as a regional destination for spring travel and entertainment.