The first month of summer is officially over and July is here. June was overflowing with events that attracted thousands of visitors and a kickoff to summer that was the epitome of Eastern Shore fun. Some of our personal favorites were the Fireman’s Parade, the OC Air Show and the Dew Tour. As we pack up the skateboard ramps and the fireworks, we are starting to realize that July just may be the best month yet! Fourth of July weekend was all we had hoped for and then some, with a hurricane averted and a weekend full of family, fun, BBQ’s, beaches, rivers and more. But have no fear, July is just getting started! Locals will compete in bathtub and canoe races this month, Ocean City continues its collection of free, family-friendly events, and Brew River celebrates July with Yappy Hour and their Red, White and Brew event. Phew, July sure is fun filled!

Free Movies on the Beach

In July there are movies to be enjoyed (for free!) up and down the ten-mile stretch of beaches in Ocean City.

The Carousel Resort Hotel will offer free movies on the beach at 118th street in uptown Ocean City. Each week, a G-rated movie will be played on a huge projector overlooking the ocean. The movies usually start around 8:30PM and last around two hours.

Schedule:

July 9 – The Lone Ranger

July 16 – The Nut Job

July 23 – Saving Mr. Banks

July 30 – The Smurfs 2

On 27th Street, movies are held every Monday and Friday, starting at 8:30pm. Just bring a chair or a blanket and kick back and enjoy the show.

Schedule:

July 7 – Monsters University

July 11 – The Little Mermaid

July 14 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

July 18 – Despicable Me 2

July 21 – Escape from Planet Earth

July 25 – Enchanted

July 28 – Adventures of Zambezia

Head to 91st every Thursday for movies on the beach in front of The Princess Royal – movies start at 8:30pm:

July 10 – Finding Nemo

July 17 – The Lone Ranger

July 24 – Freaky Friday

July 31 – Space Jam

Sunset Park Party Nights

Located in a beautiful location on the bay in downtown Ocean City, Sunset Park hosts talented performers from all over the state for the public’s entertainment. Best part about it? It’s free! Sunset Park is located along South Division Street between Philadelphia Avenue and the Bay. Beer is available for purchase and all the money goes to the youth programs in Ocean City. What better way to enjoy the sunset and a beautiful night then by hearing some great music and relaxing.

Concert Schedule:

July 10: Tranzfusion (Rock)

July 17: Folk Heroes (Irish)

July 24: Full Circle (Blues/R&B/Jazz)

July 31: Capt. Quint (Jimmy Buffett Tribute)

Concerts in the Park

Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department hosts their free summer concert series. Located in tranquil White Horse Park, many talented artists play for the public. Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and to bring your own beverages, only to make the experience more fun. All the concerts are free and kid-friendly as they have a huge playground, hot dogs, ice cream and family games set up.

Concert Schedule

July 10: Over Time (Classic rock)

July 17: 229th Ceremonial Army Band (Patriotic music)

July 24: Sons of Pirates (Beach music, Jimmy Buffett-style!)

July 31: Full Circle (Classic rock, blues & contemporary)

Starpower at the Convention Center

Ocean City’s Convention Center is hosting talented dancers from all over the country as they compete for titles and trophies. Starpower comes to the beach every year from July 20th to July 25th and the performer’s dance all week in hopes of making it to the next level. These athletes thrive under pressure but soak in our beachy atmosphere in order to relax and release some stress in between performances.

Yappy Hour at Brew River

Bring your pooch to “yappy” hour with you and benefit a great cause at the same time. For just a $5 donation that goes to the Humane Society at the door, your dog is welcomed with a treat and gets four hours full of free entertainment and new doggy friends. Brew River is sponsoring the event with happy hour drink prices, complimentary water bowls for your pet and even red carpet photos. It starts at 2PM on July 12th  and goes until six.

BJ’s Canoe Races

Each year locals descend upon BJ’s on the Water – located on 75th Street bayside – for the annual canoe races. This is the 33rd year for the beloved event, which typically includes an all-out battle between area employees who ask off weeks in advance to guarantee their attendance. Teams consist of four people with two guys and two girls – registration is the day of the event so be early and plan on arriving when the doors open at ten. Not interested in participating? Spectating is just as entertaining, trust us. Expect to see teams dressed in costume, friendly but fierce competition, and a few laughs as a few canoers inevitably end up in the water. While at BJ’s enjoy their fantastic drink specials, breathtaking view of the bay, and stellar lunch menu.

Berlin Bathtub Races

Head to “America’s Coolest Small Town” on Friday, July 18 and experience the 25th Annual Bathtub Races. This hilariously competitive race is open to the public and is pure entertainment for people of all ages. Watch on the sidelines as these racers try to steer a bathtub to the finish line. The races start on Main Street at 6pm and local businesses have drinks and food available during the event.

Delaware State Fair

The biggest fair on the Eastern Shore takes place in Harrington, DE with tons of headlining artists, sinfully delicious foods and tons of attractions. Every year tourists and locals alike flock to the middle of nowhere to spend days sweating in the hot sun, eating fried…well fried everything, and riding amusement rides. With plenty to do at all hours of the day, you definitely won’t be bored. The fair goes from July 17th until the 26th.

Big Fish Classic

Head to the docks that started it all in downtown OC, as fisherman battle it out in the Big Fish Classic. This tournament follows the tradition to bring the biggest fish back to the dock and weigh them in for the public to see. This tournament starts on Friday July 25th and goes until Sunday July 28th. The boats are allowed to fish any port from New Jersey to Virginia.

Hilltop Day in the Park Festival

Families from all around the Snow Hill Area are welcomed with open arms at Byrd Park on July 27th at 11AM to 7PM. Better known as Snow Hill’s own family reunion, families are encouraged to come out and enjoy the free entertainment, good times, and alcohol-free environment.

Red, White & Brew

Craft beers and fundraisers just happen to be two of our favorite things. Thanks to Brew River, we get to enjoy them at the same time July 19th starting at 4:30pm. This craft beer gathering is a fundraiser for the local organization, Coastal Kids, which provides home hospice care for young children. Live music will be provided by Drymill Road String Band and craft brews will be provided by Fin City, EVO, Union Brewing, Heavy Seas and Back Shore Brewing. To top it all off, the event also includes a costume theme. Party-goers are encouraged to arrive in their finest red, white and blue or Maryland pride outfits for prizes.