The mayhem and madness is about to commence in the quaint little town of Berlin, MD. The streets will shut down, the legions of fans and flock of DJs will arrive. The beverages and delectable munchies will appear for the consuming—as will the locals and plenty of others—when the heart of Berlin is overtaken by the staff of Ocean 98; all in the name of the second annual Mayday Playday this Friday, May 11th.

Unlike the other popular music festivals held in Berlin—namely the Fiddler’s Convention and the Jazz and Blues Bash – Mayday Playday features local and regional bands of the rock, reggae, and alt-country persuasions. Last year’s inaugural event ushered in the idea of a contemporary concert in the streets and left locals and visitors eagerly hoping for a return. According to Ocean 98’s DJ BK, attendees can expect an even bigger affair—two stages with more bands, more activities, and vendors.

New this year is a dunking booth. Willing dunkees include members of the Ocean 98 staff, Jen Dawicki (proprietress of the Globe), Bryan Bushmiller (of Burley Oak), and Jessica Stalter. All proceeds from the dunk booth, a 50/50 raffle, and face painting benefit Worcester County Youth and Family Services. Ocean 98 also has their own scholarship fund, which will benefit from the t-shirt sales.

There’s plenty to offer the crowd aside from the obvious draw of the music. The Casino at Ocean Downs is bringing the Wheel of Fun and accompanying prizes. A tricycle race between the Ocean 98 staff and Barrett Chevrolet may turn into an epic battle, with bragging rights going to the winning team. Also new this year is a chance for local children to showcase their skills on stage in a talent show. The top three places will win trophies.

What’s a great event with food and beverages? Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon is setting up shop on Main Street preparing some of their most-loved menu items, and Burley Oak Brewery will be in the beer tent (for those 21 and over).

For those who wish to try their luck at winning a really great prize, Maryland Coastal Bays will be selling raffle tickets for their paddleboard giveaway.

The Ocean 98 staff expects a large turnout like last year, especially considering the forecast, which calls for sunny and beautiful weather. When asked what he would like to convey to those who plan to attend the event, DJ BK aptly chose to quote Berlin’s Mayor Gee Williams who apparently said, “No fuddy duddys.”

And there you have it. The second annual Mayday Playday is certain to be an entertaining and jovial event.

If you go:

  • Ocean 98’s Second Annual Mayday Playday
  • Friday May 11th
  • 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Main Street Berlin, MD in the heart of town (in front of the Atlantic Hotel, Rayne’s Reef, and the Globe).

Band line-up is as follows:

  • 5 pm: (stage 1) Kaleb Brown Band
  • 5:30: (stage 2) Parental Guidance
  • 6pm: (stage 1) Bryan Russo Band
  • 6:30:  (Stage 2) The Hooplas
  • 7pm: (Stage 1) Saltwater String Band
  • 7:30pm (Stage 2) HOT SAUCE SANDWICH
  • 8pm  (Stage 2) Talent Show
  •  8:30 (Stage 1) The Electric Co.

Check out the gallery below for great photos from last year's Mayday Playday from Good Clean Fun Life.