Travel Advisory: Ocean City Air Show Weekend

Beaches Event Worcester

OCEAN CITY, MD

The Town of Ocean City will host the O.C. Air Show this weekend. Residents and visitors can expect heavy traffic delays for both vehicles and pedestrians, particularly in the downtown areas. Please note that road closures will affect all types of vehicles, including cars, buses, and bicycles.

Street Closures

The displays, ground exhibits, and reserved parking will start to be set up on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 12th Street to 20th Street. All or portions of these streets will be closed and barricaded from Friday, August 23, through Sunday, August 25, except for 15th Street to 17th Street, which will remain closed until approximately noon on Monday, August 26, 2024.

Starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, the City Hall parking lot at 301 Baltimore Ave will be closed to the public. Only authorized personnel and vehicles will be permitted to enter the lot.

Parking

Parking is always a top commodity, particularly on Saturday. Many private lots will be offering parking at a demand-based rate if public parking is hard to find. The Town of Ocean City offers paid parking at the Inlet Lot and the following municipal lots:

  • Worcester St., between Baltimore Ave. & Philadelphia Ave.
  • Somerset St. & Baltimore Ave.
  • Dorchester St. & Baltimore Ave.
  • N. Division St. & Baltimore Ave.
  • N. Division St. & St. Louis Ave. (small lot)
  • 4th St. & Baltimore Ave.
  • 61st St. & Coastal Hwy., (Bayside)

Due to road closures near the event site, on-street parking is expected to be limited. To learn more about parking in the Town of Ocean City, visit our website at https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/ocean-city-parking/.

Public Transportation

Relieve yourself from the stress of driving and parking by riding with us on Ocean City’s municipal buses that travel along Coastal Highway. A $4 Ride-All-Day pass allows you to ride from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. the next morning, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to get around during the Air Show weekend.

Our friendly and knowledgeable drivers will be glad to take you to our South Division Street Transit Center, the North End Transit Center, or anywhere in between. Don’t forget, with your $4 pass, you can transfer to one of our Park & Ride buses at no additional cost. These buses will take you to our beautiful West Ocean City Park & Ride facility, located at 12848 Ocean Gateway, which also offers free parking.

The Express Beach Bus Shuttle for Special Events will be operating. The Express shuttle will transport you to and from the following two locations.

  • West Ocean City Park N Ride to/from 17th Street and Baltimore Ave. The Express Shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday)
  • 40thStreet- South Convention Center parking to/from 18th Street and Baltimore Ave. The Express Shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday ONLY)

Following the conclusion of the air show, bus riders should anticipate heavy vehicular congestion, which may delay bus services. If you would like to learn more about our public transportation options or to follow along on the interactive bus stop map, visit our website at https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/transportation/

Delays and Congestion are Expected

The Town of Ocean City recommends arriving before 9 a.m. to get ahead of the traffic. You can make a day of it and enjoy everything the boardwalk has to offer while exploring the Air Show exhibits. Exhibits will be set up in the Inlet Parking Lot and from 12th Street to 20th Street along the Boardwalk.

We anticipate a heavy volume of pedestrians in and around the event area. Remember to Walk Smart and remember these tips:

  • Always cross at and within marked crosswalks.
  • Look, pay attention, then cross
  • Follow all traffic signal signs and lane markings.
  • Use the sidewalk- do not cross the street.
  • Make eye contact with drivers.

Drivers, please remain alert and patient. We will see heavy traffic congestion, particularly on Baltimore Ave. Remember to Drive Smart and remember these tips:

  • Stop for all pedestrians in crosswalks- this is Maryland law.
  • Slow down-watch for pedestrians, and yield to pedestrians, especially when turning.
  • Keep your eyes on the road. It’s illegal to text and use handheld devices while driving.
  • Stay alert and avoid all distractions.
  • Share the road with bicycles
  • Do not drive in the bike and bus lanes.

Let’s come together as a community to ensure the Air Show event is an enjoyable experience for everyone. By arriving early and planning to stay late, we can all make the most out of the weekend. To learn more about the O.C. Air Show event and join in the community spirit, visit https://ocairshow.com/.

###