We Asked, You Answered: What's on your 2025 OC Bucket List

Skydiving is a bucket list item for many. It’s a thrilling experience no matter the location, but jumping into the air above Ocean City is something extra special. Imagine soaring through the sky with panoramic views of the bay and the beach! Local businesses like Skydive OC can help you check skydiving in OC off your bucket list.

The OC Air Show returns this June, and we couldn’t be more excited! A bucket list item for many, this memorable event is perfect for everyone, especially families. Enjoy awe-inspiring demonstrations, vintage planes, and high-energy performances that will leave you on the edge of your seat (or beach towel). The best part? The Blue Angels will headline this year’s show. Mark your calendar for June 14-15!

Ocean City hosts 4 annual festivals that have grown to become loved and looked forward to by both locals and visitors! 

First up is Dreamfest, which takes place for its third year during MLK weekend. The weekend is full of can’t-miss performances from Bored Teachers; The Struggle is Real! Comedy Tour, Morgan State University Choir, Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, and An Evening with WAR - 50th Anniversary of “Why Can’t We Be Friends.” 

The spring welcomes Springfest, a four day festival that will return April 24-27, 2025! This annual event is free to attend and offers 4 days of live music, delicious food, artisan vendors, and more! It’s the perfect way to welcome the warmer weather that we’ve been waiting for all winter.

Ocean City stays alive well into the autumn as Sunfest takes over for four spectacular days of fall sunshine and fun. Join us in 2025 from October 23-26 to welcome year 34 of the festival! In addition to live music, dozens of food options, and craft vendors, Sunfest also offers a number of dog-centered events, as well as fall favorites like tractor rides, a Halloween maze, and a pumpkin race!

Finally, the end of 2025 will bring about the 33rd year of Ocean City’s annual Winterfest of Lights. This festival spans more than a month and features over 800,000 lights. Enjoy photo ops, larger-than-life displays, hot chocolate, and more. Inside the tent you’ll find a gift shop, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and even Santa himself!

Attending all four Ocean City signature town events is the perfect OC bucket list item!

It’s no question that Ocean City has entered the music festival scene, and 2025 marks the start of even more opportunities to rock out! If an OC music fest is on your bucket list, you’ve got three ways to check it off this year. 

Join us at the Inlet as we get together to jam for the third year of Oceans Calling and the second year of Country Calling! And for rock fans, things are heating up as we welcome the inaugural Boardwalk Rock festival May 17-18! 

If you’re heading to Ocean City, riding the rides at Trimper Rides and Jolly Roger is a must for any bucket list. From the classic ferris wheel to the nostalgic and historic carousel, make memories that will last a lifetime with every twist, turn, and loop!

For fishing enthusiasts, being in town for the White Marlin Open is the bucket list item of bucket list items. Held annually in August, this prestigious tournament draws anglers from around the globe to compete for millions in prize money. Even if you’re not casting a line, the energy is contagious—stop by the weigh-ins to witness record-breaking catches and cheer on the competitors. It’s a must-see event for anyone who loves the thrill of the ocean and the spirit of competition. The 52nd annual event will take place August 2-5, 2025.

Fishing and crabbing were popular picks for your 2025 bucket lists, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re casting a line off of the OC Fishing Pier, enjoying a chartered tour, or setting up crab pots in the Assawoman Bay, these activities are a fantastic way to connect with the water and even bring home dinner. Don’t forget to check local regulations and get your fishing license!

Another high-flying adventure on many of your bucket lists is taking a helicopter ride. This unique experience offers stunning aerial views of Ocean City and its surrounding areas. Look out for dolphins, sandbars, and landmarks as you soar above it all with My Flight Tours.

Dolphin-watching is a quintessential coastal experience, and many of you are eager to spot these playful creatures in 2025. Keep an eye out as you sunbathe on the sand, as dolphins can be spotted every now and again swimming up the coast! Visit as often as possible to try and catch a glimpse of them in their natural habitat.

For fitness enthusiasts, running the length of Ocean City is a challenge worth tackling. Start at S. 2nd Street and end at 146th Street, taking in all the sights along the way. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just want to enjoy the journey, this goal will leave you with a sense of accomplishment.