Block Party, Fireworks, Music Fest Set for Weekend

The fall Asbury Avenue —which typically attracts more than 50,000 visitors—is scheduled for Saturday (Oct. 8) and marks the pinnacle of Ocean City's shoulder season.

The event started 27 years ago and has grown into a full Indian Summer Weekend Festival that includes three days of activities, including a Saturday night and, for the first time this year, a .

The music fest will include a range of performances—from blues to rock to Gospel—over the course of three days (Oct. 7 to 9) inside the .

The centerpiece of the special weekend is the mile-long block party that extends from Fifth to 14th streets along Asbury Avenue 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Oct. 8. More than 400 juried crafters from throughout the East Coast participate in the event that features hand-made products ranging from wind chimes and floral decorations to paintings and photography.

Here's what you need to know about Indian Summer Weekend:

Block party features: The event includes a variety of foods highlighted by Greek specialties, ribs, seafood, pizza, hot dogs, burgers, baked goods and more. Bands and street musicians entertain along the block party route from 1 to 4 p.m. They will include: Tidal Wave, a popular Beach Boys type group; the Ralph Roberts Trio and entertainers Tony DeLuca, Keith Hickman and the Bubba Mac Blues Band. There are free pony rides for children 1 to 4 p.m. at the Tabernacle Grounds, Sixth Street and Asbury Ave. Public service displays for non-profit organizations are set up on Ninth Street between Asbury and Central avenues.

Fireworks: A fireworks display is scheduled on Saturday (Oct. 8) following the block party. The fireworks will be set off from a barge off the Ninth Street Beach at 9:30 p.m. They will be visible from the Boardwalk.

First Night buttons: Visitors will be able to order First Night New Years Eve admission buttons during the block party at a table near City Hall steps. First Night offers more than 60 entertainment programs at a 14 central locations and concludes with a fireworks display at midnight. Tickets are $14 per person.

Parking: All city municipal lots will be free during the block party and parking meters are free. Parking at the Transportation Center, 10th Street and Haven Ave., in back of McDonald's will be free as will be the parking lot at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue next to the Ocean City Fire Department.

More block party information: The block party is sponsored by the Retail Merchants Association of Ocean City in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ocean City. For information, call 609-399-2629 or visit oceancityvacation.com. 

Seafood Center and Boardwalk table sales: A seafood center will be set up at the Ocean City Music Pier Oct. 8 to 10. Boardwalk merchants will hold table sales starting Friday, Oct. 7, and ending Monday, Oct. 10. Downtown merchants will hold a sidewalk sale on Sun., Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Asbury Avenue.

Concert at the Tabernacle: The Ocean City Tabernacle, Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue, will present a block party night concert 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, featuring the Atlantic Brass Band, a 30-piece, British style group that has won the 2011 North American Brass Band Competition in Grand Rapids, MI. Tickets are $15 at the door or $13 in advance, call 609-399-1915.

Boardwalk Music Festival: The Boardwalk Music Festival will include three days of free performances produced by Bubba Mac of Blues Band fame and JT Productions, Oct. 7-9. Bands will perform inside the Music Pier. Music will range from Blues and Rock to Gospel and Christian Bands. See .