The OC Air Show offers a fun day at the beach and exciting aerial acrobatics: VIDEO
Visitors return to Ocean City every year to see the USAF Thunderbirds perform in the unique setting of the beach.
Lauren Roberts, Salisbury Daily Times
The 17th annual Ocean City Air Show is taking place in town this month.
The OC Air Show, a signature event of the Air Dot Show Tour, is scheduled to host a special international edition on August 24 and 25 with Frecce Tricolori, the renowned aerobatic team of the Italian Air Force from Rivolto Air Base in Italy.
Here you will find everything you need to know about road closures, traffic patterns, parking availability, public transportation and much more — Courtesy of the City of Ocean City — for the big, top-class event of this year.
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Will there be a lot of traffic during the OC Air Show weekend?
The OC Air Show draws thousands of spectators to the resort town each year, so expect heavy traffic downtown between the Route 50 bridge and North 33rd Street daily between approximately 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The City of Ocean City recommends arriving before 9 a.m. to avoid traffic.
The week before the event, the aircraft will conduct practice runs. The air show begins at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th, with the aerial portion of the show running from noon to 3 p.m. The Drop Zone Beach opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and the Flight Line Club beach area opens at 10 a.m.
The City Council expects a high volume of pedestrian traffic in and around the event area. The City of Ocean City advises residents and visitors to use caution and follow the tips below:
- Always cross the street at and within marked pedestrian crossings.
- Observe all traffic signals and road markings.
- Use the sidewalk and do not cross the street.
- Look, pay attention, and then cross the street.
- Make eye contact with the drivers.
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Drivers are advised to remain alert and patient at all times. Heavy traffic congestion is expected, especially on Baltimore Ave. Drivers are reminded to drive with caution and follow the tips below:
- Maryland law requires all pedestrians to stop at crosswalks.
- Slow down, watch for pedestrians and give way to pedestrians, especially when turning.
- Keep your eyes on the road as texting and using mobile devices while driving are prohibited.
- Stay alert and avoid all distractions.
- Share the road with bicycles.
- Do not ride in the bicycle and bus lanes.
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Will there be road closures during the OC Air Show?
Expect road closures in the days before and after the air show. Exhibits, ground displays and reserved parking will be set up between 12th and 20th streets beginning Friday, August 23.
All or portions of these streets will be closed and cordoned off Friday through Sunday, August 25, with the exception of 15th through 17th Streets, which will remain closed until approximately noon on Monday, August 26.
In addition, the City Hall parking lot at 301 Baltimore Avenue will be closed to the public beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22. Only authorized personnel and vehicles will be allowed to enter the parking lot until further notice.
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Where can I park to watch the OC Air Show?
If public parking is difficult to find during the OC Air Show, many private lots offer parking at a demand-based rate. The City also offers metered parking in the Inlet Lot and the following municipal lots:
- Worcester St., between Baltimore Ave. and Philadelphia Ave.
- Somerset St. and Baltimore Ave.
- Dorchester St. and Baltimore Ave.
- N. Division St. and Baltimore Ave.
- N. Division St. and St. Louis Ave.
- 4th St. and Baltimore Ave.
- 61st Street and Coastal Highway (Bayside)
Due to road closures near the venue, limited on-street parking is expected. For more information on parking in the City of Ocean City, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/ocean-city-parking/.
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Is public transportation available during the OC Air Show?
Visitors to the OC Air Show are invited to ride Ocean City’s municipal buses along the Coastal Highway. A $4 day pass allows passengers to ride from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. the next morning.
Passengers can be transported to the South Division Street Transit Center, North End Transit Center, or any location in between. With a $4 pass, passengers can transfer to one of the Park & Ride buses for free. These buses will take passengers to the West Ocean City Park & Ride facility, where free parking is available.
The Express Beach Bus Shuttle for special events also transports passengers to and from the following locations:
- West Ocean City Park N Ride to/from 17th Street and Baltimore Ave. Express shuttle runs approximately every 20 minutes from 9am-5pm (Saturday and Sunday).
- 40th Street – South Convention Center Parking Lot to/from 18th Street and Baltimore Ave. Express shuttle runs approximately every 20 minutes from 9am-5pm (Sunday ONLY).
After the air show concludes, bus riders should expect heavy traffic that may cause delays to bus service. For more information on the city’s public transportation options, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/transportation/.
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When you leave:
What: OC Air Show
When: 24-25 August, daily from 12 to 15 o’clock
Where: Centered around 13th to 17th Streets in Ocean City, Md., Boardwalk
Cost: Free, separate ticket packages for special experiences are available online
Info: https://ocairshow.com/
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at [email protected].
