Ocean City 71st Annual Night in Venice: Parade Highlights and Event Guide
Ocean City celebrated its 71st annual Night in Venice boat parade on Saturday, July 25, 2026, filling the municipal bayfront with illuminated vessels, decorated lagoon homes, and thousands of spectators. As one of the premier summer traditions on the Jersey Shore, the boat parade brought together residents, seasonal visitors, and civic leaders for a festive evening along the water.
From grand marshal appearances to shuttle transit options and official awards, here is a complete recap of Ocean City’s 2026 Night in Venice celebration.
Grand Marshals, Parade Route, and Celebrations
The 2026 parade commenced at 6:30 p.m., originating near the Ocean City-Longport toll bridge and traversing south along the bayfront toward Tennessee Avenue. Participating decorated boats looped through populated inner lagoons, where bayfront homeowners hosted festive dock gatherings.
This year's event featured notable grand marshals, including former Philadelphia Phillies all-star John Kruk and actor Randy Quaid, who greeted spectators along the parade route. Boaters and homeowners decorated around an optional theme of "Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights," commemorating America's upcoming 250th anniversary.
Public Viewing and Bayside Center Festivities
The Bayside Center, located at 520 Bay Avenue, served as the primary ticketed family venue for the event. Spectators enjoyed bleacher seating, live DJ entertainment, face painting, and local food truck offerings. Admission was set at $6 for children aged 12 and under and $10 for adults.
To manage event traffic and ensure smooth travel across the island, the City of Ocean City provided free municipal shuttle transit from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Shuttles operated continuously between key parking hubs:
Ocean City Municipal Airport
Tennessee Avenue Soccer Field
Ocean City Community Center
The evening concluded with a public fireworks display launched from a bay barge north of the Ninth Street Bridge between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., lighting up the bayfront skyline.
Official 2026 Parade Results
Judges evaluated participating vessels across multiple length and commercial categories. Official awards included:
Best in Show (25 Feet & Over): Vessel #249 "Sassy," skippered by Pau Hana Tiki Boats.
Best in Show (24 Feet & Under): Vessel #296 "BAMZ."
Best Commercial Vessel: Vessel #222 "REEL FUN."
OCNJ Traditions
Watching decorated boats glide through the lagoons as fireworks reflect off the bay captures the unique spirit of Ocean City. For generation after generation of families, Night in Venice remains an essential summer highlight that highlights the warmth and community pride of this barrier island town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can spectators view the Night in Venice parade?
Public viewing areas include the Bayside Center at 520 Bay Avenue, public street ends along the bayfront, and the Ninth Street Bridge pedestrian walkway.
Were park-and-ride shuttles available for the event?
Yes. Free municipal shuttles ran every few minutes between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. connecting the airport, Tennessee Avenue fields, and the community center.
What was the theme for the 2026 parade?
The optional decorating theme was "Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights" honoring America's 250th anniversary.
Sources: City of Ocean City; Ocean City Police Department; OCNJ.us; Patch
