The Ultimate Guide To Ocean City Maryland Car Shows 2025: Dates, Tickets, And Celebrity Guests
The 2025 Ocean City, Maryland car show season is officially locked in, promising two massive events that will transform the coastal resort town into the East Coast's premier destination for automotive enthusiasts. As of late 2024 and early 2025, official dates, ticket pricing, and even some celebrity appearances have been confirmed, making this the perfect time to finalize your travel plans and secure your spot at the 35th Annual Cruisin' Ocean City and the 29th Annual Endless Summer Cruisin'. The events are set to feature thousands of meticulously maintained vehicles, from classic Hot Rods to modern Muscle Cars, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators.
Planning your trip early is crucial for these high-demand weekends. The town of Ocean City (OCMD) anticipates record crowds, and securing accommodation and understanding the local traffic ordinances, including the designated Special Event Zone, will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Whether you're coming to show off your prized vehicle or simply to witness the spectacular Boardwalk Parade, this guide provides the most current, essential information for the 2025 Ocean City car show calendar.
The 2025 Ocean City Car Show Calendar: Official Dates and Venues
Ocean City, Maryland, hosts two main, multi-day automotive festivals each year, each with its own distinct flavor. The spring event kicks off the season with high-octane energy, while the fall event provides a spectacular, end-of-summer celebration. Both events are organized by Special Event Productions, Inc., ensuring a consistent level of quality and organization.
Cruisin' Ocean City 2025: The Spring Kick-Off
- Official Dates: Thursday, May 1st to Sunday, May 4th, 2025.
- The Event: This is the 35th Annual Cruisin' Ocean City, known for drawing over 3,000 top-tier vehicles, including Classic Cars, Street Machines, Trick Trucks, and Custom Cars.
- Main Venues: The primary hub of activity is the Inlet Parking Lot, located at the southern end of the Boardwalk. A secondary major show location is the Ocean City Convention Center (OCCC) on 40th Street.
- Key Activities: The famous Boardwalk Parade, which runs from 27th Street south to the Inlet, is a daily highlight. Other attractions include a massive Vendor Showroom, live entertainment, and various satellite car shows at local businesses like Seacrets.
Endless Summer Cruisin' 2025: The Fall Finale
- Official Dates: Thursday, October 9th to Sunday, October 12th, 2025.
- The Event: Celebrating its 29th year, the Endless Summer Cruisin' is the grand finale of the OCMD event season. It often features a slightly different mix, with a strong emphasis on Hot Rods, Pro Streets, and Lead Sleds, with up to 4,000 vehicles participating.
- Main Venues: Similar to the spring show, the main action takes place at the Inlet Parking Lot and the Ocean City Convention Center (OCCC).
- Key Activities: The four-day event includes a huge swap meet, the Hot Rod & Custom Car Show (the 44th Annual), and the daily Boardwalk Parade, which is a must-see.
Celebrity Appearances and Featured Vehicles
The 2025 car shows are set to feature high-profile guests from the automotive and entertainment worlds, adding an extra layer of excitement for attendees. These special guests are available for meet-and-greets, autographs, and photo opportunities.
Cruisin' Ocean City May 2025 Celebrity Guests
The spring show has confirmed appearances by stars known to the global car community. Scheduled to appear at the 2025 event is:
- Avery Shoaf: Star of the popular television show Rust Valley Restorers. Shoaf is known for his work on vintage automobiles and his engaging personality, making him a major draw for fans of restoration and classic car culture.
- WWE Hall of Famer: While the specific name is often kept under wraps until closer to the date, a WWE Hall of Famer and World Heavyweight Champion is also typically scheduled for the event, blending the worlds of custom cars and wrestling entertainment.
Endless Summer Cruisin' October 2025 Celebrity Guests
The fall event often pays tribute to cinematic car culture, and the 2025 lineup is no exception, featuring a special American Graffiti takeover:
- Mackenzie Phillips: Known for her role as Carol Morrison in the iconic film American Graffiti.
- Candy Clark: Also starring in American Graffiti as Debbie Dunham, Clark will join Phillips for meet-and-greets, giving fans a chance to connect with Hollywood history.
Spectator Tickets, Registration, and Insider Planning Tips
Attending either of the Ocean City car shows requires some advanced planning, especially concerning tickets, parking, and accommodation. Here is the essential information to make your 2025 experience seamless.
Spectator Ticket Information (For Both Shows)
Tickets provide access to the main venues—the Inlet Parking Lot and the Ocean City Convention Center (OCCC) Vendor Showroom and car display. The pricing structure is similar for both the spring and fall events:
- Daily Admission: $15 per person for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
- Sunday Admission: $10 per person.
- Four-Day Pass: A full event pass is available for $40 at the gate.
- Advance Discount: Spectator passes are often available for a discounted rate of around $30 if purchased before the event (typically before April 15th for the spring show).
- Children: Kids under 14 are admitted free with a paying adult.
Participant Registration
If you plan to register your vehicle (Hot Rods, Pro Streets, Customs, or Classics) for the show, it is highly recommended to register online well in advance. Participant registration typically includes a four-day pass for the driver and allows your vehicle to be displayed at the main venues and participate in the Boardwalk Parade.
Traffic, Parking, and the Special Event Zone
Ocean City strictly enforces traffic laws during car show weekends. The city designates a Special Event Zone, which includes lower speed limits and increased fines for excessive noise, speeding, and other infractions. This is a critical detail for all visitors to note.
- Parking Strategy: Parking is extremely limited and expensive near the main venues. Arrive early at the Inlet Parking Lot or the OCCC to secure a spot.
- Alternative Transport: Consider using the Ocean City Bus System, which runs frequently and can save you the stress and cost of parking, especially if you are staying mid-town or up north.
- Cruising: While cruising the main strip is a tradition, be mindful of the Special Event Zone rules and the heavy presence of the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD).
Accommodation and Topical Authority: Where to Stay for the Best Experience
Booking your lodging far in advance is the single most important piece of advice for the 2025 car shows, as hotels sell out months ahead of time. Staying near the action will maximize your time enjoying the events.
Hotels Near the Action (Inlet & Boardwalk)
For the ultimate experience, stay downtown near the Inlet and Boardwalk, where the daily parades and main show are held. Hotels like the Park Place Hotel, Breakers Hotel, and the Comfort Inn Ocean City Boardwalk offer excellent access, often with free or convenient parking options.
Mid-Town and Convention Center Options
If you prefer to be near the OCCC and the satellite events like the Seacrets Kick-Off Party, mid-town is a great choice. The Convention Center area offers properties like the Americana Resort Hotels, putting you within walking distance of one of the main show fields.
Budget and North End Options
For more affordable rates, consider booking further north in Ocean City or in the West Ocean City area. Properties like the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ocean City or the Best Western Ocean City Hotel & Suites often provide better value and are a short bus or taxi ride from the main car show venues.
The 2025 Ocean City car show season is shaping up to be one of the best yet. With official dates for Cruisin' Ocean City (May 1-4) and Endless Summer Cruisin' (October 9-12) confirmed, along with exciting celebrity guests like Avery Shoaf and the American Graffiti stars, the stage is set for a spectacular celebration of automotive excellence. By planning your tickets, understanding the Special Event Zone, and booking your stay early, you'll be ready to enjoy thousands of breathtaking Hot Rods, Trick Trucks, and Custom Cars on the beautiful Maryland coast.
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