The 17th annual Ocean City Air Show is soaring into town this month.
The OC Air Show, a signature event on the Air Dot Show Tour, is slated to host a special international edition from Aug. 24-25, featuring Frecce Tricolori, the renowned Italian Air Force aerobatic team from Rivolto Air Base in Italy.
Here’s everything you need to know about street closures, traffic patterns, parking availability, public transportation and much more — courtesy of the Town of Ocean City — for this year’s big, sky-high event.
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Will there be heavy traffic the weekend of the OC Air Show?
The OC Air Show draws thousands of spectators to the resort town year after year, so heavy traffic is expected in the downtown area from the Route 50 bridge to the north of 33rd Street each day from about 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The town of Ocean City recommends arriving before 9 a.m. to get ahead of the traffic.
Aircrafts will perform practice runs during the week leading up to the event. The air show will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, and Sunday, Aug. 25, with the aerial portion of the show running from 12 to 3 p.m. The Drop Zone Beach will open at 9 a.m. and Flight Line Club beach area at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Town officials anticipate a heavy volume of pedestrians in and around the event area. The town of Ocean City advises residents and visitors alike to Walk Smart and remember the following tips:
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Always cross at and within marked crosswalks.
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Follow all traffic signal signs and lane markings.
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Use the sidewalk, and do not cross the street.
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Look, pay attention, then cross.
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Make eye contact with 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 Smart and remember the following tips:
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Stop for all pedestrians in crosswalks, as per Maryland law.
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Slow down, watch for pedestrians, and yield to pedestrians, especially when turning.
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Keep your eyes on the road, as it’s illegal to text and use handheld devices while driving.
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Stay alert and avoid all distractions.
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Share the road with bicycles.
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Do not drive in the bike and bus lanes.
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Will there be street closures during the OC Air Show?
Street closures are expected through the days leading up to and following the air show. The displays, ground exhibits, and reserved parking will start to be set up on Friday, Aug. 23, from 12th Street to 20th Street.
All or portions of these streets will be closed and barricaded from Friday through Sunday, Aug. 25, with the exception of 15th Street to 17th Street, which will remain closed until about noon on Monday, Aug. 26.
Also, starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, the City Hall parking lot at 301 Baltimore Ave. will be closed to the public. Only authorized personnel and vehicles will be permitted to enter the lot until further notice.
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Where can I park to view the OC Air Show?
Many private lots will be offering parking at a demand-based rate if public parking is hard to find during the OC Air Show. The town also offers paid parking at the Inlet Lot and the following municipal lots:
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Worcester St., between Baltimore Ave. & Philadelphia Ave.
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Somerset St. & Baltimore Ave.
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Dorchester St. & Baltimore Ave.
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N. Division St. & Baltimore Ave.
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N. Division St. & St. Louis Ave.
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4th St. & Baltimore Ave.
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61st St. & Coastal Hwy. (Bayside)
Due to road closures near the event site, on-street parking is expected to be limited. To learn more about parking in the Town of Ocean City, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/ocean-city-parking/.
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Will public transportation be available during the OC Air Show?
OC Air Show attendees are invited to ride on Ocean City’s municipal buses that travel along Coastal Highway. A $4 Ride-All-Day pass allows passengers to ride from 6 a.m. until 3 a.m. the next morning.
Passengers may be transported to the South Division Street Transit Center, North End Transit Center, or anywhere in between. With a $4 pass, riders can transfer to one of the Park & Ride buses at no additional cost. These buses will take passengers to the West Ocean City Park & Ride facility, which offers free parking.
The Express Beach Bus Shuttle for Special Events will also transport riders to and from the following locations:
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West Ocean City Park N Ride to/from 17th Street and Baltimore Ave. The Express Shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday)
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40th Street – South Convention Center parking to/from 18th Street and Baltimore Ave. The Express Shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday ONLY)
Following the conclusion of the air show, bus riders should anticipate heavy traffic, which may delay bus services. To learn more about the town’s public transportation options, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/transportation/.
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If you go:
What: OC Air Show
When: Aug. 24-25 from 12 to 3 p.m. each day
Where: Centered around 13th to 17th streets on Ocean City, Md., Boardwalk
Cost: Free, but 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 ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City announces street closures, parking info for OC Air Show
