It’s that time of year again, time for that long-awaited prespring blast on the Ocean City, Maryland Boardwalk that happens each year. I’m referring to none other than Springfest!
A beloved seasonal tradition 33 years in the making, this year’s event kicks off on Thursday, May 2, and will run through its usual Sunday conclusion on May 5. Throughout the four-day run, you can expect to enjoy a host of featured fun and follies. Even better, there’s no charge to attend.
First and foremost, Springfest serves as one of two of the East Coast’s most popular anchoring events supporting crafters and makers, the other being Ocean City’s fall-favorite Sunfest. Both seasonal celebrations are held onsite at the grand Boardwalk Inlet Lot, allowing for plenty of space for the vendors and perusing visitors alike.
At this year’s Springfest you can expect to find somewhere around 200 or so artisans, juried crafters, and other versatile vendors hailing from regions far and wide. Some are even making the trip from states and locations on the other side of the country! Shop around from a vast collective of unique finds ranging in an abundance of different mediums. From clothing and other textiles to glass, jewelry, wood, metal, and more, original paintings, featured photography displays, and other crafty creations to delicious specialty foods and homemade products, you’ll be in awe of the abundance of different options presented to you.
Don’t forget about all the other non-arts and crafts vendors who will be setting up shop throughout the event as well. These include various local and non-local businesses and services as well as a range of different food and drink vendors to keep you fueled and full throughout.
Let it also be known that there is so much more to do at Springfest than just shopping and browsing. Live music and other entertaining endeavors are always part of the package each year. Most of the entertainment will be freely presented on the various Springfest stages throughout the festival’s four-day duration. Three special headliner performances, however, do come as ticketed extras. These include The Olivia Show “A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John” (May 2, 7 p.m.), Lauren Alaina Live on Stage (May 3, 7 p.m.), and Performances by Everclear (May 4, 7 p.m.). Click here to see a full musical lineup at this year’s Springfest or to purchase tickets for the three headliner shows.
In addition to all the fun happening on the scene at Springfest this weekend, the Ocean City Boardwalk will be the site for many other fun activities and pursuits to check out as well. Also, remember that Saturday, May 4, is Kentucky Derby Day, and several places throughout Ocean City are offering up special onsite celebrations in honor of the grand occasion.
The scene over at Ocean Downs Casino, for instance, will be one of a daylong extravaganza you may want to swing on over to and experience for yourself. Some of the fun happening here will include the Derby Dog Costume Parade at noon (with proceeds benefitting Kenille’s Kupboard Pet Pantry & Rescue), a Derby Day Hat Contest at 2 p.m., and an only-in-Maryland presentation of a Crab Derby at 4 p.m. (with proceeds benefitting the Ocean City Reef Foundation. Steven Adler from Guns N’ Roses will also be onsite, performing in a free show at 8 p.m. Click here for more details. Visit the Ocean City Downs website for a complete list of Kentucky Derby happenings on May 4.
Whether you choose to combine Springfest fun with celebrating the Kentucky Derby or not is up to you. But one thing nobody can deny is that Springfest is the ultimate way to welcome in the spring season at Ocean City, Maryland.
Go to the website for parking and transportation-related details and to find out all other general information about Springfest 2024.