Party of the Year: An Evening in Rivendell

An extraordinary evening awaits as the Art League of Ocean City presents Party of the Year: An Evening in Rivendell on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at The Hobbit Restaurant in Ocean City.

This year's annual fundraiser will transport guests into an enchanting setting inspired by The Hobbit, combining an elegant atmosphere, exceptional dining, premium drinks, beautiful bay views, and an evening dedicated to supporting the arts throughout the community.

The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at The Hobbit Restaurant, 121 81^st Street, Ocean City, MD 21842. General admission is $250 per person, and tickets are limited.

Guests will enjoy fine dining, an open bar with premium drinks, a silent auction, and spectacular golden-hour views over the bay. Cocktail attire or fantasy-inspired elegance is encouraged.

Proceeds from Party of the Year help the Art League of Ocean City continue providing exhibitions, educational programs, scholarships, community outreach, summer camps, and creative opportunities for local artists and residents.

Assigned Seating

Assigned seating will be provided for this intimate plated dinner. Guests whose tickets are purchased together will be seated together.

Those purchasing tickets separately from friends or family may submit a seating request during checkout. Every effort will be made to accommodate requests, but seating together for separately purchased tickets cannot be guaranteed.

Guests for whom sitting with a companion is a priority are encouraged to select a sponsorship level of $1,000 or above, which includes admission for two guests. Larger groups wishing to sit together should consider a sponsorship level that includes a private table.

Because of the intimate setting and limited seating, guests are encouraged to make their seating arrangements as early as possible.

Accessibility

A large portion of the seating at The Hobbit Restaurant consists of booths, and traditional chair seating cannot be guaranteed for every guest.

Anyone who requires or prefers a chair rather than booth seating should contact Jessica Bauer at development@artleagueofoceancity.org. Every effort will be made to accommodate individual needs, although specific seating arrangements cannot be guaranteed.

Depending on assigned seating locations, some guests may also need to navigate steps during the event. Anyone for whom steps present an accessibility concern is encouraged to contact the Art League in advance so accommodations can be considered.

General Admission Menu

The evening begins with passed appetizers featuring scallops rumaki, fried duck confit cigars, vegetarian spring rolls, and Thai shrimp "corn dogs" with smoked chili relish and Thai mustard.

The second course features a house salad served with The Hobbit's homemade creamy Italian dressing.

For the main course, guests may choose from several selections, including a Single Hobbit Crabcake, featuring a 5-ounce all-Maryland jumbo lump crabcake with mashed potatoes and the vegetable of the day; Hunter's Chicken, with pan-roasted airline chicken breast, roasted mushrooms, mashed potatoes, and truffle-spiked jus; Swiss Steak Short Rib, featuring tomato-jus-braised short rib, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, Gruyère cream, onion crisps, and mashed potatoes; or Horseradish Crusted Salmon, served with maple-roasted fall squash, celery root purée, pancetta, sage, maple balsamic reduction, and tarragon oil.

A vegan and vegetarian entrée will also be available featuring a Moroccan-spiced grilled vegetable skewer with mushrooms, eggplant, and onion served over fruited couscous with spicy harissa sauce, baby carrots, almonds, and smoked olives.

Dessert selections include sorbet and Mary's Delight, a Hobbit specialty for more than 45 years featuring a crushed walnut crust, sweetened cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and homemade whipped cream.

Sponsor Menu

Sponsors will enjoy an upgraded dining experience beginning with family-style appetizers served at the table, including mini lobster rolls, crab beignets with remoulade and house pickles, blackened lollipop lamb chops with honey aioli, and baked oysters with spinach and country ham hollandaise.

The second course is a fall salad featuring baby arugula tossed in maple and pumpkin seed oil dressing with smoked cheddar cheese, pickled onions, Granny Smith apples, and candied pecans.

Sponsor entrée selections include Steak & Cake, featuring a 5-ounce all-Maryland jumbo lump crabcake and 5-ounce Angus filet mignon with demi-glace, mashed potatoes, and the vegetable of the day. Sponsors may also select Hunter's Chicken, Swiss Steak Short Rib, Horseradish Crusted Salmon, or the vegan and vegetarian Moroccan-spiced grilled vegetable entrée.

Dessert choices include crème brûlée, sorbet, or Mary's Delight.

All sponsors will also receive a beautiful take-home box of candies and chocolates curated by Candy Kitchen Shoppes.

Trip of a Lifetime Raffle

Where will your next adventure take you?

As part of this year's celebration, supporters have the opportunity to enter the Trip of a Lifetime Raffle for a chance to win $5,000 toward the trip of a lifetime - or choose a $5,000 cash prize instead.

Raffle tickets are $100 each or six for $500, and only 350 tickets are available.

Whether your dream vacation involves exploring Europe, relaxing on a tropical beach, or finally visiting a bucket-list destination, the raffle offers an opportunity to make that adventure a reality while supporting the Art League of Ocean City.

The winning ticket will be drawn during the annual Party of the Year this fall. You do not need to be present to win.

Every raffle ticket purchased supports the Art League of Ocean City's free exhibitions, educational programs, scholarships, outreach initiatives, summer camps, and opportunities for local artists.

The Trip of a Lifetime Raffle is sponsored by Oasis Travel.

Join the Art League of Ocean City for an unforgettable evening of food, art, community, and fantasy. With limited seating available, guests are encouraged to secure their tickets early.