OCEAN CITY PREPARES FOR DUAL FIREWORKS CELEBRATIONS ON JULY 4TH

Ocean City, MD - This Fourth of July, Ocean City will host two simultaneous fireworks displays to celebrate Independence Day, providing attendees with an exceptional viewing experience.

However, the Ocean City Police Department is anticipating significant vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the town, and visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Northern Display at Northside Park  

The northern fireworks display will be held at Northside Park, located on 125th Street and the bay. Festivities will commence at 8 p.m. with DJ entertainment, followed by the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.  

Due to safety precautions, the soccer field and walking path on the northwest side of the park will be closed to the public, as the fireworks display has been relocated from the west pier into the park to provide a closer visual experience.  

Traffic modifications will be in effect in the area, including an alternate traffic pattern between 123rd Street and 127th Street starting at 7 p.m. Additionally, "No Parking" restrictions will be enforced from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the following areas:

• Both sides of 123rd, 125th, and 127th Streets between Coastal Highway and Jamaica Avenue  
• The east side of Jamaica Avenue from 123rd Street to 125th Street  
• The west side of Jamaica Avenue from 125th Street to 127th Street  
• The east side of Jamaica Avenue from 127th Street to the road's end near the Department of Recreation and Parks' maintenance complex  

Southern Display at Caroline Street  

The southern fireworks display will also include DJ entertainment starting at 8 p.m., with the fireworks set to begin at 9:30 p.m. at Caroline Street.  

Parking restrictions for this location begin at 6 a.m. on July 4th in the following areas:

• Baltimore Avenue and North Division Street  
• 900 to 902 Philadelphia Avenue  
• North side of the 200 block of Dorchester Street  
• 200 block of 1st Street  
• South side of the 200 block of 2nd Street  
• South St. Louis Avenue between Dorchester Street and Talbot Street (east side)  

Parking and Traffic Information  

At both event locations, parking will be limited, and significant traffic delays are expected after the celebrations conclude. Visitors are advised to be aware of "No Parking" signage, as vehicles parked in restricted areas may be towed to the Ocean City Police Department Impound Lot at 6501 Coastal Highway.

The Inlet Parking Lot will be open, with rates increased to $6 per hour for the day. Additionally, enhanced paid parking rates and penalties will be in effect as per Resolution 2025-10, aimed at improving compliance and ensuring public safety during high-attendance events.  

Transportation Alternatives  

Visitors are encouraged to utilize Ocean City's Beach Bus, which offers a $4 Ride-All-Day pass valid from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. the next morning. The Beach Bus travels along Coastal Highway and allows free transfers to the Park & Ride buses operating at the West Ocean City Park & Ride facility, where free parking is also available. Note that traffic delays and increased rider demand at the Park & Ride facility are anticipated.  

Boaters should be aware that the Route 50 drawbridge will remain closed to marine traffic during its scheduled openings at 10:25 p.m. and 10:55 p.m., reopening at 11:25 p.m. on the night of July 4th.

Safety and Weather Considerations  

Residents and visitors are encouraged to arrive early for the celebration to secure parking and to allow enough time to enjoy the entertainment. Increased pedestrian traffic is expected near the event areas, and attendees should exercise caution.  

For those parked at the Inlet Parking Lot, authorities recommend exiting northbound on Baltimore Avenue to avoid congestion on 1st Street. Alternative routes to access Route 50 include using 9th or 15th Streets via Philadelphia Avenue or continuing north to 33rd Street to take Route 90 out of town.  

Should inclement weather occur, the fireworks displays will be postponed to Saturday, July 5, 2025, with all other details remaining unchanged.

Summary of Changes Made:  

• Rewritten as a news article in a professional, impartial tone.  
• Added clear headings and subheadings for better organization and readability.  
• Shortened sentences to improve clarity and flow.  
• Removed promotional/explanatory phrases and adjusted to a fact-based reporting style.  
• Maintained all essential details, including event times, locations, and restrictions.